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A happy and hopeful new year

Editor’s note: As we embark on a new year, The Messenger staff took the opportunity to ask some of our community leaders to share a personal resolution for 2022 and a resolution for Fort Dodge. Here is what they said:

Luke Fleener, Webster County sheriff

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “Continue to promote and encourage self-wellness, both physical and mental health.”

For Fort Dodge: “Continue to provide great service to the citizens of Webster County as it pertains to law enforcement and corrections, and continue to plan for the future growth of our county.”

Leah Glasgo, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “Take time each day to really focus on all the positive, good things going on in the world.”

For Fort Dodge: “Everyone will take the health crisis seriously, and do their part in keeping themselves and those around them well (physically, mentally and spiritually).”

Steve Roe, director of the Beacon of Hope men’s shelter

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “Mine would be that God uses me to help more people this year than last year. The needs are getting greater and greater. And someone who is getting older, Lord, give me the endurance to continue the mission that I’ve been called to do.

For Fort Dodge: “That we get more control over the drugs and downtown street people that just run around from place to place. The bad thing is a lot of people believe they are Beacon of Hope people but they are not. They won’t seek help. It’s their right to be on the street and not get medical or mental help. My wish would be that these people can get the help they need.”

Shelly Bottorff, executive director of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “I hope to continue to connect artists, musicians, nonprofit organizations and art enthusiasts and supporters in our area with a relatable and professional experience.”

For Fort Dodge: “An ongoing goal of the FDFAA is awareness of art and culture opportunities and to celebrate our uniqueness and fundraising to support all of our initiatives. Another goal is to obtain the final $60,000 needed for a grand curtain to put the icing on the cake, so to speak, at North Junior High, Phillips Auditorium.”

Jesse Ulrich, president of Iowa Central Community College

New Year’s resolution for yourself: Personally, I will be focusing on improving my health and my prayer life.

For Fort Dodge: As an organization, Iowa Central will be updating our strategic plan and creating goals for the next 5 years.

Mark Campbell, Webster County Board of Supervisors District 2

My favorite New Year’s quote is from CS Lewis:

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

Niki Conrad, Webster County Board of Supervisors District 4

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “For me personally, my resolutions include more self-care. I’m a workaholic, and it often manifests itself in middle-of-the-night worries or overextending myself. I’d like to prioritize rest and movement as two crucial sides to the same coin.

“Professionally, I’m very much looking forward to taking a more proactive role on the Board. There is still so much I can learn to help make the county a great place to live, play, and work. Going into my fourth year on the Board, I’m hoping to level up my involvement and continue to serve the people of Webster County and District 4 with the same passion and responsibility as I had on Day One.”

For Fort Dodge: “My wish is that we grow in areas that need improvement and continue to thrive in our strengths. I hope for good health for my fellow neighbors and a lot more moments of joy. We could all use more joy in our lives, I believe.”

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge

New Year’s resolution for yourself: ”My resolution for myself is to exercise more and eat less.”

For Fort Dodge: ”My resolution for the community is to continue working in a nonpartisan and productive way for the citizens of Fort Dodge.”

State Rep. Ann Meyer, R-Fort Dodge

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “I honestly do not make New Year’s resolutions for myself.. I try to hold myself accountable throughout the year.”

For Fort Dodge: ”My resolution for the community and the state as a whole is that we could be more civil with each other, show each other more grace and not have as much divisiveness.”

Linda Cline, program coordinator, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — Webster County

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “Stay in touch the people who matter.”

For Fort Dodge: “Kiwanis had such a great event donating items to those in need along with five other service groups, that I would like to see collaboration between service groups continue. Imagine the good things that could happen.”

Roger Porter, Fort Dodge Police Department chief of police

New Year’s resolution for yourself: “Family is very important to me. Years ago when my wife and I started a family, people always said the time will go fast. They were not kidding, so putting effort into enjoying my time before they all leave the nest and start families of their own is important. Also, get into shape so I am not winded by the time I reach the third floor to the Court House.”

For Fort Dodge: “To continue down the same path where we come together as a community, build new relationships and continue to strengthen the ones we have. One of the largest obstacles we face, not only in this community, but statewide is the lack of mental health services. I look forward to continue to work with state and local legislators, as well as other stakeholders to try and build this service in our community. I am hoping we get through all this COVID issues so we can safely start many of the community events we held at the FDPD prior to the pandemic. Fort Dodge is a great place to live and raise your family, and anything I can do to make this community better I am all in.”

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