Spring is welcome in its freshness. The long and dreary winter helps us to appreciate spring's warmth, and its promise of summer enhances its present delights. Our lives also reflect the possibility of refreshing newness. After periods of spiritual depression, it is delightful to see the light ...
What I loved and miss from growing up in a rural town is everybody knows everybody. This is a double-edged sword because everyone can be up in everyone’s business. It might not be like stories I have heard from the past where people listened to other people’s phone conversations when lines ...
Q: What drives your decades-long work as a taxpayer watchdog? A: It boils down to a simple principle. Taxpayers work hard for their money. The U.S. Treasury is not a piggy bank for fraudsters to exploit and drain public assistance programs for profit. Four decades ago, I resurrected a ...
Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of rural communities. In many areas, they are the backbone of the local economy, providing essential goods and services. Spring offers a good reminder of the importance ...
Nothing gets me more excited than the smell of freshly cut grass, the chalk lines being drawn around the batter’s box, and the smell of hotdogs and popcorn in the air. I am sure by now you know I am talking about the great sport of Baseball. Nine innings of trying to figure out who is going ...
Libraries are a vital part of our rural communities. That’s why I invite you to celebrate the library in your small town during National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026. These book-filled buildings serve as community spaces, wi-fi hotspots, children’s imagination stations, and more. Many ...
Craig Fish, a Toledo, Iowa resident of nearly 35 years, was recently recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for his 50 years of volunteer hunter education instruction. At a meeting held in Linn County on March 17, Fish received an award for his 50 years of volunteerism. In ...
Walk through any industrial park in our region today, and you are struck by dedication. These local manufacturers – the bedrock of our economies – are more than just businesses; they support our communities. They represent nearly 98% of American manufacturing operations, providing jobs and ...
It has been generally accepted that Earth’s global temperature is rising as the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide increases. However, temperatures currently are rising faster than expected from rising carbon dioxide levels alone. According to research reported in the peer reviewed ...
As I drove through parts of West Des Moines while a sleeping baby rested in his car seat, I was astonished by the homes. Despite this trip being slightly unique because it was due to letting a previously crying, very tired baby rest, I have always been astonished by these types of neighborhoods ...