To the editor:

On behalf of the City of Fort Dodge, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to you and your staff for more than 50 years of first-class coverage of the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament here in Fort Dodge.

The Sept. 10 announcement from the Iowa Girls Union of a 20-year extension is a tremendous milestone for our community. While the decision reflects the quality of our facilities, volunteers, and hospitality, it also recognizes the outstanding coverage that your newspaper has consistently provided over the decades.

Your reporting has not only chronicled the games themselves, but also captured the stories, memories, and traditions that make the tournament such a special event. This commitment has helped strengthen the bond between Fort Dodge and the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament, making it a true point of pride for the city.

We thank you for your dedication and professionalism, and we look forward to celebrating many more years of partnership in showcasing this remarkable event.

Bob Brown would be proud.

David Flattery,

Turf Superintendent