Getting U.S. troops out of Afghanistan would be quite a coup for President Donald Trump. It would give him a foreign policy advantage going into next year’s election — one no Democratic candidate could criticize. But would it also be setting the stage for a bloodbath? Would it mean a ...
There’s a unique opportunity available for area teenagers who want to see firsthand how their state government works. Each year, the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives employ a number of young people to do all kinds of odd jobs that are necessary to keep the legislature ...
Justin Rupnow believes that, as he puts it, ‘‘a small spark can start a fire.’’ The 16-year-old 4-H member from Sac County put that belief to work recently in a way that had nothing to do with flames. Instead, it had everything to do with a financial windfall for the Sac County ...
When students return after a summer break, college campuses transform overnight from quiet venues into bustling centers of activity. This week that took place at Iowa Central Community College. A new school year has begun. Students are back on its campuses ready in some cases to commence or in ...
When a sitting congressman sees an upside to rape and incest, sex abusers get the message. Accused rapists have long defended themselves by claiming it didn’t happen, or the victim “asked for it,” maybe by dressing too provocatively. But never, to my knowledge, has a defense rested on a ...
Law enforcement authorities agree that one key to curbing certain types of crime is to sever the supply-and-demand link. Fewer drug addicts means less demand for pushers and thus, fewer of them, for example. Federal officials don’t seem to be doing a very good job of that in regard to ...
President Donald Trump has told Iowa’s farmers that he is looking out for their economic interests. Since he first campaigned for the presidency he has expressed enthusiastic support for the biofuels industries. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has undercut the president’s ...
Wind-based generation of electricity is a technology that offers the promise of vast amounts of electrical power produced with few environmental downsides. Iowans are showing the nation just how significant this energy source can be. According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, our state ...
There are some wonderful outdoor surprises awaiting anyone who thinks Iowa is just acre after acre of corn and soybean fields. Right here in the Fort Dodge region there are two scenic rivers. The Des Moines River flows through Webster County while the Boone River flows through Hamilton ...
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum has been a cultural touchstone in Fort Dodge since its doors opened in 1932. The museum at 920 Third Ave. S. was a gift to the community from Charles G. Blanden. Since Blanden made his major gift, the technology for protecting and restoring artworks has ...
In our affluent society, it is unacceptable for any children to be hungry or lack regular access to nutritious food. Making sure that local young folks do not experience hunger is the mission of Backpack Buddies. The Backpack Buddies initiative supplements school breakfast and lunch ...
Bullet-resistant backpacks are now being sold in major retail stores. The idea is that when the next school shooter opens fire in the hallway, fleeing children who are shot in the back will have a better chance of surviving. It is a new consideration that children and parents have to make in ...
In August 1969 — a time of cultural upheaval more tangibly disruptive than that of the current day — more than 400,000 people and 32 musical acts found their way to a dairy farm in New York for “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” The event, which would become known in ...
Exporting American agricultural products makes an important contribution to our nation’s economy. When the prospects for an increase in those sales grow, that’s also hugely significant for Iowa. According estimates by the United States Department of Agriculture, agricultural exports ...
In the space of about two blocks of Central Avenue Thursday evening, someone could listen to live music, buy some garden goodies or craft items, see a fire engine and even meet some visiting sheriff’s deputies from other states and their canine partners. Hot sandwiches, cold ice cream and ...
Tall corn and dragon boats may seem like an odd combination, but here in Webster County they both have emerged as symbolic of summer. The 22nd annual Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash will take place today and Saturday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. It features assorted festivities and ...
The friends and family of Josh Doyle have found a way to honor his memory while at the same time helping the community he called home. They have created a fundraising event called the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride. The inaugural bicycle ride will be Saturday. Doyle passed away two years ago at ...
The people of Fort Dodge should take pride when one of their own rises to the top of their chosen profession and wins national prestige. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady is an outstanding example of that kind of achievement. The Fort Dodge man was appointed to the bench as a ...
Iowa Central Community College is a remarkable success story. After more than a half century serving north central Iowa, this exceptional educational institution continues to grow stronger. This summer, an array of projects are underway that when finished will not only address some important ...
If you love a parade, plan to be in Des Moines Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. That’s when what’s billed as the state’s largest parade will be the kickoff event for what may well be the grandest of our nation’s state agricultural festivities — the Iowa State Fair. Iowans gathered ...