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Be sure to attend your county fair

Times change. Even so, there are a few constants in life. One is the pleasure provided by the county fairs that continue to be a highlight of summer in Iowa. For as far back as anyone who now lives in this part of Iowa can remember, these summer festivals have been much-anticipated and much-enjoyed features of summertime. The fairs, of course, have changed over the decades. One central theme, however, remains much the same — a celebration of farm life and the assorted positive educational and personal-growth pursuits that are treasured features of life in rural and small-town ...

It’s a day to celebrate America

Whether you spend this Fourth of July picnicking, enjoying a parade, attending a community celebration, watching a fireworks display or just plain loafing, there should be at least a brief time to pause and reflect on this country’s enduring experiment in constitutional democracy. And that reflection should prompt everyone to realize how lucky they are to be living in the United States of America. Certainly on this 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Americans are troubled by anxiety over pressing problems at home and abroad. Our relations with Russia, China and ...

Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks safely

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 ...

Help celebrate Hometown Pride

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 ...

Fireworks offer light, sound, danger

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

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 ...