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Kindness makes a difference

While November is a month to be thankful, it’s also a time to spread kindness to those around you. When I look around, I find so many things to be thankful for — my growing family, a great community, and an amazing team at UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge committed to excellence. But I’m also thankful for the acts of kindness shown by our team members to patients, visitors, and family members. I continually hear stories about how our team goes above and beyond to make a difference to those visiting our facilities — along with providing top-notch care. Recently, a patient locked ...

Former supervisor urges support for jail bond issue

As a former member of the Webster County Board of Supervisors, I spent 16 years working diligently to always do what was best for all the citizens of Webster County. Most of the time, our board would agree on the tough decisions revolving around budget concerns yet still provide the services that our citizens expect. With the upcoming Nov. 7 vote on the new Webster County Jail and Sheriff’s Office, I truly believe that we, the citizens of Webster County, need to vote yes for this investment in our community. Based on the current cost of housing our inmates in other counties ($1.4 ...

Firm offers answers to jail project questions

The Samuels Group, the firm working with Webster County officials on the proposed new jail, offers answers to some common questions about the project. Voters will decide on Nov. 7 if the county should borrow $45.5 million to pay for the proposed new jail. The Webster County Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Office have been working diligently to determine the best, most fiscally sound, option for addressing concerns with the current jail. The proposed solution will provide a safer environment for the public, staff, and inmates. Great measures have been taken to ensure the new ...

Quality of life and workforce

Being a newcomer to the area, it is clear to see that our region’s elected officials and leaders understand this and have invested time to work towards common growth goals. The importance of quality of life initiatives, such as attracting and retaining livable wage jobs, housing equity and stock, trails and culture, and other amenities, seems very top of mind when decisions are directed to action. Communities with a higher quality of life experience both higher employment and population growth. The collaboration is something we at the Growth Alliance practice day in and day out, and ...

Survivors of domestic violence deserve to feel safe at home

Every October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Since last October, 10 Iowans have died due to this horrific crime. In 1989, Congress declared the month of October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For the last 34 years Domestic Violence Awareness Month has helped start the conversation on the crime’s impact on victims, survivors, and families everywhere. Nearly every individual has felt the effects of domestic violence, even here in Iowa. It impacts every community, regardless of age, race, gender, marital status, educational level, or socioeconomic status. It is an ...