Breaking News

Local Columns

Bariatric surgeries begin in Fort Dodge

If you’ve driven by UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center lately, you may have noticed that the expansion on our building is now fully enclosed. We have made significant progress on our surgery renovation and expansion, and we are getting closer to our opening date next March. I know our surgeons and team members are looking forward to using the new and improved space. While construction work continues outside our main doors, I am excited to share an update about what’s happening inside. Earlier this year, our newest general surgeon, Dr. Julie Kim, completed her ...

Fighting for our corn growers and for Iowa agriculture

Since our state’s founding in 1846, Iowa’s corn farmers have fed our families, fueled our economies, and strengthened our nation’s security. Representing the largest corn-producing district in the nation is more than just an honor — it’s a responsibility to ensure Iowa feeds and fuels the world. This week, I was deeply humbled to receive the National Corn Growers Association’s President’s Award, one of the organization’s highest honors, in recognition of our hard work on behalf of corn growers across this country. This award belongs to the farmers as much as it does ...

Lower fertilizer costs for Iowa farmers

Since coming to Congress, I have consistently heard a key concern from farmers: the rising cost of fertilizer. When input costs climb, farm profitability shrinks, making it harder for producers to invest in their operations, pass their land to the next generation, and continue feeding and fueling the world. That’s why I have remained committed to lowering fertilizer costs. This week, American agriculture received incredible news. President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced executive action to temporarily suspend countervailing duties on certain ...

Reflections on America250

A letter written 250 years ago by John Adams to his wife Abigail reminds 21st century Americans about the bold sacrifice and binding covenant our nation’s founders made on behalf of generations to come. “...I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these States. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph...” On July 4th, Americans will celebrate 250 years of triumph ...

Five amigos — bonded in the ’60s by their school bus driving days

Charlotte Moeller tagged along one fall Fort Dodge afternoon on the school bus driven by her boyfriend, Joe Tjaden, filled with exuberant children anxious to get home, when she noticed a kindergarten girl right behind his driver’s seat, obviously smitten with her driver. “The little ...

Working to help rural hospitals

Rural healthcare is top-of-mind for many Iowans. Across our state, Iowans rely on rural hospitals for compassionate, personalized care close to home. Rural hospitals are also economic anchors that support local businesses, create jobs and help small towns thrive. That’s why we’re advancing policies that support rural healthcare and rural hospitals. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, the largest investment in rural health care in history. Under the law, Iowa will receive a minimum of $100 million annually from ...