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Opinion

A Fair View

Local Columns

Well, after the week of July 6-13 with all the turmoil it sounded like Tama County might be going in the right direction to save some money. Supervisors Mark Doland and David Turner were ready to stop litigation. So it was placed on the agenda for the Monday, July 14 meeting. But they decided ...

Dengler Domain: Festivals

Local Columns

With the wrapping up of the Urbandale 4th of July celebration and the largest community event in Urbandale, it is a committee I have enjoyed being on. It matters because my participation in this event as the parade director would not have happened if not for Clutier Fun Days (now the Bohemian ...

Pastor’s Column: My Endorsement

Local Columns

I write this column having just received the news that the IRS has asked a judge to create an exception to the Johnson Amendment, which currently prevents churches from campaigning for or against political candidates or parties. Opponents of this motion point out that it will lead to a cascade ...

On Nature: Birds and light

Local Columns

Twice each year, billions of birds migrate between their winter and summer homes, and most fly at night, using the night sky to help them navigate. During the day they rest and feed before taking off again when night falls. Artificial light at night and skyglow around cities can disorient ...

Yes, speak up and speak out, but with civility

Editorials

Several dozen people gathered on Saturday, June 21, in Monticello for a citizen workshop the Grassroots Iowa Network organized to get more everyday Iowans engaged in the political process. They spent the day listening to speakers* and exchanging ideas and observations, without fear or ...

Speaking for the stuff of Iowa history

Editorials

In 1976, looking for a summer job that would advance my career goals, I approached the director of the State Historical Society of Iowa (SHSI) to see if there were any special projects on the docket. As it turned out, yes: the SHSI wanted to gather oral histories with owner-operators of century ...

Heather’s Highlights: County Government and You, June 2025

Local Columns

I hope you are having a great summer! My family has been enjoying extra time together during summer break. The Tama County Board of Supervisors had been made aware that the Landfill and Economic Development departments in Tama County have been paying higher insurance premiums than other ...