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Opinion

Oral surgeon announces retirement

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: To the people of Fort Dodge and the surrounding communities, I want to announce my retirement from the practice of oral and maxillofacial surgery. It is time to enjoy the next chapter of my life. Health is wealth, and I want to retire when I am healthy enough to enjoy my hobbies. I would like to thank Dr. Terry Hopper, who started the practice and took a chance on me so many years ago. He was a great mentor and is a terrific man, besides being a good surgeon. I owe so much to him. I also want to thank Mr. Tom Tibbitts for establishing a fantastic medical staff at ...

Take it slow in ice and snow

Local Columns

It’s that time of year again! Yes, Christmas and New Year’s is fast approaching. However, whether you love it or hate it, “Old Man Winter” is knocking on our door. Snow will blanket our great state which can certainly create some beautiful scenery. But it can also cause a lot of headaches for motorists, truck drivers, road crews, and first responders alike. Troopers are often asked about the worst part of the job. Some responses vary, but most troopers will say working blizzards on the interstate ranks right at the top of the list. So, depending on your perspective, it can be a ...

Area heart patients will benefit from new clinic

Editorial

There was a time a few months ago when it looked like the Fort Dodge area was going to be without a nearby source of cardiology care. In April, Iowa Heart Center surprised everyone, including its own patients, by announcing it would no longer provide 24-hour, seven day a week services in Fort Dodge.That was troubling news to say the least, considering that heart disease is a leading cause of death. Faced with this dire scenario the leadership of UnityPoint Health -Fort Dodge worked behind the scenes to put together a cardiology clinic to replace the services that would be lost when ...

Encourages adoption, not abortion

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: I would like to encourage women to strongly consider placing an unwanted child for adoption vs. obtaining an abortion. I am making the same appeal to the fathers of those babies. Having worked in adoptions in years past, I know firsthand that there were far more couples wanting to adopt than there were available babies. Adoption gives life to the child. It gives childless couples a baby that is so much wanted, as well as families with children wanting to adopt. Adoption leaves the opportunity for a future reunion with your child once they reach adulthood thanks in ...

Help Salvation Army by ringing bells

Editorial

Like Christmas trees and turkey dinners, the red kettles and bell ringers of The Salvation Army are a traditional element of the holiday season. Just about everyone has seen the kettles and heard the jingling bells over the years. And hopefully, just about everyone has put some donations in those kettles to help those less fortunate. Now, The Salvation Army needs some help to keep that fine tradition going. It is in need of people willing to stand next to a kettle and ring the bells. In recent years, recruiting bell ringers has proven to be a tough chore. However, it is not ...

Recalling magical Thanksgiving day

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: Thank you to the Fort Dodge community for the outpouring of kindness and support for our 17th annual Thanksgiving meal at Fort Dodge Ford Toyota. Again, well over 100 volunteers helped feed over 2,600 meals. They spent their Thanksgiving day helping those in need with a warm meal prepared by the Iowa Central culinary students. Chef Michael and Chef Geoff along with their students and staff made this day very special for everyone. Our longtime supporters, Hy-Vee, Friendship Haven, UnityPoint hospital, Woodruff Construction, Bemrich Electric, Douglas Dreamers 4-H Club, ...