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Ensuring a safe and growing community

Local Columns

At the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, our mission is clear: “Unifying and coordinating accountable economic and community development to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region.” As we strive to fulfill this mission, it is crucial to address the evolving challenges and opportunities that impact our community’s growth and well being. Last fall, our Board of Directors engaged in a strategic planning session and identified public safety as a priority for our organization. Ensuring a safe community is essential for growing and attracting a skilled workforce and ...

Unhappy with stadium parking lot

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I would like to comment on the recent construction of the Dodger Stadium parking lot on the corner of 19th Street and Elmhurst Avenue. The entire project was poorly visioned, and the execution was incredibly short-sighted. I understand the work is nearly done, but there was no public comment period, and I think we can still go back and right this wrong. They destroyed a beautiful grassy field and 200-year-old trees to make way for a cement parking lot (why not consider a parking structure on the existing lot). They had a great opportunity to "re-imagine" this space. Did ...

Families get a financial assist from FDCSD

Editorial

Any parent can confirm that sending a child off to school, even a tax-supported public school, can get expensive. First, there are all the things that must be bought at the start of every school year: shoes, clothes and supplies like paper, pencils and scissors. Once the school year gets underway, there is the cost of breakfasts and lunches. And at some point in the year, the supply of pencils, paper and other necessities will have to be replenished. For families with multiple children in school, all of this can add up to big expenses quickly. That is why something the Fort Dodge ...

Latest quality-of-life investments are necessary

Editorial

Serving a ball over a pickleball net and soaring through a quarter pipe on a skateboard are about as different as two recreational pasttimes can be. Now, people are able to do both of those things at new facilities in Fort Dodge. A new skate park that is three times the size of the city’s Dean Hearn Skateboard Park is north of the former Sunkissed Meadows Golf Course on the riverfront. This park was designed based on input from local skaters. And it is not limited to skateboards. If something has wheels, but no motor, it is welcome at the park. That means scooters, roller skates ...

Welcome back students, parents, guardians

Local Columns

As we begin this new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you — students, staff and families. Whether you are returning to our school community or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you with us on this journey. This year marks a new chapter for our school, one that is guided by our renewed vision and mission. After much reflection and collaboration, we have crafted a vision that truly captures the essence of what we aim to achieve together. Vision: Everyone matters, everyone belongs and everyone thrives This vision serves as ...

Schools are starting - drive safely

Editorial

Even though the calendar shows another month of summer to be enjoyed, for students and teachers, vacation days are ending. All across our area, they are heading back to school. Classes at St. Edmond Catholic School and the Manson Northwest Webster and Southeast Valley school districts began Friday. The fall semester at Iowa Central Community College begins Monday. And Wednesday is the first day of classes in the Fort Dodge Community School District. The first day of classes means a new school year full of learning, activities and opportunities is beginning. It also means that ...