Olympic Rings and Things – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
In honor of the Winter Olympics, I fashioned the Olympic Rings out of old wagon…
Opinion
Local governments should carry different spirit to public input – Beside the Point
One of the rights and responsibilities of the general public is to challenge the philosophies,…
GOP proposals may backfire on state’s population
I stumbled across a statistical tidbit the other day that probably will surprise many people….
Mt. Pleasant’s Musician Master – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
On a table in front of Dr. Joel Brown’s picture window is a large Nativity…
Governor’s proposals more partyline politics
If nothing else was learned from Tuesday’s Condition of the State address, it’s this –…
Senate change won’t better inform Iowans
Typically, in the days leading up to the start of a new session of the…
Dem says it’s time to reclaim former Republican party – Letter to the Editor
I’ve felt for some time that there is a big difference between The former Republican…
MP, Ottumwa native has Miss America playthings – Empty Nest
Sharon Bortz of Mt. Pleasant, formerly Sharon Smith of Ottumwa, watched the Miss America pageant…
My wife and daughter are becoming Wing Nuts – Beside the Point
This holiday was a short one. It seems like it came and went very fast….
Americans are slow to grasp this extreme danger
Something came out of Colorado last week besides images of the destruction from a rapidly…
Marina project a testament of engagement – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor: Flooding is a common spring sight in Fort Madison. 1993, 2008 and 2019…
Iowa justice v. Minnesota justice
Minnesota and its government officials delivered an important lesson recently on how to provide justice…
First snowfall a nice symbol of a fresh year
Another Christmas has come and gone and the New Year greeted us with fresh hope…
Christmas odd and ends – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
This is too uncanny to not share. Ginnie and I made a special trip to…
Bowl inventory still intriguing despite growing obscurity
It was a popular Christmas stocking stuffer in 1981. Fort Madison’s Sheaffer Pen Co., produced…
Those ‘good neighbor deeds’ can recharge us
When I walked out the door at the Des Moines Register for the final time…
Winter Mouse Invasion! – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I stared down at the half-full bucket of water on the barn floor. It was…
Marina work a bewilderment in many ways – Beside the Point
This marina project really is a neat thing. That’s kinda simple for someone who likes…
Linn-Mar district wants $604,000 for public records request
The past couple of years have been challenging for Iowa’s 327 public school districts. Parents…
Mt. Pleasant author to sign first children’s book – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Mount Pleasant has a famous author and motivational speaker. Mark your calendar for Friday, December…
Fan behavior impacts our ability to get good officials – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor: So far this winter sports season, we have seen some troubling videos showing…
Depot ribbon cutting touches lives of many
I’ve jumped on a train before. I like the smooth ride of the rails and…
Political system has withered since Bob Dole’s days
The death Sunday of Robert Dole was a potent reminder of what we have lost…
Barber and Pastor reunite after 50 years – Empty Nest
I spent Thanksgiving with Ginnie’s family in Jefferson City, Missouri. We all met and had…
Comp Board mandate is a 10-mile run to go two blocks – Beside the Point
I sat in a meeting last week that was a source of frustration for me…
Another school problem is not being discussed – Randy Evans
When you have orbited the sun as many times as I have, people sometimes want…
Standby generator – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I have a vivid memory from when I was a kid. It was the summer…
Fort Madison has a different feel to it – Beside the Point
Taylor was in town for a couple days and she likes to walk through the…
Libraries should be for all, not just for some
There’s a big birthday coming up in Iowa in about a month. This place we…
Reunited with high school teacher – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
We called him Mr. Johnson. Today he goes by Bob. He was my high school…
Being bold and fearless isn’t a nationalist sentiment – Beside the Point
This week was a weird week of news. It started with a grandmother who, despite…
Councilwoman addresses crime issue – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor; I would like to address the issue that a fellow Council person has…
Much to marvel at in the human spirit
You have to marvel at the capacity of the human spirit — especially the ability…
Marina project is in full swing – Mayor Matt Mohrfeld
Driving by the river on the east end of town you will immediately notice a…
32 years clean and sober – Empty Nest
I’ve been clean and sober for longer than I drank. It just dawned on me…
A Herky lift and a Hawkeye win
I thought about wearing shorts to the Iowa game on Saturday. My friend, Noah, got…
Veteran’s Day is a day for our heroes
Since the United States’ founding, millions—including myself, my husband, my father, and six siblings—have answered…
Miller-Meeks says Biden dictating private medical choices
On Thursday, the Biden Administration took another step toward dictating the medical choices of private…
Brother was veteran and a hero -Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
My oldest brother was 14 years old when I was born. My first memory of…
We now must find our way – Beside The Point
Fort Madison took a punch in the face Wednesday. And for someone who knows what…
Every point was a lesson for Holy Trinity’s bright future
Mary Kate Bendlage had just delivered one of her 10 kills. Then the Holy Trinity…
Fall Garden Full of Surprises – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Fall is my favorite season. Call me a romantic if you want, I don’t care. …
Wilkerson should be shoe in for school board
It’s election time again, and as with every other election that’s been held in the…
Letter to the Editor – Career, College Readiness Programs Give Central Lee Students a Range of Options
At Central Lee High School, we are focused on ensuring our students have the employability…
Letter to the Editor – No Dignity Left
In Newton, Iowa on 1/11/21 Chuck Grassley referred to the January 6th Capitol Riot as…
Iowa tourism official applauds Reynolds “This is Iowa’ campaign – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor: The Iowa travel and hospitality industry, which naturally relies on people moving from…
Earl’s Bull and Pig Story – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
My farmer friend, Earl—we call him Earl the Pearl for no good reason except it…
Supreme Court ruling hides charges against physicians – Randy Evans
The Iowa Legislature’s “To Do” list should be a little longer after last week. And…
Educators need us now more than ever
I sat through a marathon school board meeting Monday night. I’m serious, this thing was,…
Freesmeier’s 1,000 win total is a family affair
The four golden balloons spelling out 1-0-0-0 were brought out as soon as Holy Trinity…