Opinion

Cooperatives bring value to communities

Letters to the Editor October 17, 2026

To the editor: Agriculture is an industry built to withstand challenges, but today’s operating environment feels a little more intense and a little less cyclical. But as the CEO of NEW Cooperative in Fort Dodge, Iowa, I've seen firsthand how the cooperative model helps farmers and rural communities succeed in good times and bad. During National Cooperative Month, I'm reflecting on the value cooperatives bring to communities across Iowa and why they remain essential to agriculture's future. For generations, cooperatives have helped farmers navigate uncertainty, access new ...

Our health care decisions today will shape Webster County tomorrow

Local Columns October 17, 2026

As we near the November elections, much of the political conversation will focus on the economy, education, taxes and other issues affecting our families and communities. I would like you to consider one more question: What can we do to ensure quality health care remains available close to ...

October is National Pork Month

Editorial October 14, 2026

October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state. It’s unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the Hawkeye State. It may come as a surprise, however, that hogs raised in Iowa account for more than 30 percent of U.S. hog production. Iowa ranks as the nation’s top hog-producing state. It’s also the top state for pork exports. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association: • Exports ...

Republican supports Sand

Letters to the Editor October 10, 2026

To the editor: I am a farmer, a business owner, and a Republican. I am supporting Rob Sand for governor because I believe he offers the kind of common sense leadership Iowa needs. I live in a predominantly Republican county. I am not asking my neighbors to change their party affiliation. I am asking them to consider the person seeking the office and whether that person will govern fairly for all Iowans. Rob Sand reminds me of former Gov. Robert D. Ray, whom I consider one of the best governors Iowa has ever had. I admired Gov. Ray’s decency, common sense, and willingness to work ...

Speedier e-bikes, scooters should prompt greater road awareness

Editorial October 10, 2026

Both kids and grownups have been riding bikes throughout Fort Dodge for decades. And while scooters faded from the scene for awhile, they are enjoying a resurgence of popularity with young people today. We view people traveling on bikes and scooters as a good thing. It beats driving everywhere in this age of $4-a-gallon gas. And getting outside is good for physical and mental health. But something has changed. A growing number of the bikes and scooters have electric motors in them. That means they are going faster than any bike or scooter powered by human strength alone. Bicycles ...

Rooted in community, committed to truth

Local Columns October 7, 2026

When the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, newspapers throughout the colonies shared the life-changing news with their readers. With all of the enormous changes in this country and media since 1776, it’s noteworthy that more than 5,000 newspapers are still informing ...