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Opinion

A Time for Angels helps those who mourn

Editorial

The death of a loved one is the emotional equivalent of getting hit by a train. There’s almost nothing that can create the bewildering range of emotions that the death of a loved one can generate. The range of emotions can include anger, fear, sadness, loneliness and other feelings that ...

Fort Dodge natives Tim, Terri Burke honored for volunteer work

Local Columns

When Tim and Terri Burke were honored as 2024 Citizens of the Year by the United Way of the Midlands in Omaha, they didn’t have time to bask afterward in the glow of winning the prestigious award for their volunteer work. They had yet another volunteer commitment to fulfill — and ...

This holiday season, support your hometown businesses

Editorial

Tens of millions of Americans will do most, if not all, their holiday season shopping with giant online retail operations this year. They will argue that it is more convenient or safer for them to do so rather than patronize local brick-and-mortar stores. Local retailers, from mom-and-pop ...

We must stop our rapid accumulation of debt

Local Columns

At the end of July, our national debt peaked at $35 trillion — a figure once considered unthinkable. However, just 118 days later, our country surpassed another sobering milestone — $36 trillion in debt. This rapid accumulation of debt threatens our economic security, weakens the value ...

Shared Thanksgiving is fine tradition

Editorial

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday that features family, food, and yes, the occasional football game. In the spirit of the holiday, thousands of people in the Fort Dodge region gathered around tables with relatives and friends for a traditional feast on Thursday. Dining room tables ...

Let’s talk budget cuts

Local Columns

My fellow Iowans sent me to the Senate 10 years ago to make the porkers squeal. It’s been a very lonely fight. Even in this era of political polarization, Democrats and Republicans always come together in agreement over one issue: living high off the hog. When faced with proposals to ...