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Opinion

Yes, speak up and speak out, but with civility

Editorials

Several dozen people gathered on Saturday, June 21, in Monticello for a citizen workshop the Grassroots Iowa Network organized to get more everyday Iowans engaged in the political process. They spent the day listening to speakers* and exchanging ideas and observations, without fear or ...

Speaking for the stuff of Iowa history

Editorials

In 1976, looking for a summer job that would advance my career goals, I approached the director of the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) to see if there were any special projects on the docket. As it turned out, yes: the SHSI wanted to gather oral histories with owner-operators of century ...

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

Local Columns

I hope you are having a great summer! My family has been enjoying extra time together during summer break. The Tama County Board of Supervisors had been made aware that the Landfill and Economic Development departments in Tama County have been paying higher insurance premiums than other ...

A Fair View

Local Columns

I was gone for a couple weeks, but I’m back. The Tama County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday was a good one and had a mixed group of people. There was a lot of talk about appointing the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Board. When it comes to (former Zoning Commissioner) Craig Sash ...

Environmental leader focuses on food sovereignty in Meskwaki

Editorials

High on a hill overlooking the Iowa River are two homes surrounded by woods and animals, including dogs, horses, goats, birds, deer, and more. From her vantage point in the Meskwaki Settlement, Shelley Buffalo watches the seasons change and nature flourish as she works to update her house. To ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: Houston, we have a problem

Editorials

Avoca, Persia, Panama, Portsmouth, Westphalia, Kirkman, Tennant, Earling, Exira, Brayton, and now, Iowa’s largest metro, Des Moines. These are just some of the communities I’ve seen recently with water advisories or restrictions in place. Given the seriousness of the situation, I’m ...

Dengler Domain: Fourth of July

Local Columns

July 4th is one of the best holidays on this planet. It is the best because it is the celebration of this country’s independence. For all the warts and issues this country has, I am a strong believer in the United States. While we are all using our right of self-determination to struggle to ...

Q&A: Senate Legislates One Big Beautiful Bill

Editorials

Q: How will the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill impact Iowans? A: Based on my county meetings, emails and phone calls, Iowans are paying close attention to the One Big Beautiful Bill moving through Congress. After passing the House of Representatives, the committees of ...

Dengler Domain: Water System

Local Columns

After growing up on well water and witnessing it change my white basketball and football jerseys to an off-white color, I thought I would never worry about the impact of water again. Despite having the largest nitrate removal facility in the world, my water provider, Central Iowa Water Works, ...