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Letters to the Editor

Sports official likes softball coverage

To the editor: I wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for the job that your sports staff does in covering the state softball tournament. Eric and his staff, along with Britt (who is amazing!!) do a phenomenal job covering our tournament. The Messenger, along with the Cedar Rapids Gazette in volleyball, are the only papers that still provide full coverage of our state tournaments. With prep coverage diminishing from the menus of many daily newspapers, it is nice to have a few papers that still cover our state tournaments in its entirety. I do know that the teams that come to Fort ...

Objects to beverage garden plan

To the editor: I was appalled when reading this mornings paper (Thursday) in the article about the “beverage garden” for RAGBRAI. How about that committee diverts traffic to other eating establishments that are hurting? Have you not heard about local eateries having to close early because they don’t have help, or places that have the help that are just blocks off the RAGBRAI route that could use the boost? How many of the 40 vendors on Central that night are local....did the committee even approach any local businesses to see if they wanted to participate? The answer is no ...

Likes solar panels more than hog confinements

To the editor: The Holliday Creek solar project is a step in the right direction. It helps relieve our dependency on fossil fuels. With record high temperatures, we have to act now to combat climate change. Richard Stark said he was disappointed with the Holliday Creek solar project. When I went out there and asked them about the heat and dust problem, they looked at me like I was from Mars. They said there might be dust from trucks during construction, but scratched their heads over heat. Isn’t there dust from building a factory farm hog confinement? Iowa’s gravel roads are ...

Hero of the Cruise says thank you

To the editor: I would like to thank Casey, Deb, Matt and Abigail Johnson for all they do to keep the Fort Dodge Ford Toyota — Ja-Mar Cruise night going and growing. It is clear that the Johnson family goes above and beyond in preparing for and hosting the Cruise Night, from clearing the lot to make room for all of the vehicles, to arranging for food and vendor trucks to serve the attendees, and I’m sure many other details the public is unaware of. It is truly a first class event and brings people to Fort Dodge from all over the state. Starting with the most recent Cruise Night ...

Says Twilight tour was wonderful experience

To the editor: After attending the annual Fort Dodge Federated Garden Club Twilight Tour last night (July 9), I wanted to thank those who were willing to share their lovely yards and gardens with the rest of us. The threat of bad weather held off, and it was a wonderful experience to share in viewing these eight very different types of gardens. Not only do I wish to thank the people who were willing to share their lovely gardens and yards, I wish to thank the garden club members who made this possible. This spring, along with many other gardeners, I attended their plant sale at the ...

Appreciates attendance to Badger Fireman’s Ball

To the editor: We would like to thank all those who were able to support our Annual Fireman’s Ball on June 26 in Badger. Whether it was through purchasing tickets and auction items or by donating auction items, in-kind services or volunteer time, our department and region continue to grow stronger because of your generous support. This event is one of only a few annual fundraisers we have. After COVID-19 postponed last year’s event and rain was in the forecast this year, we felt very fortunate to be able to enjoy an evening of entertainment with you all in person. We also want to ...