Business Connection • 0323

Did you know GreenState is consistently ranked in the Top 1% Nationally for returning profits with better rates & lower fees? That means one of the Top financial institutions in the country, is here in Fort Dodge.

business CONNECTION

Terry Christensen PUBLISHER tchristensen@messengernews.net

Bill Shea EDITOR bshea@messengernews.net

Leanne Darr MARKETING DIRECTOR ldarr@messengernews.net

Jody Kayser SALES MANAGER jkayser@messengernews.net

Nick Manwarren GRAPHIC DESIGNER nmanwarren@messengernews.net

Brittney Bensen SALES CONSULTANT bbensen@messengernews.net

ADDRESS: PHONE: 713 Central Ave. (515) 573-2141 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 FAX: (515) 571-4529

Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is published monthly by The Messenger in cooperation with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023. Reproduction in part or in whole without the expressed written permission of Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, artwork or manuscripts. The opinions expressed in editorial material are not necessarily the opinions of Fort Dodge Business Connection.

Kathryn Kunert, who is Vice-President of Economic Development

for Mid American Energy

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance News

ANNUAL DINNER THE GREATER FORT DODGE

On March 2,2023 The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance held its Annual Dinner for the 10th time. The Alliance celebrated its 11th year of existence with one Annual Dinner canceled due to covid. We were happy to celebrate a sell out for the 3rd year in a row and double the attendance since the first Annual Dinner the Alliance held. So thank you to all who attended and to all who work every day toward making our area a better place to work and live.

GROWTH ALLIANCE

Our guest speaker for the event was Kathryn Kunert, who is Vice-President of Economic Development Connections for Mid American Energy. Kathryn was very informative about Mid American initiatives, their important role in area economic

Kathryn Kunert, Vice-President of Economic Development Connections for Mid American Energy

Dennis Plautz

The Growth Alliance presented two awards, The Volunteer of The Year, picked annually by The Alliance staff to Pastor Sarah Hill, and The Annual Catalyst award which is the highest honor each year and the most prestigious award given to an individual who over a long period of time has been a catalyst for positive change in our region and is a Growth Alliance member or works for a Growth Alliance member. This year the award went to Larry Bushman. He is certainly very deserving and has been a committed and dedicated person who has helped create very positive change. Larry joins a long list of individuals who have fostered positive action and change in the region. Congratulations Larry.

Please see the other past Catalyst recipients and again THANKYOU to all who helped make 2022 another positive year of growth economically and to improve our quality of life.

2022 Dave Flattery

2021 No Award Given

2020 Dr. Terry Moehnke

2019 Bob Singer

2018 John Taets

2017 Bruce Shimkat

2016 Scott McQueen

2015 Kraig Barber

2014 Randy Kuhlman

2013 Deb Johnson

2012 Terry Allers

2011 Sue Thompson

2010 Bennett O’Connor

2009 Rhonda Chambers

2008 Tom Tibbitts

2007 Ann Lenox

2006 Casey Johnson

2005 Connie Lind-Fraher

2004 Dennis Plautz

2003 Ramona Weins

2002 Mel Schroeder

2001 Patty Donnelly

2000 Larry Hickey

1999 Cary Estlund

1998 Dr. David Haggard

1997 Anita Patterson Burr

1996 KaRene Egemo

1995 Bev Baedke

1994 Lin Simpson

1993 Trudy Yoder

1992 Claire F. Carlson

1991 Judy Peters

1990 Dr. Mary Sula Linney

1989 Dr. Joyce Garton-Natte

1988 Dr. June Gabler

1987 Norma Schmoke

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

Sara Hill of Fort Dodge receive Volunteer of the year during Fort Dodge Greater Growth Alliance Dinner on Thursday at Fort Frenzy

WITH

2023 CATALYST WINNER

Q&A LARRY BUSHMAN

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST POSITIVE CHANGE IN FORT DODGE AND WEBSTER COUNTY?

Larry Bushman

Iowa Crossroads of Global Innovation in Webster County and west of Fort Dodge has been a tremendous asset and a positive change for our growing economy.

The partnership and collaboration between our Fort Dodge City Council and Webster County Board of Supervisors has made this major Ag Park a success. It holds

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEEN A PART OF, WHAT DO YOU FEEL HAS BEEN THE MOST IMPACTFUL ON THE REGION?

Providing a quality newspaper as a community partner was a priority as publisher of The Messenger. Local news, sports, advertising and information for the residents of the greater Fort Dodge area is important to a successful growing community.

Since 1986, it has been an annual tradition for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and previously the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce, to recognize a leader in our community with the Catalyst Award. The Catalyst Award celebrates the qualities of

leadership, volunteerism and commitment

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

Ashley Bushman ARTZER, of West Des Moines, accepts the Catalyst Award for her father Larry Bushman, publisher emeritus for The Messenger, during the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Annual Dinner on at Fort Frenzy in Fort Dodge.

Bushman Messenger

Q&A

WITH LARRY BUSHMAN - 2023 CATALYST WINNER

My involvement in the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Ambassadors has been a wonderful experience and one of the most impactful for me.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE LEADERS OR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO MORE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY?

If you’re not involved in Fort Dodge and the Growth Alliance, I strong encourage you to do so TODAY! Stop in the office or checkout out the Growth Alliance website. Please consider a membership and review all of the committee opportunities available. Also, the Growth Alliance’s program, Leadership Fort Dodge is a networking program you need to investigate. It offers participants the opportunity to learn more about our community through presentations, as well as tours of businesses and agencies. Please check this out!

WHAT DO YOU HOPE FOR REGARDING THE FUTURE OF FORT DODGE AND WEBSTER COUNTY?

Continue to work on more affordable housing. As we grow industry, housing is a vital need.

Continue our expansion of our present industry and consider more new light industry.

Finish our Corridor Plaza development project. We need substantially more retail shopping businesses for local and area citizens.

Continue quality of life improvements in our community. The trend that we have been on over the years is imperative as our community continues to grow.

artistspot

Al Paulson

Age: 60 • Hometown: Council Bluffs, IA

Instrument/Profession: Saxophone/Woodwind Specialist

music?

I started in band in 5th grade playing the French Horn. I then switched to bari-sax after getting braces. I loved playing bari, and never stopped.

How long have you been teaching? And, what made you decide to major in Music Education?

I have been teaching high school band for 36 years. I was drum major in high school and loved the feeling of leading the band. I was also inspired to by my high school band director, Mr. Waddington.

Tell us about a couple of your most memorable performances/concerts?

My jazz band was selected for the Iowa Band Master’s Convention in 1998, we have had 20 appearances at the Iowa Jazz Championships and have placed in the top eight, 13 times and as high as 3rd place.

Both FDSH bands received Division I ratings at large group contest.

Who has the greatest influence on you musically?

My high school band teacher, Rob Waddington.

If you had a chance to meet any performer/ musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose?

Duke Ellington and Glen Miller, two of the greatest big band leaders of all time.

What are some of your musical accomplishments?

• 35 Division I ratings in March Band

• 36 Division I ratings in Concert Band

• 30 Division I ratings in Jazz Band

Numerous championships in both march and jazz bands at independent festivals during my career.

What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you during a performance/ concert?

The lights went off on stage during a large group contest performance in Texas. The band knew their music so well that they continued to play until the lights came back on. They did not miss a note and received a Division I rating.

Outside of music and the classroom, what other things do you enjoy? Any hobbies? Hiking, bike riding and spending time with my wife, Glenda.

What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and education? Work hard and practice a lot. Hold your students to high expectations and they will rise to it.

What do you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/music education?

I love coming to school and making music with young people and chasing them around the football field. Become proficient on your instrument, learn piano and join choir to learn to sing. All of this will be very important as you attend college.

To become a member or let us know about an event contact:

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

For generations, the people of Fort Dodge and the surrounding area have relied on The Messenger for all the news, sports and entertainment information they need.

“We understand the way in which people consumer their news and make decisions on purchases has changed” says Terry Christensen, Messenger Media Group Publisher. “We embraced these changes and have worked hard to evolve and will continue to do so. Thanks to this mindset and our efforts in traditional print along with digital and social media platforms,

The Messenger now has more readers than ever before. Building on that long and solid track record for reliably reporting the first draft of history, The Messenger is on the cutting edge of today’s news, information and advertising”.

The Messenger traces its heritage to 1856, when the Fort Dodge Sentinel, the first newspaper in the city, began publishing. Christensen pointed out “The Messenger is one of the longest-lasting businesses in Webster County.”

The Messenger is the flagship publication for a group that includes Farm News, Consumer Weekly Advertiser, Real Estate Buyers Guide, Twist & Shout and Fort Dodge Business Connection. Christensen is also publisher of The Daily FreemanJournal in Webster City, which serves as the printing and production facility for The Messenger and several papers throughout Iowa and publisher of TimesRepublican in Marshalltown.

Here’s an introduction to some of the leaders of the organization.

TERRY CHRISTENSEN

Christensen is a Humboldt native and is married to his high school sweetheart, Tammy. As a 22-year veteran of the newspaper industry, Christensen began his career with the Daily Times Herald in Carroll, Iowa. After working previously with The Messenger, his career stops also include the Lincoln Journal Star in Lincoln and World-Herald in Omaha. Christensen returned to work for The Messenger group in 2010 and was promoted to publisher of The Messenger in 2017. Currently, he is group publisher of The Messenger, The Daily FreemanJournal and Times-Republian.

BILL SHEA

Bill Shea is the editor of The Messenger. He turned a boyhood dream of being a writer into a newspaper career of nearly 30 years. After tenures at two other newspapers, he joined the staff of The Messenger in 1997. He was promoted to city editor in 2015 and to editor in June 2019.

He leads a newsroom team that provides solid reporting zeroed in on Fort Dodge and the surrounding area. The Messenger, he said, provides news and information that can’t be found anywhere else.

The growth of digital and social media as been the biggest change in his career. That has brought more readers than ever before to The Messenger, he said.

“With all the misinformation swirling around on the internet, it’s important that The Messenger, a trusted source of news and information, has a presence there that people can rely on for the truth,” he said.

DANA LANTZ

Dana Lantz is the advertising manager for Farm News, the weekly publication that specializes in covering agriculture. He also guides the inside sales team of The Messenger. He has been with the paper since January 2003.

Lantz enjoys the people and the products of The Messenger family of publications. He noted that a lot of his co-workers have been there for a long time, something that would not be the case if it wasn’t a great place to work.

Lantz considers joining the team at The Messenger to be the best business decision he has made.

MICHELLE COLSHAN

Michelle resides in Manson with husband, John and has 2 beautiful daughters, Sydney and Courtney along with 3 golden retrievers, Hank, Stella & Sophie.

Michelle is a manager at The Messenger and has worked there for 30 years. Her role as a graphic designer, creating visual text and imagery concepts to communicate ideas that inspire and inform.

“I love what I do, creating and designing, working every day to ensure that we not only meet the readers’ and advertisers’ expectations, but exceed them,” she said.

MELISSA WENDLAND

Melissa Wendland is the office and business manager for The Messenger. She started in that role in December 2015. Prior to that, she worked as an accounting clerk for the Midwest Accounting Center of Ogden Newspapers.

She lists her co-workers as one of the things she likes most about her job.

“They are like family and we are a great team,” she said.

City Connect FORT DODGE

Envision 2030 5-Year Strategic Plan 2022 Update

In 2007, the Fort Dodge City Council adopted a program called Envision 2030. Envision 2030 provided Fort Dodge residents the opportunity to share their ideas on how to continue making the City of Fort Dodge the best place in America to live, work, stay and play for the next 20 + years. With broad-based citizen input, it was possible to develop a vision for Fort Dodge that would position the city as the “ideal” city and enable the community to develop plans for achieving goals identified during the process. From that initial Envision 2030 document, the Council at the time and subsequent City Councils have created, adopted and executed updated strategic plans.

The typical cycle involves the recently elected City Council meeting in the spring following the election to specifically review work on pri or strategic plans, examine existing conditions, then develop a new updated plan for the City. Specifically, the strategic plan update se quence involves the staff meeting initially to review the prior plan’s execution, conducting a current situational analysis, then proposing initiatives to the Council for review and approval. Then the Council meets, reviews the submitted information and proposed initiatives, then prioritizes initiatives. Using the direction from Council, staff then creates an action plan for the initiatives to be carried out over the next couple of years.

On November 14, 2022, the City Council formally adopted the 2022 update of the City’s Envision 2030 5-Year Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2023 & 2024. The bolded initiatives under each strategy has

PROVIDE INFRASTRUCTURE THAT SUPPORTS REVITALIZATION & GROWTH FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES

1. Aggressively implement a water utility replacement program Develop a program and budget to aggressively replace failing infrastructure

2. Preventative maintenance for utilities

3. Implement utility repair & replace programs

DEVELOP THE CITY AS A RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

1. Corridor Plaza Business Plan for Programming Recruitment of retail, hotel & amenities

2. New Indoor Recreation Facilities

Develop a plan to meet indoor recreation needs

3. Create Public Art app

4. Promotion of mountain bike park, trails, OHV and water trails

5. Develop cooperative public-private partnerships

6. Program sharing initiative

USE PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT, TECHNOLOGY & PARTNERSHIPS TO BUILD UPON OUR LEGACY OF LEAN GOVERNMENT

Aggressively convert facilities to LED Develop a program and budget to aggressively replace old lighting systems

2. Recruitment plan & strategy

3. Develop succession planning at the department level and define the ideal City-wide structure

4. Continuous improvement program for leaders

5. Continuously work to improve diversity, equity and inclusion

Create a public service announcement to explain how pri vate businesses can partner with the City & Main Street to join the City camera system

2. Nuisance & demolition program/plan

Create a plan that provided guidance as how to handle habitual violators of property maintenance issues

3. Understand drivers for socioeconomic/substance abuse/ home lessness/etc

Develop a comprehensive approach to mitigate mental health, substance abuse and homelessness issues by partnering with community agencies and organizations

4. Sharing our story

5. Update property maintenance process for habitual violators

6. Update criminal codes

IMPLEMENT NEW BUSINESS SOFTWARE & REALIZE A MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENT IN OUR PROCESS

1. Education of current software

2. Enhancement of current software; proactively utilize RIEs for high potential improvement areas with new software

20 1 7N E W S 20 23

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

MARCH 2023 24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Phone 515-955-5500

Fax 515-955-3245 www.greaterfortdodge.com

STAFF

Dennis Plautz CEO dennis@greaterfortdodge.com

Kelly Halsted Economic Development Director kelly@greaterfortdodge.com

Jill Nelson Community Development Director jill@greaterfortdodge.com

Skyla Porter Organizational Administrator skyla@greaterfortdodge.com

Deena McCaulley Office Manager deena@greaterfortdodge.com

Lydia Schuur Communications Specialist lydia@greaterfortdodge.com

Thank you! Thank Thank you!

We are grateful to everyone for attending the Growth Alliance Annual Dinner. It was a wonderful evening of celebration and recognition for our region.

Thank you to the Cardiff Center and Olde Boston's for providing excellent service and food. Thank you to Soldier Creek Winery for providing wine from your award-winning winery.

MISSION STATEMENT

“Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an efficient organization whose mission is to unify and coordinate accountable, economic and community development, to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge and the region.”

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

Volunteer of the Year

Sara Hill

"I would like to thank First Presbyterian Church, Fort Dodge, where I work. I love serving at this church, because there is an expectation that the staff is involved in the community. It is written into my job description to spend 10% of my time in the community. This has enabled so much community involvement over the years that I otherwise would not have been as available to do. I appreciate that a few years ago they made a higher financial commitment to the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, too, and now support it at the investor level. I continue to see much good fruit from that decision."

On getting involved:

"I hope that if you are new to town or new to involvement with the Growth Alliance, you’d begin by getting on their e-news This way you’re up to date on different events and ribbon cuttings and learning opportunities around town. Then I’d challenge you to be involved at least once a quarter. There are events during the day, at night, weekdays and weekends, so I think it could fit everyone’s schedule I know that the staff at the Growth Alliance is always open to hearing new ideas and feedback, too. Please share your ideas! "

On the Growth Alliance:

"I love meeting people from all over town at Growth Alliance functions. I love making deeper connections with the people in Fort Dodge as I discover a pair of siblings, or a father/daughter, or even meet someone who just moved into my neighborhood Seeing and experiencing other peoples’ passion for Fort Dodge has only fueled my own passion over the years. In the Bible, there’s a verse in Jeremiah 29 that says, “seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you... for in its welfare you will find your welfare ” In trying to live out this verse over the last 14 years, in seeking the welfare of Fort Dodge, I know this verse to be true. I have found a beautiful life for myself, husband, and kids here in Fort Dodge. We will always be Dodgers in our hearts."

Congratulations to the 2023 Junior Leadership Fort Dodge participants

Ty Adams, Fort Dodge Senior High

Carter Anderson, Fort Dodge Senior High

Thomas Cosgrove, St Edmond Catholic School

Bo Cowell, Fort Dodge Senior High

Brock Delanoit, Fort Dodge Senior High

Leo Ehn, St Edmond Catholic School

Briley Frank, Fort Dodge Senior High

Gracie Grady, Fort Dodge Senior High

Silvia Heldorfer, St Edmond Catholic School

Kalli Henning, St Edmond Catholic School

Val Hensley, Fort Dodge Senior High

Jace Johnson, Fort Dodge Senior High

Lily Johnson, Fort Dodge Senior High

Mollyann Laird, Fort Dodge Senior High

Hannah Landwehr, St Edmond Catholic Scho

Mckenzie McIlrath, Fort Dodge Senior High

Evan Pratt, Fort Dodge Senior High

Damarion Ross, Fort Dodge Senior High

Michael Wagner, Fort Dodge Senior High

The Junior Leadership Program is working to engage high school juniors with leaders from the community and help those students build a sense of community pride.

County Connect Webster

Webster County Board of Health names new Director, Jennifer Sumpter

The Webster County Board of Health has named Jennifer Sumpter, RN BSN, as the Director of the Webster County Public Health Department. Jennifer has worked for the department for fifteen years and has worked in various areas within Public Health, including home health, child health, maternal health, immunizations, WIC, STD testing/treatment/education, HIV case manager, home health Clinical Nurse Manager, and Chief Nurse Officer.

The Webster County Health Department oversees many programs that are funded by grants or billed to an individual’s insurance. These programs include maternal health, child health, oral health, WIC, home health, public health emergency preparedness program, hospital preparedness program, nutritional programs, immunization services, and lead prevention program. The department’s vision is to promote and improve the health, quality of life and environment of the whole community.

Jennifer graduated from Pomeroy-Palmer High School in 1994 and received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Iowa Central Community College in 1999. She then went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Iowa in 2015.

I want to continue to develop and foster relationships within Fort Dodge and our surrounding communities.

Jennifer Sumpter

She started her nursing career at Trinity Regional Medical Center (TRMC) in 2000. From 2001-2005 she worked as a travel nurse in Iowa at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines and University of Iowa in Iowa City. From there, Jennifer relocated to the west coast to Simi Valley, California, returning home to Fort Dodge in 2005 and worked in the Intensive Care Unit at TRMC. Jennifer accepted an opportunity to work at the Webster County Health Department (WCHD) in 2007.

As Director of Webster County Public Health, Jennifer handles the day-today operations of the agency including business and financial operations.

She helps organize, plan, and manage programs to improve our community’s overall well-being. With the assistance of all staff members, they work on short- and long-term goals to aide in the sustainability of the agency through grants and direct care services.

The Webster County Health Department has employees who come to work with a smile and positive attitude, according to Jennifer. “Each staff member is willing to put in the effort it takes to maintain the agency and its programs in order to keep the agency successful moving forward in a positive direction.”

Jennifer is excited about her new role and is setting goals for herself as Director. “I am so happy and excited that I have been given this opportunity. My entire career has included providing

direct care services to my patients. The patients that have allowed me to serve them have always been so thankful and appreciative. The director position comes with a different skillset. I am eager to expand on my knowledge, understanding, and leadership skills as director.”

“I want to continue to develop and foster relationships within Fort Dodge and our surrounding communities. My goal is to have our agency remain a trusted resource for our low-income families, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, single moms and dads, veterans, our disabled, people with chronic disease, people suffering from mental health disorders, substance abuse, school aged children, and elderly. We as an agency strive to implement best practices with a focus on the best possible health outcomes within our community.”

Larry Bushman

2022 Catalyst Award Winner

Bushman receives Catalyst Award former Messenger publisher honored for decades of service

Since 1986, it has been an annual tradition for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and previously the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce, to recognize a leader in our community with the Catalyst Award. The Catalyst Award celebrates the qualities of “inspiration, charity, wisdom, leadership, volunteerism and commitment to our community and region.” Each year, confidential nominations are received, scored by a selection committee, and then the award is given to the individual who represents the qualities of the Catalyst Award in an exemplary way. The Award is the highest honor and single most prestigious award given in the Fort Dodge Region and I am honored to be presenting this award tonight.

The word Catalyst is defined as “An agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.” Catalyst is a perfect way to describe the impact this individual has had on the community and region. There is no question that this individual has been a leader who has provoked and fostered positive action and change to make the Greater Fort Dodge Area a better place to live, work and play.

This year’s recipient has a long-standing history of community service. A few examples of this individual’s involvement over the past several decades include:

· Vice President of the Fort Dodge Chamber of Commerce

· Fort Dodge Noon Rotary Member

· Elks Club member

· Downtown SMIDD board member

· Fort Dodge Historical Society board member

· Fort Museum board member

· Fort Dodge Community School District Foundation board member

· Ag relations committee member at the Growth Alliance

· Trinity Regional Hospital board member

· Friendship Haven board member

· Betterment Foundation board member

· Iowa Central Community College Art Advisory Committee

· Webster County Improvement Corporation board member

Although this year’s Catalyst Award winner has served our community in a variety of ways, this individual spent significant effort and focus regarding the promotion and image of the region, always working with different local organizations and business. In fact, community leaders have described his leadership and business approach as “always being about partnerships and collaboration.”

Tonight’s Catalyst Award winner left a legacy at his place of business, our local newspaper, the Messenger. He realized the impact the local newspaper could have on the image and vitality of the community and worked tirelessly to support the region by telling its story. He did this by acknowledging the power of positive news, a concept that is often missed in the news. He became an essential community partner, ensuring positive stories about economic and community development, recreation and quality of life initiatives, and positive human interest stories were always included. He set the standard that the Messenger was not just there to report the news; it was there to enhance the community and support growth.

His 65 years in the newspaper industry, and 45 of those years serving our local paper, set him apart from many in the industry, at one point being named Iowa Newspaper Master Edition Publisher. He also received Iowa Newspaper Association’s 50 Year Club Award winner.

As a true Catalyst, he is known for being committed and dedicated and for inspiring those around him to serve their community.

10

On behalf of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, it is my honor and pleasure to present our 2023 Catalyst Award to Larry Bushman.

YEARS 10 YEARS

Unfortunately, Mr. Bushman is not able to join us tonight. Accepting the award in his honor, are his children, Ashley and Brad.

Celebrating of Regional Collaboration

We’re proud of you Larry. Your friends at essenger THE

shiningstar

Grace Champagne

Age: 20, Year and High School graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High, 2020 Current school & major: Third year student majoring in English-Creative Writing at The University of Iowa

my sophomore year I began editing at an on-campus magazine called FOOLS, which totally shifted how I viewed my major. I got to throw myself in editing, which ultimately shaped my desire to go into publishing. FOOLS has 100% been my favorite part.

Who are some of your role models?

My mother, my father. My grandmother. My sister. My best friend, Alaina. My partner, Simon. Joan Didion, Mary Oliver, Toni Morrison, Michelle Obama.

Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort Dodge.

(These would be any plays, musicals, singing, dancing, speech)

My involvements in high school play a huge part in where I am now— I am so grateful for the opportunities afforded to me. I was basically in everything musical or theaterrelated that I could be: fall play, spring musical, choir, band, etc. Speech was my favorite thing that I was involved in. Mrs. Krug shaped my confidence in so many ways. My love for poetry can be completely attributed to watching my peers recite at competitions.

We’d like to hear more about your Creative Writing/English program. What has been the most challenging and what has been the most enjoyable part of your college writing experience?

I’ve had an amazing time at The University of Iowa, but the hardest part was hands down starting school during covid. College is such a drastic change from living at home with your parents and being isolated during that time can be really painful. I felt so distant from my professors and classmates. Luckily,

What are the biggest benefits for a child growing up in Fort Dodge that is involved in theatre and the arts, from your perspective? Creativity is honestly everything. I think creativity seeps into the most enjoyable parts of most people’s lives, whether it’s reading, listening to music, art, etc. My involvements in Fort Dodge theater fostered my creativity to the extent of me wanting to build a career around it. I think parents who want their children to have an outlet for curiosity and imagination should absolutely involve them in the arts.

Where will Grace Champagne be in 25 years? And what will she be doing?

Oh man, what a question. She’ll be in a city, somewhere, I’m sure. I’ve always wanted to move to the city. And she’ll be writing— undoubtedly, she’ll be writing. I think a lot of people view being an English major as impractical. And it’s true, I could end up doing something entirely different. But I know I’ll never stop writing.

You get to meet some famous, alive or dead, for dinner. Who would you choose, why and what would you like to chat about?

I think my great grandmother, Eileen, whom I never got to meet. She was an English teacher, and the mother to one of my favorite people, my grandma Liz. She really valued education— she had her master’s degree which was super impressive for the time. I would ask her about her life, her wisdom, and her experiences as a woman.

What is your favorite book of all time and why?

This is like asking a mother her favorite child! The more I read, the more it changes. I read Mary Oliver’s Devotions a few summers ago and it completely shaped my writing, so

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY

A LEGACY GIFT CAN OFFER A TRIPLE TAX BENEFIT

What is a legacy? Generally speaking, a legacy is what someone is remembered for; it could be a significant achievement or accomplishment, or it can be a charitable fund that is making a difference in your community. A legacy can be something you leave behind that will benefit others including future generations. A legacy gift is a wonderful and impactful way to honor a loved one or your family. It is a great way to keep your family name “alive” for decades to come while benefiting the community you love.

Establishing an endowed fund is a perfect example. Creating an endowed charitable fund gives caring citizens the opportunity to give back to their community for the longterm. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation promotes legacy giving and encourages people to consider establishing endowment funds because they make the most powerful and lasting impact on our community. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation is able to offer donors attractive tax saving advantages that accompany a legacy gift.

Triple your tax benefits

In certain cases, an endowed fund with the Fort Dodge Community Foundation can offer donors a triple tax benefit. For example, long-term capital assets may be ideal for charitable gifts because assets such as stock, real estate, and farmland may receive a double federal tax benefit. First, donors can re-

ceive an immediate federal income tax charitable deduction. Second, assuming the asset is owned for more than one year, the donor can avoid long-term capital gain taxes when the asset is donated.

The third tax benefit is the Endow Iowa Tax Credit. Donors can receive a 25% Endow Iowa state tax credit for gifts made during their lifetime, lowering the after tax cost of charitable gifts even further. This tax credit is only on donations to qualified community foundations, (the Fort Dodge Community Foundation is qualified). The example here demonstrates how this works.

A donor owns stock with a fair market value of $100,000. The stock was originally purchased at $20,000 (basis). The donor’s income tax rate is 30%, with a capital gains tax rate of 15%.

Tax benefits of donating long-term capital gain asset with Endow Iowa Tax Credit:

Value of the gift: $100,000 Federal tax deduction: 30,000 Capital gains tax savings

12,000 Endow Iowa Tax Credit 25,000 Total tax savings 67,000 Out-of-pocket cost of gift

33,000

(Note: The state and local tax (SALT) deduction permits taxpayers who itemize when filing federal taxes to deduct certain taxes paid to state and local governments. The SALT deduction is capped at $10,000 per year. The Fort Dodge Community Foundation recommends that all donors consult with their tax advisor for specific tax advice or consultation regarding any contributions.)

Donor advised fund: When donors establish an endowed donor advised fund, they can structure it as a donor-advised fund so they can recommend what donations they wish to make to their favorite charities or charitable causes from their fund on an annual basis.

In the true spirit of giving, a legacy gift is a great way to establish an honorable and meaningful legacy for an individual or family by giving back to their community in an impactful way to help improve lives and enhance the quality of life for future generations.

For more information on how a legacy fund might meet your long-term charitable goals, contact the Fort Dodge Community Foundation at 515-573-3171, or visit our web site at: www. fd-foundation.org.

College Connect

Triton Athletes Excel in Multiple Sports and in the Classroom

Student athletes wanting to continue their athletic participation beyond high school don’t have to look far to find top-notch collegiate athletics at Iowa Central.

Iowa Central Community College offers the most intercollegiate sports of any two-year college in the country. Iowa Central offers varsity level competition for athletes in everything from Football to Womens Wrestling to Sports Shooting and Cheerleading.

Triton Nation boasts numerous regional and national championship athletes and teams led by award winning coaches.

In the past year, the Tritons have brought home national team championships in Women’s Bowling Doubles, Women’s Half Marathon, Co-Ed Cheerleading and Men’s Dual Wrestling.

CAC Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field and the 2023 United States Track Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Midwest Women’s Coach of the Year. Iowa Central Events and Jumping Coach Jonathan Alexis was also recognized as USTFCCCA Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year. The Triton Dance Team brought home state titles in Community College Jazz, Community College Pom, and Community College Hip Hop at the 2023 ISTDA State Dance Team Championships for the fourth consecutive year. In December, Triton Football won its 12th consecutive bowl game.

March 1-5, The Triton Indoor Track and Field Teams, Bowling Teams, Wrestling Teams and Swim Teams competed in NJCAA Nationals throughout the country.

The Swim Team Produced National Champions in Zuiko Arita

In Track and Field the Men’s and Women’s teams finished fourth and sixth at Nationals respectively along with one individual champion in the Men’s Heptathlon and two Men’s Track and Field All Americans. The Tritons recorded 19 National Top-10 finishes and had one NJCAA All-Time Top Performer.

The Triton Men’s and Women’s Bowlers finished fourth in team standings at the NJCAA National Championships with second and third place finishers in mens and womens singles.

In Men’s Wrestling the Tritons finished seventh with Matt Sarbo bringing home the 149-pound individual championship. Princess Altsisi finished as a national runner-up at 136 for the women in their inaugural season.

In the 2022-2023 year, the Tritons have produced All-American athletes in Men’s Bowling, Men’s Wrestling, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Indoor Track and Field, Women’s Half-Marathon and Football.

Outside of the field, gym and mat, Triton Athletes also excel in the classroom. For the fall semester, 366 Triton Athletes representing 25 sports were named to Academic All-Region Teams. To receive All-Region honors, an athlete must achieve a grade point average of 3.5-4.0 to be named to First Team or a grade point average of 3.0-3.49 to be named Second Team.

tRIBBON

Congratulations to Remington Leather on your ribbon cutting, celebrating your new business and membership with the Growth Alliance! Remington Leather is a full-service leather shop offering custom work, promotional products, and pre-made goods. Repair services are also available.

Remington Leather is located at 23 S 1st Street in Fort Dodge.

FINANCIAL TIPS FOR BLENDED FAMILIES

Becoming part of a blended family can certainly be rewarding. Of course, as is the case in all families, there will be challenges, one of which is financial. A blended family must deal with some specific financial issues, so it’s a good idea to become familiar with them.

In particular, consider these areas:

Separate or joint accounts? – Should your two family units combine all your finances or maintain separate accounts? There’s no one correct answer for everyone, because this issue has emotional and psychological components to it, as well as financial considerations. But the nature of your new, blended family might guide you to a choice that makes sense for your situation. So, for example, if you are remarrying at a later stage in life, and you and your new spouse have adult children, you might think the best move is to keep separate accounts. But if you are joining households with a spouse or partner with younger children, you may want to merge accounts to pay for household expenses and work toward your new, shared financial objectives. And it doesn’t have to be an “either-or” approach — you might decide to blend some accounts and keep others separate.

Debts and credit ratings – It’s likely that you and your new spouse or partner, and perhaps even some children, will bring debts into your blended family. As these debts can affect your family’s finances in several ways, including your ability to borrow and your credit ratings, you will want to know what everyone owes, and the amount of monthly payments needed to meet these obligations. After that, you may be able to find ways to consolidate debts or find other ways to reduce or eliminate them.

Legal issues – When you establish a blended family, you may want to review, and possibly update, the beneficiary designations on your life insurance policy and retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k). These designations can supersede instructions you may have left in your estate planning documents — including your last will and testament — so it’s important to ensure they reflect your current wishes. And speaking of your estate plans, you may well need to revise them, too, in consultation with your attorney.

Attitudes toward money – Attitudes toward money — yours and those of your new spouse or partner — should be addressed when starting a blended family. Is one of you more of a saver while the other spends more freely? As investors, does one of you favor taking more risk while the other is more conservative? It’s important to reconcile these differences as best you can, especially if you plan on merging your finances. This means that you both may need to compromise somewhat, but you should strive to avoid having either of you feeling uncomfortable in your choices. In any case, open and honest communication is the first step in achieving a harmonious financial strategy. These aren’t the only financial considerations involved with blended families, but they should give you some things to think about — and the earlier you start thinking about them, the better.

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