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Letters to the Editor

Appreciates support for Twin Lakes Youth Triathlon

To the editor: The fourth annual Twin Lakes Youth Triathlon was held on Aug. 8. The 15th annual Half-Olympic Distance Triathlon and eighth annual Duathlon was held on Aug. 14. Both events were a tremendous success. A total of 158 individuals participated: 47 adults in triathlon, 26 in duathlon, 18 on teams and 67 youth. Athletes represented eight states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and South Dakota; and 38 different towns in Iowa. Forty-one percent of the participants were female and 59 percent were male. There were 67 ...

Thanks Christ Lutheran Church

To the editor: The Grace Lutheran Church family thanks Christ Lutheran Church for opening their doors to us. Because of a major water problem, it was evident we would not be able to hold our annual rummage sale in our fellowship hall. Christ Lutheran said “come on over.” Special thanks to Pastor Craig and Arlene Opheim for their additional help. Because of their generous offer, we are able to continue to support educational scholarships to students in Matembwe, Tanzania, our Companion Congregation, and contribute to Lutheran Disaster Response. Neighbor helping neighbor, we ...

Says soldiers who don’t want vaccine are a disgrace

To the editor: Once again I am compelled to write about the COVID-19. Looks like there will be no end in sight for this germ that has engulfed the whole world, unless those people who refuse now will get vaccinated before it gets too late. Meanwhile, they will keep giving this virus to all members of family and friends. Then what? They must think all TV stations and newspapers and I are just making it up. I dare you to ask your doctor and that’s what you should do besides taking your temperature every day. Sixty seconds is all. It could save a life and keep you out of the hospital. ...

Grateful for participation in Lions Club raffle

To the editor: The Fort Dodge Evening Lions drew for the 2002 Chevy Silverado on Aug. 6 at the Fort Dodge Ford Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise. The winner was drawn by Casey Johnson, owner of Fort Dodge Ford. The winner was Amy Kemna. However, Amy Kemna declined the pickup and donated it back to the Fort Dodge Evening Lions Club. The club decided to have Carey Kemna from Kemna Auto of Fort Dodge draw the new winner. The new winner is Lance Tepfer. We appreciate all of our sponsors and especially all of the Fort Dodge Evening Lions for the time given to make this project such a success. Thanks ...

Thank you for a great RAGBRAI

To the editor: I live in California but was born and raised in Fort Dodge. This was my eighth RAGBRAI and I knew I’d have a great time in Dodge. But when I returned to California I checked in with eight fellow members of my local Santa Rosa bike club who had travelled for their very first RAGBRAI. They were delighted by their stop in Fort Dodge. They enjoyed the vendors and said the local folks were very,very friendly and helpful. Thanks for making my hometown look good, Dodgers! Mark Swedlund Sebastopol, Calif.

Sports official likes softball coverage

To the editor: I wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for the job that your sports staff does in covering the state softball tournament. Eric and his staff, along with Britt (who is amazing!!) do a phenomenal job covering our tournament. The Messenger, along with the Cedar Rapids Gazette in volleyball, are the only papers that still provide full coverage of our state tournaments. With prep coverage diminishing from the menus of many daily newspapers, it is nice to have a few papers that still cover our state tournaments in its entirety. I do know that the teams that come to Fort ...