~a column by Colleen O’Brien I went to Cuba last week. I wanted to go because for 50 years we weren’t allowed. I wanted to go because of Havana, the infamous city of mystery with a wild history only 90 miles from our country’s most southern point. I found Havana to be as intriguing as I thought it would be.…
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Letter to the editor – Dick Finch
To the editor, The cause of money shortages with federal, state, county or city is poor management. It’s not that they do not collect enough taxes and fees. They simply waste too much of it on the uncontrolled welfare assistance and disability payments. Some of these are very important for people who have had debilitating accidents or sickness, but why…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Greenbrier 4-H Club
(Editor’s note: National 4-H Week is Oct. 1-7) To the editor, 4-H clubs fill a very important need for young people who take advantage of membership. They allow opportunities for interaction socially, mentally, and physically with young people whom they might not know otherwise. That brings about loyalty to a group.
Read MoreGrassley to hold town hall meeting Oct. 9 in Boone
Sen Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will hold a town hall meeting Monday, Oct. 9, from 2:15 to 3:15 pm at the city hall auditorium, 923 8th St, in Boone. Grassley, 84, has visited all 99 counties every year since he was first elected in to the U.S. Senate in 1980.
Read MoreThe past relived and a road not taken
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Within one day, my son experienced two intense layovers in his mind and memory. And within one week of that, he was given a glimpse of a flight he reluctantly decided against. The first memory trip was a visit with a childhood friend he has seen only one other time in 45 years. The second…
Read MoreThanks from Boy Scout troop 534
Boy Scout troop 534 earlier this week thanked the Greene County Community Foundation and Morning Star Masonic lodge of Jefferson for providing funds for the purchase of new tents. The scouts have enjoyed their new tents on several camp-outs this summer, according to scoutmaster Scott Johnson. He said they were “put to the test” this past weekend with stormy weather,…
Read MoreSocialism is really all right
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Thomas Paine (a Founding Father who wrote lot of good radical stuff for his times), in his “Agrarian Justice” said, “All accumulation, therefore, of personal property, beyond what a man’s own hands produce, is derived to him by living in society; and he owes on every principle of justice, of gratitude, and of civilization, a…
Read MoreStrange things happen
~a column by Colleen O’Brien A woman I know in Florida has gone through about $6,000 and six months of bewilderment, frustration and anxiety because of “guests” in a rental house she owns. “This was the worst time in my life,” said Lucilla. She is 82 and her husband of just more than 60 years died in October. Both of…
Read MoreErnst comments on Northey nomination for USDA post
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R) a member of the Senate agriculture, nutrition, and forestry committee, issued the following statement on the nomination of Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey to serve as undersecretary for farm production and conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture:
Read MoreA country at work
~a column by Colleen O’Brien As I travel around the country visiting my kids and friends, I see construction and maintenance at every bend in the road. Within a short distance of leaving my home and the streets and businesses that I don’t have to pay any attention to, I am quickly caught in the surge of vitalness stretching out…
Read MoreConsumer alert: Give, but give wisely to Hurricane Harvey victims
Attorney General offers disaster relief giving tips DES MOINES – As Iowans answer the call to help Hurricane Harvey victims, Attorney General Tom Miller reminds Iowans to give generously, but to give wisely. “Iowans are already stepping up to help the staggering number of people impacted by this unprecedented hurricane and flooding event,” Miller said. “I want to ensure that…
Read MoreLetter to the editor, Catherine Carman-Wilson
To the editor, On Tuesday, September 12, you will have the opportunity to elect three new school board members. This decision, I believe, is a pivot point for the future of Greene County Community School District. I would like to secure one of your votes.
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