The most important task of a parent or caregiver is to keep their child safe. Part of that responsibility is ensuring that children are safely buckled up in the correct, and properly installed, car seats for their ages and sizes. Using the correct car seat could mean the difference between ...
Over the last several months we have all been touched by the global coronavirus pandemic. Together we are facing truly unprecedented times which have dramatically impacted our families, our communities, our businesses and, most importantly, our way of life. While those in positions of ...
In cooperation with many key public and private partners, local and state, the Iowa Central Fire Science Program is continuing to innovate and leverage the regional fire training center located at 1521 Ave. O in Fort Dodge. With support of local and national businesses, more than $200,000 has ...
When Victor Gordon left Fort Dodge for Stanford University in 1969, months after leading the Dodgers to their first and only state baseball championship, his intention was to study law with an eye toward politics and to continue his baseball career at the college level – and maybe ...
Make no mistake — Social Security is on the ballot this fall. Its future is being threatened, and with it, the future of every American. Approximately 660,000 Iowans receive a monthly Social Security benefit. An estimated 1.6 million Iowa workers pay in to the system with the promise that ...
For those from here, the phrase “Dirty Dodge” means scrappy underdogs who overcome adversity despite our disadvantages. We wear it as a badge of honor. Others across the state use it as an insult and assume that anyone wearing “Dodgers” across their jersey is dangerous. I remember once ...
Education is essential for our kids in this community. It is the great equalizer that allows all children, regardless of race or socioeconomic status, an opportunity for a better future. This core belief that I have has been on full display since March. As a school district, we are trying to ...
While many of us never imagined we’d be battling a global pandemic and recovering from a derecho in August 2020, here we are pushing forward. I am beyond thankful and proud of the UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge team and community of Fort Dodge. I am inspired by our team’s strength to ...
One wintry Fort Dodge morning, Bill Thatcher was shoveling snow out front of his law office on North Ninth Street when a car skidded to a stop on the other side of the street. A large man climbed out and walked directly toward him. “My initial thought was that this was not going to have a ...
Almost every day going to work, our staff will see Maria walking her 7-year-old daughter, Angie, to the DART bus station on Central Avenue every morning. Angie takes the DART bus to school every day. Maria then picks Angie up there after school and they walk back home together. It’s about a ...
Recently The Messenger ran an editorial discussing the education funding increase passed in the 2020 legislative session. This funding increase was necessary, and I applaud our state lawmakers for managing to continue increasing the K-12 budget given the restrictions that COVID-19 has placed on ...
Trinity Diabetes Center has reimagined our Swing for a Cure Golf Outing for your safety and in compliance with CDC social distancing guidelines. Our sincere thanks to our sponsors who graciously and generously supported us as we work to bring you what we believe will be a fun and exciting ...
Despite a tough economy and unprecedented upheaval from the COVID-19 pandemic, Iowa farmers continue to take on the challenge of improving our state’s water quality through the statewide, comprehensive Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy (INRS). The latest INRS progress report, just released by ...
Treloar’s Inn has been closed for 45 years, but no other restaurant in Fort Dodge history evokes more fond memories and tingles more taste buds than the eatery that L.D. “Papa” Treloar launched in a small garage, with outdoor seating for four, at 2000 N. 15th St. Those of Baby Boomer ...
We know – it seems crazy to already be talking about back-to-school but it’s time to schedule back-to-school physicals. Here are some things we’re doing to make sure your child receives safe, in-person care. It’s important that well-check visits and physicals be done in the clinic ...
Anyone paying attention to the news lately has seen both heartwarming and heartbreaking stories about residents in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities, their “homes,” and their families. In our best efforts to protect LTC residents from COVID-19, we have created another health risk. Our safety ...
We all have a favorite place to eat. For some, it’s a popular chain restaurant providing the quick comfort of an affordable and consistent menu. For others, it might be a family-owned diner where they know your order by heart, or the fancy restaurant where you celebrated a special event. All ...
To Roger Natte, history is a living, breathing thing. Even in these unsettled times. The coronavirus pandemic has given Fort Dodge’s preeminent historian time at home to recall similar circumstances facing residents of the city throughout the years of its existence. “I’ve been ...
Rightfully, most attention now is on the front-line care Iowa hospitals are providing for patients stricken with COVID-19. Yet, it’s the financial repercussions of this pandemic that may be more threatening to the future of Iowa hospitals. Collectively, Iowa hospitals could lose more than ...
This Monday is Memorial Day. In ordinary times, this weekend would bring parades and community events. It would be a time to gather with friends and family, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom. After all, what’s now a federal holiday began as ...