When you have an issue, you go straight to the source. This is what I did recently by taking a trip to Washington D.C. I went to receive advocacy training and advocate for family farms at the expense of the Iowa Farmers Union (IFU). Done through their national organization, this was the first ...
Well, it is Monday April 21. Our great Tama County Board of Supervisors just proved Tama County citizens are not in their best interest. Zoning Administrator Bob Vokoun was on the agenda today and ended up giving his notice of resignation effective May 1, 2025. Our wonderful Board accepted his ...
We are now fourteen weeks into the 2025 legislative session, and the pace at the Capitol remains brisk. This week alone, the Senate passed more than 30 bills addressing a variety of important topics, from civics education requirements for high school students to interstate compacts for health ...
Five years ago, a community in rural Iowa came together to save a vital part of their small town: the grocery store. With a population of approximately 900 people, Gowrie is in many ways an idyllic small town. It boasts a community pool, skating rink, golf course, and park. However, the ...
The second legislative funnel at the Iowa statehouse came and went on April 4. That process winnowed down bills that are eligible for consideration so lawmakers can focus on legislation that has traction in both chambers in addition to spending bills. Of course, property tax reform will ...
It is pure poppycock when people ascribe that the way things are is the way things must be and will always be. There was a time in the mid-20th century when society did not let few companies gain too much control at the expense of others. Unfortunately, public schools are hollowing out, food ...
Just want to get this out to the public: Unless those who have contracts with Salt Creek Wind and residents who are OK with turbine development start coming to the Board of Supervisors meetings, TCAT (Tama County Against Turbines) and this board are going to DICTATE what farmers can do with ...
Some people are builders, and others are destroyers. Some people want to help others by creating new opportunities, giving them new skills, or finding new ways to help them achieve their dreams. Other people want to create obstacles, deny opportunities, or frustrate their hopes. Take the ...
March has come and gone and we are now in the home stretch of the FY 25-26 budgets being approved. The Board of Supervisors and Auditor have spent over 40 hours in the office working on the budget, as well as several hours at home to ensure a balanced budget. We’ve reviewed each line item to ...
It is no secret that if you live in a city or town, you see fewer stars. The reason for this is that light escapes from where it is needed and forms a dome of light overhead. Although not obvious, this waste light brightens the night sky far into the country. Only a few places are far enough ...