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Vision clinic provided vital local service

Editorial

For people who don’t have insurance or don’t have a pretty strong vision component to their insurance, the cost can keep them out of the eye doctor’s office. But not going to the eye doctor’s office may mean that they don’t see as well as they could. And it also means that sight-stealing conditions like glaucoma won’t get diagnosed until it is too late. A remarkable event held early this summer brought much needed vision care to nearly 400 area residents, and it did not cost them a dime. This major vision clinic was held June 19-20 at Butler Elementary School. It was ...

Beware of blacktop scams

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: If you have a blacktop driveway or wish you had one but think you can’t afford it, beware. There are unscrupulous characters coming your way to con you out of your dream driveway - and your money. There are good, reliable asphalt companies in our area, but these wanna-bes are not those. Sadly, several unfortunate people in our area have been duped by their promises. Here is how they approach you, and, after gaining your trust, con you out of your money. First, they discuss the job and find out what you would like to have them do. Then they offer to do it for an ...

A destination that doesn’t know it’s a destination

Local Columns

As a Webster County supervisor, I serve on a variety of boards and commissions that help shape and support our community. These appointments allow me to work closely with local and regional partners while making sure county priorities are represented. I’ve had the privilege of serving on the Visit Fort Dodge board since 2022. If you know me, you know how much I love promoting and celebrating what makes our area special, so this board was a natural fit. Formerly known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Fort Dodge’s job is to bring people into our community. That’s the ...

Shellabration Inc. is asset to Fort Dodge

Editorial

Jim Reed, Ted Bodensteiner, Craig Schlienz and all the other volunteers who make up Shellabration Inc. have done it again. On Saturday night, about 5,000 people crammed into the intersection of Central Avenue and Ninth Street for this year’s Downtown Country Jam concert. They were treated to rousing performances by Trace Adkins, The Boys and Fort Dodge’s own Jared Benson. Local volunteers worked behind the scenes for months to make the show possible, then shifted into really high gear the day before the concert to get everything set up. On Saturday morning, they dealt with a ...

FD Ford - JaMar cruise nights succeeded

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Another season of the JaMar — Fort Dodge Ford Toyota Cruise Night tradition in Fort Dodge is over. This year we honored our hero of the cruise, Dr. Terry Moehke, and his dedication to Veterans Memorial Park. What a beautiful setting to honor and pay tribute to all those that have served. Speaking of veterans, also this year, we partnered with American Legion Post 130 Fort Dodge to help bring awareness to the many benefits they provide our veterans in central Iowa and the region. To all our cruisers, thank you for joining us on the first Friday of June, July and ...

Iowa State Fair showcases best of Iowa

Local Columns

In the mid-19th century leading up to the westward expansion, people traveled by covered wagon to attend the first Iowa State Fair in 1854 on a six-acre tract in Fairfield. Today, more than a million visitors stroll the historic state fairgrounds in Des Moines to soak in the sights, sounds and smells spanning 445 acres of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial exposition in the country. The 11-day Iowa State Fair showcases the best of Iowa agriculture and industry, food and entertainment, contests and exhibits. Fairgoers of all ages from all walks of life can indulge in ...