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Opinion

Iowa Outdoors

Local Columns

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 ...

Setting a Place at the Table for Hungry Families

Editorials

In a time of intense division in Washington, one thing Republicans and Democrats still agree on is that no child should ever go to bed on an empty stomach. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, helps ensure that does not happen. But, with ...

Recognizing the strength of our rural roots

Editorials

Fixing fence on our acreage this spring, my husband and I stumbled over something big hidden in the grass at the pasture’s edge. It took our joint effort to pry it up: a large, spoked metal wheel almost four feet across. It was heavy, but once freed, one person could lift and move it ...

Pastor’s Corner: Garwin Valley Community Church

Garwin News

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 ...

Iowa Outdoors: 2023-24 hunting season changes

Editorials

The hunting and trapping seasons will soon be upon us. Here are some highlights and changes for the upcoming 2023-24 seasons as listed on page 6 of the recently published 2023-24 Hunting Regulation Booklet. The Iowa Legislature passed a law allowing landowners or tenants to dispatch ...

Iowa, El Niño, and La Niña

Editorials

You may have heard these terms bantered about in the media. They have strange names and impact our weather. Let’s take a look at El Niño and La Niña and how they impact us. Before we start, let's describe how these events got their names. During the 1700s, fishermen, living on the ...

On Nature: Birds and Climate

Local Columns

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 ...

Laity Reflection: Standing on the Promises of God

Local Columns

This week our scriptures draw us to looking at some of the Promises of God. The Bible is full of promises, so many that it is hard to know where to begin. Today we will look at the scriptures. The first is Hebrews 4:12-16. 12 God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a ...