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Nestle Purina boosts veterinary technician program

Editorial

For decades, Iowa Central Community College has worked to help address the health care needs of the area by training generations of nurses, paramedics and X-ray technicians. Now the college is moving to help meet the health care needs of all the animals in the region. Because northern Iowa is an agricultural area, there is a lot of livestock that needs some veterinary attention. Plus there are all the dogs, cats, hamsters, birds and other pets that are members of so many local families. The college’s relatively new veterinary technician program received a huge boost recently from a ...

Putting students first in higher education policy

Local Columns

At Iowa Central Community College, our purpose is simple and student-centered: we want students to finish their degrees or certifications in the shortest time possible, with the least amount of student loan debt, so they can have a better life. This purpose helps us fulfill our mission by meeting Iowans where they are and preparing them for successful careers that strengthen our communities. That mission guided our participation when the Iowa Legislature asked community colleges to study whether offering bachelor’s degrees could help address unmet workforce and student needs. What ...

Parochial schools serve area well

Editorial

There has been a Catholic school system in Fort Dodge for almost as long as this town has been in existence. There are other towns in the area The Messenger serves that can make similar claims. The same can be said for St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Dodge. Both schools will celebrate their heritage this week as both Catholic Schools Week and Lutheran Schools Week will be marked at the same time. Both commemorative weeks started Sunday and will end Saturday. Catholic education got underway in Fort Dodge more than 160 years ago. The first Catholic school came into being during the ...

Eminent domain, human services bills addressed in House

Local Columns

Last week, the House passed HF 2104, a bill that will prohibit the use of eminent domain for a carbon dioxide pipeline. I supported this bill. The House has been working on this issue for four years. It’s early in the session, and I’m optimistic we can finally come to a resolution this year. Protecting property rights is essential. Our committee work is in full swing, and I’ve already chaired or served on several subcommittees. This is the time when the public is able to weigh in on legislation. It’s the first step in the process of a bill becoming a law. Last week, two bills ...

Progress 2026 sections begin today

Editorial

As the holiday season draws to a close each year, The Messenger’s writing staff embarks on a challenging adventure — producing a comprehensive look at how a wide array of developments in our region are shaping tomorrow. While every issue of this newspaper is filled with articles, features and advertisements that readers find informative and useful, the six special sections we call Progress provide a perspective that goes far beyond simply reporting the latest happenings. Our goal is to look at the big picture, capture trends and explore more fully events that may lead to headlines ...

Property taxes, pipelines top Senate agenda

Local Columns

Last week, the Senate released our proposal on property tax relief, with Iowans as its focus. It implements limitations to rein in spending and growth of government, eliminates the rollback to help provide more certainty and transparency, and provides a permanent 50 percent taxable value discount on your homestead property. It also eliminates involuntary property taxes for Iowans 60 years old and older who have fully paid off their mortgage and own their home. It is clear property taxes are a big priority for everyone at the Capitol this year. Many of you have contacted me with ...