Dodge has been a fixture of the news coverage and opinion writing in both the Mount Ayr Record News and Diagonal Progress spanning three publishers and owners.
“Darrell has been a steadying presence and reliable source of information for Ringgold County’s newspapers for many years,” owner and publisher Ken Garner said. “His guidance and wisdom while getting accustomed to all things Ringgold County has been immeasurable. His candor and wit will surely be missed, but I congratulate him on yet another well deserved retirement.”
Although his news contributions will be sorely missed it’s in the realm of opinion writing where readers will miss Dodge the most. His Idle Chatter column has been a staple on the opinion pages of the newspaper for years while offering his take on relevant and thought provoking topics.
“As an opinion column writer, Darrell has few equals,” Garner said. He challenges people to think, often with a wry sense of humor thrown in, but never with a sense of malice. Whether you agreed or disagreed with him he always provided a well thought out opinion.”
