Opinion

Dr. Austin Baeth specializes in internal medicine at Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Des Moines. That is the same hospital that my granddaughter now works for as a genetics counselor. She was watching Baeth on CNN in her office telling the world what was going on in Iowa with the COVID-19 pandemic. ...

It’s time to think spring. Fall is the time to plant tulips, daffodils, crocus and other spring flowering bulbs. Use these early bloomers to welcome spring to your landscape. You’ll appreciate the color and cheery blooms after another long winter passes...

“The soul must long for God in order to be set aflame by God’s love; but if the soul cannot yet feel this longing, then it must long for the longing. To long for the longing is also from God.” (Meister Eckhart) We do not need to “long for the longing” right now. ...

Earlier this month, we observed the 19th anniversary of 9/11. We honored the memory of three thousand souls whose lives were stolen for the sole purpose of inflicting terror upon 300 million Americans. We grieve with their loved ones left behind and salute first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line to save others. ...

On Sunday, as the president of the United States held a political rally for thousands in a manufacturing plant in Nevada, in violation of that state's COVID-19 restrictions limiting gatherings to 50 people or less outdoors, the Clay County Fair was shuttered on its planned opening weekend, and the National Football League kicked off its season in cavernous, mostly-empty stadiums...

We were just getting the branding fire going well at the Rafter E when Dud brought out the tape measure. We stared at him until he said something through his corona mask. “How long do you figure a calf is?” he asked. We looked at each other. Steve said, “I don’t know … 4 feet?”...

On Tuesday, 100-plus citizens of Clay County went out to the polls to cast their vote in a special school election. Added with absentee votes, approximately 200 some ballots were cast. You’ve heard, since it’s on the front page. What’s not included in the coverage is the methods of how we cover an election here at the paper. Don’t fret, it’s not a trade secret...

Doesn't it just seem like one thing after another? We're in the midst of a global pandemic, which has taken the lives of more than 1,000 Iowans, and then we get hit by a derecho. It's been a trying year for folks across Iowa. The challenges we're facing as a state, and a nation, are some of the toughest in a lifetime. ...

Daffodils are having their day. Floral designers are opening our eyes to a world of gorgeous daffodils that extends far beyond the iconic yellow trumpets. These unexpected varieties include doubles, bi-colors and split cups, in colors such as creamy white, peach, pink, gold and orange. Plant the bulbs in fall to see these beauties emerge in your spring garden. Then enjoy how they elevate all your spring bouquets...

Much of our lives we go from one thing to another asking, “What’s next?” Like children on a vacation travel adventure, after seeing a mountain the first time and playing in snow in July, they get in the car and ask, “Where are we going now?” I don’t want to suggest John the Baptist was childish, but that seems to be his spirit, as we have it expressed in Matthew 11: John “sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus’ received those disciples warmly and listened to their query. ...

The recent news that J.D. Scholten accepted an invitation from KTIV for a debate and Randy Feenstra declined the invitation, reminded me of a guest commentary letter written three weeks ago by Senate District 1 Sen. Zach Whiting and House District 2 Rep. ...

Last week's letter to the editor, "In Reference to the Recent Atlantic Article," struck a chord. As letters go, it tried to make a point, and drive it home with relevant examples. While I salute the writer's father for his obvious patriotism and devotion to his sense of duty, I don't share the sentiment that President Donald Trump "doesn't have a clue about what serving your country means." I doubt if she has walked a mile in the president's shoes, nor would she likely wish to do so. ...

When World War II broke out my father enlisted in the Navy at age 17. During the Cuban Missile Crisis he felt called to serve his country and left his job as a college professor and returned to active duty as a Navy chaplain. When the Vietnam War broke out and Marines were shipped to Vietnam my father volunteered for duty in Vietnam because if the troops went, they would need a chaplain. Donald Trump had “bone spurs.”...

We are now into the sixth month of a health epidemic in proportions unheard of in our lifetime. Fifty percent of our schools are being conducted online and half of our populations on self confinement. Our senior citizens who should be enjoying their retirement years, many are experiencing fear for becoming sick...

Pretty gardens are making the streets of Spencer dangerous! Spencer city workers are blocking the roads and not letting traffic get through. The people can’t go where they should go. Some people cannot see where they’re going and they could crash. City workers are also in trouble because they could be hurt if they get ran into...