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Opinion

Health, human services work begins in state Capitol

Local Columns

This week, we started floor debate. Thursday, three bills were considered; two had unanimous support and one passed with bipartisan support. However, I did not support HF 144, a bill that extends the moratorium on new casinos in Iowa. The proponents of the bill said that Iowa’s gambling market is saturated, and any new casinos would cannibalize the existing casinos. I disagree, and now the passage of this bill prohibits the Racing and Gaming Commision from recommending new casino licenses for five years. This, in my opinion, is the definition of picking winners and losers. ...

Is your family eligible?

Editorial

For those area families that have a long, proud history of farming the land, it is not too early to think about the 2025 Century Farm and Heritage Farm awards. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is encouraging eligible farm owners to apply for the 2025 Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation and recognizes families that have owned their farm for 100 years in the case of Century Farms and 150 years for Heritage Farms. It has been about 192 years since land that is ...

Senate Republicans propose new funding for education

Local Columns

Last week, Senate Republicans released a funding proposal for the next school year, proposing a $235 million increase for K-12 students. The increase in state funding is in addition to the budget passed last year, meaning state aid for schools coming from the state budget is $4.2 million. It is also the same amount proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Senate Study Bill 1053 continues our dedication to responsible budgeting and our commitment to Iowa students. It provides money for students going to public schools, students utilizing education savings accounts and students attending charter ...

Kersten family has contributed to Fort Dodge life since 1916

Local Columns

It has been 35 years since you could say, “There’s a Dr. Kersten in the house.” Back in 1990, Dr. Herb Kersten retired from Fort Dodge’s Kersten Clinic, which was formed by him and his two brothers, Paul and John, and their father, E.M. Kersten. His retirement ended 74 years of ...

It’s time to honor local leaders

Editorial

Do you know anyone who has worked hard, perhaps out of the public view, to make Fort Dodge and Webster County a better place to live, work and play? If so, a unique opportunity to honor them is at hand. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is seeking nominees for its Catalyst Award and its new Emerging Leader Award. The Catalyst Award has long been the highest honor bestowed by the Growth Alliance. Nominees for it should meet these basic criteria: • Have a history of active involvement in the Growth Alliance. • Have shown that they are an active and visionary leader who ...

Corn still fuels Iowa’s economy

Editorial

Corn production has been a key factor in the Iowa economy for more than 150 years. The state’s 21st-century economy is characterized by increasing diversity. Agriculture, however, remains a powerhouse. There can be little doubt that corn remains of critical importance. The renewable fuels industries have increased demand for corn as a critical ingredient in manufacturing ethanol. Ethanol production has not only increased demand for corn, but also strengthened corn’s already enormous importance to Iowa’s prosperity. Iowa leads the nation in ethanol production, with 52 percent of ...