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Flu shots provide potentially lifesaving protection

Editorial

Just about everyone has called in sick at some point, saying they had the flu when they were sniffling, sneezing, maybe running a fever and generally feeling lousy. Those symptoms definitely add up to an illness, but the problem is not really the flu. Influenza, as it is properly known, is much, much worse. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, influenza is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Influenza and pneumonia are among the top 10 causes of death in the state. Fortunately, there is a way to prevent influenza. A yearly vaccine can protect a person ...

American farmers need a five-year Farm Bill

Local Columns

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 fines, and inflation has made the cost of doing business more expensive and forced producers to delay new equipment purchases. This combination of poor economic conditions, government overreach, and repeated failures by the Biden-Harris administration to foster new trading relationships poses a ...

Bonnie Barnett left great example of generosity

Editorial

Leaders of seven Fort Dodge organizations received stunning news of the best kind recently. They learned that their organizations received large amounts of money from the estate of Bonnie Barnett, a woman most of them never met or had even heard of. Barnett, who died Nov. 16, 2023, at age 80, bequeathed a total of $1,337,613.15 to the groups. Iowa Central Community College received $535,045.26. That money will be invested and will be used to create the Bonnie K. Largent Barnett Scholarships. As a result, community college students for decades to come will get vital help paying for ...

The vital role of leadership in Fort Dodge

Local Columns

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 prosperity of Fort Dodge and Webster County. Since its inception, the Leadership Fort Dodge program has been committed to equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to engage in our community in a more impactful capacity. This year marks the 19th class of ...

Constitution Day calls for civic participation

Local Columns

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 coincidence, it nevertheless coincides with my efforts to foster civic engagement. Constitution Day calls Americans to reflect on our storied system of self-government, as well as consider ways to participate in and contribute to society. Thanks to the courageous patriots who fought for ...

Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight is back

Editorial

When a 737 roars into the sky above Fort Dodge Regional Airport just as the sun begins to brighten the horizon this morning, one of the most unique and heartfelt tributes to area veterans will be back in action. There will be about 120 veterans aboard that plane, going to Washington, D.C., for free to see the nation’s war memorials. The trip will be the 26th one conducted by the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight. The first took place in 2010. Since then, about 3,600 veterans from 228 Iowa communities have made the journey. The Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight is largely the vision of ...