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…
Read MoreCategory: Opinion
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.
Read MoreGray 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…
Read MoreWatch party slated this Saturday in Jefferson
Bernie Sanders supporters, other Democrats and all who are interested in learning about issues in the presidential campaign are invited to a Greene County Bernie debate watch party Saturday, Nov. 14, at Doc’s Stadium on the east side of the square in Jefferson. The gathering will begin at 7:30 pm, with the televised Democratic debate at 8 pm.
Read MoreGrassley: 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…
Read MoreErnst 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.
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Adopt-A-Family board
To the editor, The Adopt-A-Family coat program for children in need would like to thank the following: Because of the generosity of the Jefferson Rotary, we were able to give twice as many coats this year. Also donating were Greene County churches, businesses, service organizations, clubs and individuals.
Read MoreHuckabee visits Jefferson
Even presidential candidates enjoy trick-or-treating. Republican presidential candidate Gov Mike Huckabee of Arkansas stopped at the “trunk-or-treat” at Gospel Open Bible Church on Halloween. It was a low key campaign stop between a pair of speaking engagements in Des Moines that afternoon and a pheasant hunt in Akron the next day with Rep Steve King. Huckabee shook hands and talked with…
Read MoreIt’s hard to keep up
~a column by Colleen O’Brien If you’re worried about your brain and your body functioning on all pistons into your old age, exercise is better for you than sitting, and butter lettuce is better for you than butter. This kind of information sounds simple and realistic. When do I start? Therein lays the rub: fewer than five out of a…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – John Thompson
Earlier this week a group of online hackers dubbing themselves “Anonymous” released a list of US Senators and city mayors they claimed were part of the KKK. They “know” this because they claimed to have hacked into an Internet site and found a list of KKK followers. In an online post Anonymous stated their motivation to unhood the KKK. “You…
Read MoreGrassley recognized for casting 12,000th vote in U.S. Senate
WASHINGTON – Senate leaders on Nov. 3 recognized Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa for casting his 12,000th Senate vote early Friday morning. Only 17 senators in history have cast more votes than Grassley. In addition, no senator serving today has gone as long as Grassley has without missing a vote. Grassley has cast 7,474 consecutive votes. Since Grassley was elected to the…
Read MoreErnst speaks against WOTUS rule
Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) took to the floor of the United States Senate Nov. 3 to urge support of her joint resolution of disapproval (S.J. Res. 22) to eliminate the expanded definition of the “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule. To read a transcript of her comments, click here.
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