Look, I get it, complaining about the weather isn’t going to change anything, Just because it’s April and just because we’re a couple of weeks into spring and just because temperatures were approaching 60 degrees on Thursday does not mean the people of northwest Iowa should have hope that winter is over. As a matter of fact, I believe the good Lord is showing us his sense of humor by withholding the biggest storm of the season for April...

As I continue to adjust to what I’m calling my “new normal,” I’m finding my former night owl tendencies making way for a desire to crash and burn in the early evening between 8 and 9. Fortunately my legs are continuing to strengthen as my mobility returns a little more each day and I am finding myself able to function “normally.”...

I'm happy to report my return to duty Monday to the Spencer Daily Reporter newsroom. After an unplanned, and certainly unexpected, one month "staycation" — well I did get a luxurious week of pampering at the exclusive Sioux Falls Avera Medical Center — but for the most part the time off was spent at home, literally recovering from the time away...

Like many of you I send my kids off to school each morning under the assumption that they are going to walk through the doors, seek out their friends, engage with their peers, attend their classes, perhaps learn a thing or two and return home safe and perhaps sporting a bit more wisdom than they had a few hours earlier when I dropped them at the door...

A high school teacher in the El Rancho School District — who also serves on the Pico Rivera City Council in California — finds himself in danger of losing his job in the classroom, and possibly his council position as well, after he allegedly used his classroom stage to share his disdain for our military with his students...

Integrity in journalism still means something. At least to this 20-plus-year veteran of the industry. And apparently it matters to many others in the industry as we spent the better part of two days at the Iowa Newspaper Association’s annual conference talking about regaining the public's trust in our words and deeds...

At the risk of ruffling a few feathers (and I’m no stranger to that), I feel the need to defend our school system, our students and administration and our community which came under attack over the last few days for what I would like to suggest was poor journalism on both a locally and national level...

Try as I might, it’s really hard not to have something to say about the political landscape before us. I’ve stayed away from politics for a while, but I’m really finding it hard to hold my tongue. Now of course I realize that readers are not all going to agree with my respective take — but just like the title of this column suggests — it’s “One Man’s Perspective.”...

Full disclosure. I’m not a Minnesota Vikings fan. Sure I watch the team. We live in northwest Iowa — what other choice does Fox give me on Sunday’s at noon. Me, I’m a transplanted California boy who grew up watching the Ken Stabler Oakland teams and Joe Montana San Francisco dynasties during my formative sporting years so I have continued to be a “Silver and Black Attack, Just Win Baby, Chucky lovin’” Raiders and “Joe Cool, ‘The Catch’ making, Super Bowl ring counting” 49ers fan...

It's been odd to have been silent for a couple of weeks but that's what happens when your column is published on back-to-back holidays. Hopefully all of you readers had the opportunity to experience the true joy of the Christmas holiday and then celebrate the beginning of a new year with loved ones, family or friends...

I love Christmas music but I have a few rules. Nothing before Thanksgiving and nothing beyond New Year's. Every holiday needs its own space. Thursday, while dropping the boys off for school, “Twelve Days of Christmas” was playing on my radio. As I listened to the repeated verses and the continued list of generous gifts piling up, my mind took a bizarre turn as it sometimes does...

As we draw nearer to 2018 — I can’t believe I’m saying that, where has this year gone — we’re already transitioning into another election cycle. I’m not certain we really ever stopped. Things just seemed to continue following the 2016 General Election. Honestly, I believe it’s become a never-ending loop of political races and email blasts...

On Thursday I was afforded the opportunity to join third-grade students at Fairview Elementary School for an afternoon of reading. This is the third year I have gladly accepted the invitation from librarian Lynette Gross to spend the final hours of the school day engaging with the young people...

Despite messages to the contrary in the form of decorations, carols and sales we've experienced at some of our favorite shopping local venues — Christmas actually follows Halloween and Thanksgiving. Now that the two aforementioned holidays are in the rearview mirror for another year, we can deliberately and without regret turn our attention to Christmas...

So I received the following news release this week. “WASHINGTON — Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa as well as Senators Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., Ron Johnson, R-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J. and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, have today introduced a senate resolution that would mandate sexual harassment prevention training for all employees of the Senate.”...

There’s plenty of negative out in the world this past week, but I’m looking for a light amidst the darkness and I actually found it inside the Spencer High School fine arts auditorium this weekend. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the Spencer High School Drama and Music Departments production of “Fiddler on the Roof.”...

I've heard it for years. We need to get tough on crime. Then, our policy suggests just the opposite. In recent weeks, legislators have worked to soften the penalties on criminal activity and reducing the consequences. Heck we've got policies in place that allow the governors and presidents to overturn court determined sentences and just set people free...

I have no idea what happened. I wasn't there. What I do know is there is a Spencer teenager who was fighting for his life from a Sioux Falls hospital bed following an after school incident Thursday which occurred on the high school grounds. I've heard multiple varying accounts of what happened, who started it, what instigated it and who is to blame. ...

So let me get this straight, earlier in the week, the NFL told the players they “should” stand for the national anthem. Jerry Jones put on the black cowboy hat and played the “wink-wink” bad guy, telling his Dallas players they will not take a knee during the national anthem or they would not play...

In light of the recent violent, deadly and tragic terror incident in Las Vegas which has impacted so many beyond the borders of the town affectionately known as “Sin City,” one might think the courageous show of unity in the face of danger might change some hearts. Both professional responders and concerned civilians worked side-by-side to rescue those in the face of imminent danger and tended to the injured. Such fearless dedication should serve as an example to the rest of the world...

For the first couple weeks of the NFL season, the games were less than spectacular and it was status quo with a few guys taking a knee during the national anthem to protest what they believe to be social injustice. Then President Donald Trump, speaking to a group of supporters on the campaign trail in Alabama for a contested U.S. ...

It’s hard to think of a more disgusting criminal act than human trafficking, and that’s saying something because there are some very disturbing illegal activities going on in this planet courtesy of some very depraved people. But the human trafficking horror attacks children and teens predominantly and steals not only their freedom and innocence but it destroys their lives...

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been visiting with a lot of people regarding the whole DACA matter, President Trump’s decision to give Congress six months to fix it and the idea of sending 800,000 people packing. As a proud, card-carrying conservative — I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise to many of you unless you’re a first-time reader — I’m a bit troubled about how to best deal with the whole “Dreamers” scenario. ...

So it’s finally here. We’ve enjoyed a great deal of build up and now it’s finally upon us. No, I’m not talking about the annual football showdown for the pride of Iowa between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones; nor am I referencing the start of the NFL season — both huge events in my personal life...

It seems we have reached a place in time where the truth, spoken sincerely and backed up with video footage, can still be classified as racist and bigoted if it fails the political correctness test. Last week I received a letter to the editor taking me to task for some of my remarks regarding the ugly race-related aggressions that turned ugly in the streets of Charlottsville two weekends ago. ...

Had I not prepared to write a column last week on the experience of taking my only daughter to college, I would have weighed in on the horrific events in Charlottesville. Having had a week to watch as things have continued to unfold, I’m glad I didn’t rush to react, but instead took a little time to observe the days that followed and listen to reactions from many voices on the subject...

My wife and I sent our daughter off to college Friday. We took her — and about every scrap of clothing, piece of makeup, accessorizing trinket and comforting blanket she owns — along with all the college dorm and necessary lifestyle items befitting a first-year college student, loaded them into our deluxe Town & Country van and dropped her off in her new home at Iowa State University in Ames...

Sunday my spiritual family at Sacred Heart Catholic Church grew a bit as we officially welcomed parishioners from St. Louis of Royal as well as other local churches caught up in the realignment of Catholic churches throughout northwest Iowa. And it was awesome. Church was packed and we are very happy to invite our new congregational brothers and sisters in Christ. It will serve to make Sacred Heart a richer, worship experience...

Currently wrapping up vacation after a weeklong visit to South Carolina to see my son, Hunter, and his new wife, Becca. Hunter is stationed at Camp Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, right next to Paris Island. With his upcoming deployment just a couple of months away, we wanted to get down there to see the newlyweds as they settle into their new home...

　 While many Americans — including folks right here in Spencer — remain on high alert with regard to another attack somewhere on U.S. soil carried out by radical extremists, many working under the guise of some corrupted version of religion, we have a problem brewing in our own backyard. Well about two hours away to be exact, but in the grand scope of this country and the world at large, it's definitely in our backyard, and we better take notice before it's too late...

Like many of you I find myself watching with a breaking heart as a young British couple faces the likely prospects that their young child, Charlie Gard, is going to die. Charlie has mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome which causes muscle weakness as well as the loss of functions including eating, talking, breathing and walking. He remains on life support as he has for the last eight months as medical professionals sought to care for the rare genetic condition...

As pro-con debates continue to rage on regarding Iowa's new fireworks legislation, we prepare to celebrate the true spirit of the Fourth of July tomorrow. We barbecue, we head to the Lakes, we watch spectacular community fireworks displays and this year, we have the opportunity to legally partake in a little fireworks fun of our own should we choose to...

Well Johnny Depp has joined a long list of celebrities to suggest the death of the U.S. president would somehow be a good thing. First we had Madonna belching out her thoughts about blowing up the White House as President Donald Trump was inaugurated and now the chameleon actor who can portray any bizarre fantasy character and dresses like a Hot Topic clearance table model suggests its time for a Hollywood type to follow in the footsteps of John Wilkes Booth...

“The city manager isn’t doing enough to bring jobs to Spencer.” “The supervisors aren’t doing anything to help grow the population to Clay County.” “The Iowa Lakes Corridor needs to do more to bring more manufacturing jobs to the area.” It’s a pretty regular thing I hear. So apparently there’s a lot of blame to go around for the woes we face in Spencer and Clay County when it comes to “good” jobs and the continuing trend of reducing numbers locally...

In early May, Art Institute of Washington Media Arts and Animation Department Professor John Griffin shared a post on his Facebook page, “objecting” to the American Health Care Act passed by U.S. House Republicans. His comments were attached to a Washington Post opinion piece he reposted suggesting GOP members who voted for the legislation — or “abomination” as the Post referred to it — “must be held accountable.”...

I know by now it’s kind of old news, but people keep bringing up the whole Kathy Griffin — headless Trump social media explosion that I thought I would throw in my two cents. Let me begin by saying Griffin had the absolute right to do what she did. Freedom of speech applies to the brightest of remarks as well as the most ignorant and repulsive. ...

Saturday night, as I flipped on the television, I found myself staring at the aftermath of yet another gruesome terrorist attack, once again in the United Kingdom, less than a week following a terrorist bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. This time, reportedly a van rammed into a group of people and then some persons inside leapt from the vehicle and began stabbing bystanders with knives...

Like many columnists in community papers this time of year I generally like to throw a few thoughts toward our area graduates as they transition from this special milestone in their life — high school graduation — to the next step, whatever that might be...

Not to complain but it’s a crazy time in the Cauthron household. In a good way. So finding me in the office this week is going to be difficult. I’m scheduled to be off through next Tuesday (May 16) so I can both assist and recover from the coming storm of family engagements...

We have interesting discussions at Coffee with the Editor on Tuesday mornings. The Daily Reporter buys the coffee at 7 a.m. Tuesdays in the dining room at the Dream Center and we talk about whatever is on people’s minds. Sometimes we bring in special guests and let them share. ...

In Spencer, we pride ourselves on volunteerism. It’s how we get things done and why this community functions the way it does. From the time students are in elementary school they are encouraged to become involved and donate their time to worthy causes. For most that carries over to a teen and adult behavior...

I’m sure some of you are thinking, spending Easter at the movies doesn’t exactly seem like a very Christian way to spend a day set aside to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And normally I would agree with you. However, there is a film that just opened locally which I think would be a very good watch this weekend, not just for Christians, whom I am certain will appreciate it, but more-so, non-Christians and specifically those who are the most hardened cynics when it comes to recognizing Jesus as the Son of God.. ...

I was going to go with ‘Hey Assad, You’re Fired!’ but I just couldn’t So I wake up Friday morning to the news that President Donald Trump delivered a serious message to some of those folks he credited with “heinous” acts against innocent men, women and children...

Drexel University must be so proud. One of its own esteemed faculty just took an opportunity to tweet out about the generosity of a fellow passenger, and twisting what he viewed into an ugliness that certainly tells a great deal about what kind of person he is...

I had the opportunity to catch “The Shack” last week and had planned to review it, but decided instead I would reserve my comments for this space. The popular book turned film tells the story of a man who has his young daughter abducted while on a camping trip and evidence discovered in a rural, mountain cabin suggest the young girl died in a brutal fashion at the hands of her kidnapper. ...

Friday morning, I had the opportunity to sit down with Eric Johnson of the The Arnold Group to discuss an upcoming exhibit scheduled for the Clay County Heritage Center focusing on the automotive history in Clay County. During the conversation, we both agreed that the local showcase, highlighting some of the significant impact moments and artifacts from years gone by in Clay County, is really a great addition to the region and should certainly be trafficked a bit more...

The editorial department at the Spencer Daily Reporter is in the midst of a major transition which began on Wednesday of this week as our new staff members settle in and learn their way around and we get used to the loss of a couple of talented and well-liked writers...

I had the opportunity this week to share a piece in Friday’s Daily Reporter about First Congregational Church honoring Revs. Tom and Wendy Van Tassell who recently celebrated their 20th anniversary of serving the local church of faith-filled attendees...

In today’s critical political climate, any story in print or broadcast media is under scrutiny for the “slant” or “angle” from which it is intended to sway public thought. While most of this targeted rhetoric focuses on the large scale, national media outlets, small community paper’s such as the Daily Reporter, are by no means outside the circle of ridicule by conspiracy theory enthusiasts who assume that everything comes with a hidden message of some sort...

I’m playing nice with “others” this week, especially since the others I’m referencing happens to be Russ Mitchell, managing editor of the Dickinson County News, our sister paper in the Lakes region. Of course as many of you know Russ is a Spencer native who worked for the Daily Reporter while in high school and as an adult. ...

It’s funny. One minute we’re a “right-wing rag.” The next minute, we’re “a liberal, progressive paper.” Of course these accusations are always made online by people without the strength of their convictions, who conveniently hide behind fake names. I can assure this is not a right-wing nor a liberal paper. It’s a paper that shares the stories of the community, county and region we serve...

Based on the first full week of the Donald Trump presidency, it’s going to be a wild four-year ride — and whether it’s a good ride or a bad ride is going to depend largely on your perspective of our new commander in chief and which side of the aisle you reside upon...

I had a different column planned for today, but as I prepared to write it, I found myself glued to the coverage of the inauguration of our 45th United States President Donald Trump. Among the thousands upon thousands, gathered in Washington, D.C., and the vast majority of the rest of the country watching at home, it is certainly fair to say that emotions varied a great deal — stretching from spectrum to spectrum — depending on where you stand on the political scale...

Tuesday, as a country we will recognize a National Day of Racial Healing, two days after the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and three days ahead of the inauguration of Donald Trump as the country’s 45th president. Initiated by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation enterprise, the special day is designed to “help Americans heal and overcome deep racial divisions.”...

For some, I’m sure the column’s title caused great celebration. To you, I would say, “Now who is going to give you a reason to hate every week?” To the rest of a you, I bid a fond farewell. It’s been a great run, but all good things must come to an end...

This is my final column before Christmas. Actually this is my final column before we transition into 2017. Since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday this year, there will not be a Saturday Daily Reporter those two weekends. So I want to take some space this week to share a Christmas message with the readers who pick up our paper to find out what’s going on in this fine community and county...

Before I get rolling this week, I want to apologize to Garry DeLoss who very thoughtfully delivered a DVD copy of “Babette’s Feast” to me last week with hopes that I might be able to sit down and view it, and then present a review for readers in advance of its “Book To Movie” Night showing at the Spencer Public Library at 6:30 p.m. ...

OK, I can’t seem to get a straight story on this minimum wage issue. Some counties in Iowa are making minimum wage adjustments on their own. Now Gov. Terry Branstad has reportedly indicated that he doesn’t want multiple minimum wage numbers around the state so he’s suggesting a statewide increase. ...

So now we’ve settled in for a nice weekend after gorging ourselves on Thanksgiving, throwing elbows with the best on Black Friday and getting our fingers good and limber for a keyboard onslaught on Cyber Monday. After all isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?...

I’m sure last week many readers were a bit surprised that I didn’t use my available space to celebrate the victory of Donald Trump — our new president of the United States. Well, that’s it. You just saw it. That’s about the end of my celebration. Besides I couldn’t do any better than this guy:...

The good Lord works in mysterious ways. And as mysterious as they are, they are always for our benefit. That was a takeaway from my recent journey to California. The trip was arranged by my wife Leah for my recent 50th birthday. She had arranged with some friends of mine back in the area for me to return to Bakersfield for a week to visit the old stomping grounds, enjoy the company of some high school friends and former roommates, share some laughs over meals engaging in memories of deeds for which the statute of limitations has run out on ... ...

I'm all good with this whole adult coloring books thing. I get it. I loved to draw and color as a kid, why wouldn't I enjoy it as an adult. Heck, there are some guys making pretty good money for creating some pretty colorful heroic characters that have leaped from the pages of comic books onto the big screen. I also appreciate the theraputic idea as well. Coloring is a calming release...

As you read this I am preparing to meet some old high school classmates and former roommates from California. And when I talk to all of them, I will get the same question: Why are you living in Iowa? Coincidentally enough, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is in the midst of its campaign to try and grow the Corridor region population by 5 percent over the next five years. ...

In case you haven’t heard, we’re in the middle of a major election cycle. Don’t fear my liberal friends, I’m not going to do any candidate advocating, though I’m sure most of you who read this column regularly can be pretty certain how I’m going to vote...

Today will be a special day for me. I will be taking the football field one last time to coach one of my sons. The Spencer sixth-grade MYFL football team earned a spot on Championship Saturday in Spirit Lake. The fifth-grade team — coached by my good friend Scott Busch — did as well. So the young men from Spencer, in their final MYFL game, will get to play for a championship. I couldn’t be prouder of this young group of 28 boys who have played their hearts out this year for the opportunity...

Live in fear Spencer. Clown sightings actually began in Spencer 15 years ago and it can all be traced back to 3-year-old Chloe Mohr who came out on her Facebook page this week as the trend originator. Now you know who to blame. I don't get it, but I do...

I honestly don't know why either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton want to step into President Barack Obama's shoes. They're inheriting a country in complete turmoil and unrest. We don't need to be worrying about invaders from outside our borders right now. The Islamic State group is the least of our worries. We're doing a pretty good job of tearing ourselves apart right now all on our own -- American versus American...

Two days and counting. Then we can begin the countdown to the 100th anniversary of the Clay County Fair. But I've still got a couple more days to scarf down some of those fair favorites and take in the sights and sounds that make the Clay County Fair unique to any other county fair I've ever experienced...

So here it is, and by it I mean the big "it" in Clay County -- the Clay County Fair. The self-proclaimed "World's Greatest County Fair" which every year seems to live up to its billing, drawing more than 300,000 visitors through the gates in a county where the population doesn't even top 20,000...

There has been a great deal to wring your hands about this week. And it seems like every time I turn on the television I'm being popped with something else that seems to just up the ante. So I'll start this week with a favorite player of mine on one of my favorite teams -- San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and his continued show of defiance -- refusing to stand for the playing of the national anthem...

Thursday evening, the Spencer Cross Country teams kicked off their campaigns, hosting a large event at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course. The meet was held in conjunction with a special pink-out effort to raise breast cancer awareness. Music, pink shirts, some refreshments and an evening where foot traffic took over the local links...

I'm convinced that nobody understands this bullying thing. Last September, Gov. Terry Branstad joined Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and signed Executive Order 86 during a dedication ceremony at Arthur Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. The ceremony dedicated a "Buddy Bench" to recognize the bullying prevention work of Isaac Taylor, a middle school student who has been working to raise money to install Buddy Benches on at least 17 additional school playgrounds in the Cedar Rapids area to foster friendship.. ...

Well we're about halfway into the 2016 Olympics, and as a sports enthusiast, it's really about all you can ask for. The performances, in particular those by the American athletes, have been outstanding to say the least. From the amazing iron man -- or iron lung -- capabilities of the age-defying Michael Phelps in the swimming pool as he continues to add to his medal collection to aquatic star teammates and fellow water frogs; from the first American gold in Rio -- won by 19-year-old Ginny Thrasher in the obscure -- and previously unbeknownst to me -- 10-meter air rifle competition to the comeback cycling mom, Kristin Armstrong who too took top honors; from Kayla Harrison who demonstrated that age is no boundary as she claimed the top of the medal stand in the women's judo competition at 78 kg. ...

On Friday, I received an email from Will Jones, chairman of the Clay County Republican Party, copying me on a letter sent to Iowa District 1 Sen. David Johnson, I-Ocheyedan. The letter (see story on Page 1A) is signed by all five Republican county party chairs in District 1 and basically condemns Johnson's decision and subsequent announcement that he is renouncing his affiliation with the Republican Party a few weeks back...

Before I get into this week's column, I want to reach out to our readers for input. On Wednesday morning, I will have an opportunity to visit with U.S. Rep. Steve King. I'm asking for questions from our reading audience. I've received a couple, but am really looking for some more to choose from. ...

Some of you may think this column stinks, and believe me I understand. But don't shoot the messenger folks, I just report the news. Based on a report from The Hill, former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders' endorsement of his opponent -- former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been hard for some of his followers to swallow. And even harder for some others to process as they seem to be suffering from complications associated with digesting the news...

In the aftermath of the racial outrage related to a pair of police-related shootings of black men in Minnesota and Louisiana, followed by the rage-driven sniper assault at a peaceful protest rally in Dallas targeting white police officers that left five law enforcement officers dead -- tensions have been extremely high in many segments of society...

Late Friday afternoon, Gov. Terry Branstad called for all flags in the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor the victims of the sniper attacks in Dallas, Texas. It just goes to show that these incidents don't just effect Dallas, or Texas, but take the breath away from all Americans...

Beginning Thursday morning and concluding Sunday evening, Clay County residents have come together from different churches to stand outside the Clay County Courthouse and read the Bible from cover-to-cover. With more than 320 15-minute shifts, organizers from Faith Pentecostal Church in Spencer believed that the Bible could be read in its entirety if the reading continues 24/7...

Often times when I talk about prayer, or needing to pray about something, I get this puzzled or bizarre look from folks. I generally pay it little mind as I don't feel the need to justify my Christian beliefs or practices to people who choose to rely on their own luck and chance when it comes to the decision making processes in their lives...

Those closest to him participated in private services Thursday morning in Louisville, Kentucky. Thousands more who loved and adored the former heavyweight champion mourned his loss Friday in more public ceremonies -- including a procession down a street named in his honor...

With Tuesday's Iowa primary election on the horizon, I want to encourage you to make sure that you exercise your right to vote. Well unless you're a convicted felon in which case you're going to have to wait for the courts to change the laws. But all of the rest of you, who can and are legally registered to vote, I want to encourage you to make your voice heard on Tuesday...

Sadly, the city of Spencer's population has declined by one. That happens. People move. They leave for a wide variety of reasons. To go to school. A new job opportunity. It's winter. Many reasons. Many acceptable reasons. But one reason that is not acceptable is bullying, and that's the reason behind the departure of this one particular individual -- a seventh-grade teen who had enough and decided along with his mother that his best option for the time being was to leave the friends he had behind here and relocate to a smaller South Dakota community where he could get a fresh start.. ...

Since I will probably never be asked to speak at a graduation I'm forced to use my limited space here in the Daily Reporter this week to address the Class of 2016 as they prepare to walk across the stage, receive their well-deserved diplomas, have their tassel's moved and get chapped palms from all the congratulatory handshakes...

So last week, right here in "One Man's Perspective," I discussed the idea of the move to coed bathrooms as a means to help ease the anxiety being experienced by transgender persons with regards to which bathroom they have to use and which bathroom they feel like using...

I'm beginning to wonder if I'm the only one who cares about this whole shared bathroom concept. Well, perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration. I'm far from the only one. But I asked a lot of people about the topic last week as it continued to circulate through the news in light of Target's decision to allow a person to No. 1 or No. 2 in the little girls or little boys rooms as they see fit regardless of personal plumbing...

I know we're saying goodbye to April and getting ready to welcome May. There's still a chill in the air and the bloom is not yet on the flowers, but I've got to be honest, I've found myself in a football state of mind lately. Last Saturday morning, I sat in a room full of fellow Midwest Youth Football League community directors as we reviewed rules and safety procedures for the upcoming fall season. ...

If you're looking for something to do around Spencer this weekend, you won't have far to look. Especially if you like to give back to the community in which you live. Let me set an itinerary for you. Let's start with a visit to help plant some trees out at the Spencer Soccer Complex beginning at 9 a.m. ...

Last week, I remarked about the fact that we were celebrating Victims Rights Week while at the same time our Iowa Supreme Court is wrestling with a language issue that may restore voting rights to a great number of dangerous, violent felonious criminals...

Math, English and history took a back seat at Sioux Central Wednesday. Instead the lessons came in the form of a reality check courtesy of the Power of Choice program and the dedicated team of coordinators and volunteers who poured their time into this "reality" check...

As we sit and await the Iowa Supreme Court decision regarding voting rights for criminals who have committed some of the state's most serious offenses, we gear up to celebrate National Crime Victims' Rights Week starting tomorrow. National Crime Victims' Rights Week is conducted to promote victims' rights and to honor crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. ...

Iowa Supreme Court justices have been burning brain cells this week "struggling" according to news report to decide whether or not to restore voting rights for tens of thousands of felons. The challenge, interpreting Iowa Constitution language from the 1850s that forbids those convicted of "infamous crimes" from being able to be heard via the Iowa voting booth...

Late last week and again earlier this week, both President Barack Obama and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton were calling on the American people -- specifically the conservative right -- to tone down the angry rhetoric toward Muslim extremists, suggesting it isn't helping matters and only serving to aggravate an already tense situation...

We're living in a world that seems to be teetering on the edge. Violent attacks around the globe by terrorists are bent on the elimination of Christians and anyone who does not prescribe to the radical Muslim agenda. Presidential candidates have tossed any form of dignity out the window in exchange for attacks on hair, ears and wives...

Being a member of the Spencer School Board, or any school board for that matter, is an unsung job. Unlike the City Council members and board of supervisors, these elected offices are unpaid and the level or responsibility and trust we as taxpayers, community members and parents place on their shoulders is certainly deserving of some compensation and thanks...

I had a press release come across my desk earlier announcing that U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst was backing legislation to bring civil action against a website linked to human trafficking. And I'm asking myself, why is this is necessary. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for Iowa's senator pursuing these animals full throttle. You go girl...

Ah Chicago. Where the winds blow. The dead vote. And discontent is the rule of the day. So where else would you expect the First Amendment to be put to the ultimate test last Friday. With a Donald Trump presidential rally on the docket and thousands gathered to hear from the GOP frontrunner, a huge contingent of non-Trumpites rallied outdoors in protest of the businessman's scheduled appearance...

Just some fun facts as we approach St. Patrick's Day. Of course we all know in this area if you want to get your "green" on, it's best to snatch up your pot of gold, grab your shillelagh and head over to Emmetsburg where they love to let celebrate with the best of Irish traditions...

If this is my last column, I ask for you to pray for my eternal peaceful rest and quick journey to the kingdom. Know I lived my life well, strove to be a loyal loving husband and devoted father. And it's important to know that I was always willing to fight the good fight, especially when it comes to be battling confused liberals. That's why I'm no longer here. I fought my last battle. I'm certain today's battle created an aneurysm which will undoubtedly explode tonight while I sleep...

Dr. Ben Carson, who proved to be one of the most honorable men running for the GOP presidential nomination bowed out of the race this past week. Peaking a few weeks ahead of the Iowa caucus, he slowly fell from the top tier of the candidates after challenging Donald Trump for a brief period of time...

Spencer High School seniors got their first real look at the world that awaits them when they bolt across the stage, snatch that diploma from Superintendent Terry Hemann's hand and make a run for it in May. SHS careers teacher Liz Kluver working with many area volunteers and partnering with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation put together The Game of Life for the school's seniors on Wednesday, offering them a look at what financial expectations await them when they venture beyond the comfortable walls of high school and home.. ...

I'm sure they didn't realize the man was a Marine hero. I doubt he was wearing his camouflage or sporting his dress blues decked out in medals. He was just a young guy sitting down to a meal in a McDonald's, minding his own business. I'm guessing he had no idea what was about to happen to him...

Wednesday, civil rights organizations visited the Iowa Capitol to make their case for reform in the criminal justice system. The advocates for change pushed for a ban on racial profiling, keeping juvenile records confidential, and expanding work opportunities for people with criminal histories...

So I'm sitting here with a fresh smudge of ashes newly applied on my forehead after returning home from Mass on Ash Wednesday, The Catholic tradition serves as a reminder, kicking off the build up to the Easter celebration, that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. And quite honestly, as I sat there in church, for a number of reasons, I wasn't feeling the spirit as I should have been...

I don't know if any local workers were involved as I didn't notice any large walking groups on Grand Avenue, but on the day of the final GOP debate prior to the Iowa caucus, fast food workers in Des Moines participated in a walk-out, striking to increase their wages. And on that day, waist lines around the state Capitol rejoiced...

Every four years the Hawkeye state takes center stage on both the national and world stages as the Iowa caucus turns the political focus to the simple perspectives that Iowans typically call common sense. And this year Iowans outdid themselves, with extremely strong numbers -- record-setting as a matter of fact on the Republican side -- with extreme views and avid debate on behalf of all candidates on both sides of the political race...

So after the horrific revelations, caught on tape, were revealed linking Planned Parenthood representatives to the marketing of aborted baby parts, I expected there would be legal ramifications to follow. C'mon folks. Selling aborted baby limbs and pieces for financial gain. Sounds like something out of a horror movie that even by today's standards would be too sick to be made...

"What difference does it make?" I remember when she said it. Our Secretary of State Hillary Clinton addressing the U.S. House Oversight Committee in May 2013 discussing the events of Sept. 11, 2012, at an ambassador's residence and covert CIA facility in Benghazi, Libya, that resulted in the death of the ambassador and others including military operatives...

I'm having almost as hard a time deciding who I'm going to stand behind at the Iowa caucus as I am trying to understand why sub-$27 a barrel oil is selling for $1.84 at the Spencer pumps. Tis a mystery, tis a mystery. But at least I'll be able to solve my voting crisis in the next couple of weeks. That gasoline question will likely go unanswered for eternity...

Last weekend I was able to be a fly on the wall -- well, perhaps that's a bit of a stretch -- a very large fly on the wall. My daughter and son were among a group of young people who came together at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer Sunday night to participate in The Bridge. The Bridge was a youth worship service bringing young Christians from multiple Spencer churches, as well as churches in Spirit Lake and Orange City...

Covering the sport of high school wrestling for more than 20 years, I've seen some pretty special things play out. As both a sports editor and broadcaster for SMU's Channel 3, I've had the privilege of watching some exceptional talent do some incredible things. I've cast my eyes on state champions, inspirational coaches, a wrestler with no legs and special moments that linger in one's memory and lend themselves to stories in reflection...

Things got a little exciting at the Spencer City Council meeting, and by exciting, I don't mean that Mayor Reynold Peterson banged his gavel extra hard as the councilmen raced to see who could be the first to move for adjournment. No, this excitement is surrounding a ordinance set to allow limited usage of all-terrain vehicles -- or ATVs for those outdoor-in-the-know kinda folks -- on Spencer city streets. ...

So 18-year-old Ethan Couch and his momma got nabbed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, last week after fleeing Texas to run away from his probation violation. That's a good mommy, when things go bad, take your kid and make a run for the border. No, they're not the new spokespeople for Taco Bell's late night menu, they're a couple of people who have lost all touch with reality and you can help our jacked up court system in assisting in the process which helped them separate themselves from what most of us recognize as the real world.. ...

It's been a rough week and that's putting it mildly. And I don't want to linger on it except to wish all of those closest to Austin Roberts God's healing as they attempt to move forward from what I'm sure was almost a slow-motion week. I know it was for me, just never could seem to clear my head and function so I can't even imagine how his family, friends and classmates are feeling...

It seemed surreal. The kind of thing you hear about in the news or see on television in some other part of the country. A well-conditioned athlete in the prime of his or her life, with so much left to do, passed away. That doesn't happen here in Spencer. But Saturday it did and it really, really hurts. He was big and strong and his coaches described him as "larger-than-life" and Saturday Austin Roberts left us unexpectedly at his life was just-getting-started age of 18...

It's a great week to be a geek. Christmas came early this week for geeks around the world, most of whom will or have united at movie theaters across the globe by this weekend to enjoy the newest installment of the "Star Wars" chapter. Because we will not have a paper on Christmas day -- next Friday -- where I would traditionally offer my review of "The Force Awakens," I figured I would instead use my column this week to offer some thoughts on the one motion picture series that continues to take me -- and many like myself -- back to our childhood.. ...

We live in a dangerous world. Watch the national news sometime. Heck, watch the local news broadcast out of Sioux City, Sioux Falls, Des Moines or wherever. Doesn't matter. Usually the first few minutes are filled with who's doing what to who. Acts of violence, theft and crime...

As I prepare for what has been the talk of the town this week, Donald Trump's arrived today for an 11 a.m. appearance at the Clay County Regional Events Center, I've found myself looking forward to covering this event. Without a doubt, this is the biggest presidential candidate appearance to hit the area yet through this election cycle as it will undoubtedly bring with it a swarm of national media, a platoon of secret service agents and perhaps a protester or two. ...

Now we can officially begin Christmas season. Thanksgiving has passed so now I'm ready to turn my attention to all the fun and excitement attached to the Christmas celebration. Despite the retail outlets efforts of playing Christmas music while I stare at masks of ghouls and Halloween T-shirts, it's really hard for me to make that shift until I take my time to usher out fall, honor those who deserve our thanks, slam down some turkey and ingest some football ― or is it slam down some football and ingest some turkey, I can never keep it straight. ...

So like many in America and around the world I watched the story develop last Friday (Nov. 13) as the people of Paris, France, felt the terror, tragedy and loss associated with another barbaric attack from the Islamic State group. I spent a great deal of time following the ongoing developments and the rising death toll, watching repeated video footage of people trying to escape from the upper floor of a concert hall...

Okay everybody, are you ready? It's time to get tough on drugs. Ready? Are you. Here we go! And so we've heard for how long? It's time to tackle the scourge of drugs on our society. We've heard it from state officials, federal officials, presidents, those in the legal profession, those actually charged with making it happen at the local, state and federal levels...

Last Monday, the Clay County Regional Events Center hosted its largest dinner audience ever, according to a staff member at the facility. Those gathered weren't present for a fair event, or a Chamber gala or even a presidential candidate. No, those in attendance, who enjoyed a nice evening of food and music, were there to hear from Rev. Tommy Barnett who was in town to talk about the mission of the Spencer Dream Center...

Happy Halloween everybody. Sorry I don't have any tricks up my sleeve, but I want to share with the readers one heck of a treat. It's not everyday an athlete will turn his back on the sporting spotlight to demonstrate class. Such heroics in today's sporting world are few and far between...

I can honestly say I've never looked to Titusville, Florida, for anything. I mean anything. But a recent effort launched in the community at the beginning of October I think demonstrates something we can all embrace in a time where the news is so filled with negativity and people doing harm to one another. Allow me to share what this city in the southeast chose to initiate...

I'd like to apologize in advance ... no wait, I take that back. Some of you really have this coming, so consider my apology retracted. I'm beginning to lose count of how many times we've had front-page stories talking about bus stop-arms in recent weeks...

There are people who talk about doing remarkable things in the lives of others. Then there are people who actually do the remarkable things that make a difference in the lives of others. The Spencer Dream Center, Feed Our Children, Birthright, Love Takes Root and many groups designed to help people in their greatest time of need...

I was excited to learn last week that on Nov. 2, Rev. Tommy Barnett, founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center is coming to Spencer to speak at a benefit for the Spencer Dream Center. In addition to being the founder of the Los Angeles and Phoenix Dream Centers, Barnett is also the senior pastor of the 14,000-member Phoenix First Assembly of God, one of the fastest growing churches in America. ...

I don't know who schedules the presidential candidates Iowa visits, but everyone of the planners responsible for their travel destinations in Iowa completely blew it when it came to skipping the Clay County Fair this year. It's unheard of, in a presidential election cycle, for GOP and Democrat candidates alike to completely ignore the second largest tourist attraction in the state of Iowa...

Thursday night, CNN got its highest-ever ratings as 23 million-plus tuned in to watch the second debate between a field of the "top 11" candidates in the ever-growing Republican presidential field. And the debate format welcomed a great deal of back-and-forth and one-on-one fights between the candidates...

Black lives don't matter. If that ruffles your feathers or makes the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up -- hear me out. Black lives don't matter. All lives matter. Regardless of the pigmentation of your skin, your life matters. My life matters. The lives of children still inside their mother's wombs matter. They all matter in the eyes of God and they should all matter in your eyes as well...

So Friday, my wife and I sported blue, as did many other Americans as a show of solidarity and support for law enforcement nationwide. Obviously, I'm aware not all law enforcement is outfitted in blue as both our Clay County Sheriff's deputies, Spencer Police officers and Iowa State Patrol all wear colors other than blue ... but in this case, it is definitely the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law that counts...

So here's what you've been waiting for, the very unofficial, unscientific results from Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate's Presidential Straw Poll conducted at the Iowa State Fair. Based on 9,008 votes cast during the event, we have learned the following valuable information that I'm sure will have the each of the candidate's ground teams working to figure out how to take advantage of the numbers game...

So the big topic over coffee, at lunch and at social opportunities this past week is Spencer's placement on the "The 10 Most Boring Places To Live In Iowa" list as proposed by Sam Sparkes and his RoadSnacks site. Based on the fact that the results were a big topic of conversation, Facebook posts and every other relevant form of communication this week, I would say he accomplished his mission. He gained relevance. And here I am furthering his reputation by giving him some more space in print...

Seems only fitting that with the start of the school year just more than a week away, schools should be a big topic of news statewide. Locally, the discussion seems to center around a couple things. First, how the summer flew by with a late run of the 2014-15 year and what appears to be a quick start to the coming session. The other popular topic -- among parents -- is the relief that a new school year brings as children return to the classroom after eating them out of house and home...

Well the first GOP debate, featuring 10 -- considered the current statistical front runners -- of the 17 candidates is in the books and I found it to be quite entertaining. With a broad field of conservatives, it was an opportunity to see them share the stage, exchange ideas -- sometimes quite angrily -- and offer their specific perspective on questions key to the direction of this country and the upcoming general election...

I've never made my views on the practice of abortion a secret. In my eyes, it's a crime against humanity. If we don't protect the most defenseless among us, our laws have failed us. Yet here we are decades after the Roe v. Wade decision where the practice of ending human life as the child continues to grow in its mother's womb is a practice used as a matter of convenience in many cases...

Last weekend, Australian pro surfer Mick Fanning was able to fight off an encounter with a shark while waiting on a wave during a televised contest from Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. Fortunately for Fanning, and the viewing office, the event served as a startling but blood-free moment...

My heart goes out to the families of the U.S. Marines killed in the senseless terrorist attack on a Marine Recruiting Office in Tennessee. For those wondering why we need to take the fight to these animals on their home turf, this is why. The individual who perpetrated the attack launched a spray of bullets at the building, targeting unarmed military personnel and any random civilians who may have been nearby. He had no regard for which one he hit. The more damage the better...

Well, Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, and her Iowa House and Senate colleagues arguing for the legalization of fireworks in the state didn't get any help this Fourth of July. One genius launched a firework off his head and died in the process, two NFL players suffered injuries to their hands, and countless others found new and creative ways to inflict personal and property damage courtesy of celebratory explosives...

At Coffee with the Editor each week -- a little event I host on Tuesday beginning at 7 a.m. in the dining room at the Spencer Dream Center -- we talk about a variety of things of local, state, national and world interest. Our group, which regularly numbers upward of 10 to 12 folks, kind of take a path that goes where the various topics of the day or week take us. ...

I have a couple of great examples for you this week of individuals who have definitely not thought their particular very different game plans through. Let's start local. According to an AP report, a Des Moines man was arrested earlier this week after he reported to police that he had been robbed...

From Randy's Annoyance Department, a couple of things I saw this week really got under my skin because, well quite frankly, they're both rude and discourteous to those around us. Both issues involve rude behavior behind the wheel. The first involved a car with a handicapped parking card parked in a handicapped parking space. So why should that bother me, sounds like everything is pretty square there. The vehicle in the spot has the pass to park there. Agreed. That's all good...

Well the transformation is nearly complete. At least as far as the world can see. Former Olympic gold medalist Bruce Jenner appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair, revealing Caitlyn to the public in her full glory for the first time. Jenner, 65, who stands 6-2 and wowed the world when he claimed the top spot in the 1976 Olympic decathlon, was the original face of the Wheaties box. ...

Ever since the first episode of "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette" aired -- honestly I can't remember and really care which came first -- I thought to myself, "Is this really what we've come to?" Actually, in full discloser, I haven't just kept these thoughts of disgust to myself. ...

Many around the country have expressed shock and dismay regarding the murder of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a man who was charged with felony first-degree assault. And while I share those feelings, I also offer one more emotion ... outrage...

Beginning this weekend, my wife and I will begin making our way around to several graduation celebrations involving some of the many outstanding young people we've found ourselves fortunate enough to know. It's a busy time of year for our family as we've recently located to a new home, downsizing a bit, into a nice neighborhood in west Spencer. ...

Hopefully by now you've had a chance to sample our newest editorial addition, "Let's Talk About It" which appears on this very editorial page on Saturdays. The pro-con format, on a chosen topic, provides parties on both sides of an issue -- be it local, state or federal in significance -- a chance to weigh in and offer their respective arguments in a civil format. Not only do they do it publicly, but they have the conviction of their beliefs to put both their name and face behind it...

Looking at some recent information provided by wallet hub.com, it seems pretty apparent we're looking in the wrong place for our next president of the United States. We need someone from the upper-midwest who can provide us with a little common sense leadership and fiscal accountability...

The loss of a child is a tragedy. If anything were ever going to test my deep faith and conviction, that would be the thing. I can't imagine the grief and I can't even begin to comprehend how someone could move beyond that pain. Maybe, in reality, you can't. Maybe you never get past it. But sometimes, despite the pain and lingering reminders, it's possible to channel those emotions and harness it into something positive...

I'm excited to announce the first "Let's Talk About It ..." piece will appear in next Saturday's Daily Reporter. For a few weeks I was asking, within this space, for any interested members of the public who would like to be part of a community advisory writing group. This group will pick an issue -- local, state or federal in nature -- then a pair of writers, supported by others with like minds, will put pen to paper creating support for their "side" of the issue...

The other evening I was home, a rare event indeed, and I was perusing the channels when I stumbled across IPTV World. Don't ask me how I wound up there -- it was strictly an accident -- but while channel surfing of which I'm a master, ask anyone in my family, I stumbled across the documentary "Bully."...

In the middle of the week, I found myself in Arizona for a quick visit to the home of my grandfather where my uncle lost his battle to cancer. My sister -- who lives just outside Philadelphia -- and I flew into Phoenix Wednesday morning to take care of some emergency family business before returning the next day to our respective homes. ...

"It will be tough watching Schaefer perform his body contortions and demonstrate moves during matches from a position other than that of the head coaches chair, but make no doubt, he will be twisting and squirming his gyrations of encouragement from somewhere nearby the mat." -- Randy Cauthron...

Is it time to update the preamble to the Constitution? Perhaps, according to some. As I've mentioned before I receive a great many emails on a daily basis. My inbox fills with some newsworthy info, some interesting and some entertaining pieces, and some junk submittals. They are sent by friends, strangers, peers and associates...

I received a story suggestion last week regarding the ongoing battle -- and a joining of forces ­ -- to fight childhood obesity. The piece out of Des Moines ­ -- from which apparently all good ideas and genius flows in the state of Iowa -- suggests an effort is underway to "make the healthy choice the easy choice."...

In the aftermath of the news regarding arrests stemming from a bunch of out-of-control adults at a Storm Lake Youth Basketball Tournament, you begin to wonder if all hope for sportsmanship is lost. I should clarify that although the tournament itself was conducted in Storm Lake, those arrested were from Le Mars and Sioux City. ...

The people of Spencer, and the community as a whole, demonstrates an attitude of working to be the best at what we do. And there's nothing wrong with that. We want to be recognized as a community that's one of the safest, most family-friendly and livable places in the state of Iowa...

For quite some time, I've been trying to come up with a way to create greater community involvement with the Daily Reporter. In past years we've attempted on different occasions to seek out persons interested in serving on an editorial board with limited success. That idea has been scratched...

From the bizarro world in which we sometimes find ourselves living I present the following actual stories that appeared on the AP newswire last week as a means to give you pause. When you think your life is giving you grief, just be glad you're not dealing with this mess...

So the legislative session is a month old in Des Moines and today we launch the first of our Chamber sponsored Eggs & Issues sessions in the Spencer City Hall council chambers. If you've never been, I encourage you to check out one of the four dates. ...

They traveled 40 miles north in bitter cold temperatures, draped in their green clothing, hoping for an evening of exciting high school basketball. But the poor folks from Storm Lake were not prepared for what their eyes beheld when they arrived at the Spencer Field House Friday night...

Do the right thing. What a simple philosophy. Don't treat other people wrongly. Don't take things that don't belong to you. Don't cheat. Be courteous. Put others before yourself. Don't break the law. When you make a mistake, be certain to offer an apology and learn from it...

As I watched the concluding moments of "American Sniper" Thursday evening I was once again reminded of our nation's failure to care for those suffering from mental illness. For those of you unfamiliar with Chris Kyle, the subject of the film based on his memoirs, he was a U.S. ...

I haven't stepped foot into my office at work since 2014. I literally walked out the door, with a bit of a limp, around noon on New Year's Eve. And I haven't been back since. After taking our son to the Omaha, Nebraska, airport so he could begin the next chapter in his life as a U.S. ...

I saw a recent repost on Facebook originally created as a public service announcement by a police association which read: PARENTS Please stop telling your children that we will haul them off to jail if they are bad. We want them to run to us if they are scared .....

It's time to take a breath. All the hustle and bustle associated with the commercialism of the Christmas season is behind us. Hopefully you've sorted through your gifts and discarded of all the wrapping paper. Maybe some of you have even gotten a head start on next year's Christmas season with some post-holiday sales...

With Christmas just two days away, chances are some of you will be spending this special holiday with family of all ages for a yearly gathering together for a little food, fun and gift exchanging. Sometimes the visit will leave you looking for something to do to occupy both the young and young at heart. ...

Received this -- among many Christmas related emails -- from a good friend and thought it was worth distributing as sad -- but true -- as it is. Twas the month before Christmas When all through our land, Not a Christian was praying Nor taking a stand...

They say the eyes are a gateway to the soul. I've found truth in that at times -- particularly at this time of year. Looking into someone's eyes, you can see whether the person is absorbing all there is to enjoy with the build up to the Christmas celebration. You can also see weariness in the eyes of those struggling to find joy for whatever reason...

I had an interesting discussion with the group of ninth-grade Catechism students I teach weekly at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. As we begin Advent and draw closer to the annual celebration that is Christmas, we talked about the significant role played by Mary and Joseph and the overwhelming faith they both demonstrated by carrying out their individual responsibilities in the plan that lead to the birth of Christ...

Hidden up here in our cozy homes in northwest Iowa, it would be very easy to try and ignore and not feel the impact of the horror of what's going on a few hours south in Ferguson, Missouri. I, like many across the country, watched and waited as the city battened down in anticipation of a grand jury decision that did not please the angry masses when it came to the prosecution of Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown...

For the second time in less than a year, Spencer High School students and staff were put on alert and evacuated after a threat on a bathroom wall suggested a bomb was located in the high school Wednesday. Similar circumstances, two different individuals responsible and the same dramatic response for both...

Just wanted to take some time this week to thank the administration in Maine for implementing a concept I've been advocating for years. The state has started requiring those using food stamps to begin working to earn them. Some are decrying the move as bad policy but I've been trying to make this argument for quite some time...

As you may be reading this Saturday morning, I'm racing back toward chilly northwest Iowa from beautiful, sunny southern California with a brand new U.S. Marine by my side. My son Hunter graduated shortly after 2 p.m. your time on Friday with a few hundred brand new Marine brothers in an amazing ceremony conducted at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. ...

As we make our move into November, I look forward to our annual turn toward a little more civility in general. The fact that the General Election is almost behind us is merely a coincidence in this equation -- or is it? But I digress. Traditionally, as we begin our march toward Thanksgiving and the Christmas season, our rhetoric and treatment of one another seems to lighten to a tone one might almost consider somewhat cheerful. ...

Well, the table is set. The decision is now in the hands of the people. Point of fact -- it always has been. With polls open for early voting, the big day is less than two weeks away -- a day that could shift the landscape of the political leanings on both a state and national level. Ultimately it will be left to those who are governed, we the people, as it should be. So make sure when given the opportunity you have your say...

Couple of issues on my heart this week. The first being volunteer service. On Thursday, the Spencer Chamber of Commerce added Alison Simpson to the distinguished list of Jack Wedel Award recipients. Rarely is there an award more deserved. She and I have served on a number of committees together and worked side-by-side on multiple projects and her desire to help make Spencer a better place is as deeply-rooted as it is sincere...

I remember as a child, being able to purchase my favorite comic books, whether it be "Batman," "Captain America," "Spider-Man" or whichever cover caught my eye. And inevitably, each week, there would be a cartoon ad about some poor 98-pound weakling getting sand kicked in his face at the beach by the resident bully as his horrified girl friend looked on. ...

As the Iowa State Fair wrapped up this summer, I received a news release indicating the results of a poll conducted at the Iowa secretary of state's booth. Deemed "unscientific" -- my favorite kind -- fairgoers were asked their opinion on whether they "think Iowa voters should show a photo ID to vote?" In addition, they were asked about demonstrating proof of their county of residence...

Many are screaming from the rooftops. Others are saying it's overblown. What am I talking about? Why the "latte salute" of course. If you haven't seen video or at least a photo of this incident on broadcast television, in a newspaper or through social media, apparently you've been living in hiding for the past several days. But in case you have, and this is the first paper you're looking at since emerging -- allow me to thank you for your readership -- please be patient while I recap...

So we've finally reached the point where flying the red, white and blue has become objectionable. Actually, we've been headed in that direction for quite some time. After all, we don't want to flash our "American exceptionalism" in the faces of people who might disagree with the belief that this is the greatest country in in the world. Especially if those said people actually live within its borders...

I had the opportunity to enjoy the Newsboys and Matthew West in concert Tuesday night with my wife and two youngest boys. In addition to it being a fantastic show -- complete with great sound, high energy and a positive message -- it was a concert with a challenge for its audience...

Well it's been 356 days in the making -- with work beginning a day after we ended last year's event -- and finally it's day one of the Clay County Fair. If you're a regular reader, you're certainly aware of the role the fair plays in Spencer, Clay County and the region at large...

Does anyone else have a problem with President Barack Obama's behavior following his press conference addressing the ISIS beheading of an American journalist? He gets up behind his presidential podium and delivers what appeared to be a very heartfelt speech regarding the horrific video which went viral of a captured American journalist used as a propaganda tool for these crazed maniacs and continued attacks on life. It was short and to the point...

I'm really disappointed in both the Republican and Democratic Senate candidates this week. Multiple times over the course of the last several weeks, I've reached out to both Joni Ernst and Bruce Braley's campaigns asking each team to consider having their respective candidate participate in a public debate the first Saturday of the Clay County Fair on Sept. 6...

My son Hunter left for the U.S. Marines on Monday. His mother and I, along with our three children still at home, traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, to see him off. While there, we had an opportunity to hear from the commander out of Des Moines who oversees the various recruitment centers in Iowa and Nebraska. This guy was Mr. Marine. Big buff guy. Walked with confidence. Exuded authority...

I've brought this up a few times lately, specifically on Facebook and apparently I'm not the only one wondering. Why such a huge discrepancy between Spencer and Storm Lake in gas prices? Last week, a friend of mine -- call him a "Gas Road Warrior" -- sent me a personal photo from a gas station in Storm Lake which suggested $2.95 a gallon for Super Unleaded fuel. ...

What's behind the phenomenon of "Sharknado?" Don't try to answer. There is no answer. Such great mysteries can never be truly explained, only philosophized about. So please allow me to add my philosophical take. Wednesday night, nearly 4 million viewers tuned in to watch the sequel to arguably one of the worst made-for-TV movies ever. Myself included...

As someone who makes his living from the use of words with particular interest in the freedom of speech component of the U.S. Constitution, I'm finding it increasingly frustrating to see reactions from both sides of the aisle regarding people exercising that freedom of speech...

While the forecast suggests a warm up for next week beginning Sunday, things actually started to heat up Friday evening and continued into Saturday with the Rocket Suzie Music Festival, sitting on the banks of the Little Sioux River near the Grand Avenue Bridge...

I've had a chance to see the SCT teen summer production of "Into the Woods" three times - twice on rehearsal nights and once Thursday evening - and I've got to tell you, I'm impressed. I shouldn't be surprised. Many of the young performers had integral parts in Spencer High School's amazing "Beauty and the Beast" fall musical, and the addition of some other gifted performers from around the area has only added to the talent pool...

On Tuesday, I joined the Spencer Ambassadors in welcoming the new director at Arts on Grand, Jennifer Galm, to her new position. No stranger to the area nor to the art world, I'm confident she will do a good job in her new role and will be a strong fit for the downtown artisans hub. ...

I'm coming around. It's taken a while. But I'm finally coming out -- I enjoy soccer. I haven't always had these strange feelings. For the longest time, I didn't understand it. I didn't play the sport much as a youth, although many of my friends did. I kicked the ball around a little with some of my buddies in California, including a few who were good enough to play at the college level, but it never really clicked with me...

The issue of the Washington Redskins team name has taken center stage again this week as the on-again, off-again debate sparked one more time. I'm not sure what triggered the discussion this time around but it's pretty apparent that Washington football owner Daniel Snyder is holding his ground as he's done every time the issue has been broached in the past...

It's here, the 30th anniversary of Spencer's Flagfest celebration. Recognizing Flag Day each year, the second weekend in June, traditionally has meant bust out the sun tan lotion and look for shelter from the sun. Last year, it meant break out the ponchos, umbrellas and seek shelter from the storms...

President Barack Obama's decision to trade five high-ranking Taliban leaders, being held at Guantanamo Bay, for an American soldier -- Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl -- who, according to his fellow soldiers, abandoned his post and was found in the company of the Haqqani network, has got me thinking...

Tuesday, citizens in Spencer and around the state will have an opportunity to cast their ballot in a pair of contested races with both local and national implications. On the local front, five candidates -- three incumbents and two challengers -- will seek to fill three open seats on the Clay County Board of Supervisors...

In the aftermath of the public release of Los Angeles Clippers owner (for the time being) Donald Sterling's moronic recorded comments regarding his feelings about people of color, the dialogue about race has been all over the media. Thanks a lot Donald...

This particular column is directed at those young people who within the next couple of weeks will proudly walk across the stage, sporting an attractive cap and gown, to collect the items they've spent the past four years attempting to earn ... that graduation diploma...

With tomorrow being the big day, that it is a day that each and everyone of us should celebrate, it's important to make sure to give that special person who brought you into this world and gave you life the perfect gift. So for my wife -- the mother of my children; my mother-in-law -- the mother of the mother of my children; and my very own mother -- the mother of her grandchildren's father; I am pleased to announce that you are now each the proud owners of your very own manatee...