The legislative session is now heading into overtime (as of this writing, Friday, April 24). After the House and Senate passed separate property tax bills, the focus shifts to negotiations and compromises to reach an agreement that can move forward. Despite the extended hours ahead, there are ...
Small businesses play a critical role in creating jobs, driving economic growth, and contributing to the overall well-being of rural communities. In many areas, they are the backbone of the local economy, providing essential goods and services. Spring offers a good reminder of the importance ...
Q: What drives your decades-long work as a taxpayer watchdog? A: It boils down to a simple principle. Taxpayers work hard for their money. The U.S. Treasury is not a piggy bank for fraudsters to exploit and drain public assistance programs for profit. Four decades ago, I resurrected a ...
Libraries are a vital part of our rural communities. That’s why I invite you to celebrate the library in your small town during National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026. These book-filled buildings serve as community spaces, wi-fi hotspots, children’s imagination stations, and more. Many ...
Week 14 (April 13-17) in the Iowa Senate was another busy week as the session winds down. This week, the Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council (INREC) announced the launch of the Nitrogen Soil Sampling Project. The project is initially going ...
Craig Fish, a Toledo, Iowa resident of nearly 35 years, was recently recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for his 50 years of volunteer hunter education instruction. At a meeting held in Linn County on March 17, Fish received an award for his 50 years of volunteerism. In ...
Walk through any industrial park in our region today, and you are struck by dedication. These local manufacturers – the bedrock of our economies – are more than just businesses; they support our communities. They represent nearly 98% of American manufacturing operations, providing jobs and ...
As the legislative session rapidly draws to a close, it’s clear that much of our time at the Capitol is now focused on floor debate, trying to move the many remaining bills toward final passage. However, I must confess that I’ve been quite disappointed with how this session has unfolded. ...
Retirement from a farm business may not mean moving away or giving up on mentoring the next generation, but it does entail transferring management decisions to someone else. It can be a gradual or sudden process. It may be driven by long-term goals, by sudden health issues, or events outside ...
What if school didn’t just prepare students for tests, but for life? Across our communities, that question is turning into action. Through work-based learning opportunities supported by Central Rivers AEA, students are stepping beyond the classroom and into the workforce. What they are ...