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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 ...

Fireworks offer light, sound, danger

Editorial

The booming sound of fireworks can already be heard occasionally, and Independence Day is still a week away. With this year being the 250th birthday of the United States, people will be trying to make the July 4th holiday even more special, and fireworks will be part of the mix. But ...

For nearly 50 years, Branderhorst made an impact on Fort Dodge

Editorial

For nearly 50 years, Lori Branderhorst had a hand in everything parks and recreation related in Fort Dodge. Programming for the pools? No problem. Aquatics were an early specialty for her. Lakeside Municipal Golf Course? Branderhorst understood the wants and needs of local golfers. Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex? She was adept at managing baseball and softball programs. In fact, her most notable achievement was securing the girls state softball tournament in Fort Dodge through 2045. She played the key role in sealing that deal with the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union last ...

It’s time to splash down at Rosedale Rapids

Editorial

It’s a sure bet that we have not seen the last of hot weather this summer. So when the days become smoldering hot, it is good to remember that there is a safe place to cool off right here in Fort Dodge. We are referring, of course, to the Rosedale Rapids aquatic center at 10th Avenue North and 32nd Street. In 2007, voters approved a bond issue enabling the city government to borrow the millions necessary to build the aquatics center. The center opened in 2010, and it provides much more than just a rectangular pool to splash around in. Its features include: • Multiple ...

It’s time to honor our fathers

Editorial

Father’s Day is upon us once again. The annual tribute to America’s dads is Sunday. That’s good news for the greeting card vendors. In recent years, they have sold upwards of 100 million cards to Americans intent on paying tribute to good old dad. About half of those cards are purchased by dutiful sons and daughters. Wives honoring a man they love account for most of the rest. Other merchants also rejoice in the arrival of Father’s Day each June because gift purchases keep cash registers humming. The commercial side of Father’s Day, while good for the economy, is not all ...

Public health initiative aims to enhance cancer education and community engagement

Local Columns

For many of us, June marks the welcome arrival of summer — a season filled with family gatherings, time outdoors and the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables from local gardens and farmers markets. It’s also a wonderful reminder of the importance of healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and nutritious eating, which play a key role in reducing cancer risk and supporting overall well-being. With that in mind, I invite you to join me for the upcoming Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project presentation at Iowa Central Community College’s Student Resource Center from 12 ...