Danielle Michalski, CLTP General Manager Abby Dorsey, CLTP Assistant Manager
Jennifer Brown, CLTP Abstractor
Hannah Campbell, CLTP Abstractor
Pam Haack, CLTP Abstractor
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
Jessica Nemechek SALES CONSULTANT jnemechek@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 2024. 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.
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance News
THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE
Your Membership is an investment in the community!
Joining the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance offers numerous benefits for organizations and businesses looking to grow and thrive in the Fort Dodge area. Here are some key reasons why membership can be advantageous:
1. Networking Opportunities: Members have access to a wide range of networking events, such as our quarterly Member Meet & Eat luncheons, and quarterly Leading Ladies of Fort Dodge programs, and ribbon-cutting, which provide opportunities to connect with other local business leaders and potential clients.
2. Advocacy and Representation: The Growth Alliance serves as a voice for local businesses and organizations, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic growth and a favorable business environment in Fort Dodge and Webster County.
3. Marketing and Visibility: Membership includes various promotional opportunities, such as having your event featured in our weekly enewsletter, your content shared on social media, and inclusion in other publications. This increases visibility and can help attract new customers.
4. Leadership Fort Dodge: The Growth Alliance’s Leadership Fort Dodge program is designed to develop and enhance the leadership skills of individuals in the Fort Dodge area through a series of educational sessions, community projects, and networking opportunities. This program aims to prepare participants to take on significant roles in their organizations and the broader community, fostering a strong foundation of local leaders.
5. Economic Development Support:
Members benefit from initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses, expanding existing ones, and fostering a supportive environment for startups. The Alliance provides resources and expertise to help businesses navigate these processes.
6. Community Involvement: Being part of the Growth Alliance allows businesses to contribute to the community’s development and improvement, enhancing their corporate social responsibility profile.
7. Collaborative Projects: The Alliance facilitates partnerships between businesses, government agencies, and community organizations, leading to collaborative projects that can have a significant positive impact on the local economy and quality of life.
By joining the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, organizations and businesses can leverage these benefits to enhance their growth, strengthen their community ties, and contribute to the overall economic prosperity of the region.
You can view our current membership here: https:// business.greaterfortdodge.com/member-list/
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS INCLUDES VARIOUS BUSINESSES
LOCATED
THROUGHOUT
THE AREA:
Availa Bank
Baker Group
Beisser Lumber
Bemrich Electric and Telephone
Blue Ribbon Pelham Waters
C&S Products
Cargill
Citizens Community Credit Union
City of Fort Dodge
CJ Bio America
Decker Truck Line
Elanco
Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way
First Interstate Bank
First State Bank
Fort Dodge Fiber
Fort Dodge Ford Toyota
Friendship Haven
Gowrie Development Commission
GreenState Credit Union
Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Humes Distributing
Iowa Central Community College
Koch Fertilizer
McClure Engineering
Mid-Country Machinery
MidAmerican Energy
Midwest Fence & Gate Company
Mineral City Mill and Grill/Olde Boston’s
Restaurant and Pub/Sports Page Bar
and Grill - Restaurant Group
Nestle Purina PetCare
NEW Cooperative
Northwest Bank
One Vision
Rasch Construction
RoJohn Home Improvement
Shimkat Motor Company
Spin Markket + Digital/O’Hern Trucking
The Messenger
TKG Holdings
United Bank of Iowa
UnityPoint Health
Visit Fort Dodge
Webster County
White Transfer & Storage
Woodruff Construction
Q&A
WITH
SHELLABRATION, JIM REED
Date of Event: Friday, July 26, 2024
Time of Event:
5:00PM- Gates open
6:00-7:00PM- Tank Anthony Band
7:30-8:45PM- The Babys
9:30PM- Rick Springfield
LOCATION OF EVENT:
Central Plaza, Historic Downtown Fort Dodge (901 Central Avenue)
How would you describe Shellabration to someone who has just moved to the community and is unfamiliar with local events and traditions?
Shellabration is annual concert event featuring national classic rock headliners along with local and regional support acts. The event draws an average attendance approaching 6,000 annually (with a record high of 8,100 for Boston in 2015). The mission of Shellabration Inc. is to serve the greater Fort Dodge region through the delivery of exciting, high profile, family friendly entertainment and performing arts options. The ultimate goals are to bring Journey to Fort Dodge and, perhaps (if the star align) to stage a “pinnacle concert event” at Dodger Stadium similar to the recently staged George Strait concert held at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames back on Memorial Day Weekend. You can’t do it if you can’t dream it!
WITH SHELLABRATION, JIM REED Q&A
Shellabration Artist History
2002- The Fab Four
2003- Three Dog Night/Head East
2004- Little River Band/The Grass Roots
2005- Beach Boys
2006- Doobie Brothers
2007- The Guess Who
2008- Chicago
2009- Creedence Clearwater Revisited
2010- Grand Funk Railroad/Night Ranger
2011- REO Speedwagon
2012- Foreigner
2013- Styx
2014- Lynyrd Skynyrd
2015- Boston
2016- Steve Miller Band
2017- Huey Lewis & The News
2018- ZZ TOP
2019- Sammy Hagar & the Circle/Vince Neil
2020- COVID-19
2021- Cheap Trick/38 Special
2022- Bret Michaels/Molly Hatchet
2023- Collective Soul/Pablo Cruise
2024- Rick Springfield/The Babys
How do you select the artists and performers for Shellabration?
Based on 22 years of experience, the Shellabration Inc. Board of Directors has developed a hierarchy of artists to make offers to each year based on local survey data, survey data harvested from online ticket buyers (via Ticketweb), nationwide ticket sales data (via Pollstar) and insight gleaned from fellow promoter partners with which we routinely share information.
How has Shellabration impacted the local community and economy of Fort Dodge?
In some small way, we’d like to think we’ve help foster a more positive community image, both internally among the residents of Fort Dodge as well as among people around the region, across the State of Iowa and among out-of-state ticket buyers that have attended our shows. Shellabration serves as a significant tourism and destination travel draw filling a high percentage of hotel rooms night-of-show over the years.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes story from one of the Shellabration events?
We could write a book about things that happen behind the scenes. Sammy Hagar flew into Fort Dodge Regional Airport on his private jet in 2019. After the show, around 11PM, one of
the Shellabration volunteer team members was driving Sammy and his wife from the Fort Dodge Soccer Association Fields to a back entrance into the airport just to the west on the Community Orchard side. Airport Director, Rhonda Chambers, met them, opened a gate, and led the van transporting Sammy into airfield. While quietly driving in the dark (according to the driver), Sammy says something to the effect of, “Only in a market of this size can you drive down a runway in the middle of the night”. His plane then banked over the venue upon taking off to return home. It was the perfect end and reward to a perfect night as our team began the process of tearing everything down and loading-out post show.
The Downtown Country Jam is another big event under the Shellabration Inc. umbrella. How did that get started? Do you have an artist lined up?
Knowing that we wanted to spawn additional events using the model and financial war chest we’d developed via Shellabration, we started staging an Oktoberfest event at the Oleson Park Bandshell in 2008. That event featured polka bands, a wooden dance floor and live college football by day and a Bandshell stage headliner at night. That event drew crowds of between 1,2002,600 during its run and continued until 2016 when we had Sawyer Brown as headliner. That was out first foray into country music. The following year, Oleson Park would undergo a significant renovation that made the Bandshell space unavailable. Having had a vision for using the corner of Central Avenue and 9th Street in downtown Fort Dodge as a venue, it presented an opportunity to do something different in 2017 while building on the country music theme we had experimented with in 2016. In our first show downtown, we drew a crowd of 3,410 for LOCASH. Given the increase in attendance, compared to the crowds
we’d been drawing for Oktoberfest, we decided to move on from Oktoberfest and build on that success. We began working to grow Downtown Country Jam. Last year’s Josh Turner event drew a DCJ record of 4,553 in attendance. We’re hoping this year’s joe Nichols show with special guest Morgan Myles incrementally builds on that record coming up on Saturday, September 28th.
Downtown
Country
Jam Artist History:
2017- LOCASH
2018- Granger Smith
2019- Chris Janson
2020- COVID-19
2021- Randy Houser
2022- Big & Rich
2023- Josh Turner
2024- Joe Nichols/Morgan Myles
GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
For nearly 75 years, Friendship Haven has provided community and care to older adults through home options offering maintenance-free living, comfort, and security. Residents thrive in an active, supportive environment promoting overall well-being. Their 60-acre campus features beautiful scenery, walking paths, a pool, an exercise room, excellent dining, a wide variety of daily activities, and comprehensive health care.
In the early 1920s, efforts to create a “senior home” in Fort Dodge drew local support but lacked funding. In 1946, incentives of twenty-five acres and $75,000 sparked grassroots fundraising, construction, and the opening of what would ultimately become Friendship Haven.
Rev. Dr. Clarence Wesley Tompkins, a motivational and dynamic leader, served as Friendship Haven’s executive director for 25 years. “Dream No Little Dreams” has been a guiding vision of Friendship Haven since its humble beginnings in a cow pasture nearly 75 years ago. Land from the Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation, a lead gift
Jen Lane Friendship Haven’s Director of Engagement
from Mrs. O.M. Oleson, and tremendous community support made the dream of a senior home in Northwest Iowa a reality.
With their vision of “people living full lives with faith, passion, and purpose,” Friendship Haven strives to this goal daily, offering innovative and responsive service for aging adults.
On Friday, August 9 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friendship Haven hosts their annual fundraising event, Hilltop Fest, on their campus at 420 Kenyon Road. This year, the wildly popular Tank Anthony Band will be headlining with DJ Dean Vinchattle spinning tunes during dinner. The Webster County Pork Producers and Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub will provide food, with a unique specialty drink, wine, and beer as refreshments. There will be a raffle during the event, with prizes including $2,500 in cash, a $2,000 travel certificate, a $500 Hy-Vee shopping spree, and more.
The fundraiser for the retirement community will cap their Spirit Week, full of daily special activities, themed dress-up days, and local food trucks.
Hilltop Fest is more than just a celebration; it also serves to raise funds for the Friendship Haven Good Samaritan Fund. The primary purpose of the Good Samaritan Fund is to provide immediate support and assistance to residents beyond what Medicaid benefits may cover. It also helps provide innovative and responsive services to all residents. An example of this is their Companion Program, where companions offer one-on-one companionship to those who need it most, helping combat isolation and loneliness. In addition, for nearly 75 years, the Good Samaritan and Care Trust Funds have helped Friendship Haven uphold the promise that no resident is ever asked to leave due to financial constraints.
“Our charitable care mission is only possible thanks to the generous support of our Friendship Haven family and community friends,” said Jen Lane, Friendship Haven’s Director of Engagement.
Tickets are $20.
For more information about Hilltop Fest, contact Lane at (515) 573-6005 or jen.lane@friendshiphaven.org.
City Connect FORT DODGE
September 10, 2024, Special Election
Backing the Blue through the Case for 8
On September 10, 2024, residents of Fort Dodge will have a crucial decision to make that will significantly impact our community’s safety and future. At the heart of this decision are proposed 5% electric and natural gas franchise fees levied on MidAmerican Energy customers residing within city limits. 100% of the received revenue, when approved, will go to the Fort Dodge Police Department, with the intention of boosting public safety and supporting the department’s “Case for 8” initiative.
Earlier this year, the proposed franchise fees passed through two readings of the City Council. However, a petition filed just before the deadline triggered a special election, allowing Fort Dodge residents to vote on the issue. During this time, City leaders learned two things. The first was that residents felt strongly they wanted to vote on the issue and the second was that, overall, they supported the franchise fees provided 100% of the revenue was directed
to the Fort Dodge Police Department. At the July 8, 2024, City Council meeting, a resolution was passed, formally sending the referendum to residents for their decision.
Why This Matters
Mayor Matt Bemrich underscores the significance of this referendum, stating, “This franchise fee would allow our community to move from a budget allocation of 40 sworn officers to 48, which is where the ‘Case for 8’ initiative comes from.” The initiative is named for its goal of increasing the police force to eight additional officers, a move designed to provide greater flexibility, enhanced coverage, and proactive policing across Fort Dodge.
Police Chief Dennis Quinn emphasizes the urgent need for this expansion, noting, “As our community continues to grow, our police department needs to grow along with it.” Currently, Fort Dodge officers respond to nearly 31,000 calls for service annually, a workload that strains their capacity despite their dedication. Put into perspective, compared to similarly sized communities, Fort Dodge has fewer police officers but more calls for service and crime. This high workload overwhelms officers, and additional staff is needed to continue improving public safety and ensure the safety of our entire community.
The Case for 8:
Strengthening Community Safety
The proposed shift from 40 to 48 would strengthen the Fort Dodge Police Department by increasing each of the four patrol shifts by one officer, forming a three-person CAT (Community Action Team) and adding an additional member to the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
• CAT will focus on the root criminal activity that challenges the Fort Dodge community. This team, comprised of veteran officers, will build positive community relationships while striving to eliminate criminal behavior. CAT will also allow patrol officers to dedicate more time to responding to calls in addition to their normal patrol activities by taking on some of the case follow-up responsibilities that Patrol currently has to balance between their normal day-to-day calls for service.
• Adding one more detective to CID will enhance crime-solving efforts and reduce the need to pull from other divisions, weakening them once significant crime happens.
• Four additional patrol officers will help apply pressure on criminals, allow for time to help troubled residents and create opportunities for police to interact positively with the public.
Adding the eight additional officers creates opportunities for stopping crime before it happens. Further, officers are more than just cops; they are individuals with lives outside of work. They are spouses, parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, caregivers, volunteers, and members of this community. In the past year and a half, achieving a work-life balance has been challenging. They support Fort Dodge 24/7, and it’s
By the Numbers: Impact on Fort Dodge
The franchise fees, with a revised estimate of $1.8 million annually, are projected to cover the salaries of eight additional officers, along with supporting training and equipment and community engagement efforts aimed at fostering stronger police-community relationships.
Community Benefits Beyond Safety
Beyond the immediate impact of adding additional officers, approving the franchise fees will have broader economic and social benefits for Fort Dodge. A safer community attracts businesses, encourages economic growth, and boosts property values. Additionally, when a city is well-policed, it boosts pride and involvement among residents, making the community stronger and better prepared for whatever comes next.
Next Steps
As the special election approaches, residents are encouraged to stay informed through channels like the City’s Facebook page (@fortdodgeiowa) and attend upcoming information meetings. A town hall meeting is planned for September 3, 2024, at 6:30 pm in City Council Chambers.
Even if you don’t feel the immediate impact of these police additions, they play a crucial role in shaping the overall
shiningstar Darylinn Cook
Where do you go to school and what grade are you in?
I am starting as a freshman at Iowa Central Community College this coming fall. I just graduated as a senior from Fort Dodge Senior High.
What instruments do you play?
I play double bass and bass guitar. I also dable in acoustic guitar.
How often do you practice?
Probably 3-4 times per week, although I’m worse in the summer haha.
What do you enjoy about performing?
I like showcasing something that I have learned. I also think that there is a special emotional connection you can achieve when you perform a piece you care about.
What is the hardest part about playing an instrument?
For double bass accurate shifting and checking intonation, but hauling them around isn’t easy either. I remember a few times in Jazz Band where I had my bass guitar strapped to my back and I was carrying my double bass. Doorways were not my friend.
What kind of music do you listen to for fun?
I listen to a pretty wide range of music, but I love older rock and pop. Rock ballads are some of my favorites.
What is your proudest accomplishment & why?
My proudest moment is probably my sophomore year in Jazz Band. We played difficult music, and our ballad for that year was Come Rain Or Come Shine. It was a beautiful slow song that switched between triple and duple feel constantly; I knew that song inside and out. I listened to it hundreds of times and practiced it constantly, then we performed and I could relax and truly enjoy making music with everyone.
Who do you look up to & why?
Mr. Robison the FDSH Orchestra Director and my bass professor. He is an awesome guy who makes playing strings look easy (it is not).
How do you see music in your life in 25 years?
Jeez, I don’t even know what my life looks like in 25 years, but I hope music will still be a part of it. Music has been important throughout my childhood, yet I am at a new stage of my life where I get to choose music for myself. While I don’t have the structure or as much time for music, I am discovering a different kind of passion that I hope will last for the rest of my life.
If you could take a trip anywhere in the world, where would you pick & why?
Australia, because they have so many dangerous animals. It sounds like a blast!
What are your plans for this fall?
I’m going to Iowa Central to be in the nursing program, and I am going to continue vocal music. I haven’t decided what I am going to do with instrumental music yet, but I would love to be in a jazz group or musical pit.
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
JULY 2024
24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Phone 515-955-5500 Fax 515-955-3245 www.greaterfortdodge.com
STAFF
Astra Ferris CEO astra@greaterfortdodge.com
Jill Nelson
Community Development Director jill@greaterfortdodge.com
Skyla Porter
Marketing Specialist skyla@greaterfortdodge.com
Emily Ayres Operations Coordinator emily@greaterfortdodge.com
Jefferson Fosbender Economic Development Director jefferson@greaterfortdodge.com
Kamisha Mosley
Administrative Assistant kamisha@greaterfortdodge.com
MISSION
Kamisha
Mosley Administrative Assistan
Emily Ayres Operations Coordinator
NEWMembers & SALT Center
First Baptist Church is an American Baptist congregation. We emphasize God’s grace, mercy, love and forgiveness. The SALT Center is located inside First Baptist Church, a heating and cooling center for people in need. Located at 28 North 10th Street in Fort Dodge.
T-Mobile US, Inc. (T-Mobile) is a telecommunications company that provides wireless services in the United States, including voice, text, video, and data. T-Mobile is the second-largest carrier in the US and has a 5G coverage area that's larger than AT&T and Verizon combined. Located at 2807 3rd Ave South in Fort Dodge.
Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to EV Smart of Fort Dodge on your ribbon cutting. EV Smart of Fort Dodge specializes in UTVs and E-Bikes, offering sales and service for all the brands they carry.
Congratulations to the Fort Dodge Farmers Market on your ribbon cutting. You can check out their markets on Wednesdays from 2:006:30 PM or on Saturdays from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM east of Kemna.
We celebrated the grand opening of the new Bark Park in downtown Fort Dodge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This vibrant green space was made possible through a partnership with Nestle Purina PetCare, the City of Fort Dodge, Main Street Fort Dodge, and the Industrial Technology Program at Fort Dodge Senior High.
Congratulations to Spin Markket + Digital on your ribbon cutting celebrating your reband and membership with the Growth Alliance. They create customized marketing plans, develop web and social media strategies, and offer services like SEO, digital advertising, and real-time dashboards for tracking ROI. They also provide training for marketing teams to design, implement, and evaluate their strategies, ensuring a tailored approach that fits each client's unique needs.
Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS IN BUILDING VIBRANT AND THRIVING COMMUNITIES
To build vibrant and thriving communities, community foundations often play important leadership roles. The actions of community foundations must include informing the engagement of the people they serve. By involving community members in designing solutions that address their specific needs, community foundations can better understand what works and doesn’t work within different contexts. This inclusive approach fosters a more profound connection between the foundation and the community it serves.
Community-led solutions have proven more relevant, responsive, and sustainable than those imposed by external entities or authorities. When heightened levels of ownership are coupled with an intimate knowledge of local dynamics, there is an increased likelihood that initiatives will take root, adapt effectively to new circumstances, and ultimately deliver meaningful outcomes to communities over time.
One example of a community foundation-driven process is the Fort Dodge – Webster County Safe Communities Coalition. In the summer of 2022, the board of directors of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation discussed the issue of community safety in response to an inordinate number of
murders and shootings that were happening in Fort Dodge. Violent crime in our community was top-of-mind with many concerned citizens. Having a safe community is a critical part of enjoying a high quality of life for all communities. Crime affects not only the emotional, physical, financial, and psychological status of people, but it also impacts our businesses, our economic stability and the growth of the community.
With the consensus of the board to develop a plan to help our community become a safer place to live, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation began implementing a process to establish a safe communities coalition. This coalition is focused on supporting local law enforcement agencies and advancing prevention and safety initiatives that include collaborative strategies and proactive approaches to prevent crime and violence and reduce the use and sale of illegal drugs.
RANDY KUHLMAN
C.E.O FORT DODGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY
This initiative is just one example of many that the Fort Dodge Community Foundation has actively engaged community members in crafting solutions. By emphasizing the power of local assets and resources, community foundations can catalyze capacity-building efforts that empower individuals, organizations and businesses to work together to advance community projects and programs that improve communities as well as tackle important issues.
Collaboration among stakeholders is critical in inducing systemic change. Community foundations often serve as conveners and facilitators, engaging government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions, businesses, and residents and fostering relationships characterized by shared dialogue and trust. In doing so, these entities can effectively tackle the root causes underlying community issues rather than just treating their symptoms.
Community foundations are important for building more vital communities through grantmaking and leadership activities. By prioritizing solutions with community members, engaging all the stakeholders in collaborative efforts, and leveraging local assets, community foundations contribute significantly to driving positive change and brighter futures for their communities.
Community foundations also enable people with philanthropic interests to develop lasting legacies through charitable funds that support causes, programs and organizations in their community that they care about, easily and effectively. Serving Fort Dodge and Webster County, the Fort Dodge Community Foundation makes grants from a variety of funds to a wide range of charitable causes and non-profit organizations to help make our community an even better place to live, work, play and raise our families.
To learn more about the Fort Dodge Community Foundation and the numerous projects we are engaged in, please contact our office (515573-3171) or stop in and visit with us. Our office is located in the Growth Alliance Building (24 North 9th Street).
County Connect Webster
Explore the Best of Webster County’s Outdoor Activities
Webster County, Iowa, is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, offering a diverse range of experiences for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and families alike. Managed by the Webster County Conservation Board, the county’s parks and recreational areas provide ample opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy thrilling adventures, and engage in educational programs. Here’s a detailed look at some of the standout attractions and activities available in Webster County.
Kennedy Memorial Park
Location: 1415 Nelson Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA
Kennedy Memorial Park is the crown jewel of Webster County’s parks, spanning over 400 acres. The park is centered around the picturesque 53-acre Badger Lake, making it a hub for various water-based activities.
• Boating and Fishing: Badger Lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish, including bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass.
• Camping: The park offers modern camping facilities with over 100 sites, including both electric and non-electric options. Campers can enjoy amenities such as shower houses, picnic shelters, and playgrounds.
• Picnicking: Numerous picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, providing perfect spots for family gatherings and relaxation.
• Nature Programs: The park hosts educational nature programs that are great for kids and adults alike, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.
Gypsum City OHV Park
Location: 2390 Mill Road, Fort Dodge, IA
For those who love off-road adventures, Gypsum City OHV Park is a must-visit destination. It is one of the largest off-highway vehicle parks in Iowa.
• Trail Riding: The park boasts an extensive trail system, suitable for ATVs, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides. The trails vary in difficulty, catering to both novice and experienced riders.
• Facilities: The park includes amenities such as restrooms, camping areas, and a beginner riding area for kids.
Becker Wildlife Area
Location: 2295 Racine Avenue, Otho, IA
Becker Wildlife Area offers a tranquil setting for various outdoor activities, especially water-based ones.
• Canoeing and Kayaking: The area is ideal for paddling enthusiasts, providing serene waters and scenic views.
• Wildlife Viewing: Nature lovers can enjoy birding and wildlife observation, with diverse species inhabiting the area.
• Hiking: Several trails wind through the wildlife area, offering peaceful hikes amidst natural beauty.
Additional Activities Across Webster County
Apart from the highlights, Webster County features a variety of other recreational activities spread across different parks and natural areas.
• Birding: With its diverse habitats, the county is a haven for bird watchers. Various parks and wildlife areas offer excellent birding opportunities throughout the year.
• Hiking: Numerous trails are available for hiking enthusiasts, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks.
• Winter Sports: In the colder months, certain parks provide facilities for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Educational and Community Programs
Webster County Conservation Board is dedicated to fostering environmental education and community engagement. They organize various programs and events aimed at educating the public about conservation and nature appreciation.
• Nature Camps: Seasonal nature camps for children en courage outdoor learning and adventure.
• Workshops and Classes: Workshops and educational classes cover topics like wildlife conservation, sustainable practices, and outdoor skills.
Plan Your Visit
Webster County’s parks and recreational areas are open yearround, offering seasonal activities that cater to all interests. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip, a day of off-road adventure, or a serene paddle on the lake, Webster County has something for everyone.
For more information on specific activities, park locations, and upcoming events, visit the Webster County Parks and Recreation page.
Explore the natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities of Webster County – your next adventure awaits!
Iowa Central Community College
College Connect
Register Now for Fall Classes at Iowa Central Community College
While the warmth of the summer is in full swing it is a great time to turn up the heat on your future by furthering your education. Iowa Central Community College offers a wide variety of programs and will begin classes on August 26th. Registration for classes is open and you can start the process of attending Iowa Central with one of the many college admissions representatives. “Our team is here each weekday and ready to help prospective students enroll in classes that will put them on a path to success,” shares Tom Beneke, Vice President of Student Services. Iowa Central offers classes in-person and on-line. “While many students thrive in our face-to-face classes, we do offer many on-line options. Our flexible learning options gives every student a path to earning their degree or certificate,” notes Beneke.
This fall, Iowa Central is offering several new programs. They include Computer Networking Technology, Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound), Information and Cyber Security, Plumbing Technology, Veterinary Assistance and Veterinary Technician. “Iowa Central takes great pride in serving our
nine-county region and assisting in meeting their workforce needs,” says Iowa Central President Dr. Jesse Ulrich. “All of these programs are high-need and in-demand jobs for our region. This will allow Iowa Central to offer more programs of interest for our students as well as meeting the needs of our workforce.”
The process to start enrollment in a class at Iowa Central can begin with just a few clicks or a one-on-one visit at one of the college’s campuses in Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, or Webster City. “As a leading community college, we understand the importance of making the first steps as smooth as possible for students and their family,” says Beneke. “Our application is free, and simple to use. You can even apply from your phone,” adds Beneke. Students can also go to one of the college campuses during the week and start the enrollment process by visiting with an admissions representative.
Iowa Central offers more than sixty-five different career option programs ranging from hands-on programs like automotive and agriculture, to technical careers in cyber security and computer repair. Iowa Central also offers a wide variety of health care careers where students can test their new knowledge in state-of-the-art learning environments. “Our simulation lab features the latest technology with mannequins equipped with artificial intelligence,” says Dr. Stacy Mentzer, Vice President of Instruction. Dr. Mentzer adds “Iowa Central truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking to change careers, advance your skills, or recently graduated high school, Iowa Central is a wonderful place to start.” To view the full list of career options, go to https://www.iowacentral.edu/programs.asp.
With classes starting August 26th, people are encouraged to start the enrollment process. More information can be found at https://www.iowacentral.edu/apply_now/ or call 1-800-362-2793.
UPCOMINGEVENTS
JULY 27
Fort Dodge Comic & Toy Show - Fort Frenzy • 10 a.m.
AUGUST 2
Ja-Mar Cruise Night - Fort Dodge Ford Toyota • 5 to 8 p.m.
AUGUST 3
Cardboard Boat Races- Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center • 6 to 8 p.m.
AUGUST 3
Kids’ Night- Sports Park Raceway • 7 p.m.
5 Course Meal Served Wednesday through Friday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. $30 Reservations are not required, but always appreciated Go
AUGUST 6
Back-to-School Block Party- Community Health Center • 5 to 8 p.m.
AUGUST 9
Hilltop Fest- Friendship Haven • 5:30 to 10 p.m.
AUGUST 9-10
Badger Lake Dragon Boat Bash- Kennedy Memorial Park
AUGUST 9-11
Iowa Hickory Classic - Fort Dodge Country Club
AUGUST 10
Prairie Rivers Trail Ride - River Hops Brewing • 10 a.m.
AUGUST 10
Hobby Stock Special - Sports Park Raceway • 7 p.m.
AUGUST 14
Flea Market/Hillbilly Sale
Webster County Fairgrounds- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
AUGUST 14 - 17
Cahoots - Hawkeye Community Theatre
AUGUST 15 - 17
Summer Menu Weds, Thurs, Fri Nights
Iowa Moto Series Round 4- Sports Park Raceway • 5 p.m.
Willow Ridge Golf Course and Restaurant 1788 Madison Ave. • Ford Dodge, IA • 515-576-5711
AUGUST 16
Movies Under the Moon, “Super Mario Bros. Movie” • 8:30 p.m.
Get flexible plans that fit you and your employees’ needs.
artistspot
Jason Swedlund
Age: 47 • Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa
Instrument: Organ, Piano, Trombone, Voice
How did you first become interested in making music?
sitting under a pew in Church listening to the Choir and my grandmother player the Organ.
How long have you been working in the church music realm & how did you get started?
I am now in my 26th year of holding the position of Director of Sacred Music for Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. That first began with Sacred Heart, then Sacred Heart and Corpus Christi and then the full parish as Churches were closed and the new Church edifice consecrated in September of 2020. I also hold the Position of Organist and Sanctuary Choir Director for St. Olaf Lutheran Church. A position I have held since 2007. Before that during my High School years you could find be floating amongst
many different denominations. The need for pianists and Organists is great and growing with each passing year.
Tell us about a couple of your most memorable piano playing experiences. This could be playing for a service, ceremony….anything.
I can say that I have been blest. In my High School and college years I had more time to branch out into different musical genres. I was able to participate in four years of musicals at St. Edmond, two years of musicals at ICCC, a wonderful production of Pirates of Penance that the late Bruce Perry directed. I was honored to have been a member of the Luther College Nordic Choir. In the work I do for the Church it’s a very different kind of memorable experiences. Church work is not a performance. It’s an enhancement of worship to the Glorification of God and the refreshment of souls. In twenty-six years there are many things that stand out. I’ve been there to assist families at the worse times of loss with family members funerals. I’ve been there at happier times when families gather for weddings. Amongst it all it will surprise no one that knows me that Christmas time is my favorite time. Christmas along with the musical expressions during Holy Week are the BIG times. But in my local parish work it has been very sad times with the final closing masses of individual Church’s culminating with the dedication of New Church Edifice. One very memorable experience came just two years ago. I was on a pilgrimage with several colleagues to the Holy Land. To make music in the Church of the Nativity, the Church of the Transfiguration, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Those are movements to never be forgotten.
Who has the greatest influence on you musically?
My parents, my grandparents, my great grandparents certainly. But the influence and dedication of many, patient, music instructors. To them I owe a great debt of gratitude and thanks. Thelma Culver, Kathleen Schrier, Dan Cassady, Jim Wright, Larry Mitchel, William Kuhlman, Dr. Gregory Peterson, Jonathon Struve, Dr. Allen Hightower, Weston Noble and the late Fred Nyline.
To become a member or let us know about an event contact:
If you had a chance to meet any performer/musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose & why?
There are two. One living, one dead. The great film composer and former Director of the Boston Pops John Williams. I have met him briefly but would love a chance to just sit and watch his brilliance in composition at work. The deceased is JS Bach. As an organist it can be a bit cliché to love Bach’s works. But the man was brilliant. Often times improvising those great works that enter one’s mind, then, going back and writing them out. He wrote music that transcends our comprehension.
What are some of your musical accomplishments?
I would hope that when given the distance of time my musical legacy might be one of “seed planting.” One should never underestimate the power of music and its influence. I hope the work I have been privileged to do may have planted or encouraged others to consider the same work or something within the musical realm. Time will be the judge to my musical accomplishments and failures. Never forget the failures. They can be the best learning situations.
Tell us about your educational background with music. I began my musical studies at the age of five with piano lessons I did not want to take. I always wanted to play the organ from day one. My parents had to deal with a difficult younger person to get me to practice. But once I started Organ then I could not stop practicing. As previously mentioned I had many great musical teachers. A person’s own abilities and those that train them are usually the best educational experience.
What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and performing?
Most people think I am kidding when I state the following. The hardest lesson I have had to learn is to remain calm and focus. I get terrible stage fright. Even to this day I don’t like playing in front of large crowds. But I play in front of over a thousand people every weekend. I credit Dr. Gregory Peterson for calming my inner spirit. All it took was his gentle and persistent instruction to, “Relax and breathe.”
What is the most rewarding part about your musical career?
The other musicians I’ve been privileged to collaborate with. From my own instructors to the singers and instrumentalists I work with day in and day out. They make the challenging days fun.
What would you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/music education?
Listen to your music teachers. The tedious study of music history, music theory, performance methods are tedious, time consuming and difficult. A musician that can master them all can go from Fort Dodge to Carnegie Hall. Take the road less traveled.
SHOULD YOU BE A GLOBAL INVESTOR?
Investment opportunities don’t stop at the U.S. border. But what should you know about investing internationally?
To begin with, what is an international investment? Essentially, it’s an investment in companies based outside the United States. Investors can purchase individual foreign stocks, but many people choose international mutual funds or international exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which can be traded like stocks and track a specific market index. It’s also possible to invest in bonds issued by foreign governments or entities. However, investors should typically focus on diversified funds and ETFs for international exposure in their portfolios.
When you invest internationally, you can receive at least two key benefits. First, international investments can help diversify your portfolio. When you spread your investment dollars among a variety of investments, you can help reduce the impact of market volatility that might affect one type of asset particularly hard. For example, if you only owned stocks and the market went through one of its inevitable downturns, your portfolio would likely take a bigger hit than if you also owned bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit and other investments. And when you invest internationally, you’re adding still another layer of diversification
— because in any given year, U.S. stocks may be down while those from other regions of the world could be up. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help protect you somewhat from market movements, it can’t guarantee profits or prevent all losses.
Another advantage of international investing is that it can give you more opportunities for growth. You can benefit from taking part in emerging markets that may offer significant growth potential, fueled by rising consumer spending and rapid advances in technology. Of course, you can certainly find many growthoriented investments in the U.S., but by broadening your outlook to include the whole world, you also widen the playing field for growth possibilities.
While international investing does offer some clear benefits, it also carries some risks, including the following:
Currency risk – The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies will change constantly. When you invest internationally, this shifting rate can sometimes work in your favor, but it
might also reduce your investment returns. Political risk – Foreign countries may experience political turmoil that could negatively affect their financial markets and the industries and companies in which you’re investing.
Liquidity risk – Some foreign markets have lower trading volumes than U.S. exchanges and may be open fewer hours. This can lead to lower liquidity, possibly making it somewhat more difficult for you to move in and out of international investments.
You’ll want to weigh the benefits and risks of investing internationally before taking action. You’ll also want to think carefully about the percentage of your portfolio that you might want to devote to international investments. There’s no one “rule” regarding an appropriate amount because everyone’s situation is different. And since it’s more challenging to understand the global investment picture, you might want to consult with a financial professional. Still, it’s a big world out there — and as an investor, you may want to explore it.
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.
