To the editor:

While driving back to work from my lunch hour this afternoon, I started thinking about all the negative publicity Fort Dodge has had recently. I have lived here most of my life, after being born in Omaha, Nebraska. Growing up, I remember Fort Dodge being called “Little Chicago” and never understanding how we got that reputation because I loved Fort Dodge and still do. All towns have challenges and I guess the recent press we have had lately is one of those challenges we all need to do something about, which is changing the negative connotations towards Fort Dodge.

My Dad passed away in October and maybe that’s what got me thinking about all the wonderful memories I have of him and the great times and holidays spent in Fort Dodge. He was a wonderful man and never said a negative word about anyone and never said anything bad about Fort Dodge. He was involved in the Civitan Club and played Santa for the disabled for nearly four decades. He loved this town. Since he left this earth, it has made me want to be a better person and that means caring about the town you live in.

If you hear a negative statement from someone about our town, please stand up for Fort Dodge and point out all the positive, great things that we have to offer. We Fort Dodgers are proud of our town and we want everyone to know it. My kids grew up here and went to school here and were involved in athletics and activities and they always stood up to people that had negative things to say about Fort Dodge. They have never had an experience where they were scared to live here and are never ashamed to say Fort Dodge is their hometown.

I am proud to work at Iowa Central Community College and my kids attended and graduated from here. It is a great place to get an education and I don’t want people thinking that Fort Dodge is not safe and they don’t want their kids in Fort Dodge. My kids will never forget their positive experiences at Iowa Central.

Let’s all be the best people we can be and help do what we can to make everyone believe in Fort Dodge again. I know my Dad would like that.

Shelly Rustvold

Fort Dodge