Messenger Progress Week 2

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

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Fort Dodge Fiber

'WE'RE GOING TO GO AS HARD AS WE CAN' FD Fiber keeps adding customers, network to be complete in 2025

By BILL SHEA

bshea@messengernews.net

A

growing number of customers started getting their internet service from Fort Dodge Fiber last year.

The new municipal broadband utility ended 2023 with just about 450 customers hooked up, according to Jeremy Pearson, the director of Fort Dodge Fiber.

“We’ve got a lot of infrastructure in the ground,” he said.

“Mother Nature allowed us to work later in the year.”

He acknowledged that fiJeremy nal completion Pearson of the network won’t happen until 2025.

“We’re going to go as hard as we can,” he said. “We’re going to keep burying our conduit and pulling our fiber until we’re complete.”

“We’d like to thank our existing customers,” he added.

“We’d like to thank the citizens for their patience as we build this big, huge network.”

The fiber optic network is divided into 35 areas, each of which is served by a cabinet.

The cabinets, Pearson said, are distribution points capable of linking about 400 customers to the network. And they literally are cabinets full of cables.

Pearson said five of the 35 planned cabinets are up.

The first areas to get Fort Dodge Fiber service were the east end of Central Avenue and an area northeast of downtown.

The next areas to get connected to the service will be northern parts of the city, extending beyond the city limits to Fort Dodge Regional Airport and Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.

There are 11,000 premises or unique addresses in the city that could potentially be connected to Fort Dodge Fiber.

The heart of the new fiber optic network is a data center in the basement of the Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S. A former gas station at Second Avenue South and Eighth Street was remodeled to serve as the base for the technicians who will maintain the system.

A customer service center was set up in Citizens Central, 617 Central Ave. That’s where people go to sign up for Fort Dodge Fiber service and pay their bills.

Fort Dodge Fiber has nine employees.

The process of creating the network began in November 2019 with a referendum in which the voters gave the city government the power to explore setting up such a utility, with 71.6 percent voting in favor of the idea.

In July 2021, the City Council voted to proceed with creating the utility.

The name Fort Dodge Fiber debuted in January 2022.

Pearson became the utility’s director on May 2, 2022.

-Messenger file photo by Bill Shea

ABOVE: Employees of Elite Underground Construction place orange conduit beneath the ground along North Ninth Street in April 2023.

The conduit will hold the fiber optic cables of the new Fort Dodge Fiber broadband utility.

LEFT AND RIGHT: The fiber optic network is divided into 35 areas, each of which is served by a cabinet. The cabinets are distribution points capable of linking about 400 customers to the network.

And they literally are cabinets full of cables (left).

BELOW: Orange conduit snakes along the sidewalk on the west side of North Ninth Street in April 2023 as construction of the Fort Dodge Fiber broadband utility progressed.

The new utility is paid for by revenue from its customers.

-Submitted photo

-Submitted photo

-Messenger file photo by Bill Shea

524 Central Ave. Fort Dodge

515-955-2330 Monday 8:30am - 7pm Tue - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm

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Home and Homestead

A ONE-STOP APPROACH Algona alum opens office in Fort Dodge

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

T

o understand what Home and Homestead, a new business in Fort Dodge, has to offer, just think about the HGTV show “Love it or List it.”

On the show, one host works to remodel a family’s home while the other works to find that same family a new home.

In the end, the family must decide to keep their home or sell it.

That’s kind of what Home and Homestead offers, but owner Nate Samp also offers so much more.

Home and Homestead opened its new office in Fort Dodge on Dec. 1. It’s located at 228 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge.

Samp’s business offers a onestop simplified approach to buying, selling, fixing up, or building new. He also offers brokerage services to others to pursue creating their own personal brand in real estate.

“If people come to me and are not sure what they want to do, I can sit down with them and we can figure out what’s best for them,” said Samp. “If they are considering building new, we can look at what their current house could be worth. We can look at what it would cost to build a new home or remodel their current home. We can also look at finding a house that will meet their current needs.

“Outside of those things, I can offer a lot of consultation expertise when it comes to what things may cost and the value of their home now and in the future. Sometimes remodeling costs more than the eventual worth to a home. We can look at all those costs and do what’s best for my clients,” he added.

His new office includes plenty of space for clients that are looking to remodel or build to go over different materials for their projects.

“My office was built to be a design studio. I have a great

space where we can lay out choices on tables and pick out whatever designs a client wants,” he said.

Samp graduated from Algona High School in 2009 and earned a degree from Iowa Lakes in construction. He’s also a licensed real estate broker.

Samp spent more than 10 years in construction, working mostly with his father, but he said he always had the concept that would lead to Home and Homestead in the back of his mind.

“I had kind of thought about this business way back in high school when they had us do a business plan in class,” he said.

“I was doing construction in Oklahoma and I thought about getting my real estate license and I would tie all these things together.”

Samp earned his real estate license in 2014 and he said he was mostly just buying and selling his own properties. He said he enjoyed fixing them up, but then he decided to venture into this business.

“Home and Homestead is meant to be a boutique for real estate and select construction,” he said. “As far as remodeling goes, I would really like to stick to kitchens, although if the right commercial project came along, I wouldn’t say no.”

Samp doesn’t have any other employees besides himself.

He’s able to complete most of the projects on his own, he said, and if he can’t, he’s been subcontracting out to local companies to help him.

“Right now, I anticipate keeping it that way,” he said. “I find that I can work with the local tradesmen and get the results I want.”

Samp said he kind of stumbled on Fort Dodge as a landing spot for his business. He was looking at Ames originally when he decided to leave Algona. He said he is an avid biker and was looking for a place with a good trail system. When he

Unlimited Data

started to see all that Fort Dodge had to offer for recreation, he decided to relocate here.

“I was driving to Des Moines regularly to go mountain biking.

I didn’t realize that Fort Dodge had some of the best trails. I got involved with a mountain biking club here and got connected with the Greater Growth Alliance and I just saw an opportunity for myself here.”

A plethora of information can be found on Samp’s website, www.homeandhomesteadrealty. com. His office number is 515200-9272.

Symmetrical Speeds

-Submitted photos

ABOVE: Nate Samp recently opened his new business, Home and Homestead Realty, in downtown Fort Dodge. He offers a wide range of services, including construction, remodeling and real estate. His new offices opened Dec. 1.

TOP PHOTO: One of the different services offered

by Home and Homestead Realty is home buying and selling. Owner Nate Samp, a 2009 graduate of Algona High School, is also a licensed real estate broker.

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This game-changing upgrade will allow you to do more online than ever before. Whether you’re streaming movies, gaming, or working from home, Fort Dodge Fiber service will ensure that your household can do it all without lag or buffering. Our residential plans range from $75/per mo. for 100 Mbps to 5 Gig for $125/per mo. Curious when your home can expect installation?

Give us a call or stop down to the Customer Experience Center.

FortDodgeFiber.com | 617 Central Ave | 515-515-5000

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Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

Westridge Townhomes

-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert

ULYSSES CLAYBORN, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Region VII regional administrator, visited the Westridge Townhomes on Dec. 21, 2023, to formally present an award of $7.5 million in federal funding for renovations at the apartment complex.

‘TRANSFORMATIVE’

$7.5 million in federal funding to back renovation project

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

T

he Westridge Townhomes on the west side of Fort Dodge will be undergoing a major facelift in the next few years, thanks in part to $7.5 million in federal funding.

On Dec. 21, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that the property is receiving the Leading Edge award from HUD’s Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP). The GRRP was created by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and is aimed at improving quality of life for residents of HUD-assisted multifamily properties.

“The whole purpose of this is to improve them to make them more climate resilient, more energy efficient,” said HUD Region VII Regional Administrator Ulysses Clayborn.

Clayborn, as well as several other HUD officials, visited the Westridge Townhomes on Dec. 21 to officially announce the Leading Edge award.

“Those goals include reducing energy and water use at HUD-assisted multifamily properties, to make [them] more resilient to extreme weather events and to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions,” said Clayborn, who oversees HUD operations in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas.

The funding will come through a $7.5 million surplus cash loan, meaning that the loan will be paid back with surplus cash flow from the properties only after other debt obligations are handled, Clayborn said. This allows the property developer to not have to increase rent to cover the debt, keeping rent affordable for residents.

The Leading Edge award is likely the largest award of federal funds for any housing development project in Fort Dodge, according to Vickie Reeck, community and economic development director for the city of Fort Dodge.

The Westridge Townhomes award was one of only 16 projects awarded funding at this time and the only one in HUD Region VII. “This makes a huge difference between a rehab happening at this property and not happening,” said Matthew Segerdal, principal and co-founder of Huntley Witmer Development LLC, of Torrance, California.

Huntley Witmer Development is in the process of acquiring the Westridge property. The property is currently owned by

“We’re just so grateful that the [HUD] funding was made available and that we were able to be competitive and to get this award, because it really will be transformative to this property.”

MATTHEW SEGERDAL Principal and co-founder, Huntley Witmer Development LLC Westridge Holdings 125 LLC, of Los Angeles, according to information from the Webster County Assessor’s website. The acquisition is expected to be complete late fall or early winter 2024, Segerdal said.

“We’re just so grateful that the [HUD] funding was made available and that we were able to be competitive and to get this award, because it really will be transformative to this property,” Segerdal said.

The renovation project plans include renovating units in all 20 buildings on the property to be more energy efficient with new windows and doors, an entirely new “ultra-efficient” heating and HVAC system, low-flow toilets, new roofing and solar panels.

A new community room, new playgrounds and new basketball courts will be added as well.

The community room will also offer space for a small library, computer rooms and play areas for kids.

“There’ll be some after-school programming and there’ll be other programming for adults here, and that’ll help create a community for decades,” Segerdal said.

The solar panels will also help the property become more sustainable by providing electricity, lowering the property’s energy bills because utilities are included in the rent, he added.

“It’s about making this property sustainable for not the next couple of years, but the next five, 10 or 20 years, bringing up the

standard, the condition of this to what it needs to be, to what the community wants it to be and what it should be,” Segerdal said. “It’ll transform the look and the feel of this property.”

In total, the project is expected to cost $25 million, Segerdal said. The remaining funding will come from low-income housing tax credits, corporate tax credit bonds, tax credit investors and Federal Housing Administration financing.

Work is estimated to begin next fall and take 15 to 18 months.

During that time, Segerdal said, most of the tenants will be able to be relocated within the property while their units are undergoing renovations, though a few may need to be housed in hotels for a short period.

“We’re just excited that the property is going to be rehabbed,” said David Fierke, Fort Dodge city manager. “Thanks for your investment in the community, thanks for the money from HUD. It’s appreciated.

“Something that our community needs is quality, affordable homes, so we appreciate you all doing what you can to help that happen in our town.”

The townhomes were built in 1970 and are leased as a mix of market-value units and HUD-subsidized units.

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UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center

TRMC MAKING AN IMPACT

Hospital generates nearly 1,200 jobs, sees economic impact of $132 million

U

nityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center had an economic impact of more than $132 million on Webster County last year, according to a recently released study.

The Iowa Hospital Association study calculated the Fort Dodge hospital’s economic impact at $132,365,279.

The hospital also generated 1,187 jobs, the association’s study showed.

“I’m so proud of our team’s commitment to our mission, to improve the health of the people and communities we serve,” said Leah Glasgo, the president and chief executive officer of UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge.

“It’s amazing that Trinity substantially impacts the positive economic growth of Fort Dodge and our surrounding areas,” she added. “We are seeing that growth, not only in our organization, but in the community, too.”

The study was compiled from hospital-submitted data to the American Hospital Associa

-Messenger file photo

THE IOWA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION STUDY calculated that UnityPoint Health —Trinity Regional Medical Center had an economic impact of $132,365,279 in 2023. The hospital also generated 1,187 jobs, the association’s study showed.

tion’s annual survey of hospitals.

The study found that Iowa hospitals employed 145,252 people in 2022.

As an income source, hospitals provided more than $9.3 billion in wages.

Hospital expenses accounted for over $21.5 billion of the state’s gross domestic product.

“Iowa’s hospitals and health systems implemented the programs and services accounted for in this study in response to their communities’ needs,” Iowa Hospital Association President and CEO Chris Mitchell said in a written statement. “Many of these programs and services wouldn’t exist without hospital support and leadership. These efforts, with IHA’s advocacy, help ensure the financial stability of hospitals, making it possible for them to provide the services and programs most-needed by the people they serve.”

The Iowa Hospital Association is a voluntary membership organization representing hospital and health system interests to business, government, and consumer audiences.

Hannah Pye Herbalist and Doula

A BRIDGE OF COMMUNICATION Local woman offers services, support to expectant mothers

By HANS MADSEN editor@messengernews.net

F

or doula and herbalist Hannah Pye, of Fort Dodge, the question of just exactly what a “birth doula” is and what she does isn’t uncommon.

She’s a helper.

“A birth doula is a birth coach, a support partner and a bridge of communication between the coach and the provider.” Pye said.

Pye said a doula has a different role than a midwife.

“Doulas are working much more hands on,” she said. “We’re there longer.

We don’t catch babies unless we have to. We’re focused on the physical and emotional support of the mother. We really get to know the mother. Midwives try, but often they don’t have as much time as a doula. A doula is just there for the mom. A midwife is for the mom and baby; it’s more of the medical side. I offer emotional and physical support from a less medical point.”

Pye, who’s recently moved to the area, has four children of her own.

During the pregnancy and birth with her third, she had a doula, too.

“That’s what did it for me,” she said. “It was great to have someone support me, help me postpartum. It was also great support for my husband. It was a new hospital. She helped make sure things went according to my birth plan.”

Pye trained under Sabbath Schrader and other members of the Sacred Doulas group. Like other professionals, Pye continues to learn and expand her knowledge and experience.

“I continue to learn from the amazing birth workers I’m privileged to work alongside of,” she said.

She said health care providers are happy to have a doula working with their patients.

“Lots of providers love doulas,” she said.

“They’re happy to see us there. They’ve learned we’re cooperative; it’s beneficial to both sides.”

She said having a doula help an expecting mother can offer them several important benefits. She said the need for C Sections is

reduced, ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or Apgar) scores are better, there’s less need for pain medication and the informed consent is much more “informed.”

“All in all,” she said, “Mom and baby have better outcomes.”

Besides working on building her new client base in Fort Dodge with several local health providers, she’s also an herbalist.

She said she hopes to be able to open a clinic for that sometime in the next year.

Herbal medicine is also something she uses in her role as a doula.

“Herbs can be surprisingly helpful in every stage of pregnancy including postpartum,” she said.

Pye can be contacted through her Facebook page “Hannah Pye Herbalist and Doula” or via email at hannahpyesapothecary@gmail.com.

“The consultation is free,” she said. “I encourage everyone to ask lots of questions.”

-Messenger file photo

BIRTH DOULA AND HERBALIST HANNAH PYE, of Fort Dodge, watches as her son, Ronan, 5, zips down the slide at Snell-Crawford Park in Fort Dodge.

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Fort Dodge Riverfront

RECONNECTING WITH THE RIVER

Area residents enjoy jetties

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

Providing a way for people to get close to the water was always the intended purpose of the structures built out into the Des Moines River in Fort Dodge.

Called jetties, they began serving their purpose in the spring of 2023 before they were completely finished.

“I was out here yesterday and I’ve been out here a couple of times,” Brad Cabrera, of Barnum, said while fishing on an April afternoon. He described the new jetties as “awesome.”

“We’ve been needing something like this for a long time,” he said.

Seven jetties were constructed: three on the west bank of the river and four on the east bank.

“I think a lot of people are going to use it, even people who aren’t just fishing or kayaking,” Cabrera said. “I’ve seen tons of people ride their bikes down to take a look, grab a seat for a little while and take a rest. It’s perfect right by the running water and everything.”

On the day that he was fishing, the jetties were solid structures, inviting people to get close to the water. However, from an engineering perspective they were not completely finished. That happened later in the spring and work on a nearby parking lot was finished in the fall.

The jetties are located south of the Kenyon Road Bridge where the Little Dam used to be.

The Little Dam, along with the Hydroelectric Dam farther upstream, were removed in 2019 in accordance with the recommendations of a riverfront master plan.

Work on the jetties began in December 2022. Doyle Construction, of Fort Dodge, had a $2,116,790 contract for the work.

One jetty on either side of the

-Messenger file photos by Kelby Wingert

BRAD CABRERA AND MICHAEL PATZ, both of Barnum, cast their lines while fishing on one of the new jetties constructed on the Des Moines River in April 2023. BELOW: Some new fishing jetties are completed along the Des Moines River near the Kenyon Road Bridge.

river has a deflector built onto it, which will create a small whitewater feature for kayakers.

In addition to building the jetties, the company constructed plazas on each side of the river where the abutments for the dam used to be. It also built a parking lot, complete with a cul-de-sac where vehicles can turn around, on the west side of the river.

The jetties are not the only improvement coming to the city’s riverfront.

The riverfront area at the west end of Central Avenue has been an open, largely unused spot since the old AGP plant that once sat there was destroyed in a pair of major fires more than 20 years ago.

Chad Schaeffer, the city’s chief development officer, said the area is destined to become the “front porch” for downtown.

Features will include picnic shelters, a river overlook and an area called the Karl King Sculpture and Sound Garden.

There will be trail connections throughout the park.

The River’s Edge Discovery Center, Webster County Conservation’s 13,000-square-foot building now under construction, will be a focal point of the redeveloped riverfront area.

First Street, which runs along the east side of the riverfront, was rebuilt.

GREATER FORT DODGE

GROWTH ALLIANCE An investment in the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an investment in the community and in your organization. When the local economy grows, it benefits all area businesses. That is the Growth Alliance’s mission – to grow our economy.

We do this by actively engaging businesses, stakeholders, and community members.

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-Messenger file photo by Kelby Wingert

THE RIVER’S EDGE DISCOVERY CENTER PROJECT, Webster County Conservation’s 13,000-square-foot building now under construction, will be a focal point of the redeveloped Fort Dodge riverfront area.

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Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

Top 10 Building Projects of 2023 Here are the top 10 building projects in Fort Dodge during 2023, as determined by the value of the project. All information was provided by the Fort Dodge Development Services Department.

1 2 3 4 5

Type of project: New biofuels testing lab Location: 1310 A St. W. Owner: Iowa Central Community College General contractor: Jensen Builders Ltd., Fort Dodge Value: $6,272,544

Type of project: New heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for the Webster County Courthouse Location: 701 Central Ave. Owner: Webster County General contractor: Woodruff Construction, Fort Dodge Value: $3,987,000

Type of project: New rowhomes Location: 920 Second Ave. S. Owner: 2nd Avenue South Rowhomes General contractor: SHYFT Collective, Des Moines Value: $3,800,000

Type of project: Full exterior remodeling Location: 1142 14th St. S.W. Owner: Iowa Central Community College General contractor: Jensen Builders Ltd., Fort Dodge Value: $3,430,000

Type of project: Interior renovations Location: 239 N. 11th St. Owner: St. Olaf Lutheran Church General contractor: Wiseman Contracting LLC, Fort Dodge Value: $1,800,000

6 7

Type of project: New addition and some renovation to existing building Location: 10 N. 29th St. Owner: Northwest Bank General contractor: Jensen Builders Ltd., Fort Dodge Value: $1,125,000

Type of project: Remodeling and addition to structure Location: 7 N. 25th St. Owner: Kemna Auto General contractor: Jensen Builders Ltd., Fort Dodge Value: $778,707

8 9

Type of project: Interior remodeling Location: 802 Kenyon Road Owner: UnityPoint Health — Fort Dodge General contractor: Sande Construction & Supply Co., Humboldt Value: $607,643

Type of project: New 11,250-square-foot commercial building Location: 3256 Fifth Ave. S. Owner: QRS Investment General contractor: Jensen Builders Ltd., Fort Dodge Value: $600,000

10

Type of project: 660-square-foot addition Location: 211 Ave. M West Owner: Community and Family Resources General contractor: Woodruff Construction, Fort Dodge Value: $300,000

Messenger photos by Britt Kudla and Bill Shea

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Pallet Junkie

THE ART OF CREATIVITY

Alstott brings personalized home decor to life to share with others

By ERIC PRATT

“I enjoy doing custom work, like personalized signs, but my absolute favorite is making signs and then selling them. I get to use my own creativity and make things I think people will like — put my own personal touch on each and every item I make.”

sports@messengernews.net

W

hat started as a simple hobby in her spare time became a professional passion for Fort Dodge’s Lindsay Alstott, owner of the popular local sign-making company, Pallet Junkie.

Alstott, a 2003 Fort Dodge Senior High School graduate, had a general concept for her business model six years ago.

She had no idea how quickly it would catch on in the community — and beyond.

“I started Pallet Junkie fulltime in April 2018 after doing it part-time for the prior year,” said Alstott, a lifelong Fort Dodge resident. “I was making pallet scarecrows and snowmen for fun, and (the popularity of Alstott’s designs) started rolling from there. People wanted them and I kept making them.

“My motivation was from the customers who loved my work.

That gave me the drive to keep going and making items people loved.”

Today, Alstott blends a combination of customer requests with her own concepts to keep her schedule busy and the shelves full.

“I enjoy doing custom work, like personalized signs, but my absolute favorite is making signs and then selling them,” said Alstott, whose maiden name is Lindsay Hearn. “I get to use my own creativity and make things I think people will like — put my own personal touch on each and every item I make.”

There are no shortcuts in the process. Alstott paints “everything from the base color to wording.”

“The biggest misconception is that my signs are vinyl,” Alstott said. “I don’t just put a sign together on vinyl and call it good … there’s nothing wrong with that, but my product lasts years and years.

Contact us today for a FREE QUOTE!

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla

LINDSAY ALSTOTT DISPLAYS some of the products from her business, Pallet Junkie. “Pallet Junkie Signs is where savvy shoppers of all interior styles discover an ever-changing and evolving selection of home decor from far and wide,” the website states.

“Every item is made in-house, from cutting signs, circles and frames.”

The next goal for Alstott — who operates from her home in northwest Fort Dodge — is to branch her business into its own shop sometime down the road.

“I would love to have a small store to sell items,” Alstott said.

“I’d also like to have an area to hold painting classes, which I do now at the locations of the customers.

“I’ve also expanded business by taking orders (from outside the region). I do ship across Iowa and beyond to other states.”

Pallet Junkie has a strong following on social media. The company’s Facebook page has nearly 5,000 followers, with a perfect 5-star rating. Its Instagram account is also very active,

with almost 1,000 members, and the website — https://palletjunkiesigns.wixsite.com/website — displays many of the options and inventory for customer projects both big and small.

“Pallet Junkie Signs is where savvy shoppers of all interior styles discover an ever-changing and evolving selection of home decor from far and wide,” the website states. “Our selection is unique, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“We believe that your home should reflect your own personal style. Each corner of your life should be eye-catching and unique, just like you. Pallet Junkie is a home decor store, dedicated to helping our customers discover their own design personality. Browse through our wide selection today to find just what

you have been searching for.”

Alstott appreciates the continued support from loyal customers throughout the region.

“I love Fort Dodge,” Alstott said. “A lot of my customers are from Fort Dodge and the neighboring towns. They support me so much, coming to craft shows and purchasing or ordering custom signs.

“In the past year, I have committed myself to donating a sign or signs to charities and organizations to help local groups or fundraisers. That is very important to me — to give back. I love to see the community grow and people come together.”

The Pallet Junkie email address is palletjunkiesigns@ gmail.com. To contact Alstott, call or text 515-571-1674.

LINDSAY ALSTOTT

Owner, Pallet Junkie —————

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

9D

2 Broke Customs

FROM TUNEUPS TO CUSTOMS

2 Broke Customs offers full range of motorcycle services

By HANS MADSEN editor@messengernews.net

W

hen Nolan Cook was looking for a name for his custom motorcycle business, he didn’t have to look very far.

He simply adopted the nickname he’d been given.

“It was a joke,” Cook said.

“When I worked at Troy Waller, everyone started calling me ‘too broke.’ I even have it on my personal bike license plate.”

2 Broke Customs it became.

Cook opened the business in November 2020 at another location. In December 2022, he purchased the building at 709 S. 25th St. and began operating there in April 2023.

He has a pretty versatile shop.

“We can do just about anything,” he said. “Custom paint, custom fabrication, motor work, suspension and dyno testing. We also do car audio.”

In addition to the custom work, there is routine bike work — new tires, tuneups, oil changes and pretty much anything a rider wants done.

“We do a lot of maintenance work,” he said, “tire changes, custom suspension.”

Cook previously worked at Troy Waller Auto Body for seven years. The business closed with the death of Waller. Cook custom painted while he was there.

“I’ve always loved to paint,” Cook said. “Honestly though, the best part of this for me is meeting new people.”

He still partners with Mike Waller, who frequently comes in to help in the shop.

Cook has a simple philosophy.

“We try to make everything as nice as possible,” he said.

Cook currently has several employees on staff. He said each specializes in the areas where they are gifted.

His custom bikes are also winners.

“We’ve won quite a few shows with our bikes,” Cook said. “We also help sponsor events.”

Cook said that most of the custom building work is done in the winter months. After all, his customers want to ride their bikes in the summer.

Cook said they work on all brands of bikes. He also has a number of used bikes for sale, both in Fort Dodge and at a dealership in South Dakota.

“We love everything on two wheels,” Cook said.

So is there anything with two wheels they won’t work on?

Yes, your old Schwinn — no matter how cool the banana seat might be.

“We’d refer them to Walkers Bike Shop,” he said with a smile.

-Messenger file photos

ABOVE: Nolan Cook, owner of 2 Broke Customs, makes sure a custom-built street bike sparkles recently in his shop, which is located at 709 S. 25th St. LEFT: Nolan Cook, owner of 2 Broke Customs, shares a moment in the shop with his wife, Alyssa Cook. She does the bookkeeping work for the shop.

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10D

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net

Sweet Snax

SWEET SURPRISE

Stay-at-home mom turns talent for treats into new business, named entrepreneur of the year in Kossuth Co.

By JOHN MCBRIDE

“Then I went on to win awards and that surprised me even more. And now I have people wanting to learn from me and iz Watnem admitted she had that’s surprised me, too.” never thought about opening Besides making all her creative desa business. She just loved to serts, Watnem is also offering classes to bake and create. teach others how to design and create But once people started tasting the desserts for themselves. She has been ofsweet treats she concocted, she really fering cake-decorating classes on a regudidn’t have much of a choice. lar basis. She is planning a holiday bakWatnem moved to Iowa from Arizona ing session several times in December, inin 2019 and planned to be a stay-at-home cluding one for both parents and children mom. But during the pandemic, she be- to take together. gan creating different desserts and sweets All of her classes are held off site. She and gave them out to her neighbors and plans to have her holiday ones at the Bob friends. They were a big hit.

Heun Shelter at John F. Kennedy Memo“I was a stay-at-home mom for the rial Park. longest time,” she said.

“I have been offering “During the pandemclasses for about a year ic, the kids and I started now. They usually sell making treats. We made out in the first 24 hours,” hot chocolate bombs and said Watnem. “I really chocolate-covered strawthink it’s the way I teach berries and just gave them them. I limit the amount to my neighbors and peoof people, usually 10 to ple around town.

15 max. I want everyone “I got a lot of good to feel they can ask quesfeedback and lots of peotions and they can get inple said I should start a dividualized help if they business,” she added. need it. If they can’t get a “I thought there was no technique down, I want to way. I just wanted to be a be hands-on and be able stay-at-home mom.” to help them.”

However, people that Watnem runs the entire LIZ WATNEM tasted her creations began business from her home to talk and some asked Owner, Sweet Snax, LLC and is the sole employabout placing orders. So ee. She handles the adshe decided to try it out vertising, the marketing, and it blossomed into her the ordering and the bakbusiness, Sweet Snax, now located in Fort ing and, of course, the cleanup.

Dodge.

“I am accomplishing some major mile“I originally started with choco- stones and I couldn’t be happier,” Watlate-covered strawberries. That’s my sig- nem said. “I have been accepted by the nature dish,” said Watnem. “After that, community and I get to help people I added wedding cakes. Now I do all achieve something special. For now, I am sorts of different types of desserts. All happy doing everything out of my home. my chocolate items are very popular. It’s Once my kids are both in school full-time, things you can’t find in stores.”

I may look into a brick and mortar store.”

Watnem said she’s more than willing Watnem has also given back to the to work with customers to design what- community through her business. She ever they can imagine and turn it into the works with a nonprofit called Icing dessert of their dreams.

Smiles that connects critically ill children It’s not just her friends and neigh- with bakers all around the world to offer bors who think her desserts are delicious. them cakes and other sweets. She also doShe’s earned several awards for her items. nates birthday cakes to any child currentShe recently won a second place in the ly in the foster care program.

Sugary Artistry Professional Division at “I am always looking for ways to give the Iowa State Fair for a Stiletto Red Bot- back to the youth and the community,” tom Chocolate dessert. she said. “I have been blessed with these She first started her business at her talents for a reason and I love to give home in Wesley and was named Entre- back.” preneur of the Year for Kossuth County.

Watnem and her husband, Christopher, She has also won several other awards at have two children. the State Fair in past years.

Anyone wanting to order from Sweet “I honestly have surprised myself,” she Snax or wanting to register for baking said. “I was just a stay-at-home mom, and classes can find all that information on I didn’t realize I had these talents. When her website, IowaSweetSnax.com. More I started to get into it and I would express information and samples of her work are myself creatively, I was surprised how available on her website and her Facebook Page. well I was accepted. editor@messengernews.net

L

“I honestly have surprised myself.

I was just a stay-at-home mom, and I didn’t realize I had these talents.”

-Submitted photos

LIZ WATNEM, owner of Sweet Snax, LLC, shows off one of her ribbons from the Iowa State Fair this past summer. Watnem specializes in creative desserts and cakes, like the ones pictured on this page. She runs the entire business from her home and is the sole employee. “I am accomplishing some major milestones and I couldn’t be happier,” Watnem said.

Helping the world thrive

www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

11D

Creek Side Restaurant

‘HERE FOR THE COMMUNITY’ Creek Side at Lizard Creek Ranch brings together family, food, fun

By DANA BECKER dbecker@messengernews.net

L

ocated just outside of Fort Dodge, Lizard Creek Ranch is home to Creek Side Restaurant, a modern dining establishment that comes loaded with more than just food and drink.

Offering everything from appetizers to flatbreads to several dinner plates, Creek Side prides itself on being family-friendly, says general manager and co-owner Billie Weers.

“We want to be a place where people can go and tell their friends how awesome of a place it is.”

BILLIE WEERS General manager, co-owner, Creek Side “We are always looking for fun things to add,” Weers said. “We have s’mores kits that people can buy and use at the fire pits when the weather permits. They include everything needed to have s’mores around the campfire. We will continue to have bands, and when the weather warms back up, we will have our outside concerts again.

“We invite ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles and anything else. We are also planning on setting up something for people that come on horseback. If people give us a suggestion, we will see what we can do,” Weers continued.

“We are here for the community.

We want to be a place where people can go and tell their friends how awesome of a place it is. We

have worked so hard this first year and want to continue to serve our community for years to come.”

Jamie Christian is the restaurant manager and has a daily hands-on role like Weers.

“I have worked here since the beginning,” Weers said. “Jamie attends to the day-to-day work details and I oversee a lot of the operations and ordering, while Jamie handles the operations of the front end/bar. I do more of the paperwork and she is there as the bartender/server. I also fill in when there is a need in the kitchen for cooking or in the front for servers.

“I have also done a lot with the catering side and catering of small events that are held at Lizard Creek Ranch.”

Like many places, Creek Side has been hit hard by a lack of staff.

“Currently, we have about 16 people working for us,” Weers said. “We are always looking for kitchen help that is reliable. We could use more servers, too. We look for people that are reliable and want to work and can get along well with others.

“We are a family at Creek Side.

We teach the right person what they need to know, so experience is nice, but it doesn’t mean you won’t get a job.”

Along with live entertainment, MOJO Productions will be holding a karaoke/DJ party on Jan. 28 and an ’80s prom is scheduled for Feb. 18 at Timber Creek Hall at Lizard Creek Ranch. Also, week-

ly DJ bingo is held on Thursdays.

It is free to participate and prizes are handed out.

“We are very family-friendly,” Weers said. “We have the playground outside and we have large tables that seat 8 to 10 people. We are always having specials and always have new foods that we are trying out.

“We have a smothered chicken sandwich that is so delicious. We haven’t added it to the menu, but if you ask for it, we will get it for you. Anything that has been a special is usually available.

“Our taco flatbread is another popular choice and so delicious.

It’s my personal favorite. We are very casual, so you can come as you are and kids can be kids.”

-Messenger file photo

by Britt Kudla

CREEK SIDE RESTAURANT MANAGER JAMIE CHRISTIAN, left, and General Manager Billie Weers stand by a pool table at Creek Side at Lizard Creek Ranch.

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12D

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

Community Health Center

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net

All of us are here, for all of you

We accept people as they are and help them to live the life they want to live.

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12,907 patients accounted for 38,254 visits across all locations and departments.15,798 Medical Visits, 11,931 Dental Visits, 10,525 Behavioral Health Visits Source: Iowa Primary Care Associaton, InConcertCare and IowaHealth+ Impact Report September 2023

(but are not limited to) • Primary Care for Children and Adults • Dental Care for Children and Adults • Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adults • Inhouse Pharmacy - Coming Soon • Laboratory Services • Translation/Interpretation Services • Chronic Care Management • Specialist Referrals • On-Site Social Worker • Eligibility and Enrollment Assistance • Health Education • Care Management Services Visit our website at chcfd.com for details

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Stephanie Haines LPN

Jennifer Spencer LPN

Kelsy Christensen CMA, RT(R) Eagle Grove

Rose Johnson CMA Care Coordinator

Tammy Christensen RDA, Dental Clinic Manager

Erika Bowman DDS

Thaylan Bowman DDS

Marcela Paulino DaCosta DDS

Kimberly Anderson RDA Eagle Grove

Donna Christensen RDA Eagle Grove

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Gabriela Gomez-Castilo RDA

Lynnette Heatherington RDA

Alexis Laing DA

Anna Modeland Digital Dental Tech

Cassie Schultz DA Eagle Grove

Jodi Michehl Care Coordinator

Angela Crosby LMHC

Bonni Herpst LISW

Kirsten Olson LISW

Savannah Adkins tLMHC

Rachel Fors LPN

Elizabeth Stoebe DO Medical Director

Janet Secor DO

Lindsey Frazier MLT

Fort Dodge/Eagle Grove

Fort Dodge/Eagle Grove

Jennifer Zigrang ARNP

Kathy Peterson RN Medical Clinic Supervisor

Brandi Carlson LPN

Jan Remsburg CMA, Care Coordinator

Carmon Slininger LPN

Michelle Thompson Care Coordinator

Jen Zuetlau CMA

Steven Schumacher DMD Eagle Grove

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Bethanie Ratcliff RDH Eagle Grove

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Annie Grady DA

Roxanne Fevold LMHC, CADC, Behavioral Health Director

Brian Ayersman PMHNP Eagle Grove

Holly McClintock PMHNP

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Katie Riehl PMHNP

Linsey Albright tLMHC

Kimberly Bair LPN

Sydnie Bauch CMA

Brandy Gibbons CMA

Debra Delp RN Care Coordinator

Linnea Newell Social Worker

Renae Kruckenberg CEO

Mitch Stewart CFO

Colleen Miller COO

Annie Wolfe Administrative Assistant

Jana Woodruff Controller/ Credentialing Specialist

Cassy George Benefits and Recruitment

Dental

Behavioral

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Alyssa Vitzthum Social Worker

Hannah Miller PharmD

Corey Crosby Risk Management Infection Control

Amy McCollough RN, Data Quality Coordinator

Sarah Smith RN, Clinic Quality Coordinator

Meredith Whitmer Revenue Cycle Manager

Misty Middleton Billing

Cara Ford Coder

Lyndsey Frazier Dental Billing

Christie Knapp Billing

Samantha Kruckenberg Project Manager

Joshua Hannagan IT Specialist

Regina Suhrbier Outreach Coordinator

Amy Shannon Front Desk Supervisor

Josie Huss Health Navigator

Rhonda McFadden Financial Advocate

LaShawn Garberding Medical Records

Amanda Seehusen Medical Records

Emmett McCogadh Reception

Kaley Feser Reception

Christie Murray Reception Dayton

Wendy Terpstra Operator

We are open to all, regardless of insurance

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www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Progress

2024

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

1E

Business & Industry THE

essenger

Corridor Plaza

-Submitted graphic

DUNHAM’S SPORTING GOODS has committed to returning to Fort Dodge. Its location will be a new, larger store that will occupy much of what used to be the Younkers wing of the former Crossroads Mall.

POISED FOR GROWTH

Sports industry drives business boom at Corridor Plaza

By BILL SHEA

From failing mall to a flourishing hub of retail, entertainment

bshea@messengernews.net

C

orridor Plaza is poised for growth in 2024, with sports as the driving force behind the new developments.

A $13 million indoor sports pavilion is planned for the west side of the site that was formerly Crossroads Mall.

And Dunham’s Sporting Goods, a former mall tenant, will be returning with a new and larger store in the last portion of the former shopping center that is still standing.

Sports Pavilion Proposal

A

Sports Pavilion The 200-foot-by-250-foot sports facility will sit on the west side of Corridor Plaza on ground that has long been identified as the spot for a pavilion and plaza. Its entrance will face east.

Inside, there will be four basketball courts, three pickleball courts and a microbrewery restaurant.

It will be developed, owned and operated by M and M LLC, of Ankeny.

“This is a key element to create a destination that people are going to go to for activities,” City Manager David Fierke said.

He said the project would not happen without financial help from the city.

That financial help will come in the form of $2.65 million from a bond issue, plus five annual payments of $275,000 beginning in 2026. The money for the annual payments will come from sales tax revenue generated at Corridor Plaza.

Dunham’s Sporting Goods Dunham’s Sporting Goods will return to Fort Dodge this fall with a new store in Corridor Plaza.

See CORRIDOR, Page 11E

-Submitted image

THE FRONT OF THE PLANNED SPORTS PAVILION at Corridor Plaza is shown in this image provided by the Fort Dodge city government. It will sit on the west side of the property with its front door facing east. Inside will be four basketball courts, three pickleball courts and a microbrewery restaurant.

s the Corridor Plaza project enters its fifth year, the project team reflects on the journey of purchasing a failing mall and reimagining the space with new infrastructure, retail, and entertainment. Since its inception in 2020, the project has made significant strides, turning the once underutilized area into a growing hub of commerce and community activity.

2020: A Year of Foundations and Challenges

-Submitted image

THE REAR OF THE PLANNED $13 MILLION SPORTS FACILITY is shown in this image provided by the city of Fort Dodge. Construction could take about a year to complete.

“We have been working diligently behind the scenes to bring first-class tenants to Corridor Plaza. We expect many exciting announcements the first part of this year.”

BJ STOKESBARY, spokesman for Crossroads Plaza Development

n In January, the Fort Dodge City Council approved a pivotal development agreement with Crossroads Plaza Development, LLC, committing $18.2 million through tax increment financing (TIF). TIF helps cities and counties pay for public improvement projects or provide economic development grants or loans to private entities. Funds secured through TIF must be used within the specific designated area and cannot be used toward general operations of the city or county. n Mayor Matt Bemrich noted, “This is the perfect demonstration of TIF’s intended use.” n The $3.3 million purchase of the former Crossroads Mall in March was a critical step, despite the onset of global uncertainties and business closures. n Key demolitions and zoning changes laid the groundwork for the multi-use site.

See PLAZA, Page 11E

2E

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net

Visit Fort Dodge

BECOMING A DESTINATION

Sports are major focus of Visit Fort Dodge

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

A

bout 900 wrestlers from across the United States converged on Fort Dodge for four days last summer.

The occasion was the Iron Sharpens Iron Team Wrestling Camp at Iowa Central Community College.

And it was another example of how Visit Fort Dodge is promoting sporting events and working with businesses and other organizations to bring people to the city.

“The sports market is a real huge component of tourism right now,” said Kerrie Kuiper, executive director of Visit Fort Dodge.

“Fort Dodge has always had a Kerrie big, strong presKuiper ence in the sports market with Harlan Rogers,” she added, referring to Harlan and Hazel Rogers Sports Complex.

The sports complex north of the city has softball, baseball and soccer fields. It has been the home of the Iowa Girls State Softball Tournament for more than 50 years, and is the site of many other events.

The Iron Sharpens Iron camp was a new event in the community. “Really, Iowa Central did the big lift,” Kuiper said.

She said her organization helped with hotel rooms and contacted businesses to see what kinds of deals they would be willing to offer people in town for the wrestling camp.

“We’re kind of that resource that pulls all the community efforts together,” she said.

She said having the camp in Fort Dodge had an economic impact.

“Those 900 wrestlers plus the coaches and parents who were with them spent three or four days eating out,” she said. “They went to Fort Frenzy. They went to Rosedale Rapids. They really did move around the community.”

Another big sports event that drew people from across the country to Fort Dodge last year was the GBC Heartland Challenge. That’s an endurance riding competition for off-highway vehicles. It was held at Sports Park Raceway south of Fort Dodge and drew people from 20 states.

Kuiper said having the event at the race track gives fans a great view of the riders that often isn’t found at other venues.

“The viewpoint for the spectators is really good,” she said.

The GBC Heartland Challenge came to Webster County for the first time in 2021. It returned in 2022 and 2023. This year it will be held in late July.

-Submitted photos

ALL-TERRAIN AND UTILITY TASK VEHICLES (above and left) covered the tracks at Sports Park Raceway in August 2023 for the annual GBC Powersports Tires Heartland Challenge.

TOP PHOTO: Racers prepare to head to their vehicles at the sound ot the start gun.

Sports is far from the only thing Visit Fort Dodge has been promoting.

It has pursued conventions, such as the I Lead Leadership Symposium. And it seeks to bring leisure travelers — people on vacation — to Fort Dodge.

Visit Fort Dodge has also brought travel writers and online content providers to the community to show them what Fort Dodge and Webster County have to offer.

“We need to be known as a destination,” Kuiper said.

In addition to numerous online references, Fort Dodge received mention in three recent travel books. Those books are “100 Things to Do In Iowa Before You Die” and “Midwest State Park Adventures,” both by Sara Broer and “Secret Iowa: A Guide

to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure” by Megan Bannister.

During 2023, Visit Fort Dodge was honored with the Website of the Year (Urban) Award from the Iowa Tourism Office and the Destination of the Year Award from the Midwest Travel Network.

Visit Fort Dodge received a $70,000 Regional Sports Authority Grant, which Kuiper said will enable it to support 19 events. Those events include softball, baseball and basketball tournaments plus a dance competition.

A recently awarded $10,000 state grant will support production of the Fort Dodge and Webster County Destination Guide.

Kuiper said that an audio version of the guide will also be produced. A Spanish version of the guide will be published.

That grant will also pay for digital promotional campaigns in Omaha, Nebraska; St. Joseph, Missouri; and Windom, Minnesota.

This year, the community will be represented by Visit Fort Dodge at the Iowa Bike Expo and the Omaha Boat and Travel Show in Nebraska. Kuiper said the Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park will be promoted heavily at the latter event because Nebraska doesn’t have OHV parks.

Rick Titus in His 49th Year of Selling and Installing More Efficient Fireplace Inserts & Vent Free Gas Logs.

- photo by Les Houser, Wright County Monitor

If you have a fireplace that burns wood, you know that it loses all of its heat up the chimney. Rick Titus has a wood burning insert that will burn with the efficiency of a wood stove and fit inside your fireplace so it keeps your fireplace look.

If you have one of the newer gas fireplaces that vents out the side of the home or up a chimney, Rick can convert it over to a Vent Free log and keep all the heat in the home.

If you have a gas log in your fireplace it also sends all of its heat up the chimney. Rick has Vent Free gas logs that can burn as efficient as a gas cook stove and burn with the damper closed, thus keeping all the heat in the house.

So no matter what kind of fireplace you may have, Rick has an efficient solution for it. Call Rick or email him at yahtitus@gmail. com or go to his web site below. Rick even has new fireplaces and wood stoves that can heat your home even during a power outage.

Call Rick at 515-532-3881 or 515-293-2455 or visit www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com

www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

3E

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

NEW FACES, NEW ROLES Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance welcomes staff, shifts some duties

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

N

ew faces and some familiar people in new roles now make up the staff of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

Astra Ferris, who became chief executive officer of the Growth Alliance in September, introduced the current staff.

Jefferson Fosbender has been named economic development director to replace Kelly Halsted.

Emily Ayres was hired as the administrative assistant.

Skyla Porter, who was the organizational administrator, was named marketing specialist.

Deena McCaulley, who was the office manager, has been named operations coordinator.

Jill Nelson remains as community development director.

Jefferson Fosbender He served as economic development director for the Ackley Development Commission from May 2014 to July 2017.

He then moved into higher education, serving as a senior admissions counselor at Concordia University Chicago and most recently as an academic assistant at Iowa Central Community College.

“Economic development sort of called me back in a weird sort of roundabout way,” he said.

Upon applying for the position, he said the team, culture and energy of the Growth Alliance “made it to where it was a no-brainer.”

He said he found himself thinking, “Oh, I have to do this.”

Economic development work, he said, is “a brand new challenge almost every single day.”

He said the Growth Alliance has a pipeline of about 12 projects representing millions of dollars in potential new development.

Fosbender is a graduate of St. Edmond High School. He earned an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College and a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Emily Ayres In addition to the typical administrative assistant duties, she will work with the Young Professionals group.

She is a native of Spirit Lake who graduated from Spirit Lake High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota, in Vermillion, South Dakota.

“I’m looking forward to meeting people,” she said.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GREATER GROWTH ALLIANCE members (left to right) Jefferson Fosbender, Jill Nelson, Skyla Porter, Astra Ferris, Emily Ayres and Deena McCaulley participate in a meet-and-greet with new staff members on Nov. 30, 2023.

-Messenger file photo by Britt Kudla

FORT DODGE GREATER GROWTH ALLIANCE members, from left, are Jefferson Fosbender, Jill Nelson, Skyla Porter, Astra Ferris, Emily Ayres and Deena McCaulley.

New Roles In her new role, Porter will be the lead person communicating the message of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

Her work will include marketing, promotion and media relations. She will also manage the annual events conducted by the alliance.

McCaulley will continue her bookkeeping responsibilities, but will also oversee policies and processes.

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“Economic development sort of called me back in a weird sort of roundabout way.”

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4E

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Webster City Custom Meats

PROSPERING IN THE LAND OF THE GIANTS Webster City Custom Meats and Fareway Stores thrive against larger competitors

By ROBERT E. OLIVER Special to The Messenger

WEBSTER CITY — Walmart, Kroger, Costco and Albertson’s are the largest grocery chains in the United States. Smithfield Foods — a Chinese company, Tyson Foods, and JBS — a Brazilian firm — are the nation’s largest pork packers.

In this land of the giants, Webster City Custom Meats and Fareway Stores, Inc., are small, reDean Bowden g i o n a l players that (undated photo) have survived, and prospered, under a similar, proven business model. At its heart, it’s an unwavering commitment to local ownership, high-quality products, fair treatment of employees, and knowing and serving customers well.

In Webster City’s biggest business news story of 2023 — the acquisition of Custom Meats by Fareway subsidiary Midwest Custom Wholesale — that strategy is being fortified to carry both companies into what, by all accounts, should be a bright future.

A long, local tradition of food processing Webster City has a history of food processing nearly 100 years old. The Daily Freeman Journal of Sept. 5, 1938, carried a story about the Selby Poultry Company. Here’s a brief excerpt: “Selby Poultry Company is Webster City’s biggest industry, managed and directed by its president and general manager H.A. Selby. The company not only does a wholesale poultry packing and egg business, but is one of the largest wholesale grocery concerns in north central Iowa. Besides its central plant and warehouse in Webster City, the company has seven branch stations at Dow City, Corning, Jefferson, Ida Grove, Hartley, Britt and Luverne, Minnesota. During peak operations, the company employs 500 in Webster City and the branches, and operates a fleet of 53 of its own trucks.”

Over the years, Selby was followed by Morton Packing Co., which shipped frozen meat and fruit pies across the country from its Webster City plant; Nissen & Sons Packing, whose Fun Time Franks were loved across the Midwest; and Mary Ann’s Specialty Foods, successor to Nissen, and today the packer of uncured pork products.

Jim Bergkamp — The forerunner Jim and Judy Bergkamp moved to Webster

-Submitted photos

WEBSTER CITY CUSTOM MEATS was acquired by Fareway subsidiary Midwest Custom Wholesale in 2023. Both are small, regional players that have survived and prospered amid an era of larger chains and companies.

—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Robert E. Oliver

AARON IRLBECK, DEAN BOWDEN, AND PHIL VOGE are pictured from left. The Webster City Custom Meats name will continue to be used with the addition of "a division of Midwest Quality Wholesale," as shown here.

City from Ames in 1973 to assume ownership of Olthoff Custom Meats, which had been founded in 1965. The business, a traditional country meat locker, was located on Webster City’s east side.

The Oct. 21, 1976, edition of The Daily Freeman Journal had this to say about it: “One of central Iowa’s unique meat processors is Olthoff’s Custom Meats, started by Ray Olthoff in 1965, a veteran of 24 years in the meat industry. The firm specializes in custom butchering and freezer processing of beef cattle, hogs and sheep. Olthoff’s sells government-graded and inspected choice beef quarters, and its own smoked hams, dried beef, ring bologna, and pork sausage.

Wild game hunters have brought deer, moose and antelope to Olthoff’s, who wrap and freeze wild game, and make dried deer meat and deer bologna for hunters who prize such unusual meats. Five per-

sons are employed during the peak season.”

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WEBSTER CITY CUSTOM MEATS' FIRST TRUCK, which Dean Bowden bought used in Chicago in 1976, is shown here. He remembers it was often used to carry 8,000-pound loads of meat from the Hormel Foods plant in Fort Dodge.

Connie Ingraham and Phil Voge — The Managers With experienced management, and a good product, Webster City Custom Meats, as the business now called itself, was set to grow. But Bowden knew more depth in the office staff was required to support production. He found two such people in Connie Ingraham and Phil Voge.

“I got to Webster City by marrying an Iowa farm boy (Dale Ingraham). We didn’t survive the farm crisis of the ’80s, but I learned some important life lessons,” said Ingraham, who is originally from Missouri. “At Webster City Custom Meats, See WCCM, Page 10E

Outdoor recreation, shopping, medical care, fitness center, library, restaurants, architecture, and natural beauty in a safe, small-town environment characterize life in Sac City

Kids World

-Submitted photo

work in meat processing.

Born in Winthrop, he grew up on a farm and was active in 4-H. At Iowa State University, he was a member of Farm House, a social fraternity, and Alpha Zeta, an academic, honor-

ary, agriculturally focused fraternity. He served on both the livestock and meat judging teams.

Bowden met Terry Reaman at college. They were both hired by Farmland Foods to work in its slaughterhouse and meat plant in Denison.

The firm was a subsidiary of Farmland Industries, which, at its peak, was the largest cooperative business in the U.S., owned by more than 600,000 farm families.

Bowden worked there for 13 years, learning every aspect of meat processing first-hand.

Wishing to own his own business, he moved to Webster City in 1983, joining Terry Reaman, Jim Bergkamp, Jerry Grauf, Marvin Walter and Bud Nichol, as co-owners of the former Olfhoff locker.

Grauf, a cattle farmer in Elvaston, Illinois, was an investor; all the others worked in the business every day.

Bowden remembered, “Olthoff wanted out, so Jim and Jerry bought the business. Everybody had a job to do; we made a good team.”

He continued, “I jumped in, wanting to learn every aspect of production, harvesting animals, grinding sausage, trimming pork bellies, boning hams. I paid special attention to yield and waste because reducing costs was as important as increasing efficiency and sales. We had to do all of it at once.”

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Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

5E

District 29

DISTRICT 29 EXPANDS FOOTPRINT Townhomes opened in November, followed by entire expansion in December

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

A new phase of the District 29 housing development was ushered in during 2023.

District 29, named for its location near North 29th Street and Dodger Drive, first broke ground in the fall of 2020. In September 2021, the four-story apartment building with 93 units and the five five-plex townhome buildings were opened. In total, the development created 118 new housing units for Fort Dodge.

In October 2022, representatives from Talon Development, Eagle Construction and the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance held a ceremonial groundbreaking to kick off Phase II of District 29.

“I wanted to reiterate the success that we’ve had here in Fort Dodge,” said Josh Kruger, president of Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based Eagle Construction and Talon Development. “We opened the building in October [2021] and by the following April, we were already at 100 percent occupancy. I think we opened up the building at just over 60 percent occupancy.”

Phase II is a mirror image of Phase I and essentially doubles the number of rental units in the

-Messenger file photo by Kelby Wingert

FORT DODGE MAYOR PRO TEM DAVE FLATTERY speaks at the groundbreaking for the Phase 2 of the District 29 development in October 2022. Also pictured are Josh Kruger, president of Eagle Construction and Talon Development; and Steve Boote, CEO of Eagle Construction and Talon Development.

complex. Between the four-story apartment building and townhome buildings, there are 118 housing units that are a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

The townhomes began opening up in November, with the entire expansion being open around Dec. 15, according to Nick Langel, director of marketing for Real Property Management Express, which is the property manager for District 29.

The expansion also included some new amenities — a fencedin pool with a patio and seating area, as well as a dog park. The dog park is open now, but the pool still needs some finishing touches before it opens around Memorial Day, Langel said.

Like the original apartment building, the new building also features a community room and 24-hour fitness center.

“This was our plan when we came in and bought the land from the Litchfields,” Steve Boote, CEO of Eagle Construction and Talon Development, said during the October 2022 groundbreaking. “They were great to deal with. They’ve still got a whole bunch more land, so if Fort Dodge keeps growing, we’ll grow with you.”

Marker 126

MARKER 126 ADDS BOUTIQUE

Showers, laundry facilities offer respite for truck drivers

-Messenger photo

by Kelby Wingert

THE BREW 126 COFFEE SHOP located inside Marker 126 Travel Center on U.S. Highway 20 is a popular spot for travelers through Webster County, according to owner Kevin Stumpf.

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

Since opening in September 2022, the Marker 126 Travel Center east of Fort Dodge on U.S. Highway 20 has seen steady streams of traffic stopping to fuel up, grab a bite to eat and even do a little shopping.

Owned by Kevin and Sheila Stumpf, of Duncombe, Marker 126 was only a dream just a few years ago. And over the last nearly 18 months, they’ve gotten to watch that dream grow even bigger.

The travel center had a great first year of business, Kevin Stumpf said.

“We were really, really happy,” he said. “I had a lot of good compliments, a lot of good reviews.”

The Marker 126 travel center is named for its location near the 126 mile marker on U.S. Highway 20. In addition to gas, diesel and typical convenience store offerings, the 10,000-square-foot Marker 126 also houses the Table 126 restaurant, the Brew 126 coffee shop and a creamery serving Kemp’s ice cream.

In the last year, Sheila Stumpf wanted to expand the travel center’s offerings even further and began operating a small clothing and decor boutique in the store.

This year, she plans to add

Kevin Stumpf

Sheila Stumpf

even more men’s, women’s and children’s clothing to the boutique.

“That’s what’s going to set us apart from a regular travel center or gas station,” Kevin Stumpf said.

The Stumpfs also added shower and laundry facilities for truckers passing through. Those amenities weren’t initially part of the project because the Stumpf’s envisioned a travel center over a truck stop.

“We were just trying to walk that fine line,” Kevin Stumpf said. “We didn’t really want to be a truck stop, but the truckers need a place to stop, they need a place to refresh.”

When the spring comes and the snow melts, Marker 126 has some plans for the exterior of the travel center. Outside the coffee shop will be some outdoor seating, and to the south of the center, next to the fencedin dog park and Sinclair dinosaur, the Stumpfs will be adding a playground.

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6E

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Fort Dodge Freeze Dried LLC

BRINGING THE SWEETS

Fort Dodge woman dives into freeze-dried business, finds receptive market

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

Freeze-dried candy has been taking the country by storm, and central Iowa is not immune.

After seeing a few social media posts about a new candy trend last year, Amanda Geopfert, of Fort Dodge, decided she wanted to give it a whirl, Amanda so she bought her Geopfert first freeze dryer.

“I thought it was an inexpensive investment and found out that it wasn’t,” she said.

After a few successful batches of freeze-dried candy, Geopfert decided to go all-in, creating Fort Dodge Freeze Dried LLC — and recruited her family to help with the new business.

The process of freeze drying the candy removes all moisture, causing the candy to puff up and turn crispy, all without altering the flavor. A sour gummy worm might become the texture of a cheese puff, for example.

Geopfert freeze dries all types of candy, fruits and sweet snacks. Skittles and Nerd Clusters are the most popular, she said.

“I can’t keep the Nerd Clusters in stock,” Geopfert said.

“Any show I go to, any event, they sell out.”

Around holidays, she adds some specialty treats like egg

nog and snack cakes.

Overall, though, Geopfert’s favorite thing to freeze dry is ice cream.

“It’s so good after it’s done,” she said.

Geopfert’s sales come from vendor shows and special events, as well as online orders from the

Fort Dodge Freeze Dried Facebook page or www.fdfreezedried.com website.

Time is probably the biggest factor when it comes to running the business. Each candy or food item takes a different amount of time to go through the process of freeze drying. Skittles take about three hours, while Nerd Clusters can go six to eight hours, Geopfert said. Items with higher moisture content can take longer, even several days.

“My electric bill has seen the brunt of it,” she said.

Geopfert operates the business out of the home she shares with her son, 11-yearold Liam, and boyfriend David Greene. Because freeze-dried candy and foods can be finicky with environmental factors, they’ve set up dehumidifiers to control the humidity and an air conditioner to keep the freeze dryer machine from getting too hot when it’s running for hours on end.

“If it wasn’t for David, I really honestly wouldn’t be able to do everything,” Geopfert said. “He does it all. He really does.”

Liam might actually have the most important job of all — professional taste-tester.

“He gets to try everything for sure,” Geopfert said.

Geopfert is looking to expand Fort Dodge Freeze Dried in the near future, with plans to purchase a second freeze dryer to process non-candy foods in order to make shelf-stable meals. As the business outgrows the room in her house, she said, she plans to move the whole operation to her garage.

“There’s a learning curve, so I’m still learning,” she said.

“Still trying to figure it out on top of keeping a full-time job and doing as much as possible.”

Submitted photos

A FRESH BATCH OF SALTWATER TAFFY puffs up after coming out of the Fort Dodge Freeze Dry freeze dryer.

LEFT: When freeze-dried, sour gummy worms puff up to a texture similar to a cheese puff.

OHV Park

BECOMING A FAMILY DESTINATION

Gypsum City OHV park breaks ground on playscape

By KELBY WINGERT

kwingert@messengernews.net

Webster County Conservation aims to make Gypsum City Off-Highway Vehicle Park truly a family destination with the addition of a new playscape.

Tasha Nielsen West, trail technician at Gypsum City, is spearheading a project to construct a playscape for kids in the campground area of the park.

“This is a very family-oriented sport and kids normally ride too, so we want to make this a destination spot as well,” she said. “Since we have the fishing ponds and the little kid track up front, we just wanted something else for the kids to do.”

In 2022, when Webster County Conservation was updating its master plan for Gypsum City, she said, they asked visitors about what amenities and developmental ideas they would like to see incorporated in the park. One of the highest rated suggestions was a playground.

West applied for and received a $30,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ All-Terrain Vehicle Fund to cover some of the cost of the playscape.

“I think they’ve seen this park and how busy it is getting and how family-oriented it is,” West said. “If you come to camp here on a weekend, I bet you more than half of the campground is going to be full of children, and I think the ATV committee realized that.”

In addition to the grant funding, West has collected around $20,000 in private donations, a large portion of which were donated in memory of David McGaughy, who died in March 2022 at the age of 55.

“Dave and I enjoyed riding our side-by-side out at the OHV park,” his widow,

Crystal McGaughy, said.

“Being out at the OHV park was always an enjoyable time for us. He just always loved the park.”

After Dave McGaughy passed away, his friends wanted to hold a benefit fundraiser for him, and with Crystal McGaughy’s help, they picked four organizations to donate the money toward. She knew she wanted to donate to the OHV park and when she learned that West was collecting donations for a playscape, she wanted to help.

“The camping is gorgeous, but there’s really nothing for kids to do if they’re out there, so playground equipment would be great,” Crystal McGaughy said.

Webster County Wheelers, a club that used to manage the OHV park, still had some funding in its bank account, so the members decided to donate what was left to the playscape project, West said.

West said the playscape will likely be a multi-phase project and total about $100,000, but she wanted to get started with it last fall so that by the time the campground opens in the spring, it will be ready for kids to play.

To help stretch the funding for the project, West is going to do the initial dirt work at the site with the dozer and excavator she uses to maintain the park’s riding trails. Some of the materials for the playscape will be collected from ash trees that had to be removed from John F. Kennedy Memorial Park due to the invasion of the emerald ash borer, as well as large boulders extracted from the trails around the park. There’s also a hollow tree trunk from Kennedy Park that will be incorporated as a climbing tunnel in the

Gypsum City playscape.

Designed by RDG Planning and Design, of Des Moines, the playscape has a mining theme to match the overall theme of the park and the history of the land that the park sits on.

An overlook deck that resembles a mine shaft will give visitors a view of the playscape, “log jams” will give kids a place to climb and a dig area will give kids a place to, well, dig.

Different sections of the playscape will be designed for certain age groups in mind — there will be an area set up for toddlers, an area for kids 5 to 9 years old and an area for kids 9 to 12 years old.

While it may not look like it now, the playscape’s

location next to the restroom building will put it in a central location at the campground, West said.

The 2022 master plan for the park includes expanding the campground to the other side of the restroom building to sort of mirror the existing campground spaces.

West said that the plan was to break ground on the playscape last fall and for the contractor, Country Landscapes, of Ames, to work on bringing the vision to life over the winter and spring.

Webster County Conservation is still accepting donations for the playscape project. For more information, call 515-5764258.

-Image courtesy of RDG Planning and Design

THE FUTURE PLAYSCAPE at Gypsum City OHV Park will have areas designed with different ages in mind.

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7E

2nd Avenue Rowhomes

SPRINGING UP IN DOWNTOWN

2nd Avenue Rowhomes project takes on new life in 2023

By KELBY WINGERT kwingert@messengernews.net

A

seldom-used cityowned parking lot in Fort Dodge went from crumbling and cracked concrete to the site of 10 new rowhomes in 2023.

The 2nd Avenue Rowhomes project being developed by DEV Partners, of Des Moines, in the 900 block of Second Avenue South has sprung up over the last six months after the groundbreaking in June.

The project was initially announced in October 2022. A month prior, the 2nd Avenue Rowhomes was one of 57 housing projects in 30 Iowa counties to receive the Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Workforce Housing Tax Credit.

The 2nd Avenue project will receive $930,995 in tax credits on this project.

The Workforce Housing Tax Credit program provides tax benefits to developers to build new housing in Iowa communities, focusing especially on those projects using abandoned, empty or dilapidated properties.

The entire development is expected to cost about $4.89 million, DEV Partners Director of Development and Investments Danny Heggen told The Messenger when the project was announced.

“When the idea for this site, developing this housing, came along, it was a no-brainer for me,” Heggen said during groundbreaking in June. “As we think about everything that’s happening downtown with all the infrastructure work, Fareway, the (Blanden Memorial Art) Museum, the wonderful neighborhoods that surround us and we think about the walkability, this is an ideal spot to be bringing more housing density.”

From the outside, the development will look just like 10

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla

THE 2ND AVENUE ROWHOMES PROJECT, being developed by DEV Partners of Des Moines, broke ground in June 2023 and is expected to be complete by May 2024.

new rowhomes, but beyond the facade, the construction will allow for flexibility on the use of space and the units will be a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. There will be 24 one-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom units. They will all be rental units.

Each unit will have what Heggen described as a “high-end kitchen,” its own laundry facilities and nine-foot high ceilings.

Some of the townhomes will face north and others will face south.

Shyft Collective, of Des Moines, is the general contractor.

“I think the future is bright for downtown,” Dave Flattery, a city council member and president of Availa Bank, one of the partners on the project, said

during the groundbreaking.

Fort Dodge Mayor Matt Bemrich said the city was looking for opportunities to add value to the community’s workforce and housing and felt this project was a “prime example” because of the use of the seldom-used city parking lot site.

“It was kind of a liability for the city being just kind of a broken up, underutilized parking lot,” he said. “And to see life brought to it and really make a great neighborhood even more connected to the downtown, in creating that walkability and livability for somebody who wants a different type of living.”

The development project is expected to be complete by May of this year.

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-Messenger photo by Kelby Wingert

DANNY HEGGEN, director of development and investment at DEV Partners, shares a few comments about the development and construction of the 2nd Avenue Rowhomes project during a ceremonial groundbreaking on June 22, 2023.

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Dodge Graphix

‘I’M PROUD TO BE FROM THIS TOWN’ Lind, owner of Dodge Graphix, moves into new location

By DANA BECKER

dbecker@messengernews.net

M

addie Lind wanted to honor her hometown and show just how much Fort Dodge has grown over

the years.

That is part of the reason Lind opted to make a name change from Creative Signs and Graphics to Dodge Graphix during a recent move for the business.

“If you had asked me when I moved away if I would ever consider moving back to Fort Dodge, I would have said not at the time,” Lind said. “It took me being gone for a while to realize what I was missing.

“I missed being close to my family and I missed the feeling of home that this community provided. Fort Dodge has made great progress since I moved away and has only continued to do so.

I’m proud to be from this town and to have Dodge as part of our name.”

Lind graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 2009 and left for Omaha, Nebraska, shortly after, to pursue her passion for design at The Creative Center, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She married Webster City native Zach Lind in 2017 and took over Creative Signs and Graphics that same year.

“I had been living in Omaha for six years and was ready for a change,” she said. “I had job offers in California, Minneapolis and Chicago, as well as back home here in Fort Dodge. I chose to come home, moving back in 2014 and starting work at Creative Signs and Graphics.”

Dodge Graphix is a full-service, inhouse paint shop that provides design, print and installation services. They offer everything from indoor and outdoor signs, lighted signs, Gemini letters, sign repairs, installation and removal, stickers, print, promo items, wall graphics, vehicle wraps and more.

Lind said they can “also help create and grow your company identity from scratch or help update your current look.”

“What sets us apart is our products as well as our customer service and really quick turnarounds,” she added. “You can email, call or stop down and talk to us in person about your project and we can help you find the right product to fit your budget.

“Most orders we complete within three to five days if not sooner. We also accommodate a lot of last-minute projects on the same or the next day.

We know that to our customers, time is money, so we do our best to keep our turnarounds quick. We also recently switched about 80 percent of our vinyl to American-made material. I know that makes our price point different than what you can get on Amazon, but it is a great product that we know will last and we are proud to stand behind.”

Plans to launch an online store and expand vehicle services offered are in the works. The move to a new location has helped with continued growth, says Lind.

“We are able to offer more services to our customers,” she said. “We can offer quicker turnarounds for vehicles along with working on larger projects.”

Along with her husband, Maddie Shute is the lead vinyl installer with advanced training and Katie Kehoe is the in-house graphic designer.

Dodge Graphix is located at 429 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge. They can be reached at 515-955-5505, by email at info@dodgegraphix.com and online at www.dodgegraphix.com.

-Submitted photos

ABOVE: Dodge Graphix found a new home in Fort Dodge in 2023. Maddie Lind, a Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, runs the business with her husband, Zach. Dodge Graphix was previously called Creative Signs and Graphics.

LEFT: Dodge Graphix is a full-service, in-house paint shop that provides design, print and installation services. They offer everything from indoor and outdoor signs, lighted signs, Gemini letters, sign repairs, installation and removal, stickers, print, promo items, wall graphics, vehicle wraps and more.

BELOW: The graphics on this truck are just one example of the work Dodge Graphix performs.

“What sets us apart is our products as well as our customer service and really quick turnarounds.”

MADDIE LIND Co-owner, Dodger Graphix

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The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

9E

Northwest Bank

EXPANSION

Growing FD bank completes addition, works to renovate its existing building

IN THIS PHOTO, the exterior walls are up and the roof is in place as work on a 2,500-square-foot addition to the Northwest Bank building at 10 N. 29th St. progressed last fall.

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

T

he Northwest Bank building in Fort Dodge is growing to keep pace with the growth of the Iowa-based financial institution.

“The community’s been very supportive of us and our growth,” said John Taets, the bank’s regional president.

“Growth year over year is very strong.”

The closure of the bank’s downtown office and the movement of all personnel and operations to the building at 10 N. 29th St. also contributed to the need to expand, he said.

“We wanted to bring everything under one roof, and to do that we knew we had to expand,” he said.

That building opened in May 2003. It was constructed by Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge.

“Because of that, it was easy for us to go to Jensen Builders and say we need to add on, we’re out of space,” Taets said.

To meet the need for more space, a 2,500-square-foot addition is being built onto the rear of the bank building. It will house five offices, a combination training and board room, and an employee break room with an outside patio.

That addition was completed as planned in mid-November.

“We are right on target,” Taets said. “Jensen Builders has done a great job.”

Its completion is the first step to “just modernizing the whole facility,” Taets said.

With the addition done, crews began working on the original two-story bank building. They started on the second floor. That work is on track to be done by Feb. 16. When it is done, they will start on the main floor.

The renovations will add two offices, a new teller line and better handicapped accessibility. New furniture will also be purchased.

The entire project is expected to be done by mid-May, according to Taets.

-Messenger file photos by Bill Shea

ABOVE: Matt Dutcher, left, the president of Northwest Bank in Fort Dodge, reviews the plans for the bank building’s expansion last fall with Aaron Campbell, center, a superintendent for Jensen Builders Ltd. of Fort Dodge and John Taets, the bank’s regional president. A 2,500-square-foot addition was being built onto the bank at 10 N. 29th St. The addition was completed in mid-November.

LEFT: Jordan Imler, an employee of Jensen Builders Ltd., of Fort Dodge, staples plastic sheeting over a window in the addition under construction at Northwest Bank, 10 N. 29th St. last fall.

Full Swing Financial Planning

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Full Swing staff is ready to help clients with money goals

F

ull Swing Financial Planning is open in Fort Dodge. The company takes a “full swing” approach to helping families and individuals plan their financial futures.

“We are excited to offer a comprehensive approach to financial planning,” said Kole Petersen, co-CEO and financial advisor. “To us, ‘full swing’ means looking at the big picture and ensuring all the details are taken care of to help people meet their goals.”

The team at Full Swing Financial Planning has partnered with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/dealer in the nation, to offer cutting-edge technology and support. The team consists of Petersen, Cole Jaeschke, Baileigh Ashbrook, Eddie Doyle, Emily Cue, and Alexa Leadley.

“We have built strategic partnerships that allow us to offer clients a truly customized approach,” said Jaeschke, co-CEO and financial adviser. “We can help people cre-

ate a well-thought-out strategy using a variety of investment and insurance products and services.”

Jaeschke and Petersen combine for more than 25 years of industry experience.

“We have put together an outstanding team,” said Ashbrook, who is the COO and a financial adviser. “We are excited to offer top-notch customer experience with a focus on getting to know the families we work with to understand their needs and concerns.”

Full Swing Financial Planning Advisors are fiduciaries, which means that every decision and recommendation they help people make must be in the client’s best interest.

“We want to help people plan for retirement with less stress and more confidence,” said Doyle, who is a financial planning adviser.

Full Swing Financial Planning is located at 1725 First Ave. S. in Fort Dodge. For more information, call 515308-4545 or go to www.fullswingfinancial.com.

-Submitted photo

THE STAFF OF FULL SWING FINANCIAL PLANNING includes, from left, Emily Cue, Kole Petersen, Baileigh Ashbrook, Cole Jaeschke, Alexa Leadley and Eddie Doyle.

10E

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net

Community Orchard

LEARNING THE INS AND OUTS

Community Orchard continues to thrive under the Stuckys' leadership

By BILL SHEA bshea@messengernews.net

For many families, it is an annual tradition to visit the Community Orchard north of Fort Dodge each fall during Apple Fest.

They come away from the event with apples, apple pies, pumpkins and often photos of the youngest members of the family clinging to pumpkins that are almost bigger than themselves.

“We have heard so many stories of our guests coming for years and how much they enjoy it,” said Emily Stucky, co-owner of Community Orchard. “We love seeing all of the customers and hearing where they travel from, as well as we remember going as young kids ourselves.”

Established in 1952, Community Orchard at 2237 160th St. is one of the most unique and diverse businesses in Webster County.

It consists of four different operations. The orchard consists of 5,000 to 6,000 apple trees on 38 acres. Those trees produce 15 varieties of apples. Additionally, there is a restaurant, shop and the Back 40 play area.

In the spring of 2022, Denny and Emily Stucky became the owners of Community Orchard.

They took over from longtime owners Greg and Bev Baedke, who helped them learn the ins and outs of the business.

“It came out of nowhere,” Denny Stucky told The Messenger when the purchase was announced.

“We were eating dinner on vacation and it came up in conversation that they would think about selling the orchard,” he said. “At the end of the conversation, we got to talking and got excited about the opportunity and the chance to be part of it and continue the way the orchard was.”

Since 2022, Community Orchard has partnered with a couple of local businesses to offer new products.

Cider was sent from the orchard to Soldier Creek Win-

ery for some limited production wines. The Stucky’s hope to someday expand that business when cider production increases.

Cider also goes to River Hops brewing, where it is made into Dale’s Apple Ale. They’ve also added to the Orchard Cafe’s menu, including a new apple cider donut, using the orchard’s cider, as well as a strawberry streusel and a blueberry streusel.

Denny Stucky is making some changes to the orchard itself, using new technology that allows trees to be planted more densely so he can plant more trees per acre and increase the orchard’s crop yield.

Community Orchard was founded by Paul and Edna Otto.

-Messenger file photos by Britt Kudla

ABOVE: Cole Reynolds, 11, of Yetter, picks out a pumpkin on Oct. 15, 2023, during Apple Fest at The Community Orchard.

LEFT: Ashton Amonson, 4, of Eagle Grove, picks out a pumpkin on Oct. 15, 2023, during Apple Fest at The Community Orchard.

WCCM Continued from Page 4E we were selling food, a basic need for human life. We provided stable employment in Webster City through the ups and downs of the economic cycles. We always knew we had to live within our (corporate) means, and we always did.”

Joining Webster City Custom Meats in 1983, Ingraham handled the firm’s accounting. In the late 1980s, she took on human resources responsibilities.

In 1997, what Ingraham calls a “management triangle,” consisting of Phil Voge, sales manager; Chip Abbott, production manager; and herself as administration manager, was formed. Together, with Bowden, the triangle would see the business through the years of its fastest growth.

She became president in 2012.

“As president, my work didn’t change much, but there was more of it,” she said.

She began managing worker’s compensation, plant insurance, benefits management, and safety — the latter critical in an industry that can be a dangerous place to work.

“At first I did the safety instruction myself, but as we grew I got help from outside firms who specialized in industrial safety.

We had, and have today, a safe workplace.”

During her tenure, plant employment peaked at 180. Today it’s at about 150 full-time employees.

“I wanted, I tried, to know every employee,” she said.

But with increasing turnover and tight labor markets beginning about 2000, it was hard.

“That was the time we suddenly had more non-English-speaking people applying for jobs,” she said. “We already had Laotian employees, but now we were seeing the first wave of Hispanic applicants.”

Ingraham figures the first Laotians hired in the 1980s “had it harder than the rest.”

Webster City Custom Meats required basic English comprehension as terms of employment, as much a matter of safety as

ployee, “He’s particular. He does things right. He’s a natural-born trader and both buys and sells proficiently. He was the right man in the right job.”

Most of the company’s meats are packaged and sold under a private label, meaning Webster City Custom’s meats are packaged and sold under brand names not its own. Even so, Voge steadily built up sales of WCCM’s own house labels: Bells Mill and Prairie Gold.

This will continue under the new ownership and management.

—Submitted photo

IF YOU'VE EVER WONDERED how sausage gets made, here's the answer. This fast-moving machine makes one-ounce sausage links in casings far faster than the most skilled human sausage-maker ever dreamed possible.

communication, so those early Laotian employees had to learn English fast.

“No one on staff spoke Lao, so the employees worked hard to learn English,” she said. “They dug in and did it.”

Ingraham continued, “I’ve had the privilege of working with several groups of new Americans. Uniformly, they appreciate being able to work and live in Webster City. It taught me everyone has something to contribute: hard work, reliability, intelligence. It taught me the value of diversity. It’s a strength of our company and our town. I look back with gratitude.”

Voge came aboard in July 1978.

“I started in production and ended up doing most jobs in the plant at the time. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was learning our product through and through.”

WCCM’s product line at the time consisted of several variations of smoked hams, bacon and sausages, but Voge distinctly remembers “we were still slaughtering and selling roasting pigs, a holdover from Olthoff days.”

People of many cultures roast pigs to celebrate holidays, including those from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, and the Philippines. An interesting byproduct emerged from the whole hog business as well: pork hearts.

The July 4, 1975, edition of The New York Times ran a story about the use of heart valves from pigs in human patients.

“A new technique for repairing heart valves has been successfully tested here (Palo Alto, California) at Stanford University Hospital. About 400 persons have received pig heart valves in the last few years, according to Dr. Edward Stinson, assistant professor of surgery.”

Some of those early transplant valves came from roasting pigs processed at Webster City Custom Meats.

Voge remembered it as “a small, unusual, and profitable sideline for us.”

He also headed up WCCM’s purchasing department, learning the cost of raw materials, until sometime in 1983 when he was promoted to sales manager.

With obvious admiration, Bowden said of his former em-

Midwest Quality Wholesale — The Partner On May 1, 2023, Custom Meats announced it was being acquired by Midwest Quality Wholesale Inc., a subsidiary of Fareway Stores, Inc. Both Voge and Ingraham stayed on throughout most of 2023 to ensure a smooth transition to new management.

The human face of that new management team is Aaron Irlbeck, executive vice president, Midwest Quality Wholesale. He joined Fareway in 1992, coming up through the store operations organization, a proven path to more responsibility in the company. After serving as assistant store manager in Storm Lake and Urbandale, he was promoted to buyer in 2005. In 2018 he was named senior vice president and in 2019 assumed responsibility as Fareway’s senior vice president of digital commerce, just in time for the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Irlbeck is anything but reticent to praise WCCM. “Our acquisition of Webster City Custom Meats will provide additional resources and longterm viability to an already incredible company. These two entities share Midwestern values of tradition, integrity, service, quality, locality and uniqueness. Under new ownership, one can expect the same high-quality products and professional service from Webster City Custom

Meats — just more of it.”

In addition to his overall management responsibilities at WCCM, he has, for the time being, an office at the Webster City plant.

Midwest Quality previously acquired Brewer Food Service, of Des Moines, which its website describes as “a wholesale distributor of gourmet quality meats and specialty foods.”

The synergy WCCM adds to this growing operation is immediately obvious. And therein lies an important distinction.

Fareway’s financial strength, decades-deep experience in meat distribution and sales, and impressive logistics capabilities of its large Boone warehouse and fleet of trucks, all stand firmly behind Midwest Specialty. But, Irlbeck points out, the subsidiary company is a stand-alone business, organized, funded and managed to show a profit on its own.

As to the future, Irlbeck said a number of improvements are planned for WCCM’s facilities and people.

“We’ve got a fairly long list of facility repairs and improvements, and equipment that needs updating,” he said. “We’re also investing in better pay and benefits for our employees here, as well.”

Importantly, as one of the biggest users of Webster City’s wastewater treatment plant, Midwest Quality Wholesale plans to build its own wastewater treatment plant at the meat processing facility.

“We have a goal of improving water quality released from our plant,” according to Irlbeck. This will reduce the load on the overall system and ensure the large investments taxpayers are making in a new wastewater treatment plant go even further.

All of this bodes well for the future of Webster City Custom Meats, its new owner, Midwest Quality Wholesale, and parent, Fareway Stores. After all, they have to be ready — every day — to do battle in the land of the giants.

www.messengernews.net

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

11E

Rise Women's Fitness & Wellness

RISE TO THE OCCASION

New women’s gym opens in Fort Dodge, offers several fitness classes

By KELBY WINGERT

kwingert@messengernews.net

A

new Fort Dodge gym aims to give women of all ages and sizes a space to work toward and meet their fitness goals.

Rise Women’s Fitness & Wellness opened in October at 1728 Central Ave., Suite 5.

Jenny Roe was a member of a gym in the same space when she learned that gym was going to be closing. Instead of just finding somewhere else to go, she took the opportunity to purchase the equipment and lease the space and open up her own gym.

When Rise opened, some of the members of the previous gym transitioned over as well, Roe said.

“So we’ve kind of built on what’s here and added a lot more,” she said.

As an emergency room nurse, Roe sees fitness as an outlet for stress — working out is her “me time.”

Roe is joined by gym manager Hilary Ronnfeldt, who is also an elementary school teacher.

Rise currently has about 50

-Messenger file photo by Kelby Wingert

RISE WOMEN’S FITNESS & WELLNESS owner Jenny Roe and gym manager Hilary Ronnfeldt lead the new women’s gym at 1728 Central Ave. in Fort Dodge.

and 24/7 access to the facility.

Rise also offers personal training and nutrition training.

members, Roe said. Memberships are $80 per month and include unlimited fitness classes

“Each one of our classes is led by a coach who helps to modify any of the movements

Corridor Continued from Page 1E Once located in Crossroads Mall, the store closed in 2022.

The new, larger store will occupy much of what used to be the Younkers wing of the mall.

“We are excited that Dunham’s has decided to return to Fort Dodge,” Mayor Matt Bemrich said.

“It’s been a staple of our community and has been missed for the last two years,” he added.

“They will have expanded offerings, including hunting and fishing selections. It will be a premier store for Dunham’s in the sporting goods world.”

Although the majority of the Crossroads Mall was demolished to make way for the development of Corridor Plaza, the eastern part of the building that was home to Younkers was left standing. The stated goal of property owner Crossroads Plaza Development LLC, of Ankeny, was always to fill that 51,000-squarefoot building with stores.

BJ Stokesbary, a spokesman for Crossroads Plaza Development, said Dunham’s Sporting Goods will be on the east side of the building, closest to 29th Street. He said the store will oc-

cupy about half of the building.

The necessary renovations will start immediately, he said.

The store is expected to open in October.

“We have been working diligently behind the scenes to bring first-class tenants to Corridor Plaza,” Stokesbary said. “We expect many exciting announcements the first part of this year.

We have finalized lease and purchase agreements with several tenants and appreciate everyone’s patience as these deals take time before they are ready to be public.”

Plaza Continued from Page 1E 2021: Progress and Support Amidst Adversity n February saw the City Council backing an application for $18 million in state funding under the Iowa Reinvestment District Program. n The introduction of a forgivable loan program in March helped former mall tenants relocate and thrive in Fort Dodge. n By June, the first phase of development was inaugurated, marking a significant leap in the project’s progress.

Phase 1 included the construction of utilities and streets on the north portion of the project (Second Avenue South and South 27th Street). It also included the creation of buildable lots along the south side of First Avenue South New openings, like the UnityPoint Express Clinic and Discount Tire, and announcements of future tenants like Teriyaki Madness and Clean Laundry, highlighted the year

2022: Expansion and Diversification n April saw the Iowa Economic Development Authority award the city of Fort Dodge and the Corridor Plaza project $17 million under the Reinvestment District program. n The opening of Phase 2, the arrival of Teriyaki Madness, and Clean Laundry, along

“Fort Dodge’s role as a retail hub in Iowa has been significantly bolstered by the Corridor Plaza project. The redevelopment of this site is crucial for our CHAD SCHAEEFER continued prominence Fort Dodge chief development officer in the region.” with the sale of strategic lots, marked a year of rapid growth and diversification for the project. Phase 2 included construction of utilities and streets on the south portion of the project (Third Avenue South and South 27th Street, north of Fifth Avenue South).

2023: New Beginnings and Continued Growth n The opening of Tidal Wave Carwash and T-Mobile, along with HyVee Fast & Fresh’s lot purchase, continued to add to the project’s momentum. n September saw the City Council approval of the Corridor Plaza Pavilion, underscoring the project’s commitment to community and sports engagement and entertainment.

2024: A Promising Future n The announcement of Dunham’s return and the anticipation of revealing more power center tenants set an optimistic tone for 2024. n Phase 3 construction commences to tie the project infrastructure together. Phase 3 includes construction of utilities and streets connection through the center of the project (South 27th Street).

Chad Schaeffer, the city’s chief development officer, said, “Fort Dodge’s role as a retail hub in Iowa has been significantly bolstered by the Corridor Plaza project. The redevelopment of this site is crucial for our continued prominence in the region.”

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“We are excited that Dunham’s has decided to return to Fort Dodge.”

MATT BEMRICH Fort Dodge mayor

for any fitness level,” Roe said.

The gym also offers yoga a few times a month and hosts special events for members as well.

“Membership also includes exclusive access to our VIP Facebook group where we share daily posts centered around motivation, inspiration, education, entertainment, community building, relationship building, recipes and accountability,” Ronnfeldt said.

Rise has several group fitness classes each day and the classes include “well-rounded programming that focuses on a good balance of resistance training, cardio, building strength and high-intensity workouts,” Ronnfeldt said. “They are modifiable to any fitness level.”

Rise aims to be more than just a gym — it’s a community, Roe said. The name and the logo — a phoenix — are about embracing women empowering themselves and each other to “rise up.”

“I don’t think anybody will find another community of women quite like this one,” Roe said.

12E

Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024

The Messenger/Fort Dodge, Iowa www.messengernews.net

INTEGRITY DIVERSITY

QUALITY DEPENDABILITY

Jensen Builders Ltd. of Fort Dodge and Des Moines, Iowa is a design-build general contractor serving the state of Iowa. Since 1983, we have strived to develop business relationships that are based on respect, trust and honesty.

www.JensenBuildersltd.com

Corporate Headquarters 1175 S 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Phone 515-573-3292

Des Moines Location 2097 NE 60th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313 Phone 515-292-5000