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 ...
Bullet-resistant backpacks are now being sold in major retail stores. The idea is that when the next school shooter opens fire in the hallway, fleeing children who are shot in the back will have a better chance of surviving. It is a new consideration that children and parents have to make in ...
In August 1969 — a time of cultural upheaval more tangibly disruptive than that of the current day — more than 400,000 people and 32 musical acts found their way to a dairy farm in New York for “An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” The event, which would become known in ...
Exporting American agricultural products makes an important contribution to our nation’s economy. When the prospects for an increase in those sales grow, that’s also hugely significant for Iowa. According estimates by the United States Department of Agriculture, agricultural exports ...
Former Vice President Joe Biden said it well, “we choose science over fiction.” The presidential candidate was wrapping up his remarks on July 31, during the second night of Democratic debates in Detroit. His words-in that single sentence, at least-are exactly right. Too often, public ...
In the space of about two blocks of Central Avenue Thursday evening, someone could listen to live music, buy some garden goodies or craft items, see a fire engine and even meet some visiting sheriff’s deputies from other states and their canine partners. Hot sandwiches, cold ice cream and ...
To the editor: I grew up in Fort Dodge and now live in Sioux City. Over the last couple of years I’ve followed the development of the grain elevator mural with interest. This week, I finally had an opportunity to stop by and see it in person. The mural is, indeed, impressive. What was not ...
Tall corn and dragon boats may seem like an odd combination, but here in Webster County they both have emerged as symbolic of summer. The 22nd annual Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash will take place today and Saturday at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. It features assorted festivities and ...
Diabetes is a disease whose incidence is rising, like the rivers of Iowa this spring. Contributing to this flood of cases of diabetes are improved screening for the disease, decreased physical demands in our automated world, and easy access and low cost of unhealthy food. Over 30 million people ...