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Keep the buses rolling safely

Editorial

Riding the big yellow bus is an essential part of the school day for thousands of local children. Those school buses do more than take kids to and from class. They are also the transportation to field trips, sports events and other activities. With so many buses on the road carrying students, from preschool to seniors in high school, safety is of paramount importance. That’s why the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa State Patrol have stringent standards for school buses. But the rest of us on the road also have some responsibility for keeping the kids on those buses ...

Group marks 125 years of study, service and friendship

Editorial

An unfortunate fact of recent years is that membership in civic groups, clubs and even churches is dwindling. Some of those organizations have even folded due to a lack of members. Something remarkable happened in Fort Dodge recently which defies that trend. The Ingleside Club celebrated 125 years of study, service to the community and friendship among the generations of women who have been members. The club was established in 1901. Its name comes from the word for a nook next to a fireplace, which is a good place to read. “The women who started this were amazing women,” ...

Cooperatives bring value to communities

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Agriculture is an industry built to withstand challenges, but today’s operating environment feels a little more intense and a little less cyclical. But as the CEO of NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, I've seen firsthand how the cooperative model helps farmers and rural communities succeed in good times and bad. During National Cooperative Month, I'm reflecting on the value cooperatives bring to communities across Iowa and why they remain essential to agriculture's future. For generations, cooperatives have helped farmers navigate uncertainty, access new ...

October is National Pork Month

Editorial

October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state. It’s unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the Hawkeye State. It may come as a surprise, however, that hogs raised in Iowa account for more than 30 percent of U.S. hog production. Iowa ranks as the nation’s top hog-producing state. It’s also the top state for pork exports. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association: • Exports ...

Republican supports Sand

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I am a farmer, a business owner, and a Republican. I am supporting Rob Sand for governor because I believe he offers the kind of common sense leadership Iowa needs. I live in a predominantly Republican county. I am not asking my neighbors to change their party affiliation. I am asking them to consider the person seeking the office and whether that person will govern fairly for all Iowans. Rob Sand reminds me of former Gov. Robert D. Ray, whom I consider one of the best governors Iowa has ever had. I admired Gov. Ray’s decency, common sense, and willingness to work ...