Wind-based generation of electricity is a technology that offers the promise of vast amounts of electrical power produced with few environmental downsides. Iowans are showing the nation just how significant this energy source can be. According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, our state ...
There are some wonderful outdoor surprises awaiting anyone who thinks Iowa is just acre after acre of corn and soybean fields. Right here in the Fort Dodge region there are two scenic rivers. The Des Moines River flows through Webster County while the Boone River flows through Hamilton ...
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum has been a cultural touchstone in Fort Dodge since its doors opened in 1932. The museum at 920 Third Ave. S. was a gift to the community from Charles G. Blanden. Since Blanden made his major gift, the technology for protecting and restoring artworks has ...
In our affluent society, it is unacceptable for any children to be hungry or lack regular access to nutritious food. Making sure that local young folks do not experience hunger is the mission of Backpack Buddies. The Backpack Buddies initiative supplements school breakfast and lunch ...
Bullet-resistant backpacks are now being sold in major retail stores. The idea is that when the next school shooter opens fire in the hallway, fleeing children who are shot in the back will have a better chance of surviving. It is a new consideration that children and parents have to make in ...
In August 1969 — a time of cultural upheaval more tangibly disruptive than that of the current day — more than 400,000 people and 32 musical acts found their way to a dairy farm in New York for “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” The event, which would become known in ...
Exporting American agricultural products makes an important contribution to our nation’s economy. When the prospects for an increase in those sales grow, that’s also hugely significant for Iowa. According estimates by the United States Department of Agriculture, agricultural exports ...
Former Vice President Joe Biden said it well, “we choose science over fiction.” The presidential candidate was wrapping up his remarks on July 31, during the second night of Democratic debates in Detroit. His words-in that single sentence, at least-are exactly right. Too often, public ...
In the space of about two blocks of Central Avenue Thursday evening, someone could listen to live music, buy some garden goodies or craft items, see a fire engine and even meet some visiting sheriff’s deputies from other states and their canine partners. Hot sandwiches, cold ice cream and ...
To the editor: I grew up in Fort Dodge and now live in Sioux City. Over the last couple of years I’ve followed the development of the grain elevator mural with interest. This week, I finally had an opportunity to stop by and see it in person. The mural is, indeed, impressive. What was not ...
Tall corn and dragon boats may seem like an odd combination, but here in Webster County they both have emerged as symbolic of summer. The 22nd annual Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash will take place today and Saturday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. It features assorted festivities and ...
Diabetes is a disease whose incidence is rising, like the rivers of Iowa this spring. Contributing to this flood of cases of diabetes are improved screening for the disease, decreased physical demands in our automated world, and easy access and low cost of unhealthy food. Over 30 million people ...
The friends and family of Josh Doyle have found a way to honor his memory while at the same time helping the community he called home. They have created a fundraising event called the Prairie Rivers Trail Ride. The inaugural bicycle ride will be Saturday. Doyle passed away two years ago at ...
The people of Fort Dodge should take pride when one of their own rises to the top of their chosen profession and wins national prestige. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady is an outstanding example of that kind of achievement. The Fort Dodge man was appointed to the bench as a ...
When I showed up to the office Sunday, the top news stories in the country included two mass shootings which had taken place within 24 hours of each other, resulting in 29 lives lost. The top news in our own community included a shooting on Aug. 3, where 20 shots were fired in a residential ...
Iowa Central Community College is a remarkable success story. After more than a half century serving north central Iowa, this exceptional educational institution continues to grow stronger. This summer, an array of projects are underway that when finished will not only address some important ...
If you love a parade, plan to be in Des Moines Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. That’s when what’s billed as the state’s largest parade will be the kickoff event for what may well be the grandest of our nation’s state agricultural festivities — the Iowa State Fair. Iowans gathered ...
The ongoing negotiations between the United States and China regarding trade policies has created major difficulties for our nation’s farmers. In response to tariffs imposed by the U.S., the Chinese government has imposed a variety of retaliatory measures targeting American farmers. As a ...
On many a winter night, Connie and Helen Goodman would climb into their Chevrolet Caprice and start driving west out of Fort Dodge on U.S. 20 to begin their search for a radio signal. Their objective: to tune into their car radio the frequency of the Sioux City station broadcasting the North ...
The distinctive crack of a bat hitting a baseball will be heard at the ball diamond in Badger for decades to come. That wholesome bit of American tradition will continue there in large part due to the efforts of a baseball-loving family that the field is now named after. City officials and ...