These changes won’t improve election security
Iowa’s 2020 election was one for the record books — with 1.7 million people marking…
Opinion
Where Were You When… Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
There have been three major “Where were you whens…” in my life. I was born…
Today, nothing is Beside the Point
Sorry, but Beside the Point’s a little late this morning. Saturday was a bittersweet day…
It’s not surprising if Iowans have whiplash
Gov. Kim Reynolds’ message for Iowans has been consistent since the coronavirus pandemic arrived a…
Saga of My Kitten – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I’ve always believed in God. It’s the way I was raised. Oh, there have been…
Ohh, say can those Central Lee ladies sing the anthem – Beside the Point
Trying to get into the Central Lee gym in time for the girls Class 3A…
Letter to the Editor – Library director offers tips on staying informed
To the Editor: There has been discussion, recently, about people feeling uninformed about things that…
Questions abound in state’s handling of vaccinations
Through the years, the Iowa Legislature has chosen an official state flower and a state…
Curt’s Nerd Word List – Empty Nest
Being a writer with my little ole undergraduate Degree in English from Iowa State, I…
We must choose to be informed – Beside the Point
Fort Madison at-large City Councilman Kevin Rink said at Tuesday’s council meeting that he’s been…
Signing day shines light on tough recruiting year
The bulk of Iowa’s 2021 recruiting class had committed before, or during the early stages…
Needless confusion about the First Amendment
Forty-five words that were first written with a quill pen 230 years ago form what…
Repeat after me: Let the public know
The purpose was pretty simple when the Iowa Legislature wrote the state’s public meetings law…
The value of popcorn – Beside the Point
I miss going to the movies. I wanna see the epic-reboot Top Gun: Maverick. I…
The biggest story you’re not paying attention to
The biggest story we think you may not be paying attention to quietly got swept…
Fate lends Stormy a hand – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Thursday, December 31, New Year’s Eve Day: The Vintage Raven in Mt. Pleasant posted on…
As crazy as it sounds, I would’ve liked to have been at the Capitol
“Execute the traitors. I wanna see executions!” That’s a quote from an unidentified participant in…
Games look the same, but they’re still different
Melrose Avenue is one of the main arteries into the area around Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium.For…
FM residents backs Schulz for council
In Strong Support of Tom Schulz:I am writing in support of Tom Schulz for Fort…
2nd Ward resident backs Schulz in special election
Editor: Tom Schulz is who we need!!I am writing this as a former Councilman, Business…
Merry Christmas Fort Madison – from You’re Friendly Neighborhood Reporter
We’re just seven days from ending what is undoubtedly the worst year generationally of our…
Hawkeyes staying the course to Music City
The cough, Kirk Ferentz said, wasn’t unusual.It was the end of the season, after all,…
Whether it’s hardware, coffee, or news – competition is good – Beside the Point
With this week’s announcement that Farm & Home Supply is coming to the city’s west…
Park area resident questions parking ban – Letter to the Editor
Editor: If the proposal to park on the North side of Avenue E is passed…….. …
Councilwoman wants logical look at Ave. E parking – Letter to the Editor
Editor- Let’s take a logical look at the Avenue E south side parking solution. We…
Viruses, vaccines and snowball fights – Beside the Point
Not sure how were gonna tie this all together, but let’s give it a ride….
Partners urges everyone to help keep us safe – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor: As we move forward into 2021 amid the COVID-19 shadow, we must do…
Griswolds completing tour of national parks – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Lori and Roger Griswold were hiking along. They saw a man coming toward them over…
This tradition is really unlike any other – Beside the Point
Walking into New London High School Saturday morning, I forgot to put my mask on….
Chief reminds public to lock up during holidays – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor, This time of year is particularly notable as the holiday shopping season. But,…
New WIU coach sees a work in progress
IOWA CITY — The reality of trying to build a college basketball program in the…
Resident questions Avenue E parking ban – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor; Along with others who live on Avenue E, I have concerns about banning…
Murray may be fastest cop in U.S. – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
On a summer afternoon you might see a 49-year old man running through the streets…
Things aren’t so different this year – Beside the Point
So… how are the leftovers? I read a lot before Thanksgiving about people celebrating in…
Around the Bible in 90 days – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
It’s just 12 pages a day for 90 days. Anyone can read 12 pages a…
Failings with pie, et. al – Beside the Point
It’s late Saturday night and I’m stuck fighting that anxiety of the darkness… again. It’s…
Moving forward is better than alternative
I get it.If you’re the parent of a high school athlete, I understand if you’re…
Corral group thanks volunteers for great outing
Giving Thanks To Our City and Community In a season defined by giving thanks, the…
He hates ‘mieces’ to pieces – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I was welding away on the last sculpture for my art show in Fort Madison….
My walks are my time – Beside the Point
I ventured up to the Canine Corral dog park just south of the Rodeo arena…
Letter: PAW president responds to Bengal cat issue
Letter to the Editor; On behalf of the Shelter, the board and I wanted to…
Letter: Supervisors should get behind digital radio project
Lee County Board of Supervisors,This letter is to ask for your support for the proposed…
Monroe veteran carries strong memories of Vietnam
Soft music plays constantly in Rich and Pat Pendroy’s home in Monroe, and in his…
IGHSAU overrule may not be the best for Iowa Girls
A strategic goal of the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union is to represent the…
Kearns endorses Democratic candidates in election
Letter to the Editor: Lee County is well represented in the Legislature with Senator Rich…
Walk/Rock-A-Thon committee thanks community for support
Letter to the Editor: We have just completed our Fort Madison Elementary Schools Walk/Rock A…
Chestnut Anniversary and Empty Nest Half Marathon
Jane and Mark McConeghey of Monroe, Iowa have always been innovative farmers, caring for their…
2nd Ward candidate wants to bring new ideas to the table
Letter to the Editor: In 1906 in a speech in Washington DC Theodore Roosevelt said:“To…
Miller’s touch felt in many bylines
The office looked like any editor’s office.Press releases and various correspondence piled on the desk.A…
Candidate for 2nd Ward says let council fill vacancies
Dear Editor; When it comes to filling the two recent vacancies on the FM city…