Opinion

Since I was sworn-in just six months ago, I have made it a priority to advance policies that will benefit our farmers, students, main street business owners and veterans. A number of efforts that I helped lead have passed the House — including legislation that expands STEM education programs, protects American research, bolsters research and development in farm technology, provides mental health services to veterans in rural areas and more...

“God doesn’t need our exhaustion.” That is one of the lines that got my attention in Kirk Byron Jones’ wonderful book, “Addicted to Hurry.” It is a striking thought for us in a culture that values achievement and busyness, which leads to hurry and stress...

There is a $1,000-plus profit per steer that – because packers have unbalanced market power – ranchers and feedlots are missing out on entirely. It has not always been like this. It is a relatively recent development that became extenuated after the Tyson Kansas plant fire. ...

The Pearson Lakes Art Center presented “Rock your ‘60s and ‘70s Memories” last week, and we got triple our money’s worth. Three outstanding musical groups of that era took turns on the Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre stage, and we spent well over three hours remembering the classics they gave to us years ago...

“The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On” is the name of the musical at the Okoboji Summer Theatre this week. Without a doubt they are marvelous! Four Stephens College students portray a high school singing quartet back for their 10-year class reunion. The second act finds us at their 20-year reunion...

My dear friends, Rev. Lee Laaveg, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church for the past 10 years and a long-time board member with me at the Grand Avenue Community Outreach, offered his final sermon as a full-time clergy after 40 years of dedicated service to God’s word. The recipients of the sermon reciprocated with smiles, tears and heartfelt thanks for the first pastor to lead the church, coming on board shortly after it opened...

Blueberries are a summer favorite, great for snacking, baking, topping your oatmeal and so much more. This nutritious fruit also adds a bit of brain power to your diet and beauty to your landscape with spring blooms, fall color and, of course, tasty and colorful fruit...

There is in the splashing of the creek a great spray of diamonds. As each youngster sails like an astronaut out on the tire swing, then releases the hold on the earth to flail, suspended in time and space for that brief second or two, there is a timelessness, a postponement of all things evil and destructive, an affirmation of joy...

On Thursday, July 1, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced the DNR Derelict Building Grant Program awarded grants to nine small, rural Iowa communities to help deconstruct or renovate abandoned structures, remove asbestos and limit construction and demolition materials going to the landfill...

Iowans should be prepared when conditions are right for scammers following severe weather events. With severe storm season upon us, Iowans shouldn’t just be prepared for adverse weather, they also should be on the lookout for “storm chasers” who come to town after such events, Attorney General Tom Miller advises...

Being a member of the law enforcement in our community is a great honor. I love doing what I can to keep the residents of Clay County safe. When someone is arrested, they are read their Miranda rights. I'm sure you've heard this on TV — "you have the right to remain silent,” and so on. These very basic rights are outlined in the constitution and give the accused legal recourse if they feel their rights were violated — as it should be...

Sioux Central Community School District is excited to announce the introduction of our school-based Rebels Mentoring Program. We are currently looking for community members to fulfill the role as a mentor for the 2021-22 school year for our sixth to eighth graders. Mentoring can be the missing key for some young adults. At the most basic level, mentoring works because it guarantees a young adult additional support outside from their family, teachers or current support system...

LifeServe Blood Center would like to thank Spencer community for hosting a blood drive. On June 28, the Spencer community registered 43 donors, collected 47 units and saved over 141 lives due to the dedication and selfless sacrifice these donors made for a stranger. We are so thankful for our donors and we hope to see you the next time we come into town. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please call 1-800-287-4903 for your next closest opportunity...

The Des Moines Register's editorial board recently argued Democrats in Washington should bypass negotiating with Republicans on infrastructure legislation. This would set a terrible precedent and hurt Iowa dearly. While the Des Moines Register is quick to jump on the idea that bipartisanship is dead, Iowans in Spencer and Northwest Iowa disagree. ...