Last week’s weather was enough to make one lose her cool. “Heat index up to 110…” The heat index is how hot it really feels when humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. more

The annual Fourth of July parade through our town began this year with a mystery. You see, a couple of the boys cornered Jimmy Angles yesterday down by Lewis Creek and hit him in the mouth. more

It’s always good to know there are things in life we can count on. more

An afternoon rain shower put an end to field work one warm day in early June. Delmer and the neighbor boys grabbed the opportunity to patrol the shelter belt for deer trails and broods of young pheasants. more

It is time for me to bid farewell to so many readers, contributors, and friends – but I can’t believe that it is time to say goodbye. I have resigned from the Missouri Valley Times News, The Dunlap Reporter, and The Mapleton Press. more

We live in the information age. One can ask a question by speaking into a phone or entering a few key strokes. Within seconds, a plethora of particulars flashes across the screen. Sometimes the … more

The largest bill to move out of each chamber this week was HF 2355, the Unemployment Insurance reform bill. There has long been a need to reform Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund laws in order to balance the need for those terminated through no fault of their own, against the need for the fund to grow during the good times of low unemployment. more

“Wait a minute … wait a minute … I got it!” said Steve, our tall cowboy with the shaving brush moustache. “Here’s what we can do … just listen a minute.” more

As your state representative I strive to communicate to you via this newsletter to keep you apprised of happenings at the State Capitol. Oftentimes I write about the positive and groundbreaking things we accomplish while in session. However, this week I am writing not to tell you of an accomplishment, but of a failure. Honest and transparent are two things I will always be while having the privilege to represent you here in Des Moines, and I hope you find this newsletter insightful and truthful, knowing that I will always be straightforward with my constituents. more

“But…” more

The World Economic Forum says by 2030 we will own no property but we will “be happy”. You can read all about it in Klaus Schwab’s book The Great Reset. But have you asked yourself, … more

Every year about this time I get the urge to purchase soil, seeds, a trowel and gardening gloves but there is one, actually two, small problems. First, I have a black thumb. more