http://www.messengernews.netTop Headlinesen-usSat, 7 Nov 2009 08:03:59 EDTSat, 7 Nov 2009 08:03:59 EDThttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rsshttp://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/519933.htmlA month ago, Erin Kersten competed in one of the most authentically grueling competitions in the world: the Ironman World Championship. There are two ways to qualify for the prestigious triathlon that only allows 1,800 competitors: selection by lottery or qualification at other competitions held throughout the year. Kersten, a 1999 graduate of S.Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:37:49 EDThttp://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/519934.htmlNursing homes across Iowa may close as the result of proposed cuts in government funding, according to a long-term care association leader. ''If these cuts go through, access to care is going to be severely limited,'' Steve Ackerson told a Fort Dodge audience Friday morning. Ackerson is the executive director of both the Iowa Health Care Association and the Iowa Center for Assisted Living.Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:39:21 EDThttp://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/519935.htmlDES MOINES - State budget cuts affecting the Department of Corrections are still up in the air. Preliminary plans to meet the state's mandatory 10 percent budget cut continue in negotiations between the governor and union representatives, but no new information has been released, according to Fred Scaletta, a spokesman for the Department of Corrections.Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:40:07 EDThttp://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/519936.htmlDES MOINES - The interpretation of a fiscal discrepancy in inmate pay between the Department of Corrections and the office of Citizen's Aide/Ombudsman has been turned over to the Iowa attorney general's office for revie.Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:41:10 EDThttp://www.messengernews.net/page/content.detail/id/519937.htmlThe Salvation Army of Fort Dodge is once again hosting its annual community wide Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 26. All are welcome to a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Last year, more than 340 meals were served to the community.Fri, 6 Nov 2009 22:41:41 EDT