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Opinion

Dengler Domain: Newspapers

Local Columns

The North Tama Telegraph and the previous iterations of the Traer Star-Clipper and Dysart Reporter are recording history. While the content and people have changed over the years, the mission of informing the public has always stayed the same. While this newspaper might not have the most ...

Celebrating Ag Week: Agriculture has always been rooted in community

Editorials

As we celebrate Ag Week in Iowa, March 23-30, 2026, and look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, we are reminded strong communities don’t come from any one person or one farm — they grow when people show up for each other. As a farmer, we see every day how closely agriculture and our ...

Meskwaki Nation Does Not Pay Property Tax, and That Isn’t Fair!

Editorials

‘Meskwaki Nation Does Not Pay Property Tax, and That Isn’t Fair!’ Does this sound familiar? It may not sound familiar if you don’t live near Indian Country. I live in Tama County, Iowa. Tama County is home to the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa. I have heard this statement or ...

Dysart Chamber Community Connections

Local Columns

March always feels like a turning point. Even if the weather hasn’t quite caught up yet, you can start to sense the shift. The days get a little longer, people begin talking about spring projects, and local organizations start putting plans into motion for the months ahead. What might seem ...

Letter to the Editor: Michael Farley

Letters to the Editor

There has been much discussion around the state and around the Capitol regarding water pollution from fertilizers, pesticides, and manure from factory farms. It affects all Iowans every day. We have 12-15 state park beaches closed every weekend of the summer due to pollution from nitrates and ...

Heather’s Highlights: County Government and You, February 2026

Local Columns

Yes, you heard correctly…I am running for reelection as Tama County Supervisor District 3, which includes the cities of Traer and Gladbrook. I am thankful for all of the continued support and am excited to run for a second term. The primary election will be on June 2, 2026. The Board of ...

Dengler Domain: Corn Crib

Local Columns

Driving between Cedar Falls and Des Moines has happened many times in my life. Whether it was visiting my then-girlfriend, now wife, in Des Moines after she graduated early from college or while making random trips back to the Cedar Valley, I know this route like the back of my hand. There are ...

Brass Tacks from Rural Iowa: A Funnel Report Card

Editorials

February 20 saw the passage of the first legislative funnel. This is a deadline lawmakers set to winnow down bills eligible for consideration for the remainder of the session. It doesn’t apply to spending bills, but does a good job of narrowing what lawmakers will focus on around the midpoint ...

The Sires Sentinel: Friday, Feb. 27, 2026

Editorials

A week of debate This was the seventh week of the legislative session and it was filled with debate following our first legislative funnel deadline last week. Some of the bills we passed in the Senate this week include: Senate File 2219: This bill requires school districts to grant a ...