Pandemic history vs. science

December 17, 2022

To the editor: Here is an excerpt from Albert Marrin’s book “Very, Very Dreadful: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918 “ published in 2018. This particular piece deals with how the New York City school system dealt with the pandemic of 1918. “Most officials played it safe ordering schools closed for a few days, weeks or months. Yet three major cities – New York, Chicago and New Haven, Connecticut – kept their schools open throughout the pandemic. Their reason for doing this were much the same; we will focus on New York because it had the nation’s largest number of ...

Thankful to be in Fort Dodge

November 23, 2022

To the editor: When we retired 20 years ago, due to the availability of a house that would just fit our needs, and children and grandchildren all living within 45 minutes, after looking in several communities fitting those criteria, we chose Fort Dodge. Our celebration of Thanksgiving in living in Fort Dodge was significant that year and it has expanded to include much, much more. Over the years, we have found Fort Dodge people to be very considerate and accepting people. For example, when stopped and needing to enter a moving line of traffic rarely do you need to see more than two or ...

LETTER: Thanks those who signed petition

November 12, 2022

To the editor: We want to thank all the people who signed petitions to request a special election to replace Neven Conrad, who resigned from his at-large seat on the Fort Dodge City Council. Thanks also to the people who worked hard to get enough signatures so we were able to request a special election. Hopefully, the citizens of Fort Dodge will be able to vote for and choose a candidate of their choice. The privilege of voting is democracy at work. Even though the cost of this election may seem high, many of our forefathers have paid high prices for our freedom to vote. Let’s ...

Special election concerns

November 11, 2022

To the editor: In the Nov.8 edition of The Messenger there is an article about the special election petition filed to fill the City Council seat vacated by Neven Conrad. In the article Richard Higgins is quoted as saying, “I just feel that the city is telling us that we’re putting so and so in whether you like it or not,” and a few sentences later is quoted as saying “What the city should have done was pick me or Brooke to fill that seat,” Mr. Higgins seems to be talking out both sides of his mouth regarding the way the city filled the council vacancy. In one quote he ...

The collapse of our government

November 9, 2022

To the editor: The editorial in the Nov. 4 edition of The Messenger by Armstrong Williams was a very good one. What’s happening politically in our country is appalling on both sides of the aisle and it’s been that way for years, but Donald Trump has taken it to a whole new level by not only instigating the assault on our Capitol but also condoning it and praising the people who did it. Then when our senators had the chance to hold him accountable and make sure he couldn’t hold office again they rolled over and played dead so they wouldn’t lose the support of his fan base. I have ...

Asks people to vote Coleman for supervisor

November 4, 2022

To the editor: Tommy Coleman is the choice for Webster County Supervisor District 1. I have known Tommy since elementary school. Tommy has always been a fair and honest person. The love and passion he has for his friends and family he also shares with everyone he encounters on a daily basis. Tommy may be the most reliable person I have ever met. Vote for Tommy Coleman — he will be there when you need him. Ryan O’Rourke Shenandoah Fort Dodge native