Let’s make a change

~by J.B. Hinote of Jefferson In hearing of the recent resignation of another school board member I have a few thoughts. First of all, I am not surprised. It is a thankless job, that of a school board member. On one hand you are fighting as hard as you can to make sure that the decisions made by the administration, and…

Read More

So long….

~a column by Colleen O’Brien After eight years of pride in my president, I am reluctant as well as nervous to let President Barack Obama go. I understand I have no choice, what with the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution limiting presidents to two terms, but for so many of us it’s been such a civil ride, at least on…

Read More

Of books there are too many….

…but never can there be enough ~a column by Colleen O’Brien This week I received from a librarian friend of mine a list of books to read; and then I was given the loan of a book called The Books that Changed my Life. These are gifts of great value to the book addict. It means we get to add…

Read More

Marijuana as medicine?

~ by Angie Baack, New Opportunities prevention consultant Marijuana is a growing part of our culture. Popular musical artists incorporate usage into lyrics, Facebook is inundated with opinions about marijuana usage, and as of the November 8th election, more states have decriminalized recreational use and other states have included medicinal use. Now more than ever, we need to separate fact from fiction…

Read More

Sometimes a lot of good movies

~a column by Colleen O’Brien Sometimes there’s not a movie in sight that looks worth the investment and then there’s now: I saw three in one week and I have six more on my list. “Allied” is a Second World War tale from Paramount Pictures. Screen writer Steven Knight wrote the original script from what he said was a true…

Read More

“Hope,” she said

~a column by Colleen O’Brien A new year is in the offing. The preparation for the significant day is usually full of hope, often goodwill, for both others and ourselves. Then the big day comes, the first of all the 365 days ahead, and by dusk it’s just another day. Soon it’s in a pile forgotten along with most of…

Read More

Q: & A: The people’s business

Dec 23, 2016 ~with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q:  What are some highlights from the 114th Congress? A:  When visiting with Iowans during my 99-county meetings, I hear a common refrain from people across the state.  Households are working harder than ever to get ahead and stay ahead. Putting gas in the car, buying groceries and medicine, shouldering student debt,…

Read More