Letter to the editor – Patti Edwardson

To the editor, The first time I experienced an earthquake, it was so small my body did not sense it. I was only aware of the shaking of the earth when I noticed my parked car slightly swaying on its tires. A few years later, I felt a jolt that was unmistakably an earthquake. Even as the earth we live…

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Celebrate 365 days of the year

~a column by Colleen O’Brien Every day of November in the U.S. is a day to memorialize: there is the most revered, Veteran’s Day, on Nov. 11, as well as Thanksgiving, of course, this year on the 26th. But celebrating other days of the month might amuse you or appeal to you. Clean Your Refrigerator Day is on the 15th;…

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Grassley: Qs & As about adoption

~with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q:  Why is adoption a public policy concern? A:  The family is the foundation of American society. For millions of Americans, the season of Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to count our blessings and give thanks for hearth and home. The safety, stability and security of a permanent, loving home reinforces for the next generation…

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Branstad orders halt to Syrian refugee resettlements by state agencies

Governor calls for improved intelligence community review of process to ensure Iowans protected  DES MOINES  –  Gov. Terry Branstad on Monday ordered all state agencies to halt any work on Syrian refugee resettlements immediately in order to ensure the security and safety of Iowans. In light of the Paris attacks, resettlement of Syrian refugees in Iowa should cease until a thorough…

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Grassley honored as ‘Champion for Children’

Honored for leadership on juvenile justice reform WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley received the Champion for Children Award by the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth for his leadership on juvenile justice reform. The group commended Grassley for his work to eliminate life without parole sentences for crimes committed as children.

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Gray plastic

 ~a column by Colleen O’Brien I’ve read that Americans are considered to be childlike in behavior and attitude compared to western Europeans. This is the opinion of people from those cultures older than ours as they watch us smile all the time, showing off our fluoridation and orthodontia, deceived from thinking we’re baring our teeth. Even though we all come…

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Grassley: Qs & As about veterans

~with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley  Q: What is your message to Iowans this Veterans Day? A:  The nation’s 21 million veterans have served America with sacrifice and service. And Iowa is home to more than 226,000 of these patriots who answered the call to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Called to duty in times of war, natural catastrophe or…

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Ernst announces traveling office hours

U.S. Sen Joni Ernst (R) will hold traveling office hours across Iowa to answer questions and assist Iowans needed resources related to Medicare open enrollment, which is currently under way and runs through Dec. 7. In addition, staff can help with problems or questions about eligibility for Social Security, veterans benefits, military affairs, passports, immigration matters or other federal programs.

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