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Vision clinic provided vital local service

For people who don’t have insurance or don’t have a pretty strong vision component to their insurance, the cost can keep them out of the eye doctor’s office. But not going to the eye doctor’s office may mean that they don’t see as well as they could. And it also means that sight-stealing conditions like glaucoma won’t get diagnosed until it is too late. A remarkable event held early this summer brought much needed vision care to nearly 400 area residents, and it did not cost them a dime. This major vision clinic was held June 19-20 at Butler Elementary School. It was ...

Shellabration Inc. is asset to Fort Dodge

Jim Reed, Ted Bodensteiner, Craig Schlienz and all the other volunteers who make up Shellabration Inc. have done it again. On Saturday night, about 5,000 people crammed into the intersection of Central Avenue and Ninth Street for this year’s Downtown Country Jam concert. They were treated to rousing performances by Trace Adkins, The Boys and Fort Dodge’s own Jared Benson. Local volunteers worked behind the scenes for months to make the show possible, then shifted into really high gear the day before the concert to get everything set up. On Saturday morning, they dealt with a ...

Community-minded people needed for city council, other local offices

Like our nation, our city is a democracy that needs the participation of the people to be a success. That participation is especially needed now as the community begins a local election cycle. It is time for citizens who are concerned about their city to take a step toward being more involved by running for public office. In Fort Dodge, voters will choose a mayor and six of the seven City Council members. And some familiar names will not be on the ballot. Mayor Matt Bemrich is not seeking a fifth term. At-large council members Lydia Schuur and Quennel McCaleb are not seeking ...

Nothing compares to Iowa State Fair

The time for eating all kinds of food on a stick while gazing at a cow sculpted in butter has arrived. Yes, we are talking about the Iowa State Fair, which begins Thursday and continues through Aug. 17. It may well be the grandest of our nation’s state agricultural festivals. Iowans gathered in Fairfield for the first state fair in 1854 — just eight years after achieving statehood. That fair boasted an attendance of about 8,000. In the early years, the fair’s venue changed frequently. It wasn’t until 1879 that Des Moines became its home. It took up residence at the present ...

Community Health Center and Upper Des Moines Opportunity team up

If it seems like it gets dark just a tiny bit earlier every night, that is because it probably does. As the days get just a bit shorter and the nights get just a bit cooler, that means summer is winding down. And as summer winds down, that means one thing for local kids — school will soon resume. Getting ready for another school year can be a real chore for parents. Buying supplies and clothes, plus getting the kids any required physical and dental exams can be a big financial blow for some families. The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. ...

Municipal employees deserve public’s respect

Over the last year, Fort Dodge has lost at least a century’s worth of experience, knowledge and dedication. That loss is a result of a long line of municipal employees recently retiring. That list includes, but is not limited to, these individuals: • Vickie Reeck, community and economic development manager • Laurie Hotz, youth services librarian • Steve Hergenreter, fire chief • Dave Odor, geographic information systems manager • Rhonda Chambers, director of aviation at Fort Dodge Regional Airport We know there are others who have recently retired as well. You ...