~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…
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“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 MoreLetter to the county supervisors – Greene Co. Farm Bureau
December 27, 2016 To the Greene County supervisors, The Ostrander family has called Greene county home for generations, and the family has been farming in our community for more than a century, doing things the right way. The Ostranders have gone above and beyond requirements to protect soil health and water quality for their neighbors and other communities in the…
Read MoreQ: & 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 MoreErnst highlights 2016 initiatives and victories led on behalf of Iowans
After traveling the state and hearing from Iowans firsthand on her second 99 county tour as Iowa’s U.S. Senator, Joni Ernst (R-IA) has worked to turn that feedback into results, wrapping up the year with a series of legislative initiatives and victories on behalf of Iowans, including five of her bills signed into law in 2016. “Throughout the year, I…
Read MoreNorthey reviews key issues facing Iowa ag in 2016
Iowa ag secretary also notes economic challenges, progress on water quality, expanded renewable fuel retail options DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey last week highlighted some of the top ag issues in Iowa in 2016. “Iowa farmers saw record production for both corn and soybeans again in 2016. However, low prices are making profitability a real challenge…
Read MoreA man of foresight and goodwill
~a column by Colleen O’Brien “Most people were not interested in the things I was, and I wasn’t interested in sports. So I developed my own interests.” At about 11 years old, Rolfe Blaess bought a wire recorder from his aunt for $35. He taught himself how to record off the radio and speak into the microphone. “Rewinding the wire…
Read MoreGrassley warns about counterfeit goods
~with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: Are counterfeit goods a bigger risk during the holiday gift season? A: Americans work hard for their money and look for ways to stretch their dollars, especially when household expenses go up during the season of gift giving. Savvy shoppers scour sales racks and online flash sales to score decent savings and good deals…
Read MoreThank you to Honor Flight donors – Linda Hocke
To the 10 Vietnam War veterans who are on the waiting list for the Honor Flight, Greene County’s citizens proudly say “Thank you for your service and sacrifice”. We have the money to send you to Washington D.C.
Read MoreProtesters and protectors
(Editor’s note – This column was originally written for posting Dec. 7.) ~a column by Colleen O’Brien Waving signs for a cause on a busy street corner in the city is a common sight on the nightly news. The causes are legion, and the legions turn out. The First Amendment to the Constitution includes “. . . the right of…
Read MoreBranstad’s statement upon his nomination as ambassador to China
(DES MOINES) – Today, Gov. Terry E. Branstad issued the following statement in regards to being nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to China in the Trump-Pence Administration: “I love Iowa and I love my country. For 22 years, I have been honored and privileged to serve the people of Iowa as their governor. My family and I will always…
Read MoreEdwardson tells of weekend with Standing Rock Sioux
During the weekend of October 21-23, I had the immense honor of visiting the Standing Rock Sioux tribe of North Dakota to march in solidarity with those working to protect their water, land, and sovereignty as they resist the Dakota Access Pipeline, the same pipeline that is being constructed diagonally across Iowa.
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