Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Remembers helping customers at Carolyn’s Hallmark

To the editor: “When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best.” This slogan, for decades, brought with it the deepest human sentiments. Whether to celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays or to send heartfelt thoughts in friendship or sympathy. These cards touched our hearts and communicated what the spoken word could not express. The closing of Carolyn’s Hallmark Store in Fort Dodge is not just the closing of another small store. As a “Gold Crown Store,” it wasn’t only “the best of the best,” but the departing of a family for ...

Evening Lions say thanks

To the editor: We wish to thank all of our sponsors and supporters of the annual grocery raffle that we held in October and November. We want to announce the winners of the gift cards from the Hy-Vee, Fareway and Walmart stores that help with this project. The five winners are Ben Johnson, Stef Pritchard, Steve Rethwisch, Gene Trexler and Randy Slawson. Thanks all for participating as this was not easily accomplished with the COVID-19 going on and the restrictions of not selling at the store, but somehow our club members, sponsors, and friends pulled it off and it was as successful as ...

Says democracy is under attack

To the editor: Chuck Peterson wrote to the Messenger Dec. 9, 2020, “Thanks Webster County and the state of Iowa for voting to re-elect Trump.” He then describes what he believes are Trump accomplishments. That debate will continue. What Mr. Peterson does not mention is the impact Trump has had on his voters. What does this mean for the future of our democracy? Donald Trump operates as an authoritarian figure. He has said that as president he can do whatever he wants, including giving himself a pardon. He is a known cheat and liar. Obviously, that didn’t make any difference ...

Hopes shoppers will visit local businesses

As we approach the end of a challenging year, I would like to encourage you to support our regional economy by purchasing your goods, services, and holiday gifts at a local business. Although I believe that shopping locally is important year-round, it is critical that we patronize the businesses in the greater Fort Dodge region, to ensure a smooth and fast recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these businesses have faced double digit percentage sale losses due to COVID-19 restrictions. Our community is defined by the number and quality of our local businesses. ...

Encourages local shopping

To the editor: While everyone has had to adapt and make changes due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic over the past nine months, it’s no secret that our local small businesses have been hit especially hard. They need our support now more than ever, which is why I encourage you to support local—whether it’s for your everyday necessities or your holiday shopping. As we focus on keeping our community healthy and safe during these unprecedented times, it is important to remember that our local business owners and employees are our neighbors, friends, and such an important part of ...

Says he’s not on the ‘Biden bandwagon’

To the editor: Thank you Webster County and the State of Iowa. You were part of almost 74 million that voted to re-elect President Trump. Unfortunately, a few million more did not appreciate that in Trump’s first term we had (among other notable accomplishments) the lowest unemployment ever for Blacks and Hispanics, the lowest unemployment for women in over 50 years, a strong economy as a result of tax cuts for individuals and businesses and the reversing of Obama-Biden business-stifling regulations, a more secure southern border, judges appointed to federal courts and justices to ...