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Editorial

It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Most people never experience domestic violence. Unfortunately, however, some estimates put the incidence among Americans at more than 12 million people each year. Women, men and children all can be victims. No socioeconomic or age group is spared. Researchers tell us, however, that young women between the ages of 18 and 34 are especially likely to experience domestic violence. Roughly one in four American women over the age of 18 become victims of abuse at some point during their lives. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Making people more cognizant of this problem and ...

Be part of area effort to support our troops overseas

There are still thousands of American troops who are stationed not only far from home, but thousands of miles away from the United States. They are on the frontlines, protecting our rights and freedoms in a world that seems increasingly scary. An effort now underway will enable folks from northwest Iowa to send those soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians and Marines a few comforts of home in the form of care packages that will arrive as the holiday season gears up. And people will be able to be a part of this effort without lugging anything to the post office. The troop care package ...

Keep the buses rolling safely

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

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,” ...

October is National Pork Month

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 ...

Speedier e-bikes, scooters should prompt greater road awareness

Both kids and grownups have been riding bikes throughout Fort Dodge for decades. And while scooters faded from the scene for awhile, they are enjoying a resurgence of popularity with young people today. We view people traveling on bikes and scooters as a good thing. It beats driving everywhere in this age of $4-a-gallon gas. And getting outside is good for physical and mental health. But something has changed. A growing number of the bikes and scooters have electric motors in them. That means they are going faster than any bike or scooter powered by human strength alone. Bicycles ...