It’s been a couple months since I’ve written one of these, and I appreciate everyone’s patience. Things have been busy, and while that’s not an excuse, I know how important it is to stay in touch with the people we serve. When I took office, I said I would keep the public in the loop, ...

Last week, the cornhead was moved to its final resting place before it is sold. While traveling the country roads to the destination, it was a trip down memory lane. Whether it was driving by formerly Dengler farmed fields or familiar farmsteads which laid on the path to my Grandma Pohlman’s ...

Since retiring from farming, I have reflected on it more than needed. While there are parts I could have done better, it also showed me how hard it is for a younger generation to gain a foothold in today’s farming world. It is no secret that farmers are an older bunch, and consolidation keeps ...

Well, after the week of July 6-13 with all the turmoil it sounded like Tama County might be going in the right direction to save some money. Supervisors Mark Doland and David Turner were ready to stop litigation. So it was placed on the agenda for the Monday, July 14 meeting. But they decided ...

Twice each year, billions of birds migrate between their winter and summer homes, and most fly at night, using the night sky to help them navigate. During the day they rest and feed before taking off again when night falls. Artificial light at night and skyglow around cities can disorient ...

I write this column having just received the news that the IRS has asked a judge to create an exception to the Johnson Amendment, which currently prevents churches from campaigning for or against political candidates or parties. Opponents of this motion point out that it will lead to a cascade ...

I was gone for a couple weeks, but I’m back. The Tama County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday was a good one and had a mixed group of people. There was a lot of talk about appointing the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Board. When it comes to (former Zoning Commissioner) Craig Sash ...

I hope you are having a great summer! My family has been enjoying extra time together during summer break. The Tama County Board of Supervisors had been made aware that the Landfill and Economic Development departments in Tama County have been paying higher insurance premiums than other ...

July 4th is one of the best holidays on this planet. It is the best because it is the celebration of this country’s independence. For all the warts and issues this country has, I am a strong believer in the United States. While we are all using our right of self-determination to struggle to ...

After growing up on well water and witnessing it change my white basketball and football jerseys to an off-white color, I thought I would never worry about the impact of water again. Despite having the largest nitrate removal facility in the world, my water provider, Central Iowa Water Works, ...