Board Member Spotlight: Beisser Lumber

City Connect FORT DODGE

2022 - YEAR IN REVIEW

FORT DODGE PUBLIC LIBRARY

To the 54,323 individuals who passed through the main doors of the Fort Dodge Library and subsequently checked out 74,383 items or used one of the many public resources offered, thank you for making 2022 a great year! Our public computers logged 204 days, 2 hours and 36 minutes of usage. 169 total adult, teen and children library programs served 15,776 individuals. Children added 17,400 LEGOS to the cooperative building table during Summer reading. We could go on and on with stats, but the numbers all point to one thing, our library provides a welcoming space to get connected, satisfy your curiosity and learn more about your place within the global community. Oh, and in case you were wondering – the fiction book checked out the most in 2022? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

BLANDEN MEMORIAL ART MUSEUM

The Blanden Memorial Art Museum staff would like to say thank you to the 2,115 walk-in visitors; 325 kid class attendees; 95 adult class attendees; 1,648 special event attendees; 87 community focused outreach attendees; 4,739 other community outreach event attendees; 753 tour groups, both large and small; students engaged in the 2 Arts in the School outreach; 17 docents; and 80 volunteers. Without your support and engagement, we wouldn’t be the region’s recognized art leader providing quality exhibits, education, resources, creative community outreach and integrated art experiences. We look forward to 2023 and the expansion of the art education program into the newly purchased space in the 200 block of S 8th St.

PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY

The department has welcomed many visitors to our community through the year. We are thankful for our agency and business partners throughout the state that entrust us and our community to host their events. Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union – Girls State Softball Championships, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association – Boys and Girls State Cross Country Championships, Iowa Central Community College – Regional Cross Country Championships and many softball, baseball and soccer competitions Fort Dodge Senior High School – softball tournaments and home competitions. St Edmond High School – softball, baseball and golf tournaments and home competitions. Fort Dodge Baseball Association – baseball tournaments. Fort Dodge Freedom Softball – softball tournament. Fort Dodge Men’s Softball – leagues. Lakeside Golf Course – tournaments and outings We are also grateful for our community members for financially supporting projects and initiatives, participating and volunteering in our many activities and events throughout the city. These business and individuals are the heartbeat of our community. We sincerely thank them and what they provide to our quality of life.Program Sponsors and Donors. Volunteer coaches and instructors. PICA. Visit Fort Dodge (Convention and Tourism. Harlan Rogers Development Group. Private donors to projects and plans throughout the city. Special Event Organizers And a special shoutout to our staff both full time and seasonal who embrace their work to serve – thank you for what you do!!

FORT DODGE REGIONAL AIRPORT

The airport is grateful and honored to be a major part of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flights. There have been 22 flights from the Fort Dodge Regional Airport since the first flight took off in 2010. These fights have allowed over 3,000 Veterans from WWII, Korean War, Vietnam, and even some peacetime veterans to visit their memorials in Washington DC. The 23rd flight is schedule for May 10, 2023. The airport is also grateful for our air service with United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines. This air service provides our region with access to the United Airlines’ global network and seamless connections through Chicago O’Hare.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES & ENGINEERING

This year and every year, we’re thankful for the organizations and individuals that commit to investing in Fort Dodge for its residents and visitors. Notable past and upcoming projects include but are not limited to the ongoing redevelopment of the former Crossroads Mall, the Spring 2023 opening of Tidal Wave & Starbucks, the start of river enhancements at the site of the former Little Dam, the start of Webster County Conservation’s Discovery Nature Center at the Central River District, an additional 119 housing units at District 29, the AML Riverside commitment to an $11 million investment and the addition of 16 new full-time positions, and the Northern Lights expansion project with its commitment of an investment of $3.3 million.

PUBLIC WORKS

It’s been a seemingly non-stop year of projects at Public Works. We’re grateful to everyone in the community for their patience and understanding during snow events, expected (and unexpected) road closures, and all the other things that “fill” our days. To our internal and external partners who make it possible to serve the residents of Fort Dodge, thank you. To our staff who drop everything at the drop of a hat to come back in and your families, there are not enough words to convey our gratitude – please know how appreciated you are.

FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

To the people, organizations & businesses who support the Fort Dodge Police Department and our mission, thank you. Our community partnerships with CJ Bio, Nestle Purina, Kwik Star, AFES and other organizations afford us the opportunity do more and reach more of Fort Dodge’s residents. To the businesses and individuals who have provided food to officers when working difficult, high-profile cases and to other law enforcement agencies and City departments who have provided resources when needed, we can’t say enough how much we appreciate your support. It’s not possible to list every person, organization or business, so even if you’re not specifically mentioned here, please know we couldn’t do what we do with you. Thank you.

FORT DODGE FIBER

The holidays are a season of reflection and of giving thanks. At Fort Dodge Fiber, we are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of community support that has been shown while we construct Fort Dodge’s community-owned fiber internet and telephone network. As of December 8th, over 3,750 properties have been registered for a free, no-obligation, fiber drop. We are also grateful for the financial support of Bank Iowa, United Bank of Iowa, Green State Credit Union, First Interstate Bank, Security Savings Bank, People’s Credit Union, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Here is to the incredible opportunity that began with a “YES” from the citizens of Fort Dodge in 2019, a promising start in 2022, and something epic in 2023. From all of us at Fort Dodge Fiber, thank you!

FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE

Thank you, Fort Dodge and surrounding communities! Words cannot express our gratitude for the continued support and kindness shown to our dedicated men and women on a daily basis.

CITY OF FORT DODGE STAFF

Finally, to the 200 full-time employees and 200 plus seasonal employees, thank you for everything you do on a daily basis to serve the almost 25,000 residents of our community. Your commitment to providing high quality, cost-effective services to pleasantly surprised citizens is commended. As we look ahead to 2023, we’re excited for what’s to come as we continue to grow, evolve and make this community one everyone is proud to call home.