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Local Columns

Grassley Q & A:

BySenator CharlesGrassleyQ. You recently introduced the GREEN Jobs Act. What's your motivation?A. I introduced the GREEN Jobs Act in April, with Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota, to try to prevent ethanol from being dealt the same blow that was levied against biodiesel in 2009. Despite ...

Slices of Life

ByJill PertlerEvery once in awhile, my youngest tadpole swims up to the plate and writes this column. He doesn't actually type the words, but he provides the material one tidbit at a time. I started writing down his gems because I didn't want to forget these little nuggets of youthful ...

Dollar Stretchers

Want to live better on the money you already make? Visit to find hundreds of articles to help you stretch your day and your dollar! Copyright 2010 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.Cleaner for Greasy or Paint Covered HandsYou can use Pam(r) cooking spray to remove grease and paint from your hands while ...

Laura on Life

ByLaura SynderMy father was a hunter. Every year, there was a deer carcass hanging in a tree outside our kitchen window proclaiming for all to see that he had not missed the shot. I avoided the kitchen as much as possible after he came home from a hunting expedition. My heart hurt to see the ...

Slices of Life

ByJill PertlerSomething is awry around here. I believe my household slipped through a wormhole and the rules of the cosmic universe are no longer in effect. In other words, my life is spinning out of control and reality's gone right along with it. Something's fishy with the toothbrushes. My ...

Dollar Stretchers

Want to live better on the money you already make? Visit to find hundreds of articles to help you stretch your day and your dollar! Copyright 2010 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.Old Buns?Use old buns to make cheesy bread sticks. Butter the buns of any size, sprinkle with garlic powder and shredded ...

Laura on Life

ByLaura SnyderWhen the United States became an independent nation 234 years ago, did everyone run around blowing things up? What is the premise for fireworks on the 4th of July?"Yay! We are free from an apathetic imperial ruler! We can drink tea without paying taxes on it! Let's blow ...

Slices of Life

ByJill PertlerTwice in the last month I've found myself in an uncomfortable position. It's not what you might think. I wasn't in an exercise class or a dentist's chair. My discomfort didn't have anything to do with driving the kids to school before my morning shower or even wearing a cotton ...

Grassley Q & A:

BySenatorCharlesGrassleyQ. What is the history of the U.S. national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner?A. The poem that later became the U.S. national anthem was written about the famous Battle of Baltimore during the British-American War of 1812. At one point during this battle, Fort McHenry ...

This weeks Dollar Stretcher Tips

Want to live better on the money you already make? Visit to find hundreds of articles to help you stretch your day and your dollar! Copyright 2010 Dollar Stretcher, Inc.Free PaintWhen disposing of unwanted paint, we must take it to our local hazardous waste recycling, which is county operated. ...