April 20, 2018 Our last official day was on Tuesday, our one-hundredth day. We debated a few bills this week, including bills on the gubernatorial line of succession and managing the spread of disease in wild animals. We also recognized several legislators for their public service and years in the Iowa legislature. We enjoyed being able to honor our colleagues…
Read MoreCategory: Opinion
Poetry, lifesaver
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Our current national poet laureate is 46-year-old Tracy K. Smith. Educated at Stanford, Harvard and Columbia and a professor at Princeton, she has dedicated her laureate mission to visits to small towns across the country that have had little exposure to famous, live poets. She believes that poetry can be a lifesaver to all of…
Read MoreThe Behn Report
April 13, 2018 The governor signed a number of bills this week. One of these was Senate File 481, regarding the enforcement of immigration laws in Iowa. It requires an Iowa police or sheriff’s department having custody of a person subject to an immigration detainer request to fully comply with any instruction and legal document provided by a federal agency.…
Read MoreSchizophrenic words
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Somebody asked me if I thought I was a crone yet. I said, No, but I was looking forward to it. In the “new feminism,” the word has taken on a more tolerant flavor – wise older woman – escaping in most civil living rooms from its centuries-long diss as ugly, mean, hag, hell-hag, evildoer,…
Read MoreCongressional candidate Dr John Paschen (D) talks about issues, campaign
Dr John Paschen, an Ames pediatrician and a Democratic candidate in the Fourth Congressional district, will run against Rep Steve King (R) of Kiron if both are successful in the June primaries. Paschen says, “My goal isn’t to beat Steve King. My goal is to get to Washington to try to help.” Paschen talked with GreeneCountyNewsOnline editor Tori Riley last…
Read MoreThe Behn Report
April 6, 2018 In the Legislature This week the governor signed several bills sent to her by the Legislature, including the bill providing affordable health insurance options for Iowans, SF 2349. This bill is a very important step to help Iowans and allow for more options for health insurance options in our state. She also signed the Future Ready Iowa…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Landus Cooperative board of directors
April 5, 2018 Dear Editor, The pace of change in agriculture is increasing. Technology for autonomous tractors and unmanned robots that can pluck weeds from field rows already exists. In coming decades, the grain stored in the cement silos in Churdan, Paton, Scranton, and Jefferson will undoubtedly be grown with the aid of more technology. With all the change coming…
Read MoreNuclear option
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I was going to write a column about Easter with my family and all the stories and shorthand talk of familiar minds and histories that brought laughter and tears through the day. We prepped and cooked traditional dishes, arranged the flowers, set a pretty table, mashed and carved and sat down to toast one another’s…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Dick Finch
To the editor, Now that the most important school-college bond issue is passed, I think we should take a very, very hard look at any unnecessary expenditures in our financial position – Old Highway 30 beautification, $1 million dog park – and spend our time and resources on the next issue, and as important as school, housing.
Read MoreThe Behn Report
March 30, 2018 This week, we passed a bill regarding a new dynamic fee policy at state parks and recreational areas. Under the bill, Senate File 2389, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can establish a new fee policy for camping, the use of rental facilities, and other privileges at state parks and recreational areas under the jurisdiction of the…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Chris Deal for Our Kids, Our Future
To the editor, In his recent letter to the editor, Paul Quam listed several points of concern with the school bond plan. We appreciate Mr. Quam’s willingness to bring these concerns forward, and we would like to address each of them to provide further clarification for voters:
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Our Kids, Our Future committee
To the editor: On behalf of all those involved in the Our Kids, Our Future: Greene County committee, we would like to thank the many people who helped us get the word out about this very important vote. We appreciate the coverage of our meetings, announcements, and letters to the editor from local media outlets.
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