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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 ...

Friendship Haven is a special place

Editorial

Friendship Haven has been part of Fort Dodge for so long that people take it for granted. Last week, a series of special events showed just how long Friendship Haven has been an integral part of the community — 75 years. When the first residents moved into the former East Building in July 1950, Harry Truman was the president, the Korean War had just started and Elvis Presley had yet to record a hit song. And while the retirement community opened in1950, the planning for it began a few years earlier. The concept of Friendship Haven was the idea of one Methodist minister, the Rev. ...

Trump’s 'One, Big, Beautiful Bill' supports our troops

Local Columns

Among the many incredible provisions of President Donald Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” is funding for the Department of Defense. In light of current events around the globe, there is no better time for delivering President Trump’s vision for U.S. military power. The funding included in President Trump’s reconciliation package is for an array of priorities to deter foreign aggression and keep the United States military leagues ahead of the competition. These priorities include growing and enhancing our naval power, building President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense ...

Keep showing up, keep building

Local Columns

Summer in greater Fort Dodge is in full swing - and let me tell you, there’s something special about the energy that builds this time of year. From community festivals to trail rides, our region comes alive in a way that reflects the heart of who we are: connected, collaborative and constantly moving forward. At the Growth Alliance, our focus this year remains on one powerful word: elevate. And one of the best ways to elevate our community? Support what’s local. Whether you’re shopping at a small boutique downtown, grabbing a bite from a locally owned restaurant, enjoying a ...

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 ...

Says three-lane street would make FD less safe

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: As a former medic, I understand the stress and hazards of responding to emergency calls. Police, firefighters and medics are the heroes who spring into treacherous circumstances to help those in life-or-death peril. Rapid response is required to provide rescue. The Fort Dodge City Council is considering decreasing the flow of traffic from four lanes (two lanes in each direction) to three lanes (one in each direction with a middle turning lane). As all motorists know, we are to slow down, pull to the right and stop to allow emergency vehicles to pass. With fewer lanes, ...