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Local Columns

Dengler Domain: Mascots Part II

In a state full of Hawkeyes, Cyclones, and a few Panthers and Bulldogs, some of the other schools get lost in the fray. These smaller colleges and universities also deserve their time in the limelight. This is not about the academics at the school, it is about the mascots. More importantly, it ...

Pastor’s Column: Is Israel-Hamas A Just War?

On October 7, the terrorist organization Hamas launched a series of surprise attacks from their stronghold in Gaza into Israeli territory, killing more than 1,400 people and taking 239 hostages. The world was shocked to see the brutal murder of innocent women, children, and the elderly. In ...

Dengler Domain: Reality Television

Modern day reality television has only been around for the last 30 years or so, but it feels like it has taken over society in this time span. Survivor was the first modern day hit with people dropped into a remote land while figuring out how to survive and win the competition. While it ...

Iowa Outdoors: After 49 years, moose returns to Tama County

Forty-nine years ago a three-year-old bull moose weighing about 1,500 pounds and having an antler spread greater than three feet across was poached in Tama County. That moose is now back and once again calls Tama County home. Anyone old enough who resided here nearly 50 years ago should ...

Pastor’s Column: October Newsletter, Salem Church of Lincoln

As you read this there are combines in the fields or soon will be. Harvest will be well underway. The leaves on the trees will no longer be green but brilliant, reds, oranges or yellows. We may find that in the mornings a coat or sweat shirt may feel quiet comfortable. Yet there is ...

On Nature: Congress and Climate

This summer we have been shocked by climate impacts. Massive wildfires caused smoke to pollute our air, crops were affected by drought, and heat waves caused warnings to be issued as we endured the hottest July in 120,000 years. According to the World Weather Attribution team, these events ...

Laity Reflection: Jesus to Peter, “Do You Love Me?”

As we enter the fall season I want you to stretch your minds to think back to an episode that took place right after Jesus’ resurrection. We remember two disciples that met a stranger as they were walking on the Road to Emmaus. In their sorrow in knowing that Jesus had died didn’t seem ...

Iowa Outdoors

An armadillo was found dead on HWY 63 north of Traer on Sept. 15 of this year. Wait, armadillos in Iowa? Yes, you may get a glimpse of one of these unique critters in our state from time to time. This particular animal either fell from a vehicle or was hit while trying to cross the ...

Pastor’s Corner: Garwin Valley Community Church

As of July 1st, 2023, Garwin United Methodist Church officially disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church (UMC) denomination and changed its name to Garwin Valley Community Church. We joined 100+ churches across Iowa and 6,000+ across the nation to do so this year, with more joining ...

On Nature: Birds and Climate

Climate change is predicted to bring more frequent and more severe heat waves that can have severe consequences for people and wildlife, including birds. All will need to find ways to escape the heat. According to information from the National Audubon Society, birds can reduce their ...