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Letters to the Editor

Wants more integrity

To the editor: Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. I was appalled when I first read about the TikTok tactic used to reserve seats, knowingly not intending to use them, for the Tulsa, Oklahoma, campaign rally. When I read on the front page of The Messenger on Tuesday, June 23 that the video originated by a Fort Dodge educator, I felt ashamed. The typical age range TikTok was designed for is 13-18 years old. Is an educator displaying integrity by making a video to encourage teens to request a ticket and not show up for a rally? Surely there are ...

Says now is time for discussion on crime

To the editor: If you have strong concerns about crime, I’d urge you to let your representatives on the council know. If, instead, you believe that concern about crime in our town is overblown they need to be hearing that, too. If your council members don’t hear your voice on the issue you can hardly be upset by any action they take or by inaction on the issue. We had a tragedy last week. We’ve been here before, and we’ll be here again. The time to start a discussion is now, while the pain and frustration is still in our hearts and minds. Justin Myers Fort Dodge

Thanks those who helped veteran

To the editor: I just want to thank all involved in assisting a young Afghanistan veteran whose motorcycle broke down on Webster County Road P59 a few days ago. The young man from Michigan was in dire straits as he had lost his phone and credit card while in Fort Dodge. David McGaughy came upon the scene and in talking to Justin discovered that he was veteran. Dave also realized that Justin wasn’t going to be able to fix his bike himself especially before the expected inclement weather reached Fort Dodge. Dave then called Al Rodenborn at Racing Unlimited who sent a trailer to pick ...

Appreciates one man’s investment in Twin Lakes

To the editor: We are grateful to live in a community that has so many people donating their time, talents and treasures in so many different manners. One such individual is Mike Murphy. Mike took it upon himself to heavily invest in the continued success of Twin Lakes in Calhoun County. Though his humility won’t allow him to appreciate the public gratitude as much as he should, rest assured, it is much deserved. Mike had a vision of taking the dining experience at Twin Lakes to the next level. His remodel of Twin Lakes Grocery and Grill is nothing short of remarkable. He ...

Critical of Feenstra

To the editor: The ability to have our voices heard at the ballot box is fundamental to democracy. My mother was the first person in my family born with her right to vote protected by law. Tremendous work and personal sacrifice went into making the Voting Rights Act of 1965 happen. In fact, all of us who were not born into aristocracy owe a debt of gratitude to those came before us and fought to expand voting rights. The vote is sacred to our democracy. It should be protected, celebrated and expanded. This week, Republican congressional candidate Randy Feenstra joined his colleagues ...

Wants city action on crime

To the editor: After an extended period of cabin fever with winter leading into the coronavirus, our town seems to be finding itself back in a similar position to last fall with regards to crime. I know that coronavirus slowed down the city government’s ability to meet and get things done, but I also remember City Council members acknowledging, before the virus, that Fort Dodge has a crime problem, or at least such a widespread perception of a problem that city action was needed. Now that the state is opening back up, I hope that the Council is doing their best to determine what ...