The push to get congressional approval for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiated in 2018 by the Trump administration is at a crucial stage. It’s imperative that lawmakers promptly back USMCA. This pact has some similarities to the North American Free Trade Agreement it succeeds, but ...
The fairs are over. It won’t be that long before cooler weather becomes the norm rather than the exception — summer is drawing to a close. Even though the calendar shows another month of summer to be enjoyed, for students, vacation days are ending. All across Iowa, young folks are heading ...
The key part Iowa’s caucuses play in the process through which our major political parties select their nominees for president will put Iowa at the heart of the 2020 campaign for the next few months. Our caucuses get enormous attention from the national news media because they come at the ...
Fort Dodge Community: I love the first day of school! As a superintendent, this is by far my favorite day. Everyone is happy. Parents are happy, teachers and staff are happy, and even students (though they will not admit it) are happy. There is something undeniably special about the start of ...
Getting U.S. troops out of Afghanistan would be quite a coup for President Donald Trump. It would give him a foreign policy advantage going into next year’s election — one no Democratic candidate could criticize. But would it also be setting the stage for a bloodbath? Would it mean a ...
There’s a unique opportunity available for area teenagers who want to see firsthand how their state government works. Each year, the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives employ a number of young people to do all kinds of odd jobs that are necessary to keep the legislature ...
Justin Rupnow believes that, as he puts it, ‘‘a small spark can start a fire.’’ The 16-year-old 4-H member from Sac County put that belief to work recently in a way that had nothing to do with flames. Instead, it had everything to do with a financial windfall for the Sac County ...
When students return after a summer break, college campuses transform overnight from quiet venues into bustling centers of activity. This week that took place at Iowa Central Community College. A new school year has begun. Students are back on its campuses ready in some cases to commence or in ...
To the editor: On Sunday’s (8/11) Opinion page, Mr. Bill Horan comments on the lack of discussion regarding agriculture and science by the Democrat presidential hopefuls during their recent debates. His thoughts are informed, timely and valid, but do not go far enough. I am 87 years old, ...
To the editor: U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, R-WY, reacted to U.S. Rep. Steve King’s question, “If not for rape and incest, would there be any population” by tweeting, “ ... it’s time for him to go. The people of Iowa’s 4th Congressional District deserve better.” King, R-Kiron, has been ...
When a sitting congressman sees an upside to rape and incest, sex abusers get the message. Accused rapists have long defended themselves by claiming it didn’t happen, or the victim “asked for it,” maybe by dressing too provocatively. But never, to my knowledge, has a defense rested on a ...
To the editor: In “The Shaming of America” in the Opinion section of The Messenger on Aug. 13, Kathleen Parker writes of how shame has become part of the 2020 presidential race. Even though Parker suggests some Democrats contribute to the shaming, I believe Democrats look at Trump and his ...
Law enforcement authorities agree that one key to curbing certain types of crime is to sever the supply-and-demand link. Fewer drug addicts means less demand for pushers and thus, fewer of them, for example. Federal officials don’t seem to be doing a very good job of that in regard to ...
President Donald Trump has told Iowa’s farmers that he is looking out for their economic interests. Since he first campaigned for the presidency he has expressed enthusiastic support for the biofuels industries. Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency has undercut the president’s ...
What’s “normal” as you age? Even though urinary incontinence increases with age, it should not be considered “normal” or “part of getting old.” Urinary incontinence is a very common problem among both men and women and can vary in severity and frequency. If the accidental loss ...
Growing up in Fonda, I was always aware of the extraordinary natural resources around us. Ethanol and biodiesel were just coming into their own and our ability to harness wind energy on a big scale was just on the horizon. Today, both of those clean, renewable energy sources are at the ...
Wind-based generation of electricity is a technology that offers the promise of vast amounts of electrical power produced with few environmental downsides. Iowans are showing the nation just how significant this energy source can be. According to the Iowa Wind Energy Association, our state ...
There are some wonderful outdoor surprises awaiting anyone who thinks Iowa is just acre after acre of corn and soybean fields. Right here in the Fort Dodge region there are two scenic rivers. The Des Moines River flows through Webster County while the Boone River flows through Hamilton ...
The Blanden Memorial Art Museum has been a cultural touchstone in Fort Dodge since its doors opened in 1932. The museum at 920 Third Ave. S. was a gift to the community from Charles G. Blanden. Since Blanden made his major gift, the technology for protecting and restoring artworks has ...
In our affluent society, it is unacceptable for any children to be hungry or lack regular access to nutritious food. Making sure that local young folks do not experience hunger is the mission of Backpack Buddies. The Backpack Buddies initiative supplements school breakfast and lunch ...