Celebrating
10 YEARS of Regional Collaboration THE
essenger 2022 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has played a critical role in rebuilding and revitalizing the north central Iowa region and taken it to a whole new level. Through public-private partnerships, they’ve boosted economic development through affordable housing and job creation. The Alliance has undoubtedly helped make Iowa a destination to live, work and raise a family.’ Gov. Kim Reynolds
Kim Reynolds Governor of Iowa
I think the Growth Alliance has done a great job of evolving as an organization to support what is going on in the community, whether it is a primary sector industrial development or a community development project. Their ability to collaborate and create partnerships, I think, has added value to all of those projects.
Matt Bemrich
I think the Growth Alliance has set the standard for collaboration in the state of Iowa. I think the proof of that is that I’ve been contacted by mayors that wanted to learn about our structure, a structure in which all entities, public and private, play a role in the synergy to drive a community and a region forward. Matt Bemrich Mayor of Fort Dodge
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Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
As an early grassroots committee, we wanted to see what other communities in Iowa and in the Midwest were doing with their chambers of commerce and economic development. We made several trips to visit the Sioux City Initiative, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Ames. It became very clear that there was a lot of duplication between the chamber of commerce and the economic development group. It became very clear that there had to be more communication and collaboration. In the past, these two groups didn’t communicate as much as they should have. Tim O’Tool was probably the most vocal on why this should happen. He had a vision that this should happen. Casey Johnson
As our committee had more meetings, we brought in Dr. David Haggard, who was just finishing as superintendent of the public school system, to facilitate. He was very helpful. And when it came time to pick a leader for the organization, we all pointed toward Dennis Plautz and his knowledge of the city, the county and business. I think it’s been tremendously successful. The Growth Alliance has brought the city, the county and small businesses together as one team. That’s probably the single biggest thing – having these three things pulling together in the same direction. Casey Johnson Co-Owner of Fort Dodge Ford Toyota Member of committee that started Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance The Growth Alliance continues to be the standard for collaboration. The incredible team that has been established has made Webster County an example for teamwork across the State, as other communities have looked to Fort Dodge as a model. It is with a common goal of economic vitality that the staff at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance work to achieve for businesses, residents and visitors. Through their efforts, the Fort Dodge region has experienced noticeable progress over the last ten years. I applaud Dennis and everyone for all their hard work and incredible partnership.
Mark Campbell
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Mark Campbell Webster County Supervisor
3
Celebrating 10 Years
Debi Durham
Congratulations to the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance on 10 exceptional years of creating opportunities for Fort Dodge residents and businesses to thrive. The GFDGA has a steadfast commitment to making Fort Dodge the choice for businesses and families alike which is shown through their long track record of highly successful community investments and advocacy. Thanks in no small part to their work, the region has benefited from additional housing for their workforce, the formation of innovative training programs and strategic partnerships with local and global businesses. The result is a thriving region where jobs are plentiful, homes are being constructed and new talent is welcomed with open arms. The GFDGA has played an invaluable role in supporting Iowa’s talent attraction efforts. Their work has led to a high availability of jobs in highdemand industries and a diverse workforce with excellent retention rates - all of which are indicators of a prospering local economy. Their partnership with the Iowa Economic Development Authority on business attraction and retention efforts has seen tremendous results for Fort Dodge and the State alike. The organization has provided a decade’s worth of results through a recipe of partnerships, ingenuity, tenacity and unwavering pride for their community. Congratulations to the entire Fort Dodge region on these accomplishments and I look forward to seeing what is to come. Debi Durham Director, Iowa Economic Development Authority Iowa Finance Authority
I know they’re working on economic development in our region – not just Fort Dodge, our region – and that brings the prospect of goodpaying jobs. That’s good for our citizens of all ages – young people, middle aged people and retirees. It improves the quality of life. I think the Growth Alliance definitely has helped push the city and county to focus on quality of life - things like walking and biking paths, developing the riverfront. I think a progressive Growth Alliance goes hand-in-hand with a progressive city and county and I think we have that. We all work together. We’re not worrying about who gets the credit. It’s a team effort. Tim Burns
4
Tim Burns Chief Investment Officer, Decker Truck Line Treasurer of the Growth Alliance from 2011 to 2013 Current representative of Decker Truck Line Inc. to the Growth Alliance Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
I was part of the Economic Development Corporation and as the vice chair, one of my duties was to go to Chamber of Commerce board meetings on a regular basis. It was ironic to me that when I went to those I saw a lot of volunteers who were active with the Economic Development Corporation and a lot of other activities around town. I also witnessed the fact that a lot of their projects were projects we were working on also. It was obvious there was a lot of duplication of effort. It became very evident that it needed to be one group working together.
Tim O’Tool
It took a lot of marketing, a lot of getting out and talking to the key people in Fort Dodge. It was about collaborating. It was about bringing everyone together. It has done extremely well. I would say it’s exceeded expectations. It has exceeded my expectations. Tim O’Tool First chairman of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance board
Since moving back to Fort Dodge in 1989 and getting deeply involved with the economic development efforts for our region and state, it is refreshing to see how the Chamber of Commerce and Webster County Development have successfully merged after several years of hard work from a variety of people to become the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. The Growth Alliance, the city, county and college are now shining examples of how cooperation and transparency bring positive development and other communities across Iowa are envious. Jim Kersten Vice President of External Affairs and Government Relations Iowa Central Community College Jim Kersten
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
5
Celebrating 10 Years
OCT 13
JAN
2011
2011
Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce votes to join the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
First meeting of group that would establish the Greater Fort Dodge Alliance is held
JUL
2011
NOV 23
2011
Development Corporation of Fort Dodge and Webster County joins Growth Alliance
Kelly Halsted is named economic development director for the Growth Alliance
AUG 22
2011
Dennis Plautz, director of business affairs and community growth for the city of Fort Dodge, is named acting chief executive officer of the Growth Alliance
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Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
DEC 15
2011
Dennis Plautz is named the first permanent chief executive officer of the Growth Alliance
JAN 1
2012
Amy Bruno, the former executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, becomes the first community development director of the Growth Alliance
JAN 1
2012
Merger of Fort Dodge Area Chamber of Commerce into the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance becomes effective, creating today’s organization
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
JUN 1
FEB
2013
United Way and Community Foundation, and the Fort Dodge Convention and Visitors Bureau begin co-locating in Growth Alliance building
2012
Green cube logo of the Growth Alliance debuts
7
Celebrating 10 Years
APR
2015
2014
Crosstown connector construction gears up
447 acres in the ag industrial park called Iowa’s Crossroads of Global Innovation are certified as ready for development by the Iowa Economic Development Authority
FEB
2013
FEB
2014
Alliance members cite teamwork in FD progress
New web site, www.greaterfortdodge.com debuts
JUL
2014
Jill Nelson is hired as Community Development Director
APR
2014
Certification recognizes ag park’s excellence
Crosstown Connector “I fell in love with this project almost right away,” Mayor Matt Bemrich said. “It just gave me a feeling that we could reinvent downtown.” Dennis Plautz, the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, has described the crosstown connector as “the largest single thing the city could have done to expedite the improvement of downtown Fort Dodge.” 8
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Messenger THE
Celebrating 10 Years
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Friday, April 1, 2011
www.messengernews.net
20 Pages • 2 Sections
Cargill buys corn wet mill
n Tate & Lyle sells closed FD ethanol facility n Plant expected online in 18-24 months By JESSE HELLING Messenger city editor Cargill announced Thursday that it has purchased Tate & Lyle’s corn wet mill ethanol plant in Fort Dodge for $57 million. The announcement breathes new life into a facility that has been officially shuttered for more than two years.
APR
2011
The mill will be operational within 18 to 24 months, said Cargill spokeswoman Nicole Reichert. When functional, the plant will employ at least 100 or more full-time workers. Reichert said wages will “be competitive with similar jobs in the area.” She declined to name specific figures.
Under the Tate & Lyle banner, the plant was expected to produce 100 million gallons of ethanol per year According to Reichert, Cargill expects to product 115 million gallons per year, using 150,000 bushels of corn daily. “We’re going to make some modifications to the facility to increase effi-
ciency,” she said. Reichert said the facility BREAKING will be modeled after Cargill properties in Ed- NEWS dyville and Blair, Neb. This story first appeared “Our vision is to eventuas breaking news on ally produce other bio- www.messengernews.net based products at the facility,” she said. Exactly what may be produced has yet to be de- The impact on the local corn supply. Page 3A See CARGILL, Page 2A
Inside
“My whole family worked at this place.”
Jenny Feaker, ellsworth: “I'm pretty happy, but it's also sad.”
Deb Graves, Fort Bart Greene, Deb Ranhauser, Dodge: “We came Woolstock: “I was Moorland: “A lot to see our old very upset when I of us were going to friends and wish found out that they retire here.” them well.” are moving.”
Mike Turner, Webster City: “It was pretty sad. It's one big family here.”
Deb Kern, Webster City:
Electrolux closes
“You lose your job. But you have to think positive.”
Workers leave WC plant for the last time
By CARRIE OLSON For the Messenger WEBSTER CITY — The fence surrounding Electrolux was adorned with old tennis shoes — slung over the wrought iron in a sign of solidarity. “It’s a show of togetherness,” Jeff Pedersen, of Eagle Grove, said. “We put a lot of good years in here.” The shoes have become a symbol of factory closings; Maytag workers hung their work shoes See CLOSED, Page 10A
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
RoBBIe WILSon, of Dayton, gets a hug from co-worker Rose Sielaff, of Webster City.
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 MIke McDermott, Cheryl McDermott, Webster City: Webster City: “It's “I’m feeling my birthday — and I sad, have a lot of mixed very sad.” emotions.”
Denise Hill, Fort Dodge: “I've got to start a new life somewhere.”
Darrell Pigman, Dan Huber, Lehigh: “I came in Webster City: “If when I was they think they can do young — now it somewhere better, I'm 60.” more power to them.”
Jim Constable, Lehigh: “It’s a really sad deal.”
Matt Bemrich
Dennis Plautz
Plan puts Latham, King in same district Webster County would have two senators, two reps By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer Webster County would become part of an electoral battleground for Republican U.S. representatives Steve King and Tom Latham as a result of a redistricting plan introduced Thursday. The proposal would place both lawmakers in a new 4th Congressional District. Under that plan, the county would Tom be served by two state senators and Latham three state representatives. Now, the local delegation consists of three senators and four representatives. The redistricting would thrust state representatives Tom Shaw, R-LauSteve rens, and David King Tjepkes, RGowrie, into a new House District 10. See maps State Rep. Stewart Iverson, of proposed R-Clarion, would redistricting. no longer serve Page 6A the county, according to the plan. The proposal puts him into a new district with two other incumbents. State Senate President Jack Kibbie, D-Emmetsburg, would also leave the county’s legislative delegation under the plan. The proposed district that includes Emmetsburg would stretch into
Inside
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Messenger THE
Celebrating 10 Years
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Thursday, Oct. 20, 2011
www.messengernews.net
20 Pages • 2 Sections
Ag park could see new plant
∫ Korean company plans $323 million amino acid production facility west of Fort Dodge ∫ State agency to consider incentives today OCT
By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer A South Korean company is proposing to build a $323 million plant in Webster County where amino acids for use in animal feed would be made, according to information from state and local officials. The proposal from CJ Cheiljedang Corp., doing business as CJ America, will be reviewed today by the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board. That panel will consider awarding millions of dollars worth of state incen-
2011
tives for the project. ‘‘This is the first step of several actions that will have to be taken for the company to make the final commitment,’’ said Dennis Plautz, the city’s director of business affairs and community growth. If all goes as planned, construction will begin in April 2012 in the North Central Ag Industrial Park west of Fort Dodge. The plant would then begin production in December 2013.
About the company
CJ Cheiljedang Corp. was established in 1953 as Cheil Sugar Co. Ltd. At the time it was a sugar manufacturing operation that was part of Samsung Corp. The company expanded into flour milling in 1958. In 1963, it began producing the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate. Production of Mipoong, a seasoning, was added in 1964. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the company expanded into more food production areas and into pharmaceuticals. In the early 1990s, the company separated from Samsung. It concentrated on four core businesses: food and food services, bio pharma, entertainment media, and home shopping. In the United States, the company does business as CJ America, with headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill.
‘‘It is a project that is what is commonly referred to by Cargill as an over-the-fence company where they would take product produced by Cargill ... and use it to add value.’’
Messenger THE
—Dennis Plautz Fort Dodge director of business affairs and community growth
SPORTS: Golf pass QBs take Prescription pickup planned center stage. Halsted accepts Alliance position changes State official picked to lead local economic development work proposed THE NOV for Lakeside See PLANT, Page 3A
Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 BLAZE: Fire burns Manson garage.
Fort Dodge, Iowa
www.messengernews.net
36 Pages • 4 Sections
See Page 1B
See Page 12A
M Mesessenger
By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer A state official who has spent years marketing Iowa to businesses around the world will taking a leading role in future economic development efforts in Fort Dodge and Webster County.
2011
Kelly Halsted has been named the director of economic development for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, leaders of the group announced Wednesday. She will start on the job Dec. 12. ‘‘We’re just very excited
that Kelly has accepted this position,’’ said Tim O’Tool, the president of the alliance’s board. ‘‘We really feel as an organization that we hit a home run with this hire.’’ Halsted will replace John Kramer, who resigned in
August to become chief executive officer of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corp. in St. Cloud, Minn. She has been the international project manager for the Iowa Economic Development Authority and its
nouncement from the alliance. Those investments created more than 650 jobs in the state, the alliance report-
predecessor, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, since 1998. In that capacity, she was instrumental in influencing nine European companies to make more than $500 milKelly lion in new investments in See HALSTED, Halsted Page 3A Iowa, according to an an-
Junior pass would be available at lower rate
New residents at the pond Judge to if Plautz to lead Growthdecide Alliance Crapser trial After 36-year stint with city, new job beckons BREAKING will move Truckin’ for the NEWS
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Friday, Dec. 16, 2011
www.messengernews.net
By BILL SHEA His appointment to that post Messenger staff writer was announced Thursday Dennis Plautz, a key player in evening by Tim O’Tool, the local economic development ef- president of the alliance’s board. forts for 36 years, is about to asO’Tool said Plautz has the -Messenger photo by Hans Madsen sume a more permanent leader- creativity, dedication, statewide This story first appeared ship role in the Greater respect and DRUGS proven can trackberecord UNUSEDFort PRESCRIPTION turned in Oct. 27 at Hy-Vee in Fort Dodge as breaking news on Dodge Growth Alliance. needed to lead the organization. Since August, he’s worked as www.messengernews.net See PLAUTZ, Page 9A the interim chief executive officer of the new Alliance while still fulfilling his duties as direc-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen tor of business affairs and com- DennIs PlAuTz listens as David Fierke, Fort Dodge city man-Messenger photo munity growth for theBy city. ager, speaks Thursday afternoon during a press conference in by Hans Madsen PETER KASPARI at Hy-Vee, He’ll leave his city job bystaffthe lobbywhere of the it Webster County Courthouse to announce Messenger writer DaviD the YaCKle, left, of eagle grove, his line CEO into Moorland Pond Wednesday mornMarch 1 to become firstWebster fullPlautz’s appointment as casts permanent of the Greater Fort The County will be held fishing for trout withisGrowth hisuntil son,itAlliance. Brian, made several the site recently What: National Taketrips Backto Initiative Sheriff’s Department can right. The pair have time CEO ofing thewhile Alliance. Dodge after theteaming Iowa DNR stocked thebepond with up with the Drug de- 1,500 of the fish.Where: HyVee, 115 S. 29th St.
Webster County Sheriff’s Department, DEA team up for National Take Back Initative
Will also rule on Troops response protective order request
‘unbelievable’
By PETER KASPARI expect the state to have the Messenger staff writer trial here with all the attenCLARION — A judgeganizers. tion.” will decide in the next few “ItBecky Goettsch, an as assiswas unbelievable as the response fromgeneral, the weeks whether the trial of afartant Iowa attorney community of Fort to Dodge,” Wright who is helping prosecute Character Counts CoordinaCounty the case, argued that while torthere Pam has Bunte said. “Every- givwoman acbeen attention body wasthereceptive tocase, the she cused of en to Crapser When: Oct. 27, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enforcement Administra- stroyed. idea of donating killing her doesn’t believeitems it hasfor inflution to take part in an effort This is a Why: To collect unused prescription medicine troops.” boyfriend’s enced potential to collected unused medi- part of the According to jurors. Bunte, By PETER KASPARI 5-year-old Goettsch also said changcine and prevent drug National Character Counts, which asMessenger staff writer daughter ing with the Truckin’ location would time Greater this event hasFort been country asking for their as- Alliance abuse. Take Back Brian Dodge Growth 10th Anniversary • for 2022 the be Truckin’will for the Troops, a sisted be moved. difficult witnesses, in Webster County. Itpected sistance. OnMADSEN Oct. 27, Webster Initiative. in for Fortsome Dodge, is communitywide effort de- Troops By HANS some of the easy toMickelson hook coulddone be just the thing two to make the pond a was first held in the spring “The first time we did it, Kara who already live in Wright County residents will be alAccordstill picking up items that signed to collect care packMessenger writer fish. daysafter fromthe now. Kara DEA contactedpermanent home. lowedstaff to drop off their un- ing to Sheriff Brian MickCrapser, 21, County. were collected from local age items to be sent to Iowa MOORLAND — On David Yackle fishing is new forthe He told Page by Iowa Crapser sheriff’s offices around used prescription medicine elson, this isand the his secondTrout Seewas DRUGS, 3A of “It would cause hardships soldiers Eagle overseas, has been Nov. 16, the Iowa Depart- son, Brian, 14, of Eagle them. DNR biologist Ben WalGrove, is for them traveling another successful, according to or- See TROOPS, Pageto7A ment of Natural Resources Grove, were among those. “I never did this before lace that, “80 percent are charged with first-degree trial location,” she said. added 1,500 rainbow trout As they tried their luck they put them in here,” he caught in the first few murder in the death of 5- “Based on the total package, to Moorland Pond south- with spinners the “easy to said. weeks.” year-old Mikayla Valentine. there has not been enough west of Fort Dodge. hook” part may have been While most anglers The trout stocking is Today’s Forecast On Wednesday, Crapser’s attention to warrant a
If you go
10
By BILL SHEA she said, Messenger staff writer would cost A new season 24 pass Pages for $150. It • 2 Sections golfers in middle and elewould be for mentary school is among a golfers who small number of changes are eighthgraders and proposed for Lakeside Muyounger. nicipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge. According Lori Branderhorst, the dito BranderLori the rector of parks, recreation Branderhorst horst, pass would and forestry, presented the proposals to the Parks, be good for weekdays and Recreation and Forestry Sundays after 3 p.m. Commission Wednesday. The proposed junior pass, See PARKS, Page 3A
DNR n stocks rainbowstops trout atinMoorland Pond Gingrich Fort Dodge
on his way to Sioux City debate
Volunteers needed to help prepare care packages
DEC
2011
In ’11, crime fight
Messenger
Dodge, Iowa
Friday, March 16, 2012
www.messengernews.net
20 Pages • 2 Sections
awyer: n Greater FD Growth Alliance uspect leaders say development means more dn’t than pursuing companies ant to eploy
Planning strategy
n accused illing 16 in hanistan sn’t thrilled’
GENE JOHNSON Associated Press TTLE — The U.S. accused of slaughterAfghan civilians last d had twice been inuring tours in Iraq and uctant to leave on his deployment, a Seattle said Thursday. wasn’t thrilled about on another deploysaid the lawyer, John Browne. “He was told n’t going back, and e was e was
wne, a own detorney ce repd serir Ted John said Henry been o rep- Browne he sola 38d staff t from Afghan who Base crashed truck near Mcnear Panetta a. dies. soldier Page 5A n the area and asked to be nted by Browne when taken into custody, the said. Browne said he et with the staff t’s family, and unless dier is returned to Joint ewis-McChord in the w days, he will travel the soldier wherever custody. wne declined to release dier’s name, which the has withheld, but said two young children, and 4. rybody is worried he safety of his family, am honoring that,”
Inside
By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer Growing an economy involves more than persuading companies to set up shop or expand their existing facilities, according to leaders of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. ‘‘To have a successful economic development program it goes far beyond recruiting and retention,’’ Dennis Plautz, the Alliance’s chief executive officer, said Thursday. ‘‘It transcends into having a community that’s competitive in many ways.’’
Dennis Plautz
Tim O’Tool
Tim O’Tool, the president of the Alliance’s board of directors, said teamwork is essential to becoming competitive. ‘‘What’s important is for us to work together collaboratively,’’ he said.
nity growth, took over as its CEO on March 1. Now it’s preparing three initiatives in addition to the ongoing work of recruiting businesses. Alliance leaders are preparing for what they call a work force summit. Kelly Amy They’re also studying the Halsted Bruno community’s housing needs and getting ready to ‘‘None of us, independ- act on a strategic plan. ently, can be successful.’’ Work force issues The alliance was estabPlautz said economic lished last year, and is accelerating its efforts since development could be rePlautz, the former Fort defined as human develDodge director of business affairs and commu- See GROWTH, Page 3A
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. — Mission Statement
Magazine places FD in top 50 for expansion By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer Fort Dodge has been named one of the top 50 small communities for industrial expansion by a magazine that specializes in corporate real estate and economic development. The March issue of Site Selection ranks Fort Dodge as the 48th best micropolitan area out of 576 such regions in the nation.
The U.S. Census Bureau defines a micropolitan area as a rural county whose largest city has a population less than 50,000 people. ‘‘It’s mostly recognition of good things that are going on,’’ said Dennis Plautz, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. ‘‘It brings the indirect benefit of recognition that this is a good
place,’’ he added. Plautz said the listing may cause additional companies to consider Fort Dodge. Adam Bruns, managing editor of Site Selection, said Thursday afternoon that the planned expansion of the Land O’Lakes facility on Eighth Avenue South, the development of the Cargill plant and the upcoming construction of the CJ Cheiljedang Corp.
plant led to the city’s ranking. Bruns said the ratings are a measurement of private sector investments in a community that meet or exceed one or more of these criteria: ∫ Investment of more than $1 million; ∫ Creation of 50 or more jobs; ∫ Construction of 20,000 square feet or more.
OLDIER, Page 5A
School budget session targets loss MAR
Van Zyl says 2012 district faces a ‘negative perfect storm’ By BRANDON L. SUMMERS Messenger staff writer Preparing for its 2013 budget, the Fort Dodge Community School District will use 96 percent as its target for spending on its unspent 2012 budget balance. A special meeting was held Thursday so the FDCSD board could consider the budget in depth and Doug ask questions Van Zyl without the time constraints of its regular semi-monthly meeting. Superintendent Doug Van Zyl said issues the district currently faces include declining enrollment, the Iowa Legislature “not being generous” on allowable growth and loss of revenue, with expenditures remaining the same or increasing. He called it a “negative perfect storm.” “When talking about estimates, you do try to estimate expenditures a little bit high and estimate revenue a little bit low. But the challenge with estimating revenue is, we don’t really have an extra revenue coming in from other resources,” he said. He added, “This is one of the years where we really have no new monies coming in in any way, shape or form, unless something drastically different were to happen.” The board only considSee BUDGET, Page 3A
Iowa House passes school reform bill Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
n Lawmakers support GOP-backed measure that gives state more control
By DAVID PITT
districts
to passage until Wednesday.
be held back from fourth 11th-graders take college en- important step forward in of-
11
Celebrating 10 Years
CJ Bio America to break ground Today’s ceremony will mark start of $323 million facility By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer The CJ Bio America plant will bring a new level of value-added agricultural production to Webster County. Workers there will take corn starch from the adjacent Cargill facility and refine it into amino acids to be used in livestock feed. The ceremonial first step on the path to that production will be taken Tim today with a O’Tool groundbreaking ceremony to be attended by Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. company executives and local leadMatt ers. The cer- Bemrich emony will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the plant site off Iowa Highway 7 in the North Central Ag Industrial Park. The $323 million plant is expected to open in early 2014. About 170 people will work there. The company plans to hire 50 to 60 people this summer, and another 100 next year. Work at the plant site began in early April. CJ Bio America is the first of what local leaders hope will be many over-thefence customers to surround the Cargill plant and make use of its byproducts. Plans for the plant were
12
announced in October 2011. The plant will be located just north of the Cargill facility. It will be the company’s first production site in the United States. ‘‘This investment further exemplifies the opportunities the ag park can and will create,’’ said Tim O’Tool, the president of the board of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. ‘‘It also illustrates the great relationship Terry Cargill is Branstad developing with over the fence companies, and our regional economic development future.’’ Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bob Bemrich Singer said the plant’s construction is the first step toward expanding the ag industrial park, which is also the site of the Valero Renewables ethanol plant. ‘‘After this step will come many more steps adding value to the park, creating jobs in the region and creating reinvestment in the communities,’’ he said. Webster County Supervisor Bob Singer said three factors led to the creation and growth of the ag industrial park. ‘‘The thing that makes this work is the two railroads, the phenomenal supply of corn and the cooperation of all governmental
-Submitted graphic
A grOundBreAking cereMOny will be held at 1:30 p.m. today for the CJ Bio America plant in the North Central Ag Industrial Park on Harvest Avenue, south of Fort Dodge on Iowa Highway 7 bodies,’’ he said. The two railroads he referred to are the Canadian National and the Union Pacific, whose tracks cross in the ag industrial park. Some of the governmental cooperation Singer spoke of came from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, which last year awarded millions of dollars worth of incentives for CJ CheilJedang. The incentive package includes: ∫ A $1.8 million loan,
half of which will be forgiven. ∫ A refund of sales taxes paid during construction worth up to $4.79 million. ∫ An investment tax credit of $2.86 million. ∫ A research and development tax credit of $100,000. The company will also receive more than $1 million worth of employee training from Iowa Central Community College. The county government will construct a new road
and a railroad spur to serve the plant, while the city of Fort Dodge will upgrade its water and sewage systems. CJ CheilJedang Corp., based in South Korea, was established in 1953 as the Cheil Sugar Co. Ltd. At the time, it was a sugar production company that was part of Samsung Corp. The company expanded into flour milling in 1958. In 1963, it began producing the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate. Production of a seasoning
called mipoong followed in 1964. In the early 1990s, the company separated from Samsung. It now works in four business areas: food and food services, bio pharma, entertainment media and home shopping. In the United States, the company does business as CJ America, with headquarters in Downers Grove, Ill.
MAY
2012
Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Mesessenger THE
Celebrating 10 Years
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
www.messengernews.net
20 Pages • 2 Sections
CJ Bio AmeriCA
Ceremony launches plant 170 new jobs planned
Corn demand set to jump
By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer About 170 new jobs, better prices for farm commodities, and deeper ties between Iowa and South Korea were celebrated Monday afternoon with a groundbreaking ceremony that formally launched construction of the CJ Bio America plant in Webster County. The event began with traditional music performed by a six-member percussion group from the Korean American Resource and Cultural Center in Chicago, Ill. It ended with clumps of dirt flying off the ends of golden-colored shovels. About 200 people gathered in a large tent at the plant site in the North Central Ag Industrial Park for the ceremony. Between the music and the actual groundbreaking, a series of business and government leaders talked about the importance of the $323 million plant where corn starch from the nearby Cargill facility will be turned into amino acids, principally lysine, for use in livestock feed. ‘‘It is our first manufacturing plant in the United States of America,’’ said Tae Jin Jeong, the chief operating officer of the bio division of the local plant’s parent company, CJ CheilJedang Corp. That parent company is based in South Korea. ‘‘2,000 years ago, the proudest thing was to say I am a citizen of Rome,’’ Tae added. ‘‘Now, today, for CJ and me the
By LARRY KERSHNER For The Messenger Sometime in early 2014, CJ Bio America, a new subsidiary of Korea-based CJ CheilJedang is expected to be in full operation. The company broke ground Monday to construct a $320 million lysine production facility at the North Central Ag Industrial Park west of Fort Dodge. For those with corn to sell in Webster and surrounding counties, the presence of the dry milling plant owned by Valero and the wet milling facility owned by Cargill, both in the ag park, competition for corn is expected to be intense. And competition for corn is expected to be just the beginning, according to those attending Monday’s groundbreaking ceremonies. They also think that CJ Bio America is just one of additional new manufacturers that could locate in the park in the relatively near future. “When I was governor before, we were working on value-added products,” said Gov. Terry Branstad. “Now we have the best of all worlds — Valero, Cargill and now CJ (Bio America), right in the midst of some of the most productive agricultural land in the world, raising more corn and soybeans than any American state.” When asked where the park can go in the
-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
TOP: Tae Jin Jeong, Bio Division of CJ CheilJedang chief operating officer speaks Monday afternoon during the groundbreaking ceremony for their new plant west of Fort Dodge. LEFT: Tae Jin Jeong, left, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds prepare to toss ceremonial dirt Monday after during the ceremony. RIGHT: Webster County Supervisor Keith Dencklau, left, listens during the groundbreaking.
Inside ∫ More photos from the CJ groundbreaking. Page 6A ∫ Governor vows to continue tax fight. Page 10A
See PLANT, Page 6A
MAY
2012
See CORN, Page 6A
FD Council rejects future water rate hikes
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
11 percent increase will still go into effect July 1
By BILL SHEA Messenger staff writer A water rate increase was rejected by the Fort Dodge City Council Monday, but
11 percent increase stand. But on Monday they shot down much smaller increases proposed for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
That round of increases was defeated on a 4-3 vote. Council members Kim Alstott, Dean Hill, Mark Taylor and Don Wilson voted
crease. He added that he didn’t see any need for more increases after imposing an 11 percent hike.
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“By kicking the can, somebody’s going to get another 11 percent someday.”
—Matt Bemrich Fort Dodge mayor
Business Fort Dodge, Iowa
The Messenger
Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013
Section C
Celebrating 10 Years
BRIEFS
Brown, Erxleben onored at Decker
Michael brown
Balsley competes certification DUNCOMBE — Arrin Balsley, Duncombe Public Library, has completed all requirements for public librarian certification. Certification is a voluntary program. To receive a certificate, individuals must meet work experience and/or educational requirements. Certificates are valid for three years. Recertification requires a participant to complete an additional 45 hours of continuing education every three years.
FEB
warren erxleben
2013
Michael Brown and Waren Erxleben have been choen as Decker Truck Line nc.’s December 2012 Driers of the Month. Brown was selected in the eefer-van division. He has riven with Decker for six ears. Erxleben was chosen in the atbed division. He has drien for Decker since 2005. In addition to winning a Decker gift certificate, both men will be eligible to comete for driver/owner-operaor of the year. Founded in 1931, Decker ruck Line Inc. is a diversied carrier, transporting atbed, refrigerated and dry an freight to the 48 contiguus United States and seven anadian provinces.
Meyer is named medical director
Molle honored as a top performer Mike Molle, manager of the Arnold Motor Supply in Fort Dodge, received the -Messenger photo by Hans Madsen Service is the Difference GReateR FoRt DoDGe GRowth alliance boaRD pResiDent Tim O’Toole, left, and Dennis Award and Plautz, CEO, pose in front of the group’s new building in downtown Fort Dodge at First Avenue North and was recogNinth Street. nized as one of 2012 top performers for the retail store division of The Mike Arnold Molle Group of Companies at the managers meeting held in Ankeny on Jan. 15. Molle received the award for exemplary effort in customer satisfaction. His store reached a milestone in sales in 2012. By TERRENCE DWYER was an especially exciting tdwyer@messengernews.net Freeman returns and valuable aspect of the “We need to engage everybody The Greater Fort Dodge arrangement. to JCP Salon Growth Alliance will move Showcasing a unified in this community in the process to a new headquarters in the community effort to grow Beth Freeman has reheart of downtown by early of economic development.” the economy and improve joined the spring. The Alliance has quality of life is an imporJCP Salon as —Dennis Plautz purchased a building at 24 tant reason for co-locating Chief executive officer, a hair designN. Ninth St. previously Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance key groups, Plautz said. er. owned by Trinity Building “We will be entertaining She has 20 Corp. various companies, clients,” years experiTim O’Toole, president efficiencies in reception and of community and economic he explained. “I think one of ence with development,” he said the advantages of co-locatof the Alliance’s board of in infrastructure.” color, That was a point under- Wednesday. “Being located ing all these organizations is directors, said the one-story carmelizing, in the same office not only does it help with structure on the corner of lined by O’Toole. haircutting “Each partner will area will promote collaboration, but it clearly First Avenue North and and waxing. beth even greater collabo- gives a more unified appearShe lives Freeman Ninth Street will provide have their own area ration and coordina- ance to our clients and to the just about triple the usable and identity,” he in Fort tion on a wide range outsider — by having us toDodge with her husband and office space that exists at the said, stressing that reception, of community pro- gether.” group’s present location, shared children. conferencing and jects and initiatives.” 1406 Central Ave. Plautz said Fort Dodge Kuhlman added must leverage its resources O’Toole said a major rea- meeting space will Town & Country that he sees locating wisely to compete effectiveson for the acquisition of the help make it possible his staff team in this ly for corporate investment named a GEM Agency building is to create suffi- for each of the organew office as a “nice dollars. cient space to permit other nizations to use Randy Town & Country Insur- key partners of the Alliance available budgets fit.” “We need to engage KuhlmanAlliance Fort Dodge Growth organization ance has been named to The to co-locate with it,Greater more optimally. “Being is in an closeefficient thereby, everybody in this communiIMT Group’s list of 2013 facilitating easier collaboraThe arrangement proximity with the ty in the process of economwhose mission is to unify and coordinate accountable economic and GEM Agencies, in recogni- tion as well as generating is more than just about cost- Greater Fort Dodge Growth ic development,” he said. tion of being one of the savings on operating saving, however. Alliance just makes sense, ” costs. community development, to enhance the quality “You of life in collaborate Fort Dodge, can’t until highest-performing agencies “By virtue of what each he said. Dennis Plautz, chief execyou can communicate in a six-state Midwest area. utive officer of the Iowa of them do, we think it will Dan Payne, executive diAlliance,and the region. Of the more than 800 in- said Tuesday the Fort be easier for us to collabo- rector of the Fort Dodge among the groups. This is just one more step in the dependent IMT Group agen- Dodge Convention and Vis- rate,” Plautz said. Convention and Visitors evolution of better collabocies eligible for considera- itors Bureau and the Fort Randy Kuhlman, chief Bureau, said Wednesday he ration.” tion, only the top 72 per- Dodge Community Founda-Greater executive officer of the is also Alliance enthusiastic 10th about the Fort Dodge Growth Anniversary • 2022 forming agencies received tion and United Way will be Fort Dodge Community new office arrangement. He About the new site the GEM distinction this joining the Alliance in mov- Foundation and United said it is a good way for his O’Toole said the building year. Way, echoed that sentiorganization “to show our ing their offices to this was purchased from Trinity Last year, Town & Coun- building. ment. support for the other organi- Building Corp. for try Insurance was one of the “The ... goal is to develop zations.” He said the finan- $228,000. “They will not be under top 100 IMT Group agen- our umbrella, but they will an office complex that in- cial efficiencies were imporcies to produce a positive co-locate with us,” Plautz cludes organizations that are tant, but displaying a com-
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance buys a new home Key partners will co-locate with group
James Meyer
Dan cole
Dr. James Meyer, Trimark Physicians Group, has ccepted the position of medical director for Trinity Hospice, where he previousy served as assistant medcal director. In his new role, e serves as a liaison beween Trinity Hospice and atients’ primary care hysicians. Meyer is also the medical irector of the respiratory are and sleep disorders unit t Trinity Regional Medical Center, Trinity Health Sysems board member and ice chairman of the Trimark Specialty Medicine ommittee. He is board cerfied in internal medical nd pulmonology. Dr. Daniel Cole previously erved as medical director of rinity Hospice for 38 years. He will continue his work as he medical director14 of the mergency department at RMC and as the Webster ounty medical examiner.
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
Shriver elected to oard of directors
MISSION STATEMENT
Celebrating 10 Years
FEB
2014
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
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Messenger THE
Celebrating 10 Years
www.messengernews.net
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Celebrating CJ, Cargill Fanfare marks formal grand opening of plants Tuesday By BILL SHEA
bshea@ messengernews.net
Standing in the shadow of the Cargill and CJ Bio America plants Tuesday afternoon, white-gloved dignitaries snipped a red ribbon to formally mark the debut of the facilities that promise jobs, better prices for farm products and future growth in Webster County. Nearly 300 people attended the grand opening celebration for the plants, which actually began operating last fall. The partnerships that led to the establishment of the plants were repeatedly praised by company leaders and government officials who spoke during the event. ‘‘Our success is the result of creating longterm partnerships with our customers and other stakeholders,’’ said Dave MacLennan, the president and chief executive officer of Cargill. ‘‘Our investment in this biorefinery is a great example as we continue to work with the state, the city and our farmer customers, CJ and our employees to create a powerful partnership for the future,’’ he added. Kyung-Shik Sohn, the chairman of CJ Group, the South Korean parent company of CJ Bio America, called the Tuesday ceremony an ‘‘auspicious event.’’ ‘‘Today will be recorded as a historic day for CJ Group,’’ he said. ‘‘By opening the Fort Dodge plant it is becoming the largest producer of lysine in the global market.’’ See OPENING, Page 2A
-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
CJ AmeriCA ChAirmAn Kyung-ShiK Sohn, left, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Cargill President and CEO Dave MacLennan, right, put their white gloves on as they prepare to cut the ribbon at the CJ Bio America/Cargill grand opening celebration.
About the plants:
Products: Dextrose, ethanol, feed for cattle, high gluten corn meal, corn germ, corn steep liquour. Employees: About 250 Capital investment: About $300 million Start-up date: Oct. 29, 2013
Plea hearing set for Ekstrom 16
Woman accused of killing Steven Fisher By PETER KASPARI pkaspari@ messengernews.net
BREAKING NEWS
A woman accused of killing a Fort Dodge man last summer is scheduled This story first appeared
Products: Lysine, some liquid fertilizer Employees: About 180 Capital investment: $323 million Start-up date: Nov. 1, 2013
Car sought in arsonJUN probe 2014
Chief: Scion had been taken from FD building before Saturday fire Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 Greater By PETER KASPARI
pkaspari@messengernews.net
A vehicle is being sought by Fort Dodge Police in connection with an arson at a former church Saturday afternoon. The car, a Scion xB, was
ening
ed to Tampa, man jury, along with two feThe prosecutor and deth his mother male alternates, were select- fense attorney asked numereleased from ed from a pool of more than ous questions to the pool, in90 Webster County resi- cluding their knowledge of 2012, Preston dents. Continued from Page the1Acase, relationship with ries related to Potential jurors were any of the victims or wit-
based solely on the testimony of witnesses. About 12 jurors were excused for various reasons throughout the day. The trial will resume with
defense. Mcelroy Hammerand told jurors that the trial is expected to last into next week likely would be done by Aug. 25.
Trott’s g a ‘vacation’ statement admissible
amino acid tock feed, is oduct of the ca plant. The ded to prometric tons ually, but so running at a uld produce ic tons. argest lysine orld, accordy officials. ect steady demand for ming years,’’
Celebrating 10 Years
Judge rules against suppressionJUN
2014
predicted By JESSE MAJOR “To the for the plants jmajor@messengernews.net defense, it’s a o each other A judge ruled Monday surprise,” dustrial park the statement made by Trott’s attorCrossroads Corey A. Trott, the Rock- ney, public ovation. well City man accused of defender Joe Dodge biorekilling a Rockwell City po- McCarville is an investlice officer, after his arrest said. “It’s ture of agrican be used in court. clear that we -Messenger photos by Hans Madsen This is after a hearing on wanted the aid. ‘‘We and corey Friday in 2nd Judicial Dis- statement left s our investTrott trict Court in Webster Councenter, listens as out Gov.and the otechnology CJ Bio AmeriCA ChAirmAn kyunG-shik sohn, ty to suppress the statement Terry Branstad speaks Tuesday afternoon at the CJ Bio America/Cargill grand state wanted it in.” value-added -Messenger photo by Hans Madsen he made after his arrest onlistens MacLennan, right, ur customers. opening celebration. Cargill President and CEO Dave See TROTT, Page 3A Sept. 13, 2013. firsT Avenue nOrTh that extends west of Third Street would along with Webster County Supervisor Bob Singer, left. nt will conunder a proposal recommended Tuesday by the Plan and Zonate jobs in cturing Co.thewants to acquire part of the deadend street so that ment in ity and help farmer cusglobal cus-
reet Branstad and m for Reynolds, eled to Seoul, in 2011 to ves of CJ sion CheilJedang
ngs into that d Tuesday’s
celebration. s Plan about and xcited mission voted ,’’ Branstad owrecommend from past Council he futurevais ortion of the ry bright.’’ ltz and Lisa orabsent said from that very similar e unanimous ing facilities Blair, onand members ame the cation of anthe awling comonly occur if first buys the oying thoude.it needs for expansion. Fort Dodge indicated that to be better o,’’ Branstad ET, Page 2A
Commission favors more signs for businesses By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
OHV park phase II to open in Sept. Sups discuss park, POET and zoning
U.S. HighBusinesses in Fort Dodge should be allowed to way 20, and have signs on every outside wall of their buildings, approved in the opinion of members of the city’s Plan and window Zoning Commission. washing for Commission members voted Tuesday to recomthe county’s mend that the City Council change the current sign buildings. law to allow signs on all sides of a structure. Phase II of By JOE SUTTER ‘‘It needs to change because the other cities sign jsutter@messengernews.net the Gypsum it this way and it works out,’’ said commission The off-highway vehicle City OffKeith member Mike Doyle. park south of Fort Dodge Highway Ve- Dencklau Commission member Kim Motl added ‘‘It only will hold a grand opening hicle Park makes sense.’’ early next month, the Webwill open Sept. 12, said SuGuests At the CJ Bio AmeriCA/CArGill grand opening celebration Under rules in place since 2011, businesses can ster County Board of Superpervisor Keith Dencklau. looked over the fermentation equipment at the Cargill plant. visors heard Tuesday. “I believe if you have a See SIGNS, Page 2A The supervisors also chance to go out there, there heard about developments at POET Biorefinery and with See SUPS, Page 2A
Aug
2014
ts new, cohesive utilities policy
knowledged g history in omed CJ Bio e state. oud to wel- Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 ompanies to we’re espehen we have he caliber of ewa mayor said ning ship.” business eds to make The council created a new aid.
eeting, mayor says all council members need to be involved in decisions
17
SEP
2014
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Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
DEC
2014
MAY
2015 Gypsum City OHV Park
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Campground
19
Dodge
Dennis Plautz, CEO Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Thank you to the originators of The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, the investor members, and all other members and contributors who have collaborated and partnered to make our region an even greater place to work and reside. Our region has done a 180 degree economic turn around because of your ability to work together toward common goals and have developed a reputation as a prime example of a coordinated successful model within Iowa for economic growth. Thank you all for 10 years of governmental, education, community agencies, and private business cooperation and leadership.
Receive Up To
Dave Flattery
John Taets
Michael Larson
Sarah Holmes
Dan Scott
Mike Biedenfeld
Kraig Barber
Availa Bank, Member, FDIC City of Fort Dodge Council Member
Northwest Bank
First Interstate Bank
GreenState Credit Union
Citizens Community Credit Union
United Bank of Iowa
First State Bank
Since the inception of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10 years ago, the cooperation and collaboration between the City of Fort Dodge, the Webster County Supervisors, the State of Iowa, and the Federal Government has never been better. The Alliance has played a key role in the industrial expansion of the Fort Dodge region. I look forward to working with you in the future. Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary.
$150
When You Open A New
I had the privilege of working with the committee organizing the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10 years ago. The GFDGA is a prime example of what happens when City, County, businesses and private individuals work together for the greater good of our communities and region. When one of us wins…we all win! I couldn’t be prouder of the growth we have seen over the last 10 year and the opportunities ahead of us.
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Congratulations on a decade of service to the community, region and the State of Iowa. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has been an example how impactful an organization can be in coordinating business, government and non-profit efforts for the betterment of all. The Growth Alliance is considered a partner in all aspects of our business operation (Collaboration, Personnel Development, Recruiting, Networking, etc.) and we appreciate their leadership and ability to unify multiple entities for a common cause. The Fort Dodge market has continued to thrive and evolve even during times of uncertainty. This is a true testament to the steady leadership in the Growth Alliance organization while being pliable enough deliver their mission. I am excited to see what is in store for the Greater Fort Dodge area over the next 10 years, but one thing I know is for certain, we can count on the Growth Alliance to lead the charge.
Congratulations Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance! As an investor, it is a privilege to partner with you. The development and growth brought to the Fort Dodge region is incredible and the support you provide to the community unparalleled. A heartfelt thank you for your continued dedication to the Fort Dodge region. Looking forward to the next ten years and beyond!
As a Fort Dodge native, I’ve had a front row seat to witness the positive impact the Growth Alliance has made toward the development and success of our city and region as a whole. The work they have done for North Central Iowa has played a key role in consistently attracting new business, which in turn brings new talent to the area, but more importantly, has helped bring local talent back to the area. We are so incredibly fortunate to have a partnership with such a forwardthinking entity that has helped us thrive for so many years and one we see immense value in supporting. We would not be who we are today without the Growth Alliance going to great lengths to support our region and feel privileged to be able to reap the rewards of their work. Congratulations on 10 years of success!
Congratulation to the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance on 10 years of community growth. The Growth Alliance has served as a catalyst for economic advancement of the region. Whether we live, work, or shop in Fort Dodge or nearby communities, we all benefit from the collaboration of a regional effort to maintain and improve our quality of life. The organization has the staff and resources to facilitate these efforts and respond to opportunities for development and growth in the region. The Growth Alliance works for the larger community in collaboration with Fort Dodge, Webster County, and the communities and counties in our region. We all benefit from this effort.
Being an investor in the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has a broader return for the region as a whole. The Growth Alliance works to ensure the region has its footprint at the doorsteps of opportunity. It takes a tremendous amount of collaboration with the city and surrounding communities, county, state, and businesses to put just one deal together and the Growth Alliance has worked to facilitate this process since its inception. Business and industry is what grows the region and the Growth Alliance is one of the main components to help make that happen. This investment will help to sustain the region that we call home.
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Celebrating 10 Years
COLLABORATION col·lab·o·ra·tion noun the action of working with someone to produce or create something
20
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
21
men’s season preview.
have been a bomb.
Messenger See Page 1B
See Page 2A
THE
Celebrating 10 Years
www.messengernews.net
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Pipeline speakers must sign up Swanson gets 25 IUB: High interest in issue requires organized arrangement NOV years2015 for slashing inmate By JOE SUTTER
jsutter@messengernews.net
The Iowa Utilities Board has announced a sign-up process for anyone wishing to speak at the public comment hearing Nov. 12 in Boone. The hearing will allow people to speak for or against the board issuing a permit for a proposed oil pipeline. Dakota Access LLC, a Texas-based company,
wants to build the pipeline connecting the Bakken region of North Dakota with a crude oil distribution hub in Patoka, Illinois. The proposed pipeline would cross 346 miles of Iowa, including Sac, Calhoun and Webster counties. People who want to speak at the public comment hearing must call the board today and Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. at (515) 725-7300. “Callers will need to state their name, address, and whether they want to speak in favor of or against issuance of the permit,” the board wrote. “Waiting lists will be assembled as necessary. The completed list will be posted on the board’s website on Monday, Nov. 9.” The public comment session is scheduled to take place from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Boone County Fairgrounds Community Building. A list of speakers is needed because of high interest in the case. “Based on the thousands of objections and letters of support received by the board and other public contacts regarding this See PIPELINE, Page 3A
At Growth Alliance reception, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds says Fort Dodge is becoming greater
Model for growth
-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
Iowa Lt. Gov. KIm ReynoLds speaks Wednesday night during the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Fall Member Appreciation Reception at the Willow Ridge Golf Course.
By BILL SHEA
bshea @messengernews.net
The ongoing growth in Fort Dodge has created a positive model that other communities in Iowa should follow, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday night. “I’m going to do my job and I will take your story to communities all across the state and encourage them to reach out to you so that they can learn from you and repeat your success,” she told a Fort Dodge audience. “Fort Dodge is a dynamic, growing and cohesive community,” she said. “Sometimes accomplishing that alone isn’t easy, so you should be proud of that.” Reynolds was the keynote speaker at the Fall Member Appreciation Reception of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, which was held at Willow
Embattled Humboldt mayor is defeated
2015
Iowa Lt. Gov. KIm ReynoLds shares a laugh during the reception with Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plautz, right, as Erik Ingerslew, with See GREAT, Page 6A Cargill, listens at left.
Landfill settlement is formally filed
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
Fine and environmental upgrades are part of the approved consent order By JOE SUTTER mental violations the state jsutter@messengernews.net alleges date back to at least A $135,000 settlement between state of- 2007.
By PETER KASPARI
pkaspari@messengernews.net
IOWA CITY — Michael Swanson, who killed two convenience store workers in 2010 and was convicted in 2011, will serve an additional 25 years after pleading guilty to attempted murder. Swanson, 21, made the guilty plea Tuesday to slashing a fellow inmate with a knife at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center michael in Coralville. A second inmate, swanson Michael Ivester, 34, pleaded guilty to attempted murder in late October. On Nov. 15, 2010, Swanson, then 17 years old, shot Sheila Myers at a Humboldt convenience store. Earlier in the evening, he shot Vicky Bowman-Hall at a convenience store in Algona. Both women were survived by husbands and children. Swanson was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery for killing Myers. He shot Myers in the face with a .40-caliber Beretta handgun and left the Kum & Go store with $31 and some cigarettes. He received a life sentence for that murder. See SWANSON, Page 3A
NOV
22
21-year-old is in prison for Humboldt, Algona murders
tain toxic chemicals. ∫ Close and cover areas of the landfill that do not meet current DNR standards for
Jensen’s 19 percent loses to opponent’s 79 percent of votes By JOE SUTTER
jsutter@messengernews.net
HUMBOLDT — Incumbent May10th • 2022 or WalterAnniversary Jensen lost his reelection bid by a wide margin to Dan Scholl Tuesday night. Scholl, who is a city council member, won 747 votes, or about 79 percent of the election, to Jensen’s 169 votes, or 19 percent. Candi-
MARk CADy, chief justice of the Iowa Supreme Court, congratulates Fort Dodge City Councilman Dean Hill Monday morning at the council’s oath of office event. Councilmen Dave Flattery, left and Neven Conrad, look on.
cost about $3 By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.ne
The water meters in For homes may someday be replace versions that will automatically all the data needed for water bi Municipal Building. A system now being considered would eliminate the need to send meter readers to every home and would provide accurate, up-to-the-minute information on water use, according to Brett Daniel, the city’s superB intendent of meters and D services. He and City Manager David Fierke presented information on the planned new system to FD the City Council on Mon- gets day during a workshop. orga Although no formal vote Pag was taken, council members indicated that they would allow the city staff to s posals from companies that m water meter systems. Daniel estimated the cost of system at $3.1 million to $3.6 He said the current cash flow
AML Riverside inaugurates operations in Fort Dodge with a flag raising
New beginning
JAN
2016
By BILL SHEA Greater Fort Dodge Growth Albshea@messengernews.net liance. Two new flags — the blue banner “This is a very, very big day for of New Zealand and a white one our company and a very, very big bearing the words AML Riverside day for me personally,” Cleverly — were raised Monday afternoon as said. a Fort Dodge site long affiliated with animal health began a new chapter in its history. The place Fort Dodge “We declare the residents commonly call the Riverside plant began facility open.” operations under its new name, AML Riverside —Doug Cleverly LLC, and its new owner, Managing director and New Zealand-based Argenco-founder of Argenta ta. “We declare the facility open,” Doug Cleverly, the managing director and coThe plant at 141 Riverside Drive founder of Argenta, said after the is the company’s first manufacturing flags were raised. facility in the United States. The The ceremony at which the flags company has hired 20 people and of the United States and Iowa were will hire about 23 more by the end also raised was witnessed by the first 20 employees of the plant, local ofSee ARGENTA, Page 7A ficials and representatives of the
Ins
See COUNCIL, Page 3
-Messenger photos by Joe Sutter
ABOVE: DAVE BAARDsOn, left, head of site, and Mike Landwehr, head of quality, raise the New Zealand flag along with an AML Riverside flag, at a ceremony Monday celebrating New Zealand-based Argenta officially starting operations at the Riverside plant. LEFT: DEnnIs PLAuTz, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, center, watches the flagraising ceremony.
Historic group gets gra
Funds to go tow 2017 event in F
By CHAD THOMPSO
cthompson@messengernews
A $12,000 Iowa Departmen tural Affairs grant will help b 2017 Preserve Iowa Summit Dodge in the summer of 2017. The DCA awarded the money to the Fort Dodge Historic Preservation Commission, it learned in December. The event is expected to bring from 350 to 500 people to the Fort Dodge area. Fort Dodge will be on R display as part of an anC nual statewide historic preservation conference, offerin portunity for visitors to learn a city’s historic districts and
See GRANT, Page 7A
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Inside Today 16 pages, 2 sections 23 Classifieds Comics Financial Lotteries Obituaries
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Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Section C
New publication makes life easier ‘101 Ways to Enjoy Webster County’ has launched “It’s a nice, professional-looking publication. I think it is so professional looking, it becomes an indicator of how we do things in the community.”
JAN
2016
—Dennis Plautz CEO, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
ular “All About Fort Dodge” will appear in alternate years. The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is handling distribution. Additional copies can be found at businesses throughout the community and at welcome centers all over Iowa. A digital version is available online at messengernews.net and fortdodgecvb.com. Dennis Plautz, chief executive officer of the Growth Alliance, said he is enthusiastic about “101 Ways to Enjoy Webster County.” “It’s the kind of thing that when I go to another community and I stay in a hotel room,” he said. “It’s the first thing when I have some free time that I look at. It’s very, very helpful to show people what we have to offer in the way of entertainment, in the way of restaurants and busiSee Page 1B nesses.” Plautz said he expects the publication to be immensely useful in the Alliance’s efforts to market Fort Dodge and Webster County. “It’s very helpful when we give tours to people who are being interviewed here,” he said. “They like to look through it. And quite frankly, people are a little surprised I think that we
SPORTS: Twins are finally on the board.
YSS: Ground broken for new clinic.
have as many national franchises and other things here. This is a great way to expose that to people. You’ve got a Pancheros. You’ve got a Jimmy John’s. Whatever it is. It’s very valuable for the visitor.” Plautz said that the range of people who will find this publication of help is broad. “It’s valuable for the person who is looking to get a feel for what’s in the community,” he said. According to Plautz “101 Ways to Enjoy Webster County” should also help the Alliance in its ongoing effort to bring new corporate investment to the county. “We will share that with companies that we are making proposals to as well as people the companies are looking to hire to bring to Fort Dodge,” he said. Plautz said the appearance of the publication is very much in sync with the message the Alliance is sending about Fort Dodge and Webster County. “It’s a nice, professionallooking publication,” he said. “I think it is so professional-looking, it becomes an indicator of how we do things in the community.”
Messenger See Page 7A
-Messenger photo by Hans Madsen
THE
Dennis Plautz, chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, left, looks over the new publication “101 Ways to Enjoy Webster County,” with Dave Jakeman, The Messenger’s advertising director. By TERRENCE DWYER Messenger has produced in partnership with the Greater tdwyer@messengernews.net There’s a new resource Fort Dodge Growth Althat will help residents and liance “101 Ways to Enjoy visitors alike experience the Webster County.” The new publication diversity that makes Webster County remarkable. The highlights the plethora of
www.messengernews.net
BUSINESS BRIEFS
events, festivals, places to see and things to do in Webster County. “It is truly a ‘must have’ for any resident or tourist who wants to experience everything Webster County
has to offer,” said David Jakeman, The Messenger’s advertising director. This 56-page, high-quality, glossy publication will be refreshed every other year. It and the already pop-
Tax season is underway Saturday, April 16, 2016
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Friendship Haven plans memory center Here are some things you may need to know Hammar named inside sales manager
acre level. Tools and services offered by FARMserver include the ManageChad Hammar has been ment Zone Creation Tool named as the new inside for variable rate planting, their forms, said Greg Rosi- deduction continues to More time to file WASHINGTON (AP) sales manager at The Mes- the Seed Selection Tool for — What’s new when you Tax season openened ca, tax partner at Ernst & creep upward, said Barbara accurate seed placement, senger. Jan. 19, when the Internal Young LLP. Weltman, a consultant and file your taxes this year? aerial Crop Health Imaging Originally But do take into account author of books on taxes, and weather data collec- Taxpayers without health Revenue Service began acFarncepting returns. any changes in your perlaw and nursing finance. support and insurance will face larger ments in each, totaling 30 private apartoptions for short-term dementia-specific apartByfrom PETER KASPARI tion. hamville, If you like to list procrastisonal life, hetherapy urged.asDid 2015, the standard penalties, and those insured ments with private bathrooms. well asFor more resources for those ments and a waiting for pkaspari@messengernews.net has Hammar you’ll havedemenfour extra you get married, have a deduction is $6,300 for theirthing employers will nursing get nate,home-level “Simply put, it’s thebyright to do,” needing additional services. Friendship Haven will expand its memBusiness Briefs more than 20 single filers, $12,600 for a new tax form. Fundraising for the project has already ory care services with a new facility Thorson said Friday. “There is such a need tia support. years of sales marriedsaidcouples filing There alsocommuhave been ad-“This neighborhood is submissions and we really feel like we are the started, and Thorson donors have had planned for and the business Fort Dodge-based senior jointly and $9,250 for justments for inflation, and to meet that need. We’re very excited designed by the caregivers a positive response so far. living community. Thenity Messenger invites development heads of household. Congress extended expiring aboutinit its forcirculation many, many “People that are donating toexemption the project who serve the residents,” The announcement as well was as made Friday.businesses Each personal taxreasons.” breaks, some perma“The good news is that we finally The free-standing have been touched by $4,000, Alzheimer’s in a Julie Thorson, executive officerarea of to submit brief, typedfacility sevenchief years is worth up from nently.will be located she said. “Over time, we’ve the east their side emof the “The formergood Tompkins personal way, and I think that drives peoFriendship Haven, said the Chad new facility learned what works well items on concerning of sales man$3,950 in 2014, according news is that have some certainty.” Health that much tomore will help care for patients suffering from and what could work better. to support a project ployees for theCenter. newspaper’s we finally have some ceragement ex- Hammar the IRS. Julie—Kathyple Pickering BusinessThorson Briefs column. perience in disease. dementia and Alzheimer’s said the addition will Kathy includePickerThis new building has all Thorson like this,” she said. tainty,” said Executive director, Submissions will be edit- ing, licensed banking,will insurance and The newthe building accommodate more dementia-specific Filing electronically executive apartdirector those of features in mind.” Tax Institute at H&R Block ed andments. run on Friendship a space-availfundraising fields. Taxpayers increasingly at H&RThe new facility will also provide more the currently Tax Institute two dementia households with 15 apartHaven has 16 See MEMORY, Page 3A able basis. are choosing to file elecBlock. Items must be received by tronically. The arrival of the new Dale Peterson is a 5 p.m Tuesday for considerElectronic filing was up means it’s time to start FARMserver dealer ation in Sunday’s column. year thinking about gathering days — counting Feb. 29 child or begin caring for an 2.4 percent in 2015 from The Messenger reserves the documents needed to because this is a leap year elderly relative, for exam- 2014. Similarly, the use of HARCOURT — Beck’s, — to file without needing ple? direct deposit for refund the largest family-owned, the right to limit articles to file taxes. “As things change in checks also is gaining in They include W-2 forms an extension. The deadline retail seed company in the no more than one every 30 United States, has an- days and to refuse any infor- reporting wages or salaries, is April 18 because of the your personal life, so do popularity. Last year, more than 86 million tax refunds nounced that Dale Peterson mation that is not received which employers sent out celebration of Emancipa- taxes change,” he said. Tax brackets, the value were paid through direct this month. You’ll also tion Day in the District of of Premium Ag Solutions in in a timely manner. be used at the Photos will need Form 1099 reporting Columbia. If you live in of each exemption and the deposit, up 2.7 percent over Harcourt, is a new FARMdiscretion of The Messen- interest and dividend in- Massachusetts or Maine, standard deduction have 2014. server dealer. Overall, the average recome, Form 1098 showing Patriots Day means you’ll been adjusted for inflation. FARMserver is Beck’s ger. Submit articles and head- interest paid on a home have still another day to So have the levels at which fund in 2015 was $2,797, a precision ag software tool 24 Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 certain tax credits and de- slight increase over the predeveloped to help farmers shots to: Business Desk, The mortgage, and Form 1095- file. Taxpayers will not see ductions begin to phase out. vious year. maximize yield through Messenger, P.O. Box 659, A if you bought coverage Fewer people are itemizfarm management on a per Fort Dodge, IA 50501 or td- through the Health Insur- many significant changes wyer@messengernews.net. ance Marketplace. when they start filling out ing because the standard See TAXES, Page 10C
Thorson: ‘It’s one of the most deliberate, thoughtful things we have done’
APR
Steve Heddinger
John Bruner
Mick
FD 2016 teen charged in robbery of Brownie’s owner
able to climb outin from within the panels. est, and the rarest.” August Clare. The location of the incident and the milovan djilas (1911Williams pleaded not time that it occurred wasn’t available 5), yugoslav author Monday night. to the charge on guilty The Rockwell City and Manson fire and politician Monday.
williams
departments responded to the incident.
He and Mackenzie See RESCUE, Knigge, 27, Page of 8A Clare, who is also charged Celebrating 10 Years with first-degree murder, are accused of d a community college? killing Gomez in Knigge’s Clare apartnews.net Jessica ment “on or about” Gomez swers and new questionsAug. 5, 2017. Continued from Page 1A Knigge and Gomez, THE who were once described as friends, were domagnitude of Greehey’s publicly nation.reported missing on“IAug. 2017.who buy thank9,people Knigge was arrested me dinner,” he said. “I www.messengernews.net Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 Fort Dodge, Iowa in don’t connection know with how the to thank on Aug. Sitecase ispeople progressing , 2008 who10,do2017, something in this Lafayette, Indiana. generous and I don’t cooperation, m in Fort Dodgethrough Shethink was passenger Iacould come in up with Mackenzie a stolen Pontiac Monconstruction manager anything better than thankKnigge n ‘The application for assistance is n ‘This is exactly what that was Mills 48-18 in foot-tanayouminivan very much.” tellsstopped school board police president there. one of the key elements of paving a we were looking for, TimbyBurns, of Williams was also in the minivan. path for future growth at CJ Bio and are continuing the Iowa Central CommuniByGomez’s CHAD THOMPSON burned body was found inAmerica’s a cthompson@messengernews.net ty College Foundation, also Fort Dodge facility’ to look for’ , 1993 Theditch new along Duncombe Elementary Indiana Avenue near Clare -Luke Palmer, CJ Bio America -Dennis Plautz, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance -Submitted photo thanked Greehey. School is starting to take shape at 615 on Aug. 12, 2017. By JOE SUTTER “This is very good news to reinforce the bates estimated at $822,888 as its incen- growth at CJ Bio America’s Fort Dodge kins field andinthe Rev. N. 16th St. “Our wish is for every -acre jsutter@messengernews.net attractiveness of what the city and county tive for the project. This resolution will be facility. Knigge was returned Iowa shortly been a great akota Access CJ Bio America may be bringing a $51 have built out there,” Plautz said. “This is discussed at the board of supervisors meetstudent to have a greattoex“Prior support, specifically the Research were working week to“It ifhasyou million expansion project to its Fort Dodge exactly what we were looking for, and are ing Tuesday. have arrest, been he and other Activities Tax Credits, New Jobs Tax after her and her trial was recentto build a new manufacturing fa- continuing to look for.” perience here at Iowa Cen-location “Our amazing local workforce, coupled Credit, and the High Quality Jobs Program driving by the site,” Rockwell he impact ofCity Corcility. have with the establishment and with an extremely supportive state and loThe expansion isn’t certain yet. CJ Bio continued to Nov.their 26. own This major expansion would be great has applied for incentives through the cal government, put our Fort Dodge facili- growthhelped said ly Keith the mud. tral Kolacia, and discover of our business. We are hopeful news for the county and for the ag park Iowa Economic Development Authority. If ty as a frontrunner in the expansion of our that additional support will allow us to construction manager Williams was extradited back to Iowa on path to success,” he said. where CJ is located, known as Iowa’s that is approved, it will be included in the global business,” said Luke Palmer, the move forward with an expansion in the for 6Kolacia ronto Blue Jays Crossroads Global Innovation, said company’s consideration of whether or not company’s general affairs manager. “The near future.” July 7.ConstrucHe had to answer to charges heofwas tion. “It has“Folks, been the this center is go-Dennis Plautz, chief executive officer of to do this project and when, Plautz said. application for assistance is one of the key es. the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. See CJ, Page 3A in Indiana prior to his extradition. Webster County has proposed tax re- elements of paving a path for future most facing telling week of ing to remove barriers for progress.” Both Knigge and Williams are each bestudents,” he added. Keith Kolaciaour provided an ingon“Fewer held in the Webster Kolacia , 1968 update the project barriers willCounty mean Jail on $1 million cash bond. Monday during the increased potential for sucFort Dodge Community School District ombe, won chamcess, which is the heart of board meeting. -Messenger photos by Hans Madsen n the 49th annual“Withinour the mission.” last seven days we have gone from having no steel, no precast — University. Central nursing student TOP: Framed by an archiTecTural rendition of the Greehey just completeIowa flat ground — to now havled a 204 game ingin 100 percent of theSwanson precast gym is walls Kristin already benefit- Family Student Success Center, Iowa Central Community College up and having percent of thecontributions to ting almost from50Greehey’s steel in area B up.” President Dan Kinney speaks at the podium Wednesday afternoon durthe college. Swanson, of Fort Dodge, ing groundbreaking for the new facility. Jennifer awarded the4Afirst Greehey scholBenson See was DUNCOMBE, Page ‘You don’t arship. just send oneabOVe: mary ludwig, executive director of development and alumDuring Wednesday’s event, she ni at Iowa Central Community College, helps Bill Greehey Shortage get of hisskilled hardperson off to Inside Today said the new center will “help so job seekers a hat adjusted during groundbreaking for the Greehey Family Student many students, including myself.” battle’ Success Center at Iowa Central Community College. College President 18 pages, universal problem, “I am so grateful for everything 2 sections By CHAD THOMPSONDan Kinney, at left, along with Greehey’s sister, Keeka Lynch, watch. t cthompson@messengernews.net consultant says Mr. Greehey has done for myself and A monument to honor famClassifieds 6B ilies who have lost a loved By CHAD THOMPSON forSuggested Iowa Central,” -Submitted graphic hed 1856Comics retail priceshe said.one in time of combat has 5B cthompson@messengernews.net been added to Veterans MeFort Dodge is not alone in trying to adFort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich 01 (ISSNFinancial 0740-6991) morial Park, northwest of Fort 4B dress its workforce issues, according to 75¢ rs have Janet Ady,will president and CEO of Ady Adread a proclamation Dodge. declaring belOw: a rendering shows what the new building look like. Lotteries 3A 41 would Those families are called vantage, headquartered in Madison, WisGold Star families, according w law hadn’t consin. Wednesday to be William E. Greehey Obituaries 5A (515) 574-4529 to Terry Moehnke, project “You may feel here in es, chairman of the park. Opinion 6A the greater Fort Dodge Day By in the city. THOMPSON ws.nethowever, CHAD “You don’t just send one area that you are really up ber. person offas toa battle,” Region Director 4A, 5A against the world here beGreehey described the college cthompson@messengernews.net bons, Circulation Moehnke said. “It’s the whole private contributions to Vetcause there’s so many tgfrede, and Advertising the IRS Director Groundbreaking for Greehey Student family. A lotafof sleepless erans Memorial Park funded greatFamily opportunities for “great asset” that givesBoard students an The Webster County of Supernights. A lot of worrying.” jobs and yet there’s not the estimated $50,000 methe tax withABOVE: TErry “This is a way to honor morial. fordable education. enough people to fill2018 visors is in the process of acquiring anSuccess Center at Iowa Central was Oct. 15, Multimedia Sales Manager MOEhnkE, project chairthose left behind after the sacthem,” Ady said during a The monument is about 15 Janet ghlighting theServices other He man of Veterans Memorial rifices made,” said. thenofrecounted upbringing piece property his located in hethe Greater Fort Dodge feet across and is made of olshan, Creative Ady Park, admires the new monMoehnke is a U.S. Navy black granite. Growth Alliance fall es, the GAO ument honoring Gold Star veteran who led the effort to in what he called a “poor, working Iowa Crossroads of Global Innovation, membership appreciation reception. s a week. Periodical postage It features a gold star on families. The park is located create Veterans Memorial one side. That side reads, “A About 30 people attended the event urrently don’t on the northwest corner of neighborhood” on miles thePark. east side ag industrial park seven west of Thursday night at Willow Ridge Golf . Postmaster: Send address an class tribute to Gold Star Families Badger Lake in John F. Veterans Memorial Park is and Relatives who sacrificed Course and Restaurant, 1788 Madison and responsiKennedy Memorial Park. located on the northwest corof Fort Dodge. Fort Dodge. e, IA 50501-0659. Ave. a Loved One for our Freener of Badger Lake in John F. dom.” “Virtually everywhere I go in this counThe auditors rIGhT: ThIs Is OnE of the KennedyfinanMemorialaPark. “We wereon notTuesday blessed with Supervisors approved try, they have the same issue,” she said. The other side depicts imdetails on the monument. The Veterans Council, Fort so, in accorcials, but we were blessed with resolution for Steve Kersten, a Fort See GOLD, Page 7A Dodge Noon Sertoma, and See GROWTH, Page 3A only delivery snday for internal Dodge attorney, to negotiate the sale on friends and love,” he said. “Neighbors in town behalf offor theone county. cared another. Parents gave us Woods Park and Campground, director. “We have a lot of parks and a lot ago, according to Lammers. eed with that $26.65 Kersten said the property sits on about the love and attention.” of opportunities for people to come here “The goal of that was to create a vision to name just two. $53.30 of Iowa State Parks in 2020, because that’s Visitors can swim, fish, hike, and experience.” said. 40 acres of land. “I had a great childhood,” he Webster County is home to Brushy their 100th anniversary,” Lammers said. “I camp and explore wildlife $106.60 Creek State Recreation Area, Dolliver Me- think they quickly realized that in order to spots. added. “I wouldn’t change Hamilton, a thing.” Webster, Boone - 1 month $8.85 So, in an effort to show all morial State Park, extensive trail systems do this they were going to have to bring in county conservation boards and think rethat the region has to offer, the and the Des Moines River. See LAND, Page 3A e 3A Greehey said when he counties graduated Boone County boasts, for one thing, the gionally on how to showcase the natural county is teaming up with Webare working l access includes a print wonders we have here in the state.” ster and Boone counties in the High Trestle Trail. from high school he could not afford “The reason we’re tied together is beThe No. 1 goal of the Boone Forks ReBoone Forks Regional Plan. to market region’s resources The Boone Forks Regional cause of the Boone and Des Moines Riv- gional access subscription rates. Plan is to market all of the opportuso he enlisted in the to go to college er,” said Lammers. “The Boone Forks area Plan centers around marketing nities and resources the region offers. undable. the expansive resources and ac- was kind of our anchor piece.” The second goal is to encourage and By San ADRI SIETSTRA Greater Dodge Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 When he retired as CEO in 2006, He said creating Havenwith forthe Hope, a AirFort Force. He Growth was stationed in This is part of the original Parks to Peo- boost partnerships tivities throughout the three counties. private25 sector. asietstra@freemanjournal.net ple Program, which started through the “Working with the private side is full an im“In ourhad three counties we have a lot of WEBSTER CITY — Hamilton County the company $82 billion in rev23-acre campus that provides a Antonio, Texas, for all four years of Iowa Parks Foundation. The Parks to Peonatural resources,” said Brian Lammers, ? home to an abundance of natural reSee REGION, Page 7A For delivery of his military service. When issources. County Conservation employees. executive ple Program wasrange founded nearly five years The Boone River and Briggs enue andHamilton about 22,000 of services to the homeless pophis enlistall himThe or herMessenger, promptly. If you ment was up, he decided to stay in But those kinds of business statistics ulation of San Antonio, is his proud04 before aren’t the mostGood important of est accomplishment, The center proto Forecast call9 a.m. 515-573-2141 San Antonio. He used the GI Bill Today’s morning, measures Inside Today get MARY PETERSON vides medical, dental, vision, mental go to community college and then success, he said. 18 pages, reserved or go online Online
ssenger poll Walls
go up on new Success Duncombe School om our files
Force
Thank you for your service OCT
2016
Messenger NOV
2017
CJ Bio proposes $51M expansion
Ady talks workforce, AUG Star families growth at SupervisorsGold2018 reception
New monument honors
negotiating land purchase for ICGI park
-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
OCT
Hidden gems 2018
High
Low
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2 sections
Celebrating 10 Years
JUN
2017
SEP
Greehey gives Iowa Central $3M
2016
APR
2016
Growth Alliance receives the 2016 Business Retention and Expansion Award from the Professional Developers of Iowa for its work to keep the veterinary medicine plant on Riverside Drive viable
Growth Alliance co-sponsors the 2106 Fall Conference of the Professional Developers of Iowa, which was held in Fort Dodge for the first time in 16 years
NOV
FEB
2018 Prestage Foods of Iowa: $300 million project
OCT
2016
$885 million deal: BIVI plan to be sold to Elanco
26
2016
Skyla Porter is hired as Organizational Administrator
NOV
2017
Main Street Fort Dodge co-located in Growth Alliance building
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Celebrating 10 Years
NOV
2020
Fort Dodge features a variety of public art
DEC
2018
Lydia Schuur is hired as Communications Specialist
APR
2021
CJ Bio America plans $20M expansion
AUG
JUN
2022
2020
City, county blaze new trails in collaboration
FEB FEB
2020
Fort Dodge housing: Housing boom in Fort Dodge
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Deena McCaulley is hired as Office Manage
2021
New housing continues to emerge
27
Messenger
www.messengernews.net
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Pedestrian dies crossing OCT 169 near 2018 Humboldt
-Messenger photos by Chad Thompson
office manager at Gehlhausen Construction, of Fort Dodge, looks over a display showing the completed homes at 1308 20th Ave. N. Monday afternoon during the Williams Bend house. The open house was held inside 1304 20th Ave. N.
ms
Authorities say road was snow-covered; accident under investigation
Continued from Page 1A
he said. “I have oing something nto a smaller
ry spacious.” Matt Bemrich of the partnerousing subdivi-
products,” he o have for that
was worth all eryone. We are in Fort Dodge,
elopment plans ily homes, 55 uplexes, and 60
erway on some section of 24th g built between orth 15th Street. the project are
ction, of Fort duplex that can 15th Street for C, which is also
nd of the new Farm Housing odge company, at 20th Avenue Drive. It is also ctors and sub-
mpany, Rasch building a new nue North beve and North be a main thorborhood. r in the project, ing Co. LLC, is
estate agent for ge Inc., will be single family t yet. le have already
ve received and ave came from urrently live in
ol
Williams Bend Welcomed ‘It’s about building communities people want to live in’ By CHAD THOMPSON Williams Drive, the property extends alcthompson@messengernews.net most to North 15th Street. It was purchased Fort Dodge is on the right track in tack- for the purpose of establishing a site where ling its infrastructure needs and attracting new homes can be built. new people to the area, according to and Debi Ann Eventually, all of the formeroffarm ABoVe: CrAig sCHlienz, left, Lenox, ambassadors thepropDurham, director of the Iowa Economic erty will be filled with houses, apartments, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance talk and about the Williams Bend DeAuthority. Development duplexes like the one on display at the velopment Monday afternoon atpeople 1304 20th Ave. N. during an open “It’s about building communities open house. want to live in and you have that vision house. Earlene Nordstrom, an ambassador for here,” she said. the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Durham spoke 100 briefly during anattended open was impressed. BeloW: ABout people the Williams Bend Developthe Williams Bend Development menthouse openforhouse Monday afternoon. Monday afternoon. See WILLIAMS, Page 2A About 100 people crammed inside one of the recently completed homes at 1304 20th Ave. N. for a short ceremony and ribbon cutting. “This is a very exciting day,” Phil Gunderson, president of the Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation, added. “The foundation has a long history of projects in Fort Dodge dating back to the ’40s, but never housing.” He added, “We are very thankful for our partnership with the city. City staff has done so much work to fill the needs of housing to help our community grow.” The Fort Dodge Betterment Foundation partnered with the city government to purchase the old Theiss farm in 2016. The foundation, the city government, the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance and developers have worked together since then to turn the area into a housing subdivision. The Theiss farm extends across both sides of Williams Drive between 20th and 25th avenues north. On the east side of
-Messenger photos by Chad Thompson
ABOVE: FOrT DODgE MAyOr MATT BEMricH waves to some incoming guests during a Williams Bend open house Monday afternoon. Fort Dodge Councilman Kim Alstott is shown in front. BELOW: EArLEnE nOrDsTrOM, an ambassador of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, feels the countertops inside one of the completed Williams Bend Development homes Monday afternoon.
By PETER KASPARI
pkaspari@messengernews.net
HUMBOLDT — A pedestrian died when he crossed U.S. Highway 169 near Humboldt during snowy conditions Sunday night. The man was identified by the Iowa State Patrol as Olaf H. Engman, 61, of Humboldt. The accident was reported at 11:01 p.m. Sunday on 169, north of Fourth Avenue North in Humboldt. According to the Iowa State Patrol’s accident report, Engman was crossing the northbound lanes of 169. As he was crossing, a southbound 2017 Jeep Wrangler, driven by Celeste Reilly, 54, of Humboldt, was traveling in the inside lane of traffic. The state patrol said Reilly didn’t see Engman until he was in the roadway, and her Jeep’s front passenger corner struck Engman as he was crossing the highway. Engman was transported to Humboldt County Memorial Hospital, where he See FATAL, Page 2A
FDCSD plans renovations for FDSH library Project should be completed by Oct. 1 By CHAD THOMPSON cthompson@messengernews.net
When school lets out in June, the Fort Dodge Community School District will continue upgrading Fort Dodge Senior High, this she said. “We are welcoming a lot of from out of town in, and no it is. The time with people to Fort Dodge already and that first six offers coming in are not curimprovewas what some people were thinking rent residents of Fort Dodge.” ments to • 2022 28 Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary the library. The FDCSD board apdirector of Main Street term, high-impact approaches,” Patrick from Page 1A By PETER KASPARI from Page 1A proved pkaspari@messengernews.net Fort Continued Dodge, Better Block said. the initial An internationally-known nonprofit Foundation founder Jason After the presentation, a mini-build Travis Brandon waswill pronounced plans for will be coming to Fort Dodge this week to Roberts project will be held at 1107 Central Ave. be giving dead. a
Williams area ribbon was April 9, people 2018 Fort Dodge,Bend whichhousing is so awesome,” was cutting that it wouldn’t bring
Building a better block Fatal
Effort aims to help revitalize downtown Fort Dodge
Continued
Fort Dodge, Iowa
FD OPEN AT LAST/7A
ON THE GRIDIRON/1B
Messenger THE
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Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018
Celebrating 10 Years
Fort Dodge, Iowa
‘You’re not reallY a success until You share that success’
Greehey diGs in
donor turns earth for new iowa central building that will bear his family foundation’s name -Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
When Bill Greehey graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High decades ago with dreams of going to college, today’s Iowa Central Community College didn’t exist. But now his name will always be tied to the college. Greehey, from Texas, joined about 150 people, including members of his family, college leaders and local officials for a Wednesday afternoon event to formally launch the construction of the Greehey Family Student Success Center on the Fort Dodge campus. A $3 million donation from the Greehey Family Foundation is helping to pay for the roughly $6 million center. “You’re not really a success until you share that success, so I’m proud that we’re able to share this success with the community college,” Greehey said. He is a former chairman and chief executive officer of Valero Energy Corp. who established the Greehey Family Foundation, which donates between $10 million and $11 million every year to various causes. The foundation has donated more than $110 million since its founding in 2006. Previously, the Foundation gave Iowa Central $1 million for a scholarship. “Today’s a landmark day for Iowa Central Community College and our region that we serve,” college President Dan Kinney said as he welcomed people to Wednesday’s event. “More importantly, I think it’s a landmark for students that we serve.” “This gift will help Iowa Central better serve our students and region by moving all of our student services to a one-stop shop,” he added. The building, Kinney said, “would not have been possible without his gift.” Mark Crimmins, president of the college’s Board of Directors, said he had been authorized by the board to express its gratitude to Greehey. But he seemed to struggle to find the right words to say thank you for a gift of the
LeFt: BiLL Greehey, at right, with a little help from Tri, the Iowa Central Community College mascot, and college President Dan Kinney, at left, breaks ground Wednesday afternoon for the Greehey Family Student Success Center.
OCT
2018
See SUCCESS, Page 2A
BeLoW: BiLL Greehey, at right, listens as Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich reads a mayoral proclamation Wednesday afternoon during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Greehey Family Student Success Center at Iowa Central Community College.
What Will the student center house? By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
The Greehey Family Student Success Center at Iowa Central Community College will provide a single place where students can access a variety of services. It will consolidate veterans services, enrollment services, student advising, financial aid, counseling, health care, career services, distance learning and early intervention support in one spot. Now those services are spread throughout several buildings on the See CENTER, Page 2A
isP troopers share memories of coffee and comfort
Boondocks was ‘a Beacon in the middle of a snowstorm’
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 BY TERESA WOOD
editor@freemanjournal.net
WILLIAMS — A state-wide contingent of Iowa State Patrol officers gathered on Wednesday morning for
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-Messenger photo by Teresa Wood
Boondocks at exit 144 on Interstate 35 in Williams served as a gas station, restaurant, mo-
Celebrating 10 Years
Grain Silo Mural along Hawkeye Avenue
DEC
2018
GROWTH
/groTH/ noun the process of developing or the increase in economic value
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Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
M
Celebrating 10 Years (515) 573-5473 1621 3rd Ave. S • Fort Dodge
Business&Industry
Four-lane US 20 is a reality
FROM RIVER TO RIVER
Finally: US Highway 20 is completed after 60 years of work
A vision, energy, persistence pays off through north central Iowa By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
FEB
2019
For Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, the completion of U.S. Highway 20 as a four-lane route all across northern Iowa after about 60 years of work could be summarized with a single word. “I think I can sum up today in one word — finally,” Gregg told about 400 people packed into a hotel ballroom in Holstein during an Oct. 19, 2018, ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly finished highway “To say that this day is a long time coming is an understatement,” he added. Gregg spoke before ceremonial ribbons were snipped along the side of U.S. Highway 20 in Holstein to mark the opening of the final four-lane section in Ida and Woodbury counties that completed a widening project started in 1958. That final section opened to traffic in October. Gregg described it as a “glorious day for northwest Iowa.” What ultimately made the finished highway possible, he said, was a 10-cent per gallon gasoline tax increase approved in 2015 that generated an additional $200 million a year for Iowa’s roads and bridges. But there was also a lot of work by many people that ensured success, he said. “We’re inspired by the passion of those of you here today and also the passion of those who played a role in this project and maybe aren’t around to see it through to completion, but you know made a big, big difference,” he said. “Your advocacy made a difference,” he added. ”And you know what, this project will make a difference, too. We’ll be able to move our goods more efficiently and get our products to the world.” U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, singled out two Fort Dodge residents, Floyd Magnusson and V. H. ”Buck” Boekelman. Magnusson was a Webster County supervisor and president of the U.S. 20 Corridor Association. Boekelman was a member of the association who was known for attending every Iowa Transportation Commission meeting. Both men died before the highway expansion was completed. “Those two folks were with us every step of the way,” King said. “They are with us in spirit today.” Other Fort Dodge residents who played key roles in pushing for the four-lane highway were former Democratic state Rep. Helen Miller; Republican state Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink; former Democratic state senators Daryl Beall and Rod Halvorson; Bob Singer, a
-Messenger file photos by Hans Madsen
TOP: The ribbon for the final section of U.S. Highway was cut in Holstein on Oct. 19, 2018. U.S. Rep. Steve King R-Iowa, did the honors with help from Mark Lowe, director of the Iowa Department of Transportation, at left; Shirley Phillips, president of the U.S. Highway 20 Corridor Association; Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg; and Iowa Transportation Commission member Charese Yanney, at right.
ABOVE: Bob Singer, first vice president of the U.S. 20 Corridor Association, at left, stops to talk with then-state Rep. Helen Miller, D-Fort Dodge, and Sherry Washington, right, of Fort Dodge, during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the last section of road on Oct. 19, 2018.
See US 20, Page 2F
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Celebrating 10 Years 6A
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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa
Cargill acquires land from Webster County No timetable on future development By CHAD THOMPSON cthompson@messengernews.net
Cargill has acquired more than 80 acres of property from Webster County as the company looks to expand its operations in the Iowa Crossroads of Global Innovation ag park west of Fort Dodge. The Webster County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the sale of two parcels to Cargill during its meeting Tuesday morning. Those two parcels used to be seven different parcels, but were combined, Mark Campbell, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, said. “We have been working on this for a while,” Campbell said of the transaction. The land, located north of Cargill’s plant at1950 Harvest Ave., was sold to Cargill for a total cost of about $2,036,650. The parcel on the east lot is 43.49 acres. Cargill paid $25,000 an acre for that property. The parcel on the west side is 40.4 acres. Cargill paid $23,500 an acre for that property. “It’s the amount the county paid for it,” Fort Dodge attorney Steve Kersten said. “They (Webster County) 4A reimbursed for Wednesday, July 22, 2020 will be completely all cost.” Al Viaene, facility manager at Cargill — Fort Dodge, said the TERRY company plansPublisher to develop the newly CHRISTENSEN SHEA Editor acquired propertyBILL into a co-location. On Tuesday, Viaene said there was no timetable or specific plans to share regarding that co-location.
NOV
2019
Supervis jail sta
By CH
cthompso
The Webster Count Tuesday on multiple s “It depends on the size and scope,” he said. “If you operations of the jail. use CJ (Bio America) as an example, they spent $300 Supervisors accepte million and added 150 employees. Or it could be a a corrections office small co-location with $50 million and 20 people. It resignation becomes depends on which co-location we add.” tive Dec. 1. He said this type of development usually takes a In a separate motio couple of years to get something built from the time county accepted the plans have been announced. And to date, specific plans of Pyle as a clerk have not been announced. county assessor’s offic Cargill came to Webster County by buying a partialPyle was hired fo ly built plant in 2011 and turning it into a wet corn position at a rate of $ milling facility. per hour. That hire is Construction of the current Cargill plant in the Iowa tive Dec. 2. Crossroads of Global Innovation industrial park was Meanwhile, super started by Tate & Lyle in 2006. But that company sold approved a status chan it to Cargill for $57 million in 2011 before it was comRenee Ryan, from c pleted. tions officer to sergean The new owner renovated it to create the current faapproved a raise in cility. Production there began on Oct. 29, 2013. $21.24. When operating at full capacity, the plant consumes Supervisors accepte 150,000 bushels of corn a day. Madeline Richards From that corn, the plant produces dextrose, full-time corrections o The Messenger/Fort Iowagluten meal fed to poultry, www.messengernews.net ethanol, feed for cattle,Dodge, corn In other business, B corn germ and a molasses like substance called corn equipment operato steep liquor. Engineer/Roads Depa Cargill employs about 160 people. An additional 90 hourly rate of $22. people who work for various contractors are also at the site daily.
opInIon
Letter shows psychologist broke AML Riverside is a rules with Iowa sex predator mESSEngER EdiToRiaL
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growing local company
IOWA CITY (AP) — A psycholThey also created potential securi- cluded sexual discussions. He said ogist in charge of treating Iowa’s ty concerns for the institution, which his client frequently sent Sanders w w w. m most dangerous sex offenders violat-It plans houses to about 120 sexually violent notes written insoon code. add about $720,000 in payroll ed policies by developing an improp- predators who have been ordered by “She had Jeff so wound up that he AML Riversideorlogo on it. staff will. was The company hen aAML Riverside like AML erly close relationship with violent the Drive. courtsA tocompany be locked up foritstreatwillingplans to kill himself somew w w. m e The Fort Dodge City Council LLC came to Fort Riverside can’t easily set up shop to add 12 positions and about predator who became obsessed with ment following completion of their one else if he dishonored her or expanDodge in 2016, it in any large building. But the $720,000 worth of payroll. recently moved to aid the her, The Associated Press has exist-prison terms. elsewilldishonored her,” Dunn Within the someone building there structure on East Riverside Drive took advantage of a unique, sion by forgiving a $100,000 be some has a letter long history veteri- the ing asset and quickly went to The loan it“He gave the company learned. did with not the identify pa- changes saidand in equipment an interview. was reallyin 2015 work making veterinary medi- nary pharmaceuticals business. will be added so that the company to help it get started. Forgiving Shannon Smith Sanders, who di- tient. But attorney Jason Dunn told going crazy.” That history is summed up by a can expand its research and de- the loan was smart move. Essencines. rected the treatment program at the ofthe big APmetal thatsign it was client, Department velopment work.The It willIowa be about on thehis north wall Jeffrey To meet the requirements tially writingof off Human $100,000 to get a $6 million of the building says Fort someUnit government incentives in new Civil Commitment for Sex Of- it re-Goodwin, who which has been locked up investment. Services, which $720,000 operates the payroll pro- in the Dodge Laboratories. That comAML Riverside develops, liceived, the company had to create community has got to be fenders in Cherokee, did special fasince committing a 1988 sexual asgram, allowed Sanders to resign in one of Lease For ON 30 jobs by the end of 2019. It pany is gone, but it and its succes- censes and manufactures products the better deals of recent history. vors for the patient —exceeded sharingthat sault secrets In custody, Gooda threelieu ofwhich termination sorsinleftKeokuk. a facility perfectly other companies are AMLafter Riverside is an existing easily figure, and suited for with him, bending rules for80him has a record of expressingthen sexumonth investigation intothatthe com-to add sold under the names of company its current occupant. nowthe employs about people. winfor is about thosetocompanies. That’s why no more Now, AMLfantasies Riverside isand getting asset to that ally it good paying professional and lying to protectThe him,unique according violent threats plaint, documents show. breathed new life into is a sprawl- ready to grow again. Its building one ever sees anything in a local jobs. That’s the kind of growth a Sept. 16 termination letter obtained ward female guards and but assaulting Sanders, veterinarian’s office that has38, an declined won’t be getting any bigger, ing building along East Riverside we want toto seecomment in Fort Dodge. under Iowa’s open records law. other patients and staff. about the investigation’s findings or Sanders also failed to report that Dunn alleged that Sanders encour- Dunn’s allegations. 55, to masturbate in Dunn recently the FBI to in32the patient was having personal feel- aged Goodwin, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10thasked Anniversary • 2022 ings for her. The letter said Sanders’ front of her and that they watched vestigate, saying the relationship L E T T EviolaRS actions constituted “boundary pornography together at least once. may have violated an Iowa law bartions,” meaning they crossed the line He said Goodwin grabbed her but- ring therapists from sexually exploitinto unethical behavior that poten- tocks a couple times and that they de- ing their patients. He said Goodwin Who should veloped an “emotional affair” that in- intends to pursue a lawsuit. tially exploited the patient.
w w w. m e s
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Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 | Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021
The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa
www.messengernews.net
Fort DoDge InFrastructure
NEW REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM TO BE ACTIVATED AT WATER PLANT By BILL SHEA
-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
bshea@messengernews.net
Two busy intersections on the east side of downtown Fort Dodge were rebuilt last year, along with the heavily traveled section of 15th Street that joins them. The junctures of Central Avenue and 15th Street and First Avenue South and 15th Street were far from the only places where construction was found in town. Aggressive work to improve sewers continued and the pond at ArmTony strong Park was Trotter reshaped in an effort to improve the quality of its water. When the snow melts and construction crews can get to work this spring, more street and sewer jobs will be tackled. And sometime this spring, the water coming out of faucets all across the city will be a little bit softer as reverse osmosis equipment installed at the John W. Pray Water Facility begins running. Here’s a summary of what was accomplished in 2020. Streets The intersections of Central Avenue and 15th Street and First Avenue South and 15th Street were reconfigured to create turning lanes. South 15th Street between Central Avenue and First Avenue South was rebuilt to create three lanes of traffic. Additional repairs on First Avenue South, stretching all the way to Veterans Bridge, were included in the project. The work began in the fall of 2019 and continued until the fall of 2020. Castor Construction, of Fort Dodge, had a roughly $4 million contract for the work. South 30th Street was rebuilt between Fifth and Seventh ave-
THE REBUILT INTERSECTION of First Avenue South and 15th Street awaited traffic after its completion last fall.
pandemic. He said some workers got sick and others had to quarantine. The delivery of needed supplies was delayed because they were manufactured in states that completely shut down at the height of the pandemic.
FEB
2021
2021 projects The debut of the osmosis system is far from the only project planned for the rest of this year. There will be an annual street repaving project, and a resurfacing job on Country Club Drive using a new method. Trotter said IN BUNNY ARRIVES However, it will not produce true the existing pavement there will HELICOPTER/INSIDE soft water. be pulverized and fresh asphalt Trotter said residents will have will be put down on top of it. He to reprogram their water soften- said its an ideal method THE to use ers so that they will use less salt. on Country Club Drive because The effort to reduce the hard- it will allow access to the homes ness of the city’s water was there throughout the process. prompted by a directive from Here’s what else is on tap: the Iowa Department of Natural ∫ Completion of the sewer Monday, April 5, 2021 www.messengernews.net Resources to reduce the amount project near Duncombe Elemenof chloride in treated waste- tary School. water discharged into the Des ∫ Installation of new sewers Moines River. There’s no way under 10th Avenue North beto effectively remove chloride tween 26th Street and the Union from wastewater so reducing the Pacific Railroad tracks. amount of that substance get∫ Reconstruction of 15th Avting to the wastewater treatment enue South. plant became the goal. It was ob∫ Installation of new storm vious to engineers that the chlo- sewers near 12th Street and Secrides were coming from salt used ond Avenue South. in water softeners. They turned ∫ Building a new water main to the reverse osmosis process to loop around the city’s northwest cut down the need for that salt. side. The process of building an adThat new water main loop, dition to the water plant and in- consisting of 12-inch and 8-inch stalling the necessary equipment diameter pipes, will improve wabegan in April 2019. ter pressure and sustainability The project cost about $20 in the area, Trotter said. Rasch million. Construction Inc., of Fort Dodge, Trotter said the work was heav- was awarded a $1,970,666 conily impacted by the COVID-19 tract for the job in December.
EASTER VISITOR
nues south. “That road was in dire need,” said City Engineer Tony Trotter. He said the road was broken down by heavy traffic while nearby Eighth Avenue South was closed for complete reconstruction. A culvert on North Seventh Street, north of the entrance to Loomis Park, was replaced with a new larger one to improve drainage in that area. Sewer work Through 2020, work continued, especially on the city’s south side, on a long project to improve sewers so that homes won’t be flooded during heavy rains. “The point behind the Community Sewer Initiative was to eliminate basement backups and eliminate the need to pump out manholes,” Trotter said. For decades, every time there was a heavy rain, city crews had to pump water out of sanitary sewer manholes in a sometimes futile effort to prevent basement
ALLIANCE
backups. Thanks to sewer improvements completed since 2013, no manholes had to be pumped out last year and just one had to be pumped out in 2019. Historically, there were 19 locations that had to be pumped out. During 2020, larger and deeper sanitary sewers were installed beneath 13th Avenue South between 26th and 29th streets. Trotter said placing the sewers deeper underground helps to prevent wastewater from backing up into homes. Larger and deeper sanitary sewers were also installed in the neighborhood surrounding Duncombe Elementary School. Additionally, a new lift station that pumps sewage to the wastewater treatment plant was built near North 11th Street. Water plant In April, the reverse osmosis machinery at the John W. Pray Water Facility on Phinney Park Drive is expected to start up. When it does, the hardness of the city’s water will be reduced.
NOT QUITE ENOUGH
IOWA WESTERN PULLS AWAY FROM TRITONS LATE/SPORTS
Messenger
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Water damage closes Olde Boston’s
APRIL
al·li·ance noun 2021 a union orCASEY’S association RUGBY ROBBERY CASE ACTION formed for mutual benefit, OF EXPERTS MEET OUR TEAM FORT DODGE MAN CLEAN SWEEP FOR especially between CONVICTED FRIDAY/INSIDE SERVING FORT DODGE SINCE 1952 FD STAGS/SPORTS countries or organizations Coming soon: THE SUNDAY Dean Jim
-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
TALL RACKS OF PIPES called skids hold the new reverse osmosis filters at the John W. Pray Water Treatment Plant in Fort Dodge. Each pipe contains a plastic filter with microscopic holes that even bacteria cannot pass through. Forcing the water through those holes removes calcium, magnesium and other substances, thus reducing the hardness of the water.
Messenger
softer water
www.messengernews.net
Fort Dodge prepares to turn on reverse osmosis system
Saturday, April 10, 2021 | Sunday, April 11, 2021
By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
Towering racks full of white tubes fill the new wing of the John W. Pray Water Treatment Plant in Fort Dodge, where the mechanical roar of operating pumps can make having a conversation tough. Those noisy pumps push water through membranes inside the tubes at high pressure. When the water comes out of those tubes, it is free of the calcium, magnesium and other substances that make water hard. The end result: The water coming out of every faucet in Fort Dodge will not be as hard as it once was. It will not be true soft water, but residents will not have to use their water softeners as much after all of this new equipment is fully operation-
al in early May. Fort Dodge, Iowa
All of the tubes, filters and pumps make a water treatment process called reverse osmosis possible. Construction of the new reverse osmosis setup in Fort Dodge began in April 2019. After Tony multiple delays caused Trotter by the COVID-19 pandemic, the system is expected to start running next month.
ter said each hole is smaller than a virus. He said when water is pumped into the tubes, only water molecules can pass through the holes. The molecules of calcium, magnesium, chloride and other substances are prevented from passing through, creating water with reduced hardness.
CJ Bio America plans $20M expansion
69More Yearsjobs, of Hard Work capacity & Dedication production comingto Customer Service
Visit
By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
Marcia
CJ Bio America is planning to invest about $20 million in its Webster County plant so that it can make more of an amino acid that’s added to some types of livestock feed. Construction is expected to be finished in September, with the increased production scheduled to start in January 2022. The project will create 25 or 26 new jobs, according to Dennis Plautz, the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge
the
Growth Alliance. He said about 20 people have been hired already. The company now employs 220 people. Luke Palmer, the company’s senior operations manager, said the expansion will enable the company to better compete in a sometimes volatile market and better serve its customers. “I think it shows how committed CJ Bio is to growing the business in the community
ROOM
-Submitted photo
See WATER PLANT, Page 5A
CJ BIO AMERICA is planning to invest more than $20 million in its Webster County plant, which will result in increased production beginning in January 2022.
Michael Hymns through masks: Christians mark Lora
another pandemic Easter
APRIL STEALS & DEALS
2021
How does it work? Inside each of the white tubes is a plastic membrane filled with many microscopic holes. City Engineer Tony Trot-
How will it impact residents? The hardness of water is measured in grains. The water in Fort Dodge now has 26 to 27 grains of hardness, according to Trotter. He said when the reverse osmosis system is running, the water will have about 7 grains of hardness.
See CJ BIO AMERICA, Page 2A
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VATICAN CITY (AP) — Christianity’s most joyous feast day was celebrated worldwide with the faithful spaced apart in pews and singing choruses of “Hallelujah” through face coverings on a second Easter Sunday marked by pandemic precautions. From vast Roman Catholic cathedrals to Protestant churches, worshippers followed regulations on the coronavirus. In some European countries, citizens lined up on Easter for their turn to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. In the Lombardy region of Italy, where the pandemic first erupted in the West, a hospital gave a traditional dove-shaped Easter cake symbolizing peace to each person waiting to get vaccinated. Many who came were in their 80s. A soccer team in Lyon, France, opened its stadium as a vaccination center for the long holiday weekend. Some 9,000 people were expected to receive their shots there over three days as the French government tries to speed up vaccinations amid a fresh outbreak of infections.
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PEOPLE SIT AT A DISTANCE from each other in the cathedral during Easter services in Hildesheim, Germany, Sunday. Despite the Corona pandemic and numerous contact restrictions, churches are allowed to celebrate numerous presence services around Easter.
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Good Morning
JON COOK
Weather
Owner optimistic restaurant can reopen in coming weeks By CHAD THOMPSON cthompson@messengernews.net
Olde Boston’s Restaurant and Pub has been forced to close after extensive water damage was discovered in the restaurant early Saturday morning, according to Jim Bird, owner of the establishment. The restaurant, located at 809 Central Ave., is housed in the Boston Centre. That building is water cooled and heated. “It uses a water tower,” Bird said. “It has a boiler for heat.” Bird said large hoses that keep the water circulating came undone on Friday night. “We didn’t realize it had come undone until the cleaning crew got there at about 4 a.m.,” Bird said on Saturday. The full extent of the damage isn’t yet known, but Bird said it’s enough that the restaurant has to close. He said the business is likely to be closed for a minimum of about two weeks. Bird is optimistic that the restaurant will be able to open sooner rather than later, but said that could be dependent on the parts needed to make repairs. “Our contractors are telling us availability of product is not very good right now,” Bird said. “They are struggling to get things in. It could take several weeks to get certain products. Hopefully it’s not that long and we can get going.” A full assessment of the damage will be conducted today.
With new aid, schools seek solutions to problems new and old By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer
With a massive infusion of federal aid coming their way, schools across the U.S. are weighing how to use the windfall to ease the harm of the pandemic — and to tackle problems that existed long before the coronavirus. The assistance that was approved last month totals $123 billion — a staggering sum that will offer some districts several times the amount of federal education funding they receive in a single year. The aid will help schools reopen and expand summer programs to help students catch up on learning. It also offers a chance to pursue programs that have long been seen as too expensive, such as intensive tutoring, mental health services and major curriculum upgrades. “This feels like a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to be able to make critical investments,” said Nathan Kuder, chief financial officer of Boston Public Schools, which is expecting $275 million. But the spending decisions carry high stakes. If important needs are overlooked — or if the money does not bring tangible improvements — schools could face blowback from their communities and from politicians who influence their funding. At the same time, schools must be wary of dreaming too big and taking on long-term costs they cannot sustain. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said the assistance allows schools to “hit the reset button” and confront challenges that have long plagued the nation’s
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THE CLASS
TRACK
When people’s body temperatures rise, “Younger children are at higher risk,” wearing light colored and loose-fitting ST. EDMOND ANNOUNCES ST. EDMOND serious complications can arise, accordhe said. “Those with underlying medical clothing. PREVIEW/SPORTS ing to Hill. conditions.” The dangers of being in extreme heatSENIOR for AWARDS/INSIDE “If left untreated, it can lead to permaAccording to Hill, certain medications too long include heat exhaustion or heat nent brain damage,” Hill said. “There are like diet pills, sedative medications and THE stroke, Hill said.
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‘We need rainfall’ Wednesday, May 19, 2021
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an animal, Hill said hot vehicles should be avoided. “Never leave anyone of any age in a veSee HEAT, Page 3A
Fort Dodge, Iowa Ribbon Cutting for Corridor Plaza was June 17, 2021
“Our trails are creating a modern transportation system connecting neighborhoods of people, business and industry and nature.”
tation in the first part of June,” he said. By KRISS NELSON — Mayor Matt climatology Bemrich “June, speaking, is our peak editor@messengernews.net It’s no surprise it is dry out, but just precipitation month.” These conditions could almost be lahow are these drier conditions affecting the agricultural industry and what could beled unprecedented. Todey said data compiled by Justin this mean for the consumer? Glisan, state climatologist for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Conditions Dennis Todey, director of the United Stewardship, said it appears, so far, 2021 States Department of Agriculture Mid- can be comparable to 1988 and 1933. west Climate Hub, said precipitation for Weather outlook spring has been dramatically lower than Fortunately, it appears temperatures average. For Fort Dodge, typical average precipitation for April 1-June 17 is will be cooler than average going into 11.44-inches and during that time frame early next week and Todey said the cooldown could last through the end of the only 5.61-inches was received this year. “We have parts of central Iowa that have received no or almost no precipiSee DROUGHT, Page 2A
CELEBRATING
GREENBELT TRAILS
-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL preschool teachers Dawn Vought, left, and Anna Zimmermann stand on the roof of the school Tuesday afternoon as they work to raise money to purchase a classroom loft for the preschool room. They went out on the roof at 7:30 a.m. and stayed until 7:30 p.m. They hoped to raise $4,000. Vought said that by late afternoon, they were three-quarters of the way to their $4,000 goal.
For the kids
-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
MEMBERS OF the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, Fort Dodge city St. Paul teachers collect officials and representatives of Corridor Plaza developers ATI Group and DCI Group held a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the official opening of two new donations from the roof streets running through the former Crossroads Mall property, South 27th Street BILL SHEA and SecondByAvenue South. bshea@messengernews.net
-Messenger photos by Chad Thompson
COL. STEVEN SATTINGER, commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, left, along with James Homann, Des Moines River Recreational River and Greenbelt program manager, and Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich prepare to cut a ribbon celebrating the completion of the Greenbelt Trails Project. The ceremony was held on Tuesday along a paved stretch of trail near 16th Street Southwest and 14th Avenue Southwest.
Project that added almost 3 miles of trails is complete
MAY
By CHAD THOMPSON
cthompson@messengernews.net
Members of the Fort Dodge community gathered along -Messenger photo by Chad Thompson a paved stretch of trail near 16th Street Southwest and 14th Avenue Southwest on Tuesday. The smooth asphalt surface which features guard rails, A BEAN FIELD east areas, of kayak Fortportages Dodge retaining walls, parking and a is boat shown here. Webster County is ramp along route, hasn’t always been there.drought depending on location, according experiencing a the moderate to severe It took 15 years and $7.8 million to add nearly 3 miles to the U.S. Drought Monitor. of trails along the Des Moines River. The project is called the Fort Dodge Greenbelt Trails Project.
2021
See GREENBELT, Page 2A THE
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COL. STEVEN SATTINGER, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Fort Dodge Greenbelt Trails Project on Tuesday.
MIKE BIGGS
Building momentum JUN
St. Paul Lutheran School preschool teachers Dawn Vought and Anna Zimmermann weren’t in the school Tuesday — they were on top of it. The two stayed on the roof on the northwest corner of the building at 1217 Fourth Ave. S., trying to raise $4,000 to pay for a classroom loft. By late afternoon, they had raised about three-fourths of the needed money, according to Vought. “People have been so nice and generous to us,” she said. “When it’s for kids, people show up.” By KELBY WINGERT “We’re positive it’s going to kwingert@messengernews.net work,” she Vought added. Development on — theDawn first phase of The two set up a St. Paul preschool teacher the Corridor project at the former couple of chairs andPlaza a table on the roof. Some Crossroads Mall is nearly complete afhandmade bearing messagesofficially asking people to ter the signs ribbon cutting opening donate so that they could come down from the roof were the new sections South 27th Street taped to the wall. A bucketof tied to the end of a rope was and set up to receive donations from anyone who came by.afterSecond Avenue South on Thursday Their rooftop vigil began at 7:30 a.m. and ended at noon. about 7:30 p.m. Lunch supper were delivered to them. Theandfirst phase of the project includteachers said they had no chance to get bored edThedemolition of the north wing of the because of the steady stream of visitors. They estimated mall, construction of by. the utilities and the that at least 200 people stopped “It’s been fun,” Zimmermann said. “We loveAvestreets and the lots adjacent to both First our jobs.” Vought added, “We love the kids. We love the parents.” Vought has previously described the classroom loft as a “treehouse in a classroom.” It’s a structure that can be configured to be used with a variety of lessons and activities. Donations for the loft can be sent to St. Paul Lutheran School, 1217 Fourth Ave. S., Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Indicate on the check that the money is for the preschool.
"When it’s kids, New streets inforCorridor Plaza complex open
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people show up."
2021
nue South and Second Avenue South, said Chad Schaeffer, chief development officer for the City of Fort Dodge. Crossroads Plaza Development LLC, of Ankeny, purchased the Crossroads Mall in early 2020 for $3.3 million. The developer is making a sweeping transformation of the site, which has included demolition of the former J.C. Penney store, demolition of the former Sears store and construction of a new UnityPoint Health - Clinic See STREETS, Page 3A
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Prison murder trial under way in FD Hall charged with killing inmate at Fort Dodge Correctional Facility By KELBY WINGERT
kwingert@messengernews.net
KEN THOMPSON, a shift captain at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, explains the layout of the FDCF campus to the jury at the first-degree murder trial of FDCF inmate Eric Hall on Tuesday.
A Fort Dodge Correctional Facility corrections officer described finding the body of an inmate under a pile of laundry in his cell as testimony in the firstdegree murder trial of FDCF inmate Eric Todd Hall began Tuesday at the Webster County Courthouse. Hall, 45, is being tried for killing fellow inmate Thomas Daleske last year. Daleske was found unresponsive in his cell in the Grove Unit of the prison around 5:15 p.m. on June 14, 2020. Hall was identified as a suspect shortly after the incident and was charged with first- Thomas Daleske degree murder. -Messenger photos by Kelby Wingert The State Medical Examiner ruled Daleske’s death a homicide by strangulation with blunt force injuries to the head, neck and chest. Witnesses have testified MURDER DEFENDANT ERIC HALL listens to that there was an elastic band from a pair of underwear testimony by witnesses during his first-degree murder trial at the Webster County Courthouse on Tuesday. See HALL, Page 3A
Ribbon Cutting for Unity Point Clinic Express was June 25, 2021
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Fort Dodge, Iowa
Messenger photo by Michaela Frerichs
CALCIUM PRODUCTS’ CURRENT FACILITY is located on Webster County Road P59 on the southeast edge of Fort Dodge.
AUG
NOT A 2021 HOUSE CAT
Calcium Products seeks expansion IOWA
PREVIEW Webster County Supervisors support plan
By MICHAELA FRERICHS PET COUGAR REMOVED mfrerichs@messengernews.net Calcium Products in Fort Dodge is one FROM NYC HOME/INSIDE step closer to expanding its facility after
Plautz said the $17 million will include $7.5 million for construction, $8.1 million for machinery and equipment, and $1.5 million for the land. Calcium Products takes local products such as gypsum and limestone and creates soil additives. Plautz Dennis said one of their biggest Plautz customers is golf courses. “Calcium Products is an added-value company,’’ Plautz said. ‘‘With this expansion they can go after new consumers and create more development around Fort Dodge.” Plautz added that Calcium Products
HAWKEYES HAVE HIGH HOPES/SPORTS
would continue to use its current buildings for storage and warehousing and build a new production facility on 40 acres across the road from the current facility. This project would also add two jobs while maintaining the current 11 positions. The two new positions are projected to pay $20.47 per hour. The board approved the resolution of support to give Calcium Products an annual appropriation rebate equal to 70 percent of the incremental tax produced by the new project. The next step will be for incentives to be considered Friday by the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board. The state will vote to approve a
Messenger Tuesday’s Webster County Board of Supervisors meeting. The board unanimously approved a resolution of support for Calcium Products improvements. The Calcium Products facility is currently located on Webster County Road P59 on the southeast edge of Fort Dodge. Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance CEO Dennis Plautz said, “What’s proposed today is a $17 million expansion, which includes building, machinery, equipment and new palletizers so they can do more things than they do today and be more competitive in the marketplace.”
THE
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Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021
St. Edmond welcomes new principal home By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net
St. Edmond Catholic School welcomed a new principal this month. It was actually a homecoming of sorts. Tabitha Acree took over at St. Edmond Catholic School on Aug. 1. For the past six years, she had been principal at Riverside Early Learning Center for the Fort Dodge Community School District, and for the 10 years prior to that, Acree was the middle school and high school counselor at St. Edmond. It was the Holy Spirit that led Acree back to the Catholic school, she said. “I really do think that,” she said. “I wasn’t out looking. I love working in the public school, the teachers and the kids… I’d heard there was an opening (at St. Ed-
mond) and some friends had suggested that I consider it and through prayer, it led me back here.It’s like coming back home.” Acree considers her faith to be very important to her and she enjoys being able to teach students and talk about God as well. Another benefit Acree sees in the private school is that she gets to work with students from their very first day of preschool all the way until their high school graduation. At Riverside, she only got to spend at most two years with each student. “It was great to be able to go in and set that foundation with kids … it’s the first experience with school for many of them,” Acree said. “And it’s a great opSee ACREE, Page 3A
$225,000 refund of sales, service, and use tax paid during construction. If the state board approves, the improvement project will be able to move forward. Board of Supervisors Chairman Mark Campbell thanked Plautz and Kelly Halsted, who is the Growth Alliance’s economic development director, for their work on this project. “It’s very exciting to see more expansion and growth in our area,” Campbell said. With the unanimous passing of the resolution, Plautz said, “The support of the Board of Supervisors is certainly appreciated. They’ve always stepped up to the plate and been supportive of economic development projects brought to them.”
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Hurdel appeals murder conviction
-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
IOWA STATE AUDITOR Rob Sand speaks at City Square Park Tuesday KELBY during a visit Fort Dodge as part of his By 99 county tour. WINGERT
kwingert@messengernews.net
Sand frustrated by state budget
A Fort Dodge man convicted of killing his estranged wife is appealing his first-degree murder conviction. Justin C. Hurdel, 45, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Aug. 9 by District Court Judge Christopher Polking. It had taken a Boone County jury just two hours on State Auditor for Hurdel governor Julymay 1 to run conflict of the August budget of hasMaggie been a source of frustration. By CHAD THOMPSON 2020 murder Flint. “I think what we have seen is shortcthompson@messengernews.net According to court documents, Hurterm political focused decision making inIowa State Auditor Rob Sand believes of long-term thinking that be the watchdog within his office del has filed wo- stead his notice of appeal onwould Thursbetter off forassigned the state of Iowa,” Sandpubsaid. ken up from its nap, so to speak.day. And the He will be a state dog has been barking over things like the “I think a lot of people are seeing, whethlic appellate attorney to orwrite and file er through legislation through budgetstate budget. frustration withby what see “I ran on the idea that we needed to ing,toa lot the appeal beofconsidered thethey Iowa sort of insiders getting what they want wake up the watchdog and weCourt are do-of as Appeals. -Messenger photo bying Michaela Frerichs that,” Sand said on Tuesday at City and the rest of the state sort of getting igwas 38 when she died, was nored.” Square Park, 424 Central Ave. “InFlint, Alla- who example, thewith Decorah is dismakeeMemorial County, I had a guy who has beenby a theFor shot defendant a native sawed-off SCOTT PEDERSON, of Nels Pederson Co., of Badger, works on enforcing the banks at John F. Kennedy state employee for 24 years say he’s never appointed that restaurants didn’t receive a garage at 526during S. 19th St. on Park where a new bridge will soon be installed. The banks and old bridge had been washed out with seen rising more state assistance the pandemmorewaters middle managers andshotgun bureau- in -Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert ic. the afternoon of Aug. 5, 2020. She had crats worried about the state Auditor’s ofseveral times in the past. had a massive surplus this fice. I think that’s a good thing.”been in the“We garage, which budget was owned by TABITHA ACREE is the new principal at St. Edmond Catholic School. She Sand, a Democrat who took office in year,” Sand said. “In a year where 750 was principal at Riverside Early Learning Center for six years, and a school Robert Baker, to work on her 2019, visited Fort Dodge as parther of afriend, 99 counselor at St. Edmond for 10 years before that. county tour. He said the state ofpickup the state truck, when Hurdel, See SAND, Page 44, 8A came and told her he had signed their divorce papers that morning. Hurdel left and returned later with the THE essenger Good Morning Weather firearm. He later testified that he intended to66º take his own life in front of Flint, High 90º | Low For delivery of The Messenger, call 515-573-2141 GALORD PAINE and claimed he accidentally shot her. 6B SUNNY, Forecast, or go online www.messengernews.net Suggested retail price $1.00 Thank you for subscribing to The Messenger After Flint was shot, Hurdel removed Matt Cosgrove, director of the Webside that rated relatively high was paving the spent shotgun shell from the fireBy MICHAELA FRERICHS ster County Conservation, said “Planning the trail around the lake since now there’s arm and fired again — this time aiming mfrerichs@messengernews.net at himself. John F. Kennedy Memorial Park’s trail for this trail around the lake started actu- a paved trail coming all the way out to The gun reportedly malfunctioned around Badger Lake will be getting some ally back in the late ‘90s when there was Kennedy Park from town.” Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022 35 a plan put together to create a hard surWebster County and the City of Fort and left Hurdel alive, but with severe improvements in the next year. WebDodge filed a joint grant application soft tissue damage to his face and nose. ster County Conservation is gearing up face trail around the lake.” Cosgrove said it can be hard to fund and were awarded $700,000 from the He then fled, leading local law enforcefor a big project it hopes will start in the ment on a 17-hour manhunt before he next few months. The project will pave projects such as small loop trails when it Transportation Alternatives Program; $350,000 was awarded to the county was apprehended on a property just the trail around Badger Lake and change comes to grants. “ In 2018, the county and city put to- and $350,000 to the city. Cosgrove said north of Coalville on the morning of the path slightly, making it smoother and gether a trail master plan,’’ Cosgrove that is federal money passed down to the Aug. 6, 2020. more accessible. In addition to the life sentence, Hurdel While there has been a granular trail said.‘That included trails and enhance- state and the application is through the Iowas ordered to pay $150,000 restitution around the lake, a paved trail has been in ments throughout the county and expan-
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2021
Project will improve accessibility at Kennedy Park
s game-changing’
TOM WELKER, a driver for Legacy, carries out a cover for the linear accelerator THE NEW Varian TrueBeam linear accelerato that is being donated. Crews disassembled the machine on Saturday. Parts will Cancer Center since April of 2021. be recycled or sent to hospitals in developing countries for use.
Value-added corn production to expand
facility leading edge, added more team members and given back to Cargill Inc. is planning a $48 the community through volunteermillion project at its plant west of ing and financial doFort Dodge as it continues to invest nations,’’ said Sydin the facility. ney Pokorny, the faThe project will expand valcility manager. ue-added corn production for the ‘‘We continue to company’s food ingredient market, explore opportuniaccording to the Iowa Economic ties to expand this Development Authority. It will infacility as well as clude a new process building, tanks look for new partand transload capacity, the authorners to co-locate on Dennis ity reported. our campus,’’ she Plautz The project will not create any added. ‘‘We are new jobs. However, current emproud to be a part ployees will be getting raises as of the Webster County community, they master the increased skills and look forward to sharing more needed for the expanded produc- in the future when we have more tion. definitive growth plans.’’ -Submitted photo ‘‘Since 2011, when Cargill Construction is expected to beopened the doors to its Fort Dodge ginevening this year be banquet complete by DURHAM, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, speaks Thursday at theand spring e Gowrie Development Commission in the Heartland Community Room. She gave an overview trends in economic biotechnology campus, we’ve made the fall of of 2024. opment throughout the state. significant investments to keep the The project will come before By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernews.net
THE
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other communio-Getter Award
FEB
By BILL SHEA
bshea@messengernew
2022
See CARGILL, Page 3
FRANK HUBBARD Thank you for subscribing to The Messenger
A number of con are on the agenda fo Fort Dodge City Co tonight. Three of those con are for major projects completed. The fourth tract is a five-year agreement with the representing police of The council will m 6 p.m. today in the nicipal Building, 819 Ave. S. Contracts for these ects will be considere ∫ Annual street r ing. Fort Dodge Asph the sole bidder, offer bid of about $1 millio ∫ Painting lines other markings on s
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Ribbon cutting for new product at Koch Fertilizer was March 31, 2022
-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
SHAWN CAMPBELL, manager of the Koch Fertilizer plant in Webster County, snips a ribbon during a Thursday afternoon event marking the completion of a $2 million project that enables the facility to produce a new fertilizer product.
New product celebrated at Koch Fertilizer
Getter
se and the new from the work
the Webster County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning. The supervisors will consider awarding an incentive to the company. That incentive would consist of rebating to the company 70 percent of the increased property taxes it would pay as a result of the project. That rebate would be paid over 10 years. Its estimated value is $1,127,000. The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board will consider incentives for the project on Friday. The state incentives would consist of an investment tax credit of $332,500 and a refund of sales, service and use taxes paid during the project. That refund’s estimated value is $367,500. ‘‘Cargill is continuing to invest in this site to keep and maintain the
Good Morning
essenger
er photo by Bill Shea
wrie Go-Getter ng the honor at t Commission. serving as the mittee.
FD c consid t
Cargill plans $48M investment in local plant
$2 million project completed
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By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net
DUNCOMBE — A new fertilizer product is being shipped from the Koch Fertilizer plant in Webster County thanks to a recently completed $2 million project. That accomplishment was celebrated Thurs-
day at the plant with a ribbon cutting conducted by the Greater FortGreater Dodge Growth Am-Growth FortAlliance Dodge bassadors. ‘‘We are definitely excited about our ATS tank and terminal loading site,’’ said Shawn Campbell, See Koch, Page 3
Alliance 10th Anniversary • 2022
Messenger
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Wednesday, April 8, 2020
STUDY CLUB FUNDRAISER
Fort Dodge, Iowa
ON THE HARDWOOD
HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS/INSIDE
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BENNETT PLAYS IN ALL-STAR GAME/SPORTS
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Fort Dodge, Iowa
Decades of service Kleins retire from Duncombe Volunteer Fire Department
APR
2022
-Messenger photo by Bill Shea
The facaDe facelifT at 605 Central Ave. won the award for Excellent Exterior Rehabilitation from the 2020 Main Street Iowa Awards. When owner Dave Madsen started to remove the old, wooden facade on the building, he discovered the original stone arches and brick facade of the 1880s storefront.
Fabulous facade
By KELBY WINGERT
kwingert@messengernews.net
DUNCOMBE — Eric and Joline Klein are ready for some quiet. The Duncombe couple officially retired from the Duncombe Volunteer Fire Department last week after a combined 62 years of service, leaving a lasting legacy in the rural eastern Webster County town. Eric Klein’s introduction to firefighting was an abrupt one — he was outside doing yard work when his brother-in-law, who was the Duncombe fire chief at the time, came by and dragged him to a fire he needed more hands for. That was 1987. Over the years, Eric Klein has worn many different hats for the DVFD. He’s been everything
Downtown store’s facelift wins award By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net
APRIL
2022
See KLEINS, Page 7A
Older ad
One downtown store’s facelift helped Main Street Fort Dodge nab the award for Excellent Exterior Rehabilitation from the 2020 Main Street Iowa Awards earlier this month. Main Street Fort Dodge nominated the Diamond’s facade restoration project by Dave Madsen for the award. The building, located at 605 Central Ave., went through a major facade change last year.
David Madsen
Kris Patrick
The project, which actually started in the fall of 2018 and was completed in June 2019, included the removal of the old green Mattress Smart storefront. When the green, wooden facade was removed, Madsen discovered the building’s original 1880 brick arches and facade underneath. “We didn’t know the arches were there at all,” he said. See FACADE, Page 18
Supervisors discuss lighting for courthouse project
-Messenger file photo
JOLINE AND ERIC KLEIN pose in the Duncombe Fire Station in 2019. The couple retired last week after a combined 62 years of volunteering for the Duncombe Volunteer Fire Department. Eric has served as a firefighter and even fire chief. Joline was active on the EMS side, most recently serving as EMS director.
By ELIJAH DECIOUS
Iowa Central to build new biofuels lab
nizing a fallen officer. Discussions revealed that there will be In a Tuesday meeting with Des Moines between four and six lighting fixtures on New lighting, set to be installed to- engineering company Shuck-Britson, the roof, as well as on two street lamps wards the end of this year’s project reno- Webster County supervisors discussed across the street from the courthouse. The vating the Webster County Courthouse, next steps for lighting fixtures, which restored clock tower’s face will also be may have the ability to change colors for comprise $80,000 of the project ap- lit. special recognitions or occasions. Shielding on the light fixtures around proved this year at $6.19 million to renoNew exterior LED fixtures on and vate the roof and restore the deteriorating the building will narrow the light beams, around the building, currently in the de- clocktower. limiting light pollution to nearby downsign phase of the process, could potentialEngineer Craig German said Shuck- town residents. By SHEA for the last decade to offer quality ly be changed for holidays, special occa- Britson cois BILL working now to engage and sitioned bshea@messengernews.net fuel testing and analytical services for the sions or acts of solidarity, such as recog-Iowa ordinate work with contractors. See COURTHOUSE, Page 3 Centralfixture Community College will petroleum and renewable fuels industry.’’ edecious@messengernews.net
Casey’s donates property in western Fort Dodge
build a new biofuels testing lab on the west side of Fort Dodge using land donated by Casey’s General Stores and the owners of the former Colonial Inn site. Construction could begin late this summer. -Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert ‘‘Iowa Central Community College continues to be a leader in the biofuel testing CASEY’S GENERAL STORES recently donated this former convenience store industry,’’ said Dr. Jesse Ulrich, the coland the lot it sits on along A Street West to Iowa Central Community College to lege president. ‘‘The Iowa Central Fuel support the construction of a new biofuels lab. Testing Laboratory has been uniquely po-
Ulrich said the facility is the official analytical laboratory for the state’s Bureau of Weights and Measures. That means the lab is the place where fuels to be used all across Iowa are tested to make sure they meet state standards. The lab was started in about 2007 on the Fort Dodge campus. Federal funding
A key component
Elanco donates testing supplies to Community Health Center
Standoff ends without incident
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10thByAnniversary • 2022 KELBY WINGERT By KELBY WINGERT
kwingert@messengernews.net
A nearly two-hour-long standoff at a home near Reynolds Park ended without any further incident on Friday. A man involved in the incident, Demario Brown, 27, of Fort Dodge, was
kwingert@messengernews.net
come out. Officers onHealth scene communiCommunity Center of Fort Dodge received a cated with hisand family members, who special much-needed gift asfrom Elanco Animal Health sisted on in reaching a resolution. Tuesday morning. After an hourHansen and a half commuJason and of Lee Stimpson, Elanco staff memnications, man exited the bedroom bers,the delivered just over 1,000 vials filled with a solution without incident before 1 p.m.to the Community Health called viralshortly transport medium He was then transported to UnityPoint Center, 126 N. 10th St.
See BIOFUELS LAB, Page 3A
-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert
FDPD CAPT. DENNIS QUINN carries a bag out from the scene of a stand-off at 1727 Third Ave. N. on Friday. Officers
37
By EL
edecious
Webster Co fied another po in Webster C the county’s tion. The second adult between ly hospitalized fitting the crite dividual have tified. The c one of 102 ne tions that sur the state Tue first triple-d crease in cases has seen. “We kno COVID-19 is communities of community Iowa. We an today’s case a this,” said W Health Directo ticipate more c Public Hea proximately 8 COVID-19, caused by the perience mild mildly ill Iow their health ca confirm they h stay home and others in the h The Iowa Health advises stay home and house until: ∫ You have 72 hours witho ing medicine. ∫ Other sym shortness of br ∫ At least since your sym Those who care are asked who will walk ment over th whether they n
See CO
FIERCE WINDS BATTER SOUTHWESTERN US/INSIDE
HEISKELL MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF/SPORTS
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Celebrating 10 Years
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Saturday, April 23, 2022 | Sunday, April 24, 2022
Fort Dodge, Iowa
-Submitted image
LEFT: THIS ILLUSTRATION shows what one of the future new buildings at Corridor Plaza may look like. The redevelopment of the former Crossroads Mall site received a major boost Friday when the Iowa Economic Development Authority gave final approval to $17 million in state funding. -Submitted photo
BELOW: THIS AERIAL VIEW shows the Corridor Plaza site, looking from northeast to southwest. First Avenue South is to the right. The UnityPoint Health — Clinic Express building is in the foreground with the remaining portion of the mall building in the background.
$17M for Corridor Plaza OK’d State gives final approval Money will help redevelop Crossroads Mall site
APRIL
2022
2
By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net
The transformation of the old Crossroads Mall site into a development called Corridor Plaza will continue with the aid of $17 million in state funding which received final approval Friday. The money will specifically support the creation of indoor and outdoor event space, and provide a further boost to building new retail space, lodging and infrastructure. “The award today will add enhancements to the project, enabling it to come to life quicker and include ameni-
Friday, May 13, 2022
The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa
www.messengernews.net
Growth Allliance cleans up at the Fort
From our files: May 2007
ties that otherwise may not have been realized for a number of years,’’ said Chad Schaeffer, the city’s chief development officer. On Friday, the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board gave final approval to the money through the Iowa Reinvestment District Program. “The state recognizes the opportunity that we’ve seen,’’ Mayor Matt Bemrich said. ‘‘Unanimous approval from the IDEA board is a vote of confidence for the city of Fort Dodge.’’ photo votes of conFort Dodge has received a -Messenger couplefilesuch
fidence from the state government in the last few years. About two years ago, a $500,000 grant was awarded to help pay for facade improvements in part of downtown. Then in October 2021 another $500,000 grant was awarded for more downtown facade improvements. Friday’s vote established Corridor Plaza as a Reinvestment District. According to the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the program is designed to assist commuSee GRANT, Page 5A
JOYCE DEHAAN, with the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center, makes a point during a meeting with Fort Dodge City Manager David Fierke.
County Telecom Board MAYreceives audit
Friday, May 13, 2022
Growth Be a donor UnityPoint holding events to sign up Allliance This date in history cleans to be a stem cell donor How to help up at What: Blood Stem Donor Registry When: Monday, April 25 (at Iowa Central) the Fort Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.messengernews.net Messenger poll
The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa
-Messenger photos by Britt Kudla
This week’s question: Are you in favor of banning abortions with no exceptions?
From our files: May 2007
ABOVE: JAMIE JOHLL, of Fort Dodge, spread mulch at The Fort Museum and Frontier Village on Thursday.
Vote at: www.messengernews.net
LEFT: MATT NEWTON, of Fort Dodge, volunteers with the Greater Fort Dodge Area Growth Alliance at the Fort Museum and Frontier Village on Thursday.
The Messenger Poll is updated weekly. Answers and new questions will be published on Saturdays.
2022
Revenues, expenses down for FY21
By KELBY WINGERT
kwingert@messengernews.net
The Webster County Metropolitan Law Enforcement Telecommunications Board saw a decrease in both revenue and operating expenses during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021. -Messenger file photo Revenues totaled $608,910, a 6.5 percent decrease from the priE DEHAAN, with the Domestic/Sexual Assault
ach Center, makes a point during a meeting ort Dodge City Manager David Fierke.
Messenger poll
See AUDIT,
Iowa GOP open to non-Trump 38 prospects as 2024 gets underway
s week’s question: Are you in favor of banning abortions with ptions? Vote at: www.messengernews.net
Messenger Poll is updated weekly. Answers and new questions ublished on Saturdays.
DES MOINES (AP) — ForThis datemer inPresident historyDonald Trump’s persistent flirtation with another White a fire that killed 11 e Associated Press igniting House run is doing little to discourand other destroyed 61 ay is Friday, May people age potential Republican can-
e 133rd day of 2022.
igniting a fire that killed 11 By CHRIS JOHNSON people and destroyed 61 sports@messengernews.net homes. Ten years ago: The Over 12,000 patients every year are diagmutilated bodies of 49 people nosed with life-threatening blood cancers. were found near Monterrey, Being a blood donor can cut down on Mexico, apparent victimsstem of athe drugstress cartel. and help save lives. Five years ago: Pope UnityPoint Health-Trinity Francis, during a Mass in Fatima, Portugal, addedCentral will Regional Medical two shepherd children to be roster holding twosaints, events upcomthe of Catholic Francisco children reported seeing a honoring ing thissiblings week. vision of the Virgin Mary and Jacinta Marto, who On Monday UnityPoint will Page 3A near Fatima, Portugal; it reported visions of the Virgin host100a years Be earlier. The Match (blood was the first of six such Mary One donor) year ago: The apparitions that the children stem event at Iowa Cenclaimed to have witnessed. Centers for Disease Control tralPrevention Community College from 9 eased maskIn 1985, a confrontation and fully ARC Combetween Philadelphia wearing a.m. toguidance 1 p.m. for at the photos by Britt Kudla people, allowing authorities and the radical vaccinated-Messenger mons Area. group MOVE ended as them to stop wearing masks outdoors crowds and in spread police droppedJAMIE a bombJOHLL, ABOVE: Fort “Weofinwill beDodge, setting up a couAlyssa most indoor settings. ontomulch the group’s row house, at The Fort Museum and Frontier Village on By The Associated Press
Today is Friday, May or year. 13, the 133rd day of 2022. are 232 days left in Revenues includedThere $607,029 the year. from member assessments and Today’s Highlight: $1,881 from “miscellaneous in-1981, Pope On May 13, John Paul II was shot and come.” seriously wounded in St. Expenses for FY21 totaled Peter’s Square by Turkish Mehmet $584,842, a nearly 12assailant percent de- Ali Agca. On this date: crease from the year before. In 1917, three shepherd
homes.
Thursday.
When: Wednesday, April 27 (at Trinity Regional Medical Center) Time: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.; Noon to 1 p.m.
African American Leadership Greater Fort Dodge Growth 10th convention Anniversary • 2022 andAlliance Learning ple of tables for individuals to get their cheeks swabbed to
Stanek
lated donor may be their only chance at a cure. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation is the most common form of collecting blood forming cells for transplants. The same blood-forming cells that are found in bone marrow are also found in the circulating (peripheral) blood. PBSC donation is a non-surgical procedure, called apheresis. The donation takes place at an experienced hospital facility that participates in PBSC collections to Be The Match. Most donors are back to their usual routine in a few days. Marrow naturally replaces itself
Thank Thank You!You! Thank You! Thank You!
join ofthe or Bone LEFT: MATT NEWTON, FortBlood Dodge,Stem volunteers with the Greater Fort Marrow Dodge Area Growth Alliance at donor registry,’’ said Senior Marketthe Fort Museum anding Frontier Village on Thursday. Communication Specialist Alyssa Stanek.
Pompeo quietly finishedBELOW: his fifth UnityPoint willvolunteers also host an event on LYDIA SCHUUR, of Fort Dodge, 166th Year No. 165 - Wednesday Established 1856 trip to Iowa last week, and former at Trinity Medical Cenpulling weeds with the Greater Fort Dodge Regional Area 713 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 (ISSN 0740-6991) on(515) Thursday The will Fort run Museum U.N. Ambassador Nikki Growth Haley Alliance is Telephone: ter. The at event from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. 573-2141 and Frontier Maintrip fax: (515)Village. 573-2148 News fax: (515)as 574-4529 making plans for a statewide as well noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Trinity ReWeb site: www.messengernews.net this summer. Former Vice gional Medical Center Conference Center 2. TerryPresident Christensen, Publisher Grant Gibbons, Circulation Director
Chad Chad
Bill Shea, Editor
BELOW: LYDIA SCHUUR, of Fort Dodge, volunteers pulling weeds with the Greater Fort Dodge Area Growth Alliance on Thursday at The Fort Museum and Frontier Village.
Leanne Darr, Retail Sales Coordinator
Messenger THE
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APRIL
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Fort Dodge, Iowa
2022
S Offi de
By K
kwinge
The Web will soon ha town of Oth On Tues Board of agreement b city of Otho Under th pay the WC -Submitted image
THIS RENDERING shows what the nature center and surrounding waterfront recreational area could look like when completed.
Nature center plans approved By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net
A new Riverfront Conservation Education Center in Fort Dodge’s Central River District is one step closer to becoming a reality. Plans for the nature center were
approved by the Webster County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, allowing the project to go out to bid. The project includes a 13,000-squarefoot nature center building featuring exhibit space, classrooms and administrative offices for Webster County
Conservation. Outside, the nature center will have a natural playscape, fishing overlooks to the Des Moines River, an outdoor classroom, river access and other amenities being coordinated with the See NATURE CENTER, Page 2
See
Trav faci perm
By K
kwinge
DUNCOM the develop along U.S. the utility extension ha Marker 1
See TRA
Webster County Supervisors record objection
Board pens letter to oppose eminent domain use for carbon pipelines By KELBY WINGERT
Two carbon capture pipeline projects
areAnniversary currently being considered Greater kwingert@messengernews.net Fort Dodge Growth Alliance 10th • 2022 in Iowa and The Webster County Board of Supervisors became the 27th Iowa county to send a letter to the Iowa Utilities Board to record its objection to the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipeline projects.
Webster County. In 2021, Summit Carbon Solutions, of Ames, and Dallas-based Navigator CO2 Ventures introduced plans for carbon capture pipelines that would cross the state of Iowa. Both proposed pipelines would cross through Webster
County and in the last several months, many local landowners have voiced their 39 opposition to the pipelines. A few landowners approached the supervisors at their April 12 meeting to share concerns about the companies using eminent domain when the landowners deny the easement rights to their
property. Acc Iowa Chapter percent of the Summit pipeli not signed vo
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Thank You! from all of us at the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
2022
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