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Editorial

Nothing compares to Iowa State Fair

The time for eating all kinds of food on a stick while gazing at a cow sculpted in butter has arrived. Yes, we are talking about the Iowa State Fair, which begins Thursday and continues through Aug. 17. It may well be the grandest of our nation’s state agricultural festivals. Iowans gathered in Fairfield for the first state fair in 1854 — just eight years after achieving statehood. That fair boasted an attendance of about 8,000. In the early years, the fair’s venue changed frequently. It wasn’t until 1879 that Des Moines became its home. It took up residence at the present ...

Community Health Center and Upper Des Moines Opportunity team up

If it seems like it gets dark just a tiny bit earlier every night, that is because it probably does. As the days get just a bit shorter and the nights get just a bit cooler, that means summer is winding down. And as summer winds down, that means one thing for local kids — school will soon resume. Getting ready for another school year can be a real chore for parents. Buying supplies and clothes, plus getting the kids any required physical and dental exams can be a big financial blow for some families. The Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. ...

Municipal employees deserve public’s respect

Over the last year, Fort Dodge has lost at least a century’s worth of experience, knowledge and dedication. That loss is a result of a long line of municipal employees recently retiring. That list includes, but is not limited to, these individuals: • Vickie Reeck, community and economic development manager • Laurie Hotz, youth services librarian • Steve Hergenreter, fire chief • Dave Odor, geographic information systems manager • Rhonda Chambers, director of aviation at Fort Dodge Regional Airport We know there are others who have recently retired as well. You ...

Iowa Sales Tax Holiday starts Friday

Area families are already beginning to think about the items that will be needed to send young people back to school properly equipped and looking good. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in school will spend about $38.8 billion nationwide on back-to-school clothing and supplies. Surveys by the federation have shown that clothing and shoes account for about half of a family’s back-to-school spending. Finding bargains is part of the fun of back-to-school shopping every year. Clothing and shoes are among the necessities that will be on just about ...

Work of many led to softball tourney’s success

The 2025 Girls State Softball Tournament did not end exactly the way the St. Edmond Gaels and their fans had hoped it would, but it still showcased our community and its outstanding sports complex. The fact that Fort Dodge has hosted the tournament for more than 50 years is a tribute to the work and the partnerships created by essentially a generation’s worth of local leaders. These are leaders who have seen the value in both having a world-class facility in Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex, and maintaining a close relationship with the Iowa High School Girls Athletic ...

Lunch on Central is returning

There will be some good eating during a picnic to be held in the 700 block of Central Avenue Friday. We are, of course, referring to Lunch on Central which will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the alley between The Messenger building and the Webster County Courthouse in the 700 block of Central Avenue. The menu will include beef brisket, pasta salad, chips and bottled water, all for $8. There will be desserts available for sale separately. Lunch on Central is an activity of Main Street Fort Dodge. It uses food as a way to help people get familiar with the downtown, the businesses ...