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Editorials

Q&A: National Police Week

Q: What is National Police Week? A: Since 1962, U.S. presidents have proclaimed the second week of May as National Police Week to pay tribute to the men and women who put on the badge to serve and protect their community. As Americans go about their daily lives, law enforcement officers put ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: This is not what democracy looks like

When I saw the news about the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (Iowa MMJ) receiving an intimidating letter from state Rep. Charley Thomson of Charles City, it brought back memories. Recent memories and feelings of what I experienced late last year when I received a letter from Summit Carbon ...

National Farmers Union Week of Action

Members of the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU) traveled to Washington, DC, recently to participate in the National Farmers Union (NFU) Week of Action, advocating for a unified farm bill that addresses critical issues facing farmers and rural communities. At a time of unprecedented uncertainty in farm ...

An Update from Mark Doland: End the stigma

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental wellness is an important topic in my life and has been for many years. I have assisted many in my personal and professional life who need support in these areas. In my early teen years, I lost an aunt to suicide. A few years later, I lost my ...

Meggers’ Memo: Week 14

House File 969: Cancer Coverage and Screening for First Responders After years of work, we officially sent House File 969 to the governor’s desk to become law. This bill expands the definition of cancer for the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System and the Special Services Members of ...

Rural grocery store in Iowa celebrates five years of community ownership

Five years ago, a community in rural Iowa came together to save a vital part of their small town: the grocery store. With a population of approximately 900 people, Gowrie is in many ways an idyllic small town. It boasts a community pool, skating rink, golf course, and park. However, the ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: A funnel to forget

The second legislative funnel at the Iowa statehouse came and went on April 4. That process winnowed down bills that are eligible for consideration so lawmakers can focus on legislation that has traction in both chambers in addition to spending bills. Of course, property tax reform will ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: Investing in the ABCs

It hasn’t been a good news cycle for Iowa’s public schools recently. The Waterloo Community School District announced budget cuts of over $10 million for their upcoming school year. Then I saw that the Cedar Rapids Community School District is facing a $12 million budget deficit and is ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: Investing in the ABCs

It hasn’t been a good news cycle for Iowa’s public schools recently. The Waterloo Community School District announced budget cuts of over $10 million for their upcoming school year. Then I saw that the Cedar Rapids Community School District is facing a $12 million budget deficit and is ...

Thank You to Tama County!

Last night (March 26), I attended the Tama County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. I attended on behalf of the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa (CEDI) to speak about the economic benefits of renewable energy projects. The Tama Clean Energy District (TCED) is a member of CEDI. I also ...