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Opinion

Dysart Chamber Community Connections

Local Columns

When people hear “chamber of commerce,” a few things usually come to mind. Ribbon cuttings. Meetings. Business cards. Those are part of what we do, but the real work of the Dysart Chamber of Commerce is much broader and a lot more human. The Dysart Chamber of Commerce is really about ...

The Sires Sentinel: Senate Republicans ready to get back to work

Editorials

We are back at the Capitol in Des Moines and the 2026 legislative session has officially started. The first week is always busy with speeches from legislative leaders, the governor, the chief justice and the adjutant general of the Iowa National Guard. Senate Republicans are proud of the ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: A Session of Urgency

Editorials

It’s the start of a new year, which means another Iowa legislative session begins. While I’m hopeful some good will come out of the Golden Dome in Des Moines, I’m not holding my breath. Eminent domain and ways to protect Iowans from Bruce Rastetter’s pesky CO2 pipeline are sure to ...

District 53 Newsletter: Jan. 15, 2026

Editorials

The 2026 Legislative got underway this week with the usual pomp and circumstance of speeches from the House leadership and the addresses from Governor Reynolds, Chief Justice Christensen of the Iowa Supreme Court, and Major General Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard. Governor ...

An update on the county budget

Editorials

We have turned the page on another year at the Tama County Board of Supervisors. Mid-January means that it is time for budget hearings and discussions. When the new board took over last January, we promised transparency and made a commitment to the taxpayer to use sound budgeting principles. ...

On Nature: Cattle and Conservation

Local Columns

It is good at the start of a new year to look back for positive environmental stories. Especially noteworthy this year are two locally-led, cost-sharing projects that demonstrate the compatibility between cattle and conservation. They are Iowa’s Cattle and Conservation Working Lands Project, ...

Dengler Domain: Freedom

Local Columns

What everyone wants is freedom. It does not matter if it is from the government or from industry. Everyone wants to be able to make the best decisions for themselves without outside influence. The centralization of decision making is not great for experiencing freedom. This is why when one owns ...

AEA supports provide connections, support for area educators

Editorials

Education is deeply rewarding – but at times, it can also feel isolating. Many educators spend their days making hundreds of decisions independently while navigating complex student needs, accountability pressures, and the emotional weight that comes with caring deeply about those they serve. ...

A year in review as sheriff

Local Columns

This past year as Sheriff has been challenging, eye opening, and rewarding. Overall, I truly love being Sheriff. A portion of the year was spent preparing for and handling a full murder trial, while also preparing for a second. What many people do not see is how much work happens long before a ...

Heather’s Highlights: County Government and You, December 2025

Local Columns

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year’s! At least we got a break from all the snow we were getting in early December. I’m excited to have celebrated my 1-year anniversary since I took the oath of office as a County Supervisor. Thank you for the opportunity to ...