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Editorial

Developments in downtown Fort Dodge show good things are coming

Sometime during our childhoods, we all heard something from our parents or grandparents along the lines of “Patience is a virtue” or “Good things come to those who wait.” Recent developments in downtown Fort Dodge give some more credence to that wisdom, and suggest that all of us ought to show some patience as other big projects in the community unfold, even if they progress at a rate much slower than what we hoped for. The Laramar Ballroom and Second Avenue Rowhome projects downtown show what can be accomplished . The Laramar Ballroom at 710 First Ave. N. sat empty for so ...

It’s a day to celebrate America

Whether you spend this Fourth of July picnicking, swimming, boating, enjoying a parade, attending a community celebration, watching a fireworks display or just plain loafing, there should be at least a brief time to pause and reflect on this country’s enduring experiment in constitutional democracy. On this anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are troubled by uncertainty and anxiety over pressing problems at home and abroad. But in the long march of American history — through war and peace, prosperity and economic troubles — there always have been times ...

Decker family makes an impact for Iowa Central

Right now, there isn’t a seat in the house in Decker Auditorium at Iowa Central Community College. There is, however, a whole lot of scaffolding and other construction materials in there. The seats went out and the scaffolding came in as the 1978 vintage auditorium undergoes a major overhaul to become part of the college’s new Center for the Performing Arts. And once again, the Decker family of Fort Dodge is stepping forward to help make it happen. Earlier this month, Don and Dianne Decker donated $1 million to help pay for the renovation work. The auditorium was named for his ...

Lunch on Central is coming

There will be some good eating during a picnic to be held in the 700 block of Central Avenue Friday. We are, of course, referring to Lunch on Central which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the alley between The Messenger building and the Webster County Courthouse in the 700 block of Central Avenue. The menu will include pork grilled by the Webster County Pork Producers, potato salad, chips and bottled water, all for $8. Trinity United Methodist Church will offer desserts. If all that food isn’t enough of an enticement to attend, consider this: a drawing will be held for ...

Help celebrate Hometown Pride

In every town there are special people who contribute to the success of the community through the giving things they do. These folks — whose selfless contributions make life better for others in their hometowns — sometimes go unacknowledged. That’s unfortunate because many of the people who work without much fanfare to enhance the lives of others truly are accomplishing exceptional results. Similarly, there are organizations that have that same type of impact. That’s one of the reasons that each year The Messenger publishes a magazine supplement called Hometown Pride. The goal ...

DOT must approve proposal from Skywest

A proposal from Skywest Charter offers an intriguing possibility for keeping commercial jet service at Fort Dodge Regional Airport. We feel the U.S. Department of Transportation should act on it without further delay. Some might ask, “What’s the big deal? There are jets that say Skywest on them at the airport every day.” It is true that there are such jets at the airport. They are operated by Skywest as United Express flights which take passengers to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where they can transfer to United Airlines flights to places all over the nation and ...