Syndicated or not, it’s working – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
I’m often asked, by aspiring writers, how I got my column into so many newspapers….
Guest Authors
Thank You notes have started year right
Empty Nest – by Curt Swarm “If you have one friend, you’re a wealthy person.”…
Dodging the pitfalls of an aging body- Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
It all started when an old hernia surgery scar began hurting—real bad! What was going…
A full list of holiday dining hot spots – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
With the eating season upon us—Thanksgiving through Easter—here is where Ginnie and I like to…
“Give this day a good pull” – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
They, the omniscient “they,” say that when you retire the majority of your time is…
Ancestry search turns up pain – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
From an early age Scott Pieper (pronounced “Pipe-er” not “Peep-er”) wanted to be a mortician….
Mud run mirrors 30 years of sobriety – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
November 3, 1989, a day I shall never forget. I had fallen drunk through the…
This Veteran’s Day, hug a vet – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
The little green sign at 18th and Main Street, in downtown Keokuk, doesn’t really do…
Fall’s spectacular in Minnesnowda – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
There are two seasons in Minnesota: winter and road construction. Ginnie and I were on…
French honor Iowa’s Hunger – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Ned Hunger’s P-47 Thunderbolt, along with three other P-47’s buzzed the town of Arches, France….
Douds race announcer takes final lap – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I had a Facebook message from a Scott Watson in Douds. He is a SE…
A life of service is a fine life – Empty Nest – by Curt Swarm
“The spiritual and moral will eventually overcome the material and unmoral. That is the purpose…
A full, silly, weird day at ISU’s Jack Trice
AMES — They had enough. The Iowa State students in the northeast corner of Jack…
Inklings of fall bring changes, adventures – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
The “Mump Truck” (mums + dump truck) is now spilling over with blanket flowers. You…
MP football team was perfect in ’63 – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Only one team came close to scoring. Fairfield made it to Mt. Pleasant’s one yard…
Tragic death brings fond memories – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
We both worked for the Mt. Pleasant News in the advertising department. I was new…
Summer brings a little bitter with the sweet – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
I cut through the aronia bushes on the way to the barn. The aronia bushes…
Zumdome’s “Purse and Boots” a favorite at art contests – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
The art awards were announced. “In 2D, second place goes to…, first place goes to…;…
Tending to flowers and then tending to an escapee – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
A man ran across Sharon Bortz’s back yard. He had his shirt off and was…
Local business owner tells story of encounter with explorer
BY BRENDA DERRDOLLHOUSE DREAMS OWNER/OPERATOR FORT MADISON – Jules Winnfield has been on a mission…
Are vacations getting overrated? – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Ginnie calls it a “staycation.” Instead of going on a summer vacation, we stay at…
Signs of the times – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
Like a precursor to the evening, there was a rather rude outburst at the political…
Empty Nest empty without Barney
Barney has disappeared. It happened on Mother’s Day (wouldn’t you know). Barney has always been…
Trip brings meeting with Pulitzer winner – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
The last time I was in Jefferson, Iowa, I was six years old and had…
Mt. Pleasant man on mission to rename Skunk River
Dan Williams wants to reclaim the name “Shecaqua” for the Skunk River. He is tall…
Sports guys eyes opened to Iowa sports
I’m From Dallas City, Il, so I knew where Fort Madison was and could actually…
Treehouse getaway provides break – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
Ginnie and I went to sleep with the rain falling gently on the roof of…
Memories of Blossom during National Beef Month – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
I’ve caught more flak about butchering Blossom than any other column I’ve written. Good grief….
Lost in “The Bean” – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Blossom is not pregnant. The vet called with the results of the blood test. “Open,”…
Aslan’s books cement authors faith – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I got the first book where I get many of my books, from 89-year old…
MP man walked more than 30,000 miles – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
The best way to interview an octogenarian who walked 30,000 miles in 30 years (a…
Knowledge is power for your health – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
Sue Walker and her cancer sniffing rescue dog, Kendall.Kendall was on Sue’s lap as usual,…
Cat’s role is ‘mews’ for class writings
Barney purrs when he sleeps. I’m not kidding. I once put my ear to his…
Blossom ruins a day with Bernie Sanders – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
We were four deep from the stage to hear Bernie Sanders at the Memorial Union…
Minks leave Empty Nest…empty – By Curt Swarm
Mayhem struck the Empty Nest Farm. I was a little late doing the morning chores….
Bowling is a big part of their longevity – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
On Fridays they bowl, at 1:00 p.m. No napping for them! They are part of…
Eagles donate $1,000 to FM food pantry
BY LIN CRAMER Fort Madison Food Pantry FORT MADISON – If you attended the benefit…
Best seller discusses cancer enemies – Curt Swarm, Empty Nest
Two books, both on the New York Times Bestseller List, were given to me free:…
Polar vortex challenges the farmer – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Tough winter. I’ve fallen twice now doing chores, the first time breaking the eggs I…
Frozen lines require a call to God – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Our outside temperature gauge told me it was -21° F at 2:00 a.m.–the time I…
Mt. Pleasant pilot part of historic recovery
U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Kent White’s team found the wrecked Hercules C-130 Transport Airplane by…
Farm dealer trades in tractor for Cessna 182 – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
The flight instructor asked Tom what he would do if he was going in for…
Octogenarian gives book to help others – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
The voice on the phone was of an elderly man. I could hardly understand him….
Retired life brings adventure(s) – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Wondering what to do with yourself after retirement? Talk to Larry McKim of Ottumwa. He’s…
Christmas memories linger with nurse – by Curt Swarm, Empty Nest
It was Christmas Eve. Mary Murphy, of Mt. Pleasant, was told to go outside to…
Not just another day off – Empty Nest, by Curt Swarm
Ginnie and I try to do things together on her days off. Often in the…
The ‘B’s have it – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
For some strange reason, Blossom only escapes from her pen when Ginnie and I are…
This high school coach does boys AND girls basketball
Tim Smith, basketball coach of Sweet Springs High School in Missouri is a busy man….
Columnist holding book signing – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Just in time for Christmas, I will be doing a book signing in Burlington at…
Daily path leaves lots to be thankful for
I read a lot. Most of my reading/writing is performed, orchestrated, conducted in the early…