Fort Dodge prepares for Trump visit | News, Sports, Jobs – Fort Dodge Messenger
Nov 16, 2023
Fort Dodge city and school officials are preparing for a Saturday campaign appearance by former President Donald Trump.
Trump, who is again seeking the Republican nomination for president, is scheduled to speak at 3 p.m. Saturday at Fort Dodge Senior High School, 819 N. 25th St.
Josh Porter, superintendent of the Fort Dodge Community School District, said the Trump campaign contacted the district about two weeks ago regarding potential use of the school. He said the facility was “open and available,” so it was rented to the campaign.
He said school facilities can be used by candidates of any party if they are available.
“We are a school, we stay unbiased,” he said. “We open up the doors for anyone.’
Secret Service agents, he said, have already been checking out the school.
“They work with schools a lot, so this is not unfamiliar,” Porter said.
Fort Dodge Regional Airport will remain open even if Trump flies in and out of it Saturday, according to Rhonda Chambers, the airport’s director of aviation. She said the United Express flight schedule will not be impacted.
Regarding the former president’s visit, Chambers said “We’ll do what we do for any private, corporate aircraft. We work with anybody who wants to come in and use this beautiful facility.”
She acknowledged that the Secret Service has visited the airport this week.
City Manager David Fierke said a visit by a president or former president demands a “higher level of service” from local agencies than a visit by other presidential candidates.
“We will have additional officers working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and successful event for all in attendance,” Police Chief Dennis Quinn said.
Tickets will be required to attend Saturday’s visit by former President Donald Trump. People can sign up for tickets by going to event.donaldjtrump.com
Tickets are free but issued on a first come, first served basis.
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