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It’s a day to celebrate America

Editorial

Whether you spend this Fourth of July picnicking, enjoying a parade, attending a community celebration, watching a fireworks display or just plain loafing, there should be at least a brief time to pause and reflect on this country’s enduring experiment in constitutional democracy. And that reflection should prompt everyone to realize how lucky they are to be living in the United States of America. Certainly on this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are troubled by anxiety over pressing problems at home and abroad. Our relations with Russia, China and ...

Supports railroad merger

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Fort Dodge has always had a relationship with the railroad. From the High Bridge to the tracks running through the heart of our city, the rail line is more than infrastructure. It is part of who we are. For the industries that drive our regional economy, from agriculture to manufacturing, reliable rail is not just nice to have; it is essential. As CEO of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, an organization dedicated to unifying and coordinating economic and community development to enhance the quality of life in the Fort Dodge region, my job is to position this ...

Salutes Charles Clayton

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I just want to give Charles Clayton acknowledgement on his contribution to the Fort Dodge community. He has given so much to this city through his giving, and if you’re not benefiting, it’s more because of your own hatred of a successful person. Don’t stop doing what you’re doing, Chuck. Congratulations. James T. Mosley Fort Dodge

Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks safely

Editorial

When Americans enjoy fireworks on every Fourth of July, they have John Adams to thank for the colorful displays. Adams, one of the Founding Fathers who became the country’s second president, wrote to his wife, Abigail, when the Declaration of Independence was approved in July 1776 in Philadelphia. “It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more,” Adams wrote. His reference to “illuminations” is traditionally interpreted as ...

Help celebrate Hometown Pride

Editorial

In every town there are special people who contribute to the success of the community through the giving things they do. These folks — whose selfless contributions make life better for others in their hometowns — sometimes go unacknowledged. That’s unfortunate because many of the people who work without much fanfare to enhance the lives of others truly are accomplishing exceptional results. Similarly, there are organizations that have that same type of impact. That’s one of the reasons that each year The Messenger publishes a magazine supplement called Hometown Pride. The goal ...

Working to help rural hospitals

Local Columns

Rural healthcare is top-of-mind for many Iowans. Across our state, Iowans rely on rural hospitals for compassionate, personalized care close to home. Rural hospitals are also economic anchors that support local businesses, create jobs and help small towns thrive. That’s why we’re advancing policies that support rural healthcare and rural hospitals. Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act created a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, the largest investment in rural health care in history. Under the law, Iowa will receive a minimum of $100 million annually from ...