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Editorial

Corn still fuels Iowa’s economy

Corn production has been a key factor in the Iowa economy for more than 150 years. The state’s 21st-century economy is characterized by increasing diversity. Agriculture, however, remains a powerhouse. There can be little doubt that corn remains of critical importance. The renewable fuels industries have increased demand for corn as a critical ingredient in manufacturing ethanol. Ethanol production has not only increased demand for corn, but also strengthened corn’s already enormous importance to Iowa’s prosperity. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production, with 52 percent of ...

Catholic schools serve area well

There has been a Catholic school system in Fort Dodge for almost as long as this town has been in existence. There are other towns in the area The Messenger serves that can make similar claims. Catholic education got underway in Fort Dodge more than 160 years ago. The first Catholic school came into being during the dark days of the U.S. Civil War. While many Iowans were serving their country in the Union Army, Corpus Christi Parish — in 1862 — put the finishing touches on its first school building. It would be easy to recite the landmark events in Catholic education in Fort ...

Health Center steps up again to aid Wright County residents

For the second time in as many years, it looked like a Wright County community was going to be left without a local dentist. Once again, the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge has stepped into the gap, preparing to give Clarion not only a local dentist, but convenient access to primary health care and behavioral care as well. The move is a tribute to the dedication of the health center’s staff and the organization’s ability to react quickly to a community need. And there is definitely a need in Clarion for dental care. For example, statistics amassed by the Community Health ...

Eggs and Issues is democracy in action

Interaction between citizens and the officials they elect to represent them is crucial to a democracy. Citizens must be able to tell the officials what they want and what they don’t want. They must also be able to hold the officials accountable for their actions. The elected officials must explain to the citizens why they take the actions they do. In Fort Dodge there has been an event in place for at least 25 years that brings state, and sometimes federal, legislators together with citizens. It’s called Eggs and Issues. Eggs and Issues is a forum that is held once a month ...

Celebrating Lutheran Schools Week

Students at St. Paul Lutheran School will have a bit more than the usual class work this week. That’s because the Fort Dodge school will observe Lutheran Schools Week. Among other things, there will be an Awards Chapel. And on Friday and Saturday, the St. Paul Saints will host an annual basketball tournament. The week provides the school’s students with some fun breaks from the usual routine. But the greater purpose of the week is to highlight the strengths and characteristics of St. Paul Lutheran School and other Lutheran schools across the country. St. Paul Lutheran School ...

Progress 2024 sections begin today

As the holiday season draws to a close each year, The Messenger’s writing staff embarks on a challenging adventure — producing a comprehensive look at how a wide array of developments in our region are shaping tomorrow. While every issue of this newspaper is filled with articles, features and advertisements that readers find informative and useful, the six special sections we call Progress provide a perspective that goes far beyond simply reporting the latest happenings. Our goal is to look at the big picture, capture trends and explore more fully events that may lead to headlines ...