~ a column by Colleen O’Brien A special issue, May 2026, of National Geographic, that inspiring, admirable,138-year-old magazine, recently published an entire edition on “The Most Influential Figures of Ancient History.” Most of them are men, of course, because most of history apparently happened only to men. Too much power and wealth seem to foster hubris, notable in the dozens of…
Read MoreDay: May 27, 2026
Iowa on foot: A museum program by a man who’s walked the state
Tyler Sullivan, who has walked Iowa for several years, trekking through 97 of the state’s 99 counties and stopping in 1,300 cities and towns, will tell his tales about what he’s observed in “Iowa Scenic Views by Foot,” at the Grand Junction Community Center on Friday, June 5. The free program, presented by the Greene County Historical Society, begins at…
Read MoreMore Mahanay Maestros needed
Mahanay music coordinator Peg Raney is looking for keyboard musicians to join the ranks of the Mahanay Maestros. Experienced pianists and organists are invited to step into the Mahanay Bell Tower and perform on the 47-bell carillon on the courthouse square in Jefferson. Every summer since 2017, the Mahanay Maestros bring the town to life during the Tower Tunes Live…
Read MoreCrops on par with last year
There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 24, 2026. This is 0.2 days more than last year, when there were 3.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent very short, 22 percent short, 70 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 4 percent very short, 20 percent short, 69…
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