Press Releases

On an unseasonably warm Feb 25, a group of a little more than 20 area Democrats gathered outside Congressman Randy Feenstra’s Office in Ft. Dodge to protest the budget proposed by U.S. House Republicans. 

Democrats in attendance were against cuts to Medicaid, cuts to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, cuts to food aid for the poor, and cuts to environmental programs outlined in the House Republican budget proposal. “People don’t realize that this budget means cuts to nursing home patients and dementia patients,” said one attendee.

Democrats weren’t shy about stating what they thought about the Republican Budget plan and Feenstra’s silence on the issue of cutting benefits for Iowans. One couple brought a sign that read. “Rubber stamp Randy.” This was a comment on “Feenstra’s devotion to Trump without consideration of how these policies affect Iowans,” they said.

“Sixty-nine thousand Iowans in District 04 will be affected by Medicaid cuts,” read a sign held by a woman from Pocahontas County. District 4 refers to the 36 counties Iowa that Congressman Feenstra represents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 16.1% of the total population of Iowa’s Fourth District receives Medicaid benefits, almost 1 in 6 people.

“The Republican Budget extends the Trump tax cuts. These cuts are projected to increase the federal deficit in the range of $5 to $11.2 trillion over the next ten years according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget,” said T.C. Loving, an attendee from Humboldt. 

Participating Democrats from Calhoun, Webster, Pocahontas, and Humboldt counties were unable to meet with any of Feenstra’s staff because the office was closed on what normally would have been a work day. They expressed a hope of meeting with Feenstra soon. Although, they claimed that Feenstra usually only schedules poorly-publicized events in the district with Republican or hand picked constituents.

Later that evening, House Republicans passed their budget resolution with the support of Congressman Feenstra. 

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a nonpartisan research and policy institute, the House Republicans’ budget resolution directs the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reduce the deficit by at least $880 billion over ten years, a target Republicans have indicated they will hit primarily by cutting Medicaid. In addition, Republicans are planning roughly $1 trillion in new tax cuts, much or all of which could go to corporations, paid for primarily through cuts that put health coverage in jeopardy for the 72 million people covered by Medicaid.

At the same time, the House Republicans are calling for extending the Trump tax cuts, of which costs outstrip these savings many times over. 

The Senate must reconcile their budget with the cuts outlined in the House budget resolution to have them take effect. 

The annual Humboldt County Democrats book sale is coming Friday, April 25, 3-6 p.m., and Saturday, April 26, 8 a.m.-noon, at Faith United Methodist Church Morehouse Hall, Humboldt. All proceeds from the sale will be divided among Humboldt County community libraries located in Bode, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Livermore, Lu Verne, and Renwick.

Church address is 107 N 4th Street, Humboldt (enter building through north door). The book sale is accessible and volunteers can help carry purchases to your vehicle.

Local people have donated a variety of gently-used books, puzzles, games, CDs, and DVDs that will be on sale.  

“We never have any trouble getting donations. People are eager to support our libraries. I am really pleased with the wide variety of books and puzzles that people have donated this year,” said sale organizer Kathy Eck.

“One of the best parts of our book sale is to have people browse sale items and enjoy a cup of coffee, cookie or cinnamon roll while they are here. It is just great to see people connecting over their love of reading and support of our libraries,” added T.C. Loving, book sale volunteer.

Bargain prices are expected: Paperbacks - $.50, hardbacks - $1 (children’s books are half that price). DVDs and CDs - $.50. Puzzles and games are individually priced.

During the final hour of the book sale, 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, all books are sold for a freewill donation. After noon, all non-reserved remaining books are free.

“People always ask about our leftover books,” said Eck. “Over the years, I have found several organizations that make good use of them. From Ames Public Library to shelters to charitable organizations, we try to make sure that all our leftover books get passed along for someone to enjoy.”

The Humboldt County Democrats cover all costs and organization associated with the book sale.

Now is the time to clear your book shelves to help the libraries of Humboldt County. 

 The Humboldt County Democrats will hold their annual book sale April 26-27 to raise money for all local libraries. The sale will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, Humboldt. Sale details will be released later.

 The public is asked to donate old books, puzzles, games, CDs, and DVDs now that will be sold during the sale. All proceeds from the sale will be divided among all Humboldt County libraries, including Humboldt, Bode, Livermore, Gilmore City, Lu Verne, and Renwick.

 The Democrats are accepting donations now through April 21:

• Books must be in readable condition. Only two types of books are not accepted: paperbacks from before about 1970 (they are too fragile to handle) and encyclopedias (they don’t sell well—not to mention their weight)!  

• Games should be complete and in playable condition. 

• CDs and DVDs should be playable. No VHS tapes accepted (few people have players anymore). 

 Recycle your good reads and make room for your next page turner, mind-expanding treatise, dive into history, whodunit or love story. 

 Donations may be dropped off at Faith United Methodist Church, 107 N Fourth St, Humboldt, Monday through Thursday, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

Or to arrange for a pick up, email books@humboldtcountydemocrats.org or call/text Kathy Eck, 515-368-4749. 

For more information, visit www.humboldtcountydemocrats.org. 

The Humboldt County Democrats sponsored a food drive to replenish the Humboldt Food Pantry on February 10 at Fareway Grocery Store in Humboldt.

Generous Fareway shoppers donated 480 pounds of food and $2,120.15.  “People really came through to help their hungry neighbors,” said T.C. Loving, project coordinator.  “I could see how folks were genuinely glad to help when they contributed money in the donation jar or dropped off food purchases.”

The food drive bounty is shared with the Humboldt County Food Pantry and F.U.E.L. program at Humboldt Schools.

Much of the success of this year’s food drive can be attributed to Fareway Manager Jeremy Riesselman’s suggestion that the Humboldt County Democrats hold the drive the day before the Super Bowl.  Store traffic was up, and shoppers were in a good mood anticipating their Super Bowl appetizers, no doubt. “We had people come into the store with food all ready to donate, along with others who chose to purchase food during their store visit and then donate to the cause,” said Jim Sayers, a volunteer.

Humboldt residents also seemed aware that people are hungry. The Humboldt County Food Pantry has been communicating its increasing and specific needs to the community.

Missed the food drive? You may still donate to the Humboldt County Food Pantry at (515) 604-6550. Checks may be mailed or dropped payable to the Humboldt County Food Pantry, 419 Sumner Ave, Humboldt IA 50548.  Bring in your donations of food during their office hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm M-F; closed over the noon hour. 

In a collective effort to combat food insecurity in our community, residents of Humboldt County are invited to join in a special food drive Saturday, February 10, 8 AM - 7 PM, at the Humboldt Fareway Grocery Store.

The food drive will be held to benefit the Humboldt County Food Pantry. It will be staffed by the Humboldt County Democrats.

According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, 9.5% of all Humboldt County residents were food insecure in 2021, the most recent year for which they have data. 

The rate of food insecurity for Humboldt County’s children was 11.5%.  

Demand on our local food pantry has continued to rise since then, and local food pantry use is expected to more than double since 2021, according to food pantry staff.

The food drive is to help support those in need and replenish the local food pantry to ensure that every individual and family has access to nutritious meals—making a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Event Details:

Date: February 10th

Time: 8 AM to 7 PM

Location: Fareway Grocery Store, 1700 10th Avenue North, Humboldt

Residents are encouraged to participate by donating non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, jelly, cereal, oatmeal, syrup, pancake mix, soup, crackers, and other essential items. The Humboldt County Food Pantry also welcomes monetary donations. 

The Humboldt County Food Pantry will use this money to buy additional supplies for the food pantry. 

If you can’t make it to the food drive, you may still help financially:  Make checks payable to the Humboldt County Food Pantry and drop off or mail your donations to Humboldt County Food Pantry, 419 Sumner Ave, Humboldt, IA 50548.

Event organizers and the Humboldt County Food Pantry express their gratitude to Fareway Grocery Store for hosting the food drive and providing a convenient location for community members to share their donations. Together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

This year’s food drive is the sixth that the Humboldt County Democrats have organized. Humboldt County Democrats know first-hand that food pantry donations come from generous people of all political stripes. They are honored to staff this nonpartisan event to help feed the hungry.

Let's join hands and make a difference in the lives of those in need. Your generosity will help create a stronger and more resilient community for everyone.

Monday January 15, 7:00PM. Doors open at 6:30PM.

Humboldt County Democrats will meet at the following location:

Taft Elementary School
612 2nd Ave North, Humboldt, Iowa

The purpose of this year’s caucus is to:

Discuss and adopt proposed resolutions to be added to the county platform.

Elect Unbound Delegates and Alternates to the County Convention

Elect Precinct Committee Persons to the County Central Committee

The precinct caucus is a great way to get involved in grassroots activities with the Iowa Democratic Party. All Iowa Democrats are encouraged to attend. If you are an Independent voter or simply unsure of your party affiliation, you can register as a Democrat at your precinct caucus.

Please call Joe Hadar at 515-890-1586 if you have any questions.

The Humboldt County Democrats and the Humboldt County Democratic Women are holding their annual stew supper on Friday, October 13 this year.  Ryan Melton, the Democratic candidate for Iowa’s Fourth U.S. Congressional District will speak and answer questions.

The menu is all homemade and delicious: stew, bread and pie.  Vegetarian and vegan meals are also available.

The venue has changed from past years.  The Community Center (former Senior Citizens’ Center), 607 1st Ave S, Humboldt, is the location for this year’s stew supper.   

Another change this year is that the cost of the supper is a free-will donation.

Service is from 5 PM to 7 PM.  Come and dine-in, carryout, or receive curbside service. Homebound folks may arrange a delivery by calling Kathy Eck at 332-4749.

The Humboldt County Democrats will host a community picnic on Thursday, August 10 5:30-8:30 PM, at Dakota City Park, 809 1st Ave N, Dakota City. The picnic offers an opportunity to celebrate summer with old friends and to welcome folks who have not been to a Democratic event before. Bring your children, friends and neighbors.  

Menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chips, homemade salsa and salads, including vegetarian and vegan options. There is no cost to attend, although donations are welcome. 

The agenda will be casual and family-friendly. Meet local Democratic candidates, office holders and officials.

The Humboldt County Democrats recently held a book sale raising a total of $1,650 to benefit Humboldt County's six community libraries. Libraries in Bode, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Livermore, LuVerne, and Renwick each received a check for $275 following the sale.

Folks of all political stripes generously donated books, games and CDs, and enthusiastically participated in the sale.

The Humboldt County Democrats were motivated to hold a book sale because of their appreciation for local libraries and their value to the community.  The Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ provided a welcoming space for the people in our community to find their next great read.

Book sale organizer Kathy Eck noted unintended benefits of the sale. “We provided a real service to people who needed to downsize their book collection but wanted their books to go to a good cause. I also just love to see people get a bargain,” Eck noted.

T.C. Loving visited all the libraries before the book sale. “I had never been to any of our libraries in our smaller towns.  They were busy! They had all kinds of interesting things going on - from regular coffees, to book clubs, to local history programs. After visiting the libraries, I can’t think a better way to support a town than to support its library,” Loving said.

The Humboldt County Democrats plan to make the book sale an annual event in the spring. They will hold a book drive, asking for donations of books, table games, and videos/CDs several weeks before the sale.  

The Humboldt County Democrats will hold a book sale to benefit our county libraries in Bode, Gilmore City, Humboldt, Livermore, Lu Verne, and Renwick on Friday, April 21, 3 PM to 6 PM and Saturday, April 22, 8 AM to 11 AM at the Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ, 111 Taft St N, Humboldt. Get a bargain on remaining books from 11 AM to noon on Saturday.  Grab a box or a bag of books for a free will donation during the final hour of the sale.

Book sale patrons will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and treat for a goodwill donation. 

Children 0-18 may pick up a coupon for a free item at the entrance to the book sale.  Some exclusions apply, but not many!

Humboldt County residents have donated generously to the book sale.  There is a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction books, children's books, games, puzzles and DVDs.  

Do you have some items you would like to donate?   Drop off items at the Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ (south door): Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 AM - 2:30 PM, Wednesdays 8 AM - 5 PM, and Sundays 8 AM - Noon. You may also arrange to have your donated books picked up by calling Kathy Eck at 515-332-4749 or emailing books@humboldtcountydemocrats.org.  Donations accepted through April 16.

Please make sure your donations are in fair or better condition. The time to spread the joy of reading throughout our community is now.

More information: humboldtcountydemocrats.org/books.

We need your used books! 

The Humboldt County Democrats are planning an April book sale and asking community residents for donations now of readable books, playable DVDs, and complete games and puzzles. All proceeds from the sale will go to the Humboldt County libraries. Donated items can be for any age, from children through adults.

Books may dropped off at the Humboldt Congregational United Church of Christ (south door), 111 Taft St North: Tuesdays and Thursdays 8 AM - 2:30 PM, Wednesdays 8 AM - 5 PM, and Sundays 8 AM - Noon.  

You may also arrange to have your donated books picked up by calling Kathy Eck at 515- 332-4749 or emailing books@humboldtcountydemocrats.org.

Please make sure your donations are in fair or better condition. Time to clean your bookshelves now.

The book sale is planned for April 21 and 22. Watch for details later.

More information: humboldtcountydemocrats.org/books.

Humboldt County Democrats honored the memory and service of the late Martin Luther King, Jr. with a food drive to help replenish the Humboldt Food Pantry on January 16, MLK Jr. Day, at the Fareway Grocery store in Humboldt.  

Generous shoppers contributed a van-load of food donations and $679.25 in cash.

 This is the fifth year the Humboldt County Democrats held a food drive on MLK Jr. Day.  "We like to honor the work and memory of Dr. King with a day of service, and the Humboldt Food Pantry provides a great service to our community,” said T.C. Loving, Humboldt County Democrats board member.

 Another member of the Humboldt County Democrats put the success of the food drive succinctly: "'Cause we rock and Humboldt is generous."

 The Humboldt Food Pantry is part of the Humboldt Ministerial Association, with day-to-day operations run by Upper Des Moines Opportunity. 

You may support the Humboldt Food Pantry anytime with a cash donation. Make checks payable to Humboldt Ministerial Association, write “Food Pantry" in the memo, and mail to the Humboldt Ministerial Association, PO BOX 401, Humboldt IA 50548.

Help Replenish the Local Food Pantry

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Humboldt County Democrats will hold a food drive to support the Humboldt County Food Pantry Monday, January 16.

Food drive collection will be 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Fareway Meat and Grocery Store, Highway 3 West, Humboldt. Shoppers are invited to donate non-perishable items.

Non-food items most needed: shampoo, body wash, deodorant, dish soap, laundry soap, paper towels, toilet paper, all purpose cleaner.

Food items most needed: canned fruit, canned meat, jelly/jam, syrup, pancake mix.

The Humboldt County Food Pantry is operated by Upper Des Moines Opportunity, Inc. (UDMO). Cash donations will also be welcomed. 100 percent of donations will go to the food pantry.

 If you can’t make it to the food drive, you may make a monetary donation to the Humboldt Ministerial Association. Write “Food Pantry" in the memo. Mail your donations to Humboldt Ministerial Association, PO BOX 40, Humboldt IA 50548.