[Spencer Daily Reporter nameplate] Overcast ~ 15°F  
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Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013
Lessons not learned: X-Box One equals Arnold (12/14/13)
People, people, people. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I believe that's the saying. I was never much for history in high school so I didn't learn from it. And in this case, it's not so much about history as it is the future. Confused? Me too...
Making the world a better place (12/07/13)
It may sound silly to some, especially to those who are not fans of the sport, but high school wrestling offers all of the things a young person needs to better prepare themselves for life. Wrestling incorporates hard work and requires a tremendous amount of dedication in discipline -- not just on the mat but off as well in terms of diet and conditioning. ...
One Man's Perspective (11/23/13)
Okay, okay already. Yes, I am attempting to grow my beard. I haven't shaved since Halloween night as per my agreement with the ad staff at the paper to help raise money for Abben Cancer Center. Unfortunately, while the other guys have a good, dark amount of facial covering growing in, my skimpy showing is coming in all grey. ...
The holiday season begins now (11/16/13)
I'm excited about the upcoming holiday season. Primarily because it focuses so much on giving. So I'm asking you to share in this special time of year by looking at opportunities around you to make a difference. I started my season of giving Nov. 1. ...
A tall challenge (11/09/13)
As far off as it may seem, discussion is already well underway as to whom will be battling in the primary season for the right to represent their party and replace President Barack Obama in 2016. For the Democrats, Hillary Clinton has been in the conversation since Obama won re-election. Of course Vice President Joe Biden is mentioned as well among the forerunners...
Embracing the 'Season of Giving' (11/02/13)
Anyone who has lived in Spencer or Clay County -- really northwest Iowa as a whole -- realizes the important role volunteerism plays in our communities. The Clay County Fair -- regarded as the "World's Greatest County Fair" -- wouldn't be what it is without the efforts of so many volunteers, ranging from planning and preparations, to assisting with entries, to transporting guests in golf courts...
Political documentary, SHS musical offer entertainment options (10/26/13)
Monday at 6:30 p.m., Southpark 7, along with many other theaters in the Fridley chain across the state, will be sharing a documentary film, "Caucus," exploring the process by Iowa to determine party presidential candidates every four years. Filmmaker AJ Schnack tracked the Republican field as they raced back-and-forth across Iowa kissing babies and shaking hands in the 2011-2012 Presidential Primary...
Selfie Sacrifice (10/19/13)
So I'm backing out of my driveway last week. I mean we're not even an hour into the day and my beloved 15-year-old daughter, seated next to me in the car, whips her camera out, hangs her tongue out of her mouth, wrinkles her nose and flashes the peace sign. Then she photographs it to share with all of her friends...
Getting tanked (10/12/13)
Like many of you, I'm thrilled to see the gas prices dropping at the local pumps, thereby saving me a few bones when I fill my tank. As I left the office Friday, Spencer prices were sitting at $3.19 a gallon for super unleaded, which, compared to $3.34 and $3.39 just a few days ago, is a win for us...
Re-taking the memorial (10/05/13)
I have an answer to the age old question: Does a bear go No. 2 in the woods? Not in federally funded woods. At least not right now. At this time we regret to inform you that all bears, and other non-essential wildlife, currently residing in national parks are being furloughed until such time as the shutdown of the U.S. government is over...
Don't let the door hit ya ... (09/28/13)
Sometimes I receive letters to the editor filled with thoughtful commentary and ripe with fruitful ideas worth sharing. Most often times those letters are signed and we welcome the opportunity to share them with our readers. Other times I receive letters to the editor which I read and then file away in my desk just so I can remind myself that the world will never run out of fools. These letters are always unsigned...
Words worth sharing (09/21/13)
I have something to share with you this week. These are not my words. I wish I could take credit for this story but I can't. I have seen it before and it's always been impact-full, but when I read it again this week I really felt the need to share. While scrolling my Facebook page, I saw a post my daughter had commented on. ...
Just two days left (09/14/13)
Well if you haven't been to the "World's Greatest County Fair" yet this week, I've gotta ask, "Where the heck have you been?" C'mon folks, sure the weather's been a bit warm but things started cooling down a bit by mid-week and the last couple of mornings have been downright chilly before warming up to a mild but comfortable 70- or 80-something...
Misguided prayer (09/07/13)
Well I've got some good news and I've got some bad news. The good news is a group of liberals gathered together in a public setting and invoked the blessings of God in prayer. That's progress folks. The bad news ... they called for those blessings and offered thanks to God for the continued practice of abortion...
YOLO - Different meanings for different generations (08/31/13)
As the father of six - including two who have graduated school, two who are currently in high school and two elementary boys - there's little that surprises me today. Television has gone out of its way, particularly on shows directed at young people, to make adults look like morons and buffoons with the soul goal in life to stifle the fun of the young people around them. And if that characterization isn't bad enough, the shows regularly show the kids getting over on the clueless parents...
C'mon really? Part Deux ... sorry Part Duh (08/17/13)
I thought last week's column would be the last for a while recognizing people for ridiculous and mindless behavior. What could I have been thinking? We live in America people. There are millions of people out there with the God-given -- and legally supported right -- to behave in a manner that makes most normal people scratch their heads and stare in disbelief...
Um, OK then (08/10/13)
Sometimes you wonder what makes people do the things they do. Yesterday I received a police report detailing the outcome of a Spencer man who was mad at another Spencer resident and decided to let him know. Rather than trying to avoid this person or simply deciding they should agree to disagree about whatever it was driving the wedge between them, the Spencer man decided the best solution was to "allegedly" steal a semi-truck and drive it onto his adversary's porch in the middle of the night...
Protecting the children (08/03/13)
Special guest for Tuesday's Coffee with the Editor session will be Spencer City Manager Bob Fagen, who will be on hand to discuss the proposed Iowah Chicken Bouillon plant. Please join us for coffee and conversation. Next Tuesday, Aug. 13, Kari Webb, director of the Northwest Iowa STEM program operating out of Iowa Lakes Community College will discuss the impact and purpose of Gov. ...
A Facebook entry worth reading (07/27/13)
There's been a lot said on Facebook since the passing of 15-year-old Kyle Lachner. Some were rumors. Some were partial truths. Some had absolutely nothing to do with Kyle but instead focused on law enforcement officials and the Daily Reporter. Most of it - with the exception of those wishing his family well, sharing their love and passing along their blessings and condolences - the world could have done without...
Police taking undeserved criticism (07/25/13)
I don't normally write a column for Thursday's paper, but I feel compelled to do so this week. The Spencer Police Department and local law enforcement are coming under tremendous scrutiny for the way they dealt with Sunday evening's situation involving an upset teen with a gun...
Outrage without the facts (07/20/13)
It's been an interesting couple of weeks. As I returned from vacation on the East Coast, it seems as if everything broke just as I returned, which is great because it provided me with fodder for this week's column. First, the jury in the George Zimmerman trial came back with a not guilty verdict with regard to charges stemming from his role in the shooting death of teen Trayvon Martin on the evening of Feb. 26, 2012 in Florida...
Bravo! The new jail passes inspection (06/29/13)
Coffee with the Editor will not meet again until 7 a.m. Tuesday, July 16 when Rep. Megan Hess (R-Spencer) will join the fun. We meet in the dining room at the Spencer Dream Center. Join us for a little coffee and conversation on the issues. I had a chance to tour the new Clay County Sheriff's Office and Jail facility earlier this week as I was preparing a story on the new building...
Few things on my mind (06/22/13)
First and foremost, I want to take a moment to invite everyone to the dining room at the Spencer Dream Center Tuesday morning to join us for Coffee with the Editor. We've had some questions about Blue Zones and specifically about the city's role in the process, whether it's a good thing or bad thing. ...
Honoring fatherhood (06/15/13)
It's good to be a dad. While we designate Sunday as Father's Day - a day to recognize and celebrate dads everywhere - I see everyday as Father's Day. Fathering a child is easy. We see a lot of so-called "men" out there creating children. That doesn't make them a father...
Welcome to Spencer (06/08/13)
Welcome to Spencer. You've picked a good weekend to visit our fine city. There's a great deal of activity and opportunity for guest and resident alike as we conduct our annual summer celebration "Flagfest." If you weren't around last night, you missed out on Shayla Bee's Ramblin' Redneck Roadshow, the street dance and some other fun, but fear not -- today offers plenty of exciting options...
Winners win. Haters hate. (06/01/13)
This is nothing new, but over the last several weeks I've found myself growing more and more frustrated with the people in this town who find something negative to say about every attempt to bring something new or doing something creative in this community...
Why the media went mum on Gosnell (05/25/13)
A Philadelphia doctor ran a little shop of horrors at his abortion clinic and the media remained silent for the longest time. Their silence held until people began questioning why the trial of the accused murderer was being ignored. So why would media outlets ignore the trial of Dr. Kermit Gosnell, who was recently found guilty in three newborn deaths after he botched the abortion in each case and killed them after the babies had been born...
Discriminatory scholarships: simply bad policy (05/18/13)
I've never been a fan of targeted scholarships that take into account one's skin color, sexuality or any other distinguishing attachment. It's no secret. I've written about it before. So when Iowa leaped into national discussion as part of a controversial "white only" scholarship offered by Columbia University, it should be no surprise I was bothered once again...
Native son remembers home (05/11/13)
Like many who have roots in Spencer, Chuck Swanson has made a name for himself in other parts of the state. Today, Swanson is the executive director of Hancher Auditorium on the campus of the University of Iowa. In his role he encounters a variety of gifted artists, bringing entertainment on the grandest scale to the U of I campus for its students and those who are lucky enough to live within driving distance...
Speaking out on speaking out (05/04/13)
Hello. My name is Randy Cauthron. I'm the managing editor of the Spencer Daily Reporter. Oh, and by the way, I'm a heterosexual. Perhaps you're scratching your head, asking yourself, "Why would he include that last sentence?" More than likely you're thinking to yourself, "Who cares?"...
Child abuse march and LOVE Spencer (04/27/13)
Today is going to be a very busy day in the Spencer area, and for the first time in a long time we're going to have perfect weather to get things done. For the first weekend since the season began, local soccer players are going to get a chance to go out and kick the ball around a bit...
Lessons learned outside the classroom (04/20/13)
Math, English and history took a back seat at Clay Central-Everly Wednesday and Thursday. Instead, the lessons came in the form of a reality check courtesy of the Every 15 Minutes program and the dedicated team of local organizers. At approximately 9:30 a.m., class as usual was interrupted as students listened to a pre-recorded call for Everly emergency responders and local law enforcement to respond to an accident scene just to the west of the school building. ...
May Robinson's story outshines the hate (04/13/13)
As I anxiously await my opportunity to view the new release, "42," which details Jackie Robinson's trials and tribulations during his rise from relative obscurity to being regarded as one of the most important and influential athletes of the 20th century, I have to say that I'm truly disturbed by something taking place in southeast Iowa...
The little nut job (04/06/13)
When Kim Jong-Il passed away he appointed the fruit of his loins the next in charge. There was no election, no Democratic process, no voice of the people. They're stuck with what they've got. And apparently what they've got is another delusional rotten apple who obviously hasn't fallen far from the decaying tree...
Celebrate Easter every day (03/30/13)
Christians around the world have spent the past several days recognizing "Holy Week," beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating with Easter Sunday. During this week-long stretch, much like the Christmas season, people reflect on their own lives and how they are living...
Get off the bench and into the game (03/22/13)
I'm putting on my coaching hat right now and I've got one rule -- when coach is talking, nobody else is talking. Please pay attention; this is important. Second place isn't good enough. Second place is the first loser ladies and gentlemen. We're interested in being number one!...
Welcome home (03/16/13)
I spent the better part of the week away from the office last week and appreciate the job that Kate Padilla and Brandon Barb did in my absence with the help of Publisher Paula Buenger. The reason for my road trip to Manhattan, Kan. -- home of the Kansas State Wildcats and Fort Riley military base -- was to welcome my brother-in-law SFC Brent Juelfs back from yet another tour to a war-torn land...
What do we have to complain about? (03/09/13)
Just a heads up, there will be no Coffee with the Editor on Tuesday, March 12. We will resume the gathering at the Spencer Dream Center at 7 a.m. Tuesday, March 19. I look forward to seeing you then. We complain an awful lot. And by "we" I mean me too. ...
Students, not rules, determine future of bullying (03/02/13)
I received a press release from Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds regarding new legislation designed to combat bullying of Iowa youth. The Governor's Bullying Prevention Summit, conducted in late November 2012 in Des Moines, brought more than 1,200 Iowans together to discuss ways to best address what is being regarded as a bullying epidemic...
The battle for an anatomically incorrect statue (02/23/13)
Everybody else is weighing in on the whole "Oscar" thing, so I figured I might as well. So who will win this little golden man? Oops, my bad. First off, just to be fair, I can't refer to Oscar as a him. In this day of gender equity, it would be very presumptuous of me to assume Oscar is a man statue. Let's face it, old goldie doesn't exactly sport any features that would indicate anything other than that it's androgynous...
You can't spell Olympics without wrestling (02/16/13)
Senator Chuck Grassley has weighed in. So has Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, along with several other legislators. Two of the most legendary figures in collegiate wrestling, Dan Gable and Cael Sanderson, have voiced their displeasure. Even former Olympic gold medalist and current professional wrestler Kurt Angle has aired his disapproval...
Customer service is the key (02/09/13)
Customer service is everything. Often it determines whether or not I will return to that business. And it starts from the moment the customer walks through the door. Some Spencer-area businesses have this down to an art. Unfortunately, too many other local operations treat you as though they're doing you a favor by allowing you to make purchases from them...
Good things going on (02/02/13)
If you're bored as the new year gets underway, you're just not trying hard enough to find something to do. There have been plenty of sports events involving high school, middle school and elementary school players since just after the first of the year...
A salute to the American soldier (01/26/13)
I have several friends and relations who have served or are currently serving in some form of military service. I myself never served. I went straight to college after high school to pursue higher learning. Many of my friends chose the same path. At that time, the Cold War was winding down, so there wasn't a great emphasis on military service...
One more go at assistance fraud (01/19/13)
Not that I'm particularly interested in revisiting the whole SNAP card and government subsidized program abuses, which have been discussed in this column and through online comment, but I did want to share something I received. The following information certainly doesn't confirm anything regarding government food programs and those allegedly using small green and purple fruit to scam the system, but it does suggest it is possible to abuse government benefits. ...
Looking for your input (01/12/13)
I'm always open to constructive input from our readers, so my request to hear from the readers is not something new. However, I have a bit of a targeted request. I'm considering the idea of hosting "Coffee with the Editor" sessions at a designated location in the community to allow for a little greater interaction and face-to-face time with the community...
Respect and honor (01/05/13)
There are certain things you need to do to demonstrate respect for your country and those who risked their lives defending it. It doesn't require much. Just stand still and shut up. Thursday night, at Spencer's wrestling dual with Cherokee and Estherville-Lincoln Central, I watched with my blood pressure elevating as a group of junior high girls decided to turn the National Anthem into a comedy routine...
Hope for the new year (12/29/12)
As we close out 2012 - this is the last edition of the Daily Reporter for the year - we traditionally pause to reflect a bit on the year behind us and look forward, with hope to a new beginning in 2013. Like many of you, I plan to do a lot of things better in 2013. ...
The true reason for the season (12/22/12)
Last week's massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut forced many to take pause during the buildup to the Christmas season. It was like a sucker punch to the gut, leaving you bent over in pain. Like the rest of the world, I struggled to catch my breath, gasping for a reason, desperately searching for the air of explanation as to why a madman would walk into a school after having killed members of his family, and kill an administrator, teachers and 20 young children...
Headache and heartbreak (12/15/12)
Following Friday's tragedy - another school shooting - I wanted to share some thoughts, but first I'm going to address the raging online discussion over last week's One Man's Perspective. The column raised a great deal of discussion and debate. It centered around my friend's claim to have personally witnessed someone in Texas use their subsidized government food payment to buy a pair of grapes then collect $100 back in cash...
Trouble with the system (12/08/12)
Got an email from a good friend of mine, currently living in Round Rock, Texas. This friend served as a U.S. Navy Seal for 12 years before retiring to the private sector. Here is the email I received. "I'm not saying that there aren't people who need help but....46 million households? Really? 'nuff said...
The hands, feet and heart of the season (12/01/12)
As a follow-up to my less than stellar follow-up to the mob mentality and less than Christian behavior exhibited in Spencer on Thursday night and Black Friday; allow me to report some fine examples of Christ's work here on earth that are fantastic signs of the Christmas season...
The black eye of Black Friday (11/24/12)
With the annual celebration of the birth of Christ, Christmas, comes the commercialization of the holiday. And each year I tend to play along. While I'm very aware of the true reason for the season, and try to keep that in the forefront of my mind as I wade through the crowded aisles and masses of bargain shoppers the season seems to lure amongst the decorations of red and green, silver and blue, sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge...
Four more years ... (11/17/12)
I held off my post-election column last week, just allowing the feeling to settle in. Four more years. Wow. I knew Mitt Romney was a long-shot but I really felt he had a chance. It may come as a surprise to some of you, but I'm not going to bash President Obama. ...
How could America do ... never mind (11/10/12)
On Wednesday morning, I was strongly considering a column about the outcome of Tuesday night's general election. Mine was a mixed bag of reactions as several races went my way and others did not. But rather than engage in what might appear to others as a bitter rant, I decided to take some time to digest the outcome of Election 2012, and instead decided something a bit lighter with a chuckle to end this week might be more appropriate...
Exercise your privilege (11/03/12)
I hear from more and more people these days, "I'm not going to vote." I've also heard, "I've never voted." That's not only sad, it's pathetic. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not in favor of a bunch of voters who have no idea for whom or what they are casting their ballots pouring out to the polls to muck up the process - although I would regrettably defend their right to ignorantly pull the lever...
A faith-filled call to action (10/27/12)
Casting Crowns was one of the largest attended shows during the 2012 Clay County Fair. It was a night of praise and worship in the grandstand with uplifting music and words of encouragement. Words that we can really cling to in times such as these when God is chased further and further from the public consciousness in the name of political correctness...
The season for giving, a real reason for living (10/20/12)
It's started already. Innocently, while sitting on the couch enjoying some quality television - an oxymoron to be certain - I received my first dose of commercial pounding. Obviously I'm not speaking of political ads; that's been going on for the past 18 months. ...
My common sense is tingling (10/13/12)
When all else fails, turn to common sense. Seems like a great idea in light of the current tone of politics in this country. Sometimes, solutions come in the simplest forms, and sometimes they come in moments of comedy. A friend of mine, a true patriot who served this country as a Navy Seal for more than a decade and now works in the private sector, forwarded this to me via email. My email is constantly filling with interesting commentary, jokes, cartoons and other items...
Two men making a difference (10/06/12)
Two men from two different countries are making a measurable difference. Sometimes you meet people and listen to stories that change the way you think. This is one of those times. Last weekend, I had an opportunity to attend a gathering at the home of Dr. Rick and Barb Wilkerson, where I met Dr. Mohammed Rhadi...
Tired of apologizing (09/29/12)
Is anyone else sick and tired of the ongoing apologetic nature of our national leaders? It seems as though we're constantly offering our apologies to other countries around the world for one thing or another. I'm sorry some whack-a-do made a film that upset the Muslim community...
Pray these meddlers will find something else to do (09/22/12)
Sometimes life imitates art and more often than not, art accentuates life. This week I reviewed the film "Last Ounce of Courage," which focuses on the efforts of a few to take away the rights of the many - specifically when it comes to religious freedom...
Local boy gets his shot (09/15/12)
I wasn't able to be home for Casey Muessigmann's performance on The Voice Tuesday night. In addition to the national significance that Sept. 11 holds for most, it also holds a special place in my heart as an anniversary date for my wife and I. This year, we celebrated 23 years together Tuesday evening with a late dinner. After forgetting the special date a few years ago -- give me a break, it falls during fair week -- I've learned not to repeat that mistake again...
Honoring those who deserve it (09/08/12)
Our Vietnam War veterans were not treated very well. As a matter of fact, they were treated horribly. I'm not sure what was wrong with people back then. Maybe too much free love, peace and natural intoxicants were lingering in the air, but people were downright hideous to the young men who braved the jungles under the flag of America then returned home to be spat on...
The Great Debate (09/01/12)
It's taken some doing, but the debate is on. I confirmed Thursday with representation from both Rep. Steve King's and challenger Christie Vilsack's campaigns, the details of a debate that will be conducted the first Saturday of the Clay County Fair...
Hard to top (08/25/12)
I've had some pretty special moments in my life. Moments that have touched my heart and filled my soul in a special way. The birth of my children. Standing before God, my family and friends and proclaiming my commitment to my wife. Watching my first two sons graduate high school...
Breaking the chains of campaign trash (08/17/12)
There's no doubt that both sides of the aisles could learn a lesson or two about civility when it comes to election campaigns. The rhetoric is bad enough in Washington during non-election years, but when the race is contested, the gloves come off. Which probably wouldn't be bad as long, as you could tape the mouths shut...
Freedom of expression (08/11/12)
Perhaps things have calmed a bit since last week's outpouring of rage, support and lip-locking over comments made by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy. Cathy was taken to task by supporters of gay marriage after comments he made to the Baptist press flooded the media. When I first learned about the uproar, I hadn't heard what he said. Intrigued by the commotion, I sought out the controversial comments and this is what I found:...
Economics over boycotts (08/04/12)
I was going to weigh-in on the whole Chick-fil-A controversy, but in light of Friday's PDA protest at the fast food franchise, I though I might let the dust settle before offering my perspective. Look for that next week. Instead, today I want to share something I received from a good friend of mine down in Texas. He proudly served this nation as a Navy SEAL for more than 10 years and is today in the private sector. Living near Austin, he sent me something he had received...
Gov. Dayton: The Metrodome and Afghanistan have nothing in common (07/28/12)
There are some comparisons you just don't make. You never compare a tragic event to 9-11 and you never suggest someone's circumstances are worse - or even equal too - than those suffered by a war veteran. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton opted to throw common sense to the wind last week by comparing recent public Minnesota Vikings missteps to the challenges faced by war-scarred veterans returning to civil life...
Just a game or barbaric behavior (07/21/12)
It's just boys being boys. Kids just having fun. A bunch of young people killing time ... and human beings. Without video support, my description of the inner city game "Pick em' out, knock em' out" probably won't do justice to the animals who are perpetrating assaults on innocent citizens...
Clay County short-changed in U.S. House race (07/14/12)
I share frustration with several others in the area this week after learning that an invitation issued by the Daily Reporter, on behalf of other regional media entities and the Clay County Fair, for a live debate between Rep. Steve King and challenger Christie Vilsack was rejected...
Capturing the felon demographic (07/07/12)
In a day when we see voter fraud under the utmost scrutiny, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is coming under fire from some who want to ensure felons are allowed their right to cast a ballot in local, state and national elections. Branstad's attacker noted two years ago: "Gov. ...
The right choice? (06/30/12)
Thursday's decision from the Supreme Court on ObamaCare got both sides of the political aisle talking - in some cases screaming - as was expected regardless of the outcome. Someone wasn't going to be happy. In this case, it's the conservatives and Tea Party folks who feel they came up on the short end of the stick...
Dealing with predators (06/23/12)
So the jury deliberates. And a nation awaits. My guess is most minds are already made up in most homes with regards to the guilt or innocence of former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, who stands accused of more than 40 counts involving sexual assault on young boys...
Proceed with caution (06/16/12)
U.S. Highways 71 and 18, both well-traveled in northwest Iowa, come together north of Spencer and stretch south through a beautiful resident community, a vibrant downtown business district, across a bridge and then split again at the south end of town. Amazing light fixtures line the roadway, providing light and adding an attractiveness that causes locals to take pride and out-of-town guests to take notice as they pass through...
Tough to handle (06/09/12)
There are days when I absolutely love my job. I get to tell unique stories about groups and organizations that are doing amazing things, have received great recognition and are making a difference impacting the community of Spencer. It's something new everyday...
Gender selection abortion represents new level of evil (06/02/12)
A bill to outlaw abortions based on the unborn child's race or gender died Thursday in the United States House, where it failed to get the two-thirds vote it needed to pass. What disgusts me even more than the fact that the effort to prevent this gender-specific genocide from continuing failed, is the sad fact that we need a law to prevent it to begin with...
Join me and say thanks (05/26/12)
Annually, in conjunction with Memorial Day, I make a plea. This year is no different. No, I'm not going to ask you to adopt a manatee to commemorate this special three-day weekend, and I'm not going to pester you to buy a star for the one you love. I'm sure you folks have already jumped on both of those great opportunities...
Be cautious, a new world awaits (05/19/12)
It's that time of year when there's just kind of a buzz in the area. Some attribute it to the wind in the trees. Others credit the birds serenading us from the sky. Still others simply call it the sound of summer as it nears. Me, I think it's the engines revving about 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday as school lets out at the high school. Some call it senior fever. Regardless, it's time to celebrate...
Randy's Review - The Dictator (05/18/12)
I came upon a fork in the road and chose to take the road less traveled. Unfortunately, neither "Dark Shadows" or "The Dictator" had any patrons in the theatre when I arrived so I opted for the original Sasha Baron Cohen mockery of a ruthless dictator over Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's vampire soap opera redo...
From the files of the sick and disturbed (05/12/12)
Underwear bombs? Really? When the original terrorist did it, I wondered what would possess someone to take a set of explosives and place them in their underwear to begin with. I get it. Anyone who would strap a bomb to themselves in an attempt to "get" a bunch of others really hasn't thought his whole plan through. ...
Randy's Review: The Avengers (05/11/12)
It's the payoff. After the past few years of teasers at the end of Marvel Studios productions: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor and Captain America - plus months of viral and commercial promotion - The Avengers lived up to the hype. Arguably the best super hero based movie to date, The Avengers brings "Earth's mightiest heroes" together to take on Thor's half-brother, Loki, the God of Mischief, who is working in concert with alien forces to lead a takeover of the Earth...
Hard work pays off (05/05/12)
Spencer was on the tip of many tongues in Des Moines Friday. The smallest of 11 finalists seeking one of four Blue Zones Demonstration Site opportunities, approximately 30 community representatives caravanned in a few vehicles to participate in the official announcement...
Some good people (04/28/12)
Sometimes in this business you get an opportunity to tell great stories. Over the course of nearly two decades of sharing the lives of those around me through print, I've had my fair share of excellent encounters. Two of those have occurred in the past week-and-a-half...
Hatred, ignorance lead to teen tragedy (04/21/12)
It never should have happened. The death of a northwest Iowa teen was completely avoidable. Students, family and those with broken hearts from around the area gathered Thursday morning to attended the funeral of a Kenneth James Weishuhn whose life ended tragically over the weekend in the garage of his home...
Truth and honor in politics (04/14/12)
While I take great interest in our political system, I have to admit, nasty politics has me frustrated and weary. Why can't we just stick to issue-based campaigns? Why is it necessary to try and destroy our opponent personally? A reader forwarded me a parody of the popular comic strip "Wizard of Id." This long running newspaper strip, which has also been published in book form for fans of the series, is set in the days of castles, kings and peasants...
Make Easter a time for renewal (04/07/12)
With unseasonably warm weather over the course of the last several weeks helping speed along those feelings and activities traditionally reserved for spring, we find ourselves embracing Easter this weekend. Walkers are hitting the trails, grillers are grabbing their tongs, and golfers are working on their excuses. These particular endeavors, traditionally saved for weekends after Easter, have us all anticipating a great spring season and subsequent summer of fun...
Local students demonstrate acting chops (03/31/12)
Bravo young thespians, bravo. Last weekend, I was treated to the "Wizard of Oz," courtesy of the drama and music programs at Clay Central-Everly; and this weekend, we get "Harvey," a stage classic, brought to us courtesy of the drama department at Spencer High School...
Look inside (03/24/12)
R.I.P to that girl you called a slut in class today, she's a virgin. The pregnant girl walking down the street, she got raped. The boy you called lame, he has to work every night to support his family. That girl you pushed down the other day, she's already being abused at home...
Technological deprivation (03/17/12)
As if it's not bad enough that I'm going through withdrawals, not having cable during March Madness, now I'm forced to endure a few hours without Internet or email access. How's a man supposed to do what a man's going to do when he can't keep up with the ever-evolving world via his desktop technology?...
Feeling 'Blue' ... and proud of it (03/13/12)
For a lot of people, today will culminate a lot of work for a group of volunteers who simply go by the name "Blue Crew." Committee members from the state's Blue Zone's Initiative will visit Spencer today, taking part in the site visit after the community earned one of 11 designated sites...
What's the matter with people? (03/10/12)
Staff writer Gabe Licht summed it up best this morning when he quoted country crooner Billy Currington's philosophical message, "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy." We know this to be a fact. In the news business you get a lot of bizarre stories on a daily basis. ...
No place for bullies (03/03/12)
I've always told my children never to bully other children. If there's one thing I absolutely cannot tolerate, it's a bully. Someone who uses their size, might or influence to belittle or hurt others either mentally or physically. I'm not foolish enough to believe my children have never made a cruel remark to someone else or said something they should not have. Sadly, I think many kids do it without realizing what they're doing is classified as bullying. They don't see the damage that it can do...
Many hands can do great things (02/25/12)
Last Tuesday's Ag Outlook event at the Clay County Regional Events Center is a tremendous example of what committed people, working together, can pull off. In its 28th year, Ag Outlook annually brings together agri-business experts from all aspects of industry. ...
Take some time to smile (02/18/12)
Some chuckles this week, courtesy of some of my friends with a much more creative sense of humor than mine. It's been that kind of week and looking for some light-hearted laughs. Thanks for the input gang. I'm looking forward to sharing them with you. For your enjoyment, or lack thereof perhaps...
Being a parent, not a friend (02/11/12)
The greatest challenge about being a parent in today's culture is dealing with the poor examples established by other parents when it comes to blurring the lines between being a parent and being a friend to their children. I think it's certainly possible to do both, but should there come a time when the two roles must clash, the responsibility of being a parent must rule the day...
Some cockeyed Hawkeyes (02/04/12)
What's up with the rotating carousel that is the Iowa Hawkeye backfield. Chalk Marcus Coker up as another second year back cast into the world of football obscurity. First Brandon Wegher shows up and amazes his freshman year, proving he's the real deal and stepping up big in a nationally televised bowl game...
Tech etiquette (01/28/12)
Technology. You've got to love it. Especially when you're in the movie theatre or driving down the road or in a meeting with someone. You're sitting in a movie theatre. You've spent your hard earned cash for an evening of big special effects and poor acting. You've settled in with your fresh bucket of popcorn - properly prepared with the perfect amount of butter flavoring - and favorite liquid refreshment. The credits start rolling, your ready, and it's action time...
Lotto madness (01/21/12)
I'm not a lottery guy. Sure, I've ponied up a buck here or there on a few occasions, joining the collective office pool when the "big" jackpot is lingering out there. But I don't go out of my way each week to try and pick some lucky numbers; and as far as wandering into a convenience store and having them spin off a few sheets of scratch tickets - not so much...
Randy Cauthron
One Man's Perspective