A newly released report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows growth in wind and solar development has led to substantial increases in local ordinances. As demand for clean energy grows, local governments are tasked with identifying how clean energy will be regulated. The ...
Kennel dogs live outside in a fenced run with a dog house. In modern America, most dogs are house dogs living inside with their owner. In the 1950s and 60s when I first had a dog, the situation was reversed. Dogs were kennel dogs with but a few exceptions. I rode a bicycle and delivered the ...
A few months ago, I bumped into a former aide to Gov. Robert Ray. As we reminisced about the governor, our conversation turned to his nearly daily meetings with journalists. The aide said yes, those press conferences provided reporters with access to the governor and his comments on issues ...
As Americans put down their phones and pick up their turkey basters, we are reminded of just how much we have to be grateful for. First and foremost, we think of the men and women bravely protecting our nation at home and abroad. In this time of great uncertainty and unrest, the mothers, ...
A new national report shows that Iowa is one of the top 10 states for computer science education. Central Rivers Area Education Agency (AEA) has been working very closely with local school districts to help them meet the new state requirements to make this achievement possible. State law ...
Happy November, friends and neighbors! Hope you’re all doing well as we begin to experience the first hints of winter that will soon be upon us. Last Saturday was Veterans Day, so I want to begin by thanking all of our Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. I am the ...
The holiday season is right around the corner and it comes with great news. According to a Gallup survey, 74% of holiday shoppers said they expect to pay about the same amount or more on holiday gifts this year compared to last. Moreover, 23% of shoppers said they choose one retailer over ...
A recent item on my Pella Community Schools board agenda read, “Board acts on termination notices.” It was a jarring potential conclusion to a proposed million-dollar budget reduction in my school district. Though budget reductions are not new in my many years as a school board member, I ...
Q: What is the historical significance of Nov. 11? A: On the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month,” fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany during World War I. Back then, November 11, 1918 (Armistice Day) was regarded as the end of the war “to end all wars.” In ...
Opening Statement on Oct. 25 by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Budget Hearing on “Bottlenecks and Backlogs: How Climate Change Threatens Supply Chains.” This morning the Budget Committee holds its 12th hearing in 10 months on climate change. Over ...