~a column by Colleen O’Brien How do we remain friends with somebody who voted for the wrong person? How do we talk with someone we know is a flaming liberal when we are a far-right conservative? Many of us have given it up over the past two or three years, figuring we aren’t going to get anywhere. And the truth…
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The Behn Report
February 1, 2019 Our focus continues to be our subcommittee work as more and more bills are being filed during the third week of the legislative session. On Tuesday members of the United Way from across the state visited the Capitol. They discussed different policy proposals to support Iowans through education and health care, and how to assist Iowans in…
Read MoreOuthowling the howling winds
~a column by Colleen O’Brien [NOTE TO THE READER: The following column was written in February of 1995 for the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza newspaper where I’d been writing a column since 1981. The column is about radio talk show commentator Rush Limbaugh, who has been thus for more than 30 years. In January of 1995, he was contacted by…
Read MoreThe Behn Report
~ by Senator Jerry Behn January 25, 2019 This week was a shortened week due to the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Most of the week was spent working in subcommittees. It is the first step in the legislative process and gives interested parties an opportunity to support, oppose or suggest changes to the proposed legislation.
Read MoreMore snow than we’d ever seen
~a column by Colleen O’Brien News this past weekend of serious snow storms in the Sierra brought to mind the winter of 1982-83 when we lived in that mountain range along the eastern border of California. It started snowing on Sept. 14 – it was my son’s 17th birthday – and we got four feet right off the bat. We…
Read MoreChickadee tax check-off revenues decline in 2017
Last year, more than 7,500 Iowa taxpayers helped boost wildlife conservation with donations to the Fish and Wildlife Fund on their state income tax form, a decline of about 400 from 2016. Donators represent about 0.4 percent of total tax payers in Iowa. “We are so thankful to all the people who choose to donate to wildlife conservation with their…
Read MoreReynold’s comments on Iowa’s lowest unemployment rate in the nation
DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement Tuesday in response to the news that Iowa has the lowest unemployment rate in the country according to this month’s unemployment information released by Iowa Workforce Development:
Read MoreThank you – Donna Lawson
I want to thank express my sincere gratitude for the support you have offered me over the years. I leave with many memories to cherish. I really appreciate all the kind words, cards, calls and well wishes. As I look forward to a new life after my retirement, I will certainly miss the enjoyable time I have spent serving Greene…
Read MoreThe Behn Report
~by Senator Jerry Behn (R-Boone) January 18, 2019 This week was the first week of the 88th General Assembly and the first week of the 2019 legislative session. We heard from Governor Kim Reynolds as she gave the Condition of the State, as well as speeches from Chief Justice Mark Cady on the judiciary and General Timothy Orr on the…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – David Weaver
To the editor: One year ago, I was in the midst of announcing my intention to be a candidate for the Iowa House of Representatives. It was an exciting time; I was daunted by what would be required and hopeful for the opportunity to represent Boone and Greene Counties at the Iowa Capitol.
Read MoreDream on
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I sit at the automotive place I have frequented after trying five different such establishments in my area over several years. I just learned I need a repair to my car to the tune of $499.78. The service manager has become a friend because I spent quite a bit of time in his place six…
Read MoreThompson sworn in to Iowa House
Rep. Phil Thompson (R-Jefferson) is pictured taking the oath of office in the Iowa House chamber as the 88th General Assembly kicked off Monday at the Capitol. During the session, Rep. Thompson can be reached at phil.thompson@legis.iowa.gov or through the House switchboard at (515) 281-3221. The swearing in ceremony of all 100 State Representatives begins a week full of ceremonies,…
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