×

Local Columns

Bonnie Barnett’s hard work results in million-dollar legacy to community

In her 80 years of life, Bonnie Largent Barnett was a tireless worker, widely known to hundreds upon hundreds of Fort Dodge residents in her roles as a waitress, hair stylist, food service worker, house cleaner and grocery courtesy clerk. Unknown to most, however, is that those years of ...

Q&A: What to know about passport renewals

Q: What new option do Americans have to renew their passports? A: The U.S. Department of State announced in September a new service, enabling Americans to renew passports online. This is good news. Americans have enjoyed a robust return to international travel that contributed to a ...

Investing in renewable electricity for a healthier future

The way our pets enjoy nature is inspiring — bounding around local parks or stalking through backyard grass. As I think about making a difference in my local community and caring for the planet for my own pets and family, I’m driven to seek out sustainable actions I can take at home and at ...

American farmers need a five-year Farm Bill

After years of inflation, high interest rates, increased energy costs, trade uncertainty, and bureaucratic red tape, the outlook for the farm economy is bleak. U.S. farmers and producers continue to face drops in farm income, regulations like WOTUS still pose the threat of punitive and costly ...

The vital role of leadership in Fort Dodge

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance’s Leadership Program continues to be a cornerstone of growth, empowerment and community spirit. As we reflect on the past and welcome a new class into the program, it is evident that this initiative is not just important, but essential to the sustained ...

Constitution Day calls for civic participation

When I celebrated my birthday on Sept. 17 growing up on our family farm, I didn’t know I shared the day with Uncle Sam. On that day in 1787, our nation’s founders signed America’s highest law of the land — the Constitution. While I can’t attribute my interest in government to this ...