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Letters to the Editor

Disappointed by Hallmark closing

To the editor: No Hallmark store in Fort Dodge? The word is spreading throughout the city and many supporters of the store are sharing their disappointment. It is sad to see this family-owned business priced out of having a location in the new mall complex. Deb Schmidt and her staff always provide wonderful service and a pleasant shopping experience. The store is not merely a card store, but has a huge selection of gift items and home decor, and of course, Hallmark ornaments. Deb and the owners worked with the developers for months and were anticipating their new “home” within ...

To the editor: For those of you who may have missed it, I would like to present a review of a new live television show I watched a few days ago. It was titled, “The President’s Legal Team Briefing.” The script could have been written in collaboration by Stephen King, Mary Shelly and Mel Brooks. It had mysterious happenings, horror and slap stick comedy. The show begins with the president’s personal attorney, a disheveled guy named Rudy. Rudy states he holds signed affidavits that prove there were massive amounts of fraud committed in the 2020 election. He has many witnesses ...

Protect those who care for the rest of us

To the editor: It has been my privilege to be a member of this community for the last 50 years; first as a trial lawyer for 35 years; then as a deacon at Holy Trinity for the last six years and now as chaplain at UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center for the last three years. Over this time period I have enjoyed many letters to the editor, agreeing with many and disagreeing with a few, but never have I been compelled to write until now. At this time of Thanksgiving, it is imperative to both give thanks and to speak out. Wear a mask, socially distance, wash your hands, ...

Thanks Fort Dodge for memorable visit

To the editor: I would like to thank all who made my first visit to Fort Dodge such a memorable one. Last Tuesday (Nov. 17) , as part of my cello for dogs work I came to play at Almost Home Iowa. Studies have shown that certain types of music is very calming for shelter dogs, and the animals there awaiting their forever homes seemed to agree. The staff could not have been more gracious, and I was further treated to a small tour of the arts community including the Blanden Memorial Art Museum, where I enjoyed the Fort Dodge Camera Club exhibit. Thank you Fort Dodge for supporting your ...

Encourages local shopping

To the editor: With the holiday shopping season upon us, I would like to encourage everyone to shop locally. Whether you are shopping for daily goods and services or special holiday gifts, most of these items are available within our region. Shopping locally keeps more money in the local communities and precludes the loss of unnecessary leakage from our economy. In 2020 a civil economics study found that local retailers return approximately 50% of their revenue to the local economy and recirculate an average of 55.7% of their revenue locally. This is due to spending more on local ...

Concerned about COVID-19

To the editor: With the COVID-19 on such a rapid rise and it will only get worse no matter where you live or what you do. So they open up a few more clinics including Fort Dodge and Humboldt hospitals, is it free to everyone? A recent article in The Messenger reads that our lawmakers in Washington want to pass a law to make it free for everyone. So far the cost is $350 on up. So does that mean today those people who don’t have insurance and cannot afford it, won’t be tested? What about all the people on Medicaid and in nursing homes? That would be several thousands of people that ...