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Local Columns

Dengler Domain: Small Businesses

The United States was built on the back of small businesses, be it farmers or small merchants. When financial and political power is spread between many, this makes a healthier democracy. As Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis said, “We must make our choice. We may have democracy, or we ...

On Nature: Climate change warnings

In 1979, when Jimmy Carter was President, the National Academy of Sciences convened a panel to look into recent studies that indicated that emissions of carbon dioxide could warm the planet. They concluded, “If (atmospheric) carbon dioxide continues to increase, … climate change will result ...

Heather’s Highlights: County Government and You

I have one month on the books as a new Tama County Supervisor and wanted to share some highlights with everyone! I was sworn in on Dec. 30, 2024, along with the four other Supervisors, the Sheriff, and the Auditor. There is always work involved with newly elected officials, but the upside is ...

Pastor’s Column: ‘Truly I Tell You…’

Three of the four Christian Gospels recall a moment from Christ’s journey through Judea when he was asked by a wealthy young man what the man must do to be “perfect.” Jesus reminded him of several commandments – you shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, ...

Dengler Domain: Egg Prices

It is genuinely concerning when egg prices are this high. These prices are hitting levels never touched before, and this is for a critical food item a lot of people rely on. From restaurants to home cooking, eggs are used in many dishes. Their higher price means a higher cost for many people. ...

Dengler Domain: Fighting for the People

A couple weeks ago, the government made some last-minute attempts at fighting for the people and not large corporations. It is evident when large corporations regulate society it leads to disastrous effects. Look no further than the constant climb of egg prices. Putting more egg laying hens in ...

Dengler Domain: Volunteer

Monday, Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Besides being a day off for schools and federal and state employees, the most significant part of this day is to volunteer. Use this day as a chance to serve the community. Serving one’s community by volunteering is essential to creating a ...

Pastor’s Column: The Dandelion Dilemma

Tonight, I made mac and cheese with broccoli and Spam for my family. It’s basic poor people fare, the food I grew up with. Cheap carbs, cheap protein, and the most common of frozen veggies. But here’s the thing – this food is delicious. And my boys grew up on it. And after a long week of ...

Dengler Domain: Farmer

Our lexicon has lost the word farmer. During my farming career, I felt like myself as a farmer, but elsewhere, I was looked at as a grower. I was only growing corn, soybeans, and a few cover crops, but it still felt weird. The continuation of the siloing off of livestock and grain enterprises ...