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Letters to the Editor

Why do we still have a 55 mph speed limit?

To the editor: I spent last week in central Nebraska and I noticed that the roads are in far better condition than roads here in Iowa and undivided highway speed limits are 65 miles per hour. Nebraskans also pay less in gasoline and diesel taxes than we do in Iowa. Before the oil embargo of the early ‘70s when the federal government blackmailed all the states to lower their speed limits to 55 miles an hour, daytime speed limits on Iowa roads were 70 miles per hour- and that’s when cars had bias tires, drum brakes, very few people wore seat belts, and air bags did not exist. The ...

Urges pipeline foes to stand strong

To the editor: Since 2022, landowners impacted by hazardous carbon pipeline proposals have urged legislative action, namely in the form of banning eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Back then, only two legislators were willing to stand up to corporate land grabs by introducing legislation – Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux County, and Rep. Thomas Jeneary, R-Plymouth County. In the years since, we've seen support grow, most recently with 94 percent of Democratic senators, 93 percent of Democratic representatives, 87 percent of Republican representatives and 38 percent of Republican senators ...

Says three-lane street would make FD less safe

To the editor: As a former medic, I understand the stress and hazards of responding to emergency calls. Police, firefighters and medics are the heroes who spring into treacherous circumstances to help those in life-or-death peril. Rapid response is required to provide rescue. The Fort Dodge City Council is considering decreasing the flow of traffic from four lanes (two lanes in each direction) to three lanes (one in each direction with a middle turning lane). As all motorists know, we are to slow down, pull to the right and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass. With fewer lanes, ...

Thankful for support

To the editor: Dear Friends of Saint Edmond Catholic School, We write to express gratitude and appreciation to all Friends of St. Edmond Catholic School as well as the Fort Dodge community for their incredible support during the 2025 Friends of St. Edmond Ball Fundraiser, held on May 10th. As the co-chairs of this event, we feel truly honored to have been a part of such a successful and memorable evening. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and celebrate together as we welcomed the Class Reunions of 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015, who joined us on this special night. We ...

Fiscal responsibility?

To the editor: How is your water bill? As we care for our families and manage our households, we are expected to be financially responsible. We are expected to live within our means and pay our bills on time. We are expected to prioritize our money to meet our needs and our desires. If we fail to prioritize appropriately, we fall into debt. If we fall into debt, there are consequences. We expect the same from our City Council in managing city finances. The City Council is expected to prioritize the needs and wants of the city. I believe the City Council has stumbled with prudent ...

Thank you, Gov. Reynolds, for listening to rural Iowa

To the editor: Sometimes, leadership means slowing down and taking a hard look at the facts. That’s exactly what Gov. Kim Reynolds did when she vetoed HF 639 — and I want to thank her for it. As someone who works every day alongside farmers and ethanol producers, I see what’s at stake. Prices are low. Margins are tight. And our industry is under pressure to adapt or fall behind. At CornLP, we’ve partnered with projects that help us stay competitive and open up new markets. These aren’t theoretical decisions — they’re about survival and long-term success. In Cerro Gordo ...