Norm and Dolly: Two peas in a pod
It is hard to imagine Norman Borlaug ever joining in singing “Jolene” or “9 to…
opinion
Villages of Van Buren Saved From Havoc – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I saved the Villages of Van Buren County from havoc, and I did it while…
Baseball, retribution, and a disdain for the heat – Beside the Point
The summer is flyin’ by. It’s flyin’ by so fast I’m three hours late with…
Strange Summer- Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I couldn’t believe it. I’d been watching some young “punkins” growing on the vine in…
Fiesta marks 100th year
Jamie Mesecher, a descendant of the storied Prado family, wants a red, white, and green…
Some normalcy returns to Big 10 media days
INDIANAPOLIS — “Have you stayed here before?” the woman said as she checked me into…
Iowa’s universities need to learn important lesson
In recent years, Republicans and Democrats in the Iowa Legislature often agree on little.But they…
Squirrels and Thistles – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Surrounded by corn, soybeans, and pasture, our two-and-a-half acre Empty Nest Farm was devoid of…
Peace, quiet, and a family fishing derby – Beside the Point
I have a headache. I think it’s oxygen induced. I’ve spent the last four days…
Government cuts corners on public participation – Randy Evans
Several times a week, someone contacts me because they had difficulty learning about a government…
Cool July weekend was just what the doctor ordered – Beside the Point
I think this weekend may have been the most beautiful July weather I’ve experienced in…
It’s difficult to stop the march of progress – Randy Evans
Controversy, of sorts, arrived in my driveway last week. There was no commotion. There were…
World Premiere Play in Mt. Pleasant – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
No fooling. A world premier play is going to be performed in Mt. Pleasant and…
Yellowstone – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
As we pulled out onto the highway for our week-long vacation at Yellowstone National Park,…
A little ‘sole’ searching – Beside the Point
I bought a new pair of shoes this weekend. I have two other pairs –…
This wasn’t one of the court’s finest moments – Randy Evans
Through the long arc of history, the Iowa Supreme Court has developed a reputation for…
Woman’s Pet Chicken Missing – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Anna Banana where are you? A sign in the shape of a chicken in the…
Happy Father’s Day, Mom – Beside the Point
My father died when I was six years old. I only remember a powder blue…
Governor is correct – more transparency needed
Gov. Kim Reynolds talked last week about the importance of government leaders keeping other government…
Betty Kilbourn: Resident of Henry County for 100 Years – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
She doesn’t look a day over 80, but Betty Kilbourn, a resident of the Van…
A book, a pole, and a cup of coffee- Beside the Point
It’s been two years since I’ve thought about a vacation. It’s been longer since my…
U.S. should not treat our friends this way
Too often these days, Americans and our government seem to be incapable of agreeing on…
Messerli’s mess of ties- Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Ralph Messerli of Fairfield hates ties. But being a high school principal, guidance counselor, coach…
Reader blasts Republican party – Letter to the Editor
What kind of person would refuse to even meet with the grieving mother of a…
Corks and Barrels tour brings back senses of Ivy – Beside the Point
Stepping into the historic Hesse building again on the northeast corner of 7th and Avenue…
Americans deserve answers, not more politics
Plenty of stray thoughts have been swirling through my noggin lately. Thoughts like:What would Americans…
Whatchamacallits become art – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I have a number of these whatchamacallits. I make sculptures out of them. I weld…
Stadium spruce up worth a couple bucks – Beside the Point, by Chuck Vandenberg
The community got some good news last week. Tara Johnson texted me and asked me…
Lawmakers dropped the ball in not fixing recount law
The chambers of the Iowa Senate and the Iowa House of Representatives are silent after…
Hat and bibs for Garden ’21 – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I didn’t get the garden in until Wednesday, May 12, this year, Hump Day. (Am…
Ding-dong ditching and glass packs – Beside the Point
Back in college, we used to watch a lot of David Letterman. As a matter…
Lessons of a locked pantry door – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
You know you’ve been in the insurance business a long time when you go to…
Steps out the door – Beside the Point
It’s the season for graduations. A time typically reserved for celebration, family, a small cash…
The population problem Iowa should discuss
Through the years, the Iowa Legislature is the place where Iowans gather to debate the…
Skin cancer – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Sunburn used to be the badge of courage. As kids, we’d get so sunburned detasseling…
Whew… Chinese rocket should miss Fort Madison – Beside the Point
Well, I for one, feel better. The European Space Agency has determined that 100-foot, 22-ton…
Government needs room for common sense
People like to talk about what the law says. And in Iowa, the law has…
88-year-old finds her 98-year-old country school teacher – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
Eighty-eight-year-old Elna Greenfield of rural Birmingham in Van Buren County had heard that the country-school…
UFOs, UAPs, and U-turns – Beside the Point
After a lengthy, but lovable rant last week on the comedy of errors resulting from…
Stimulus money meant to stimulate economy – Letter to the Editor
Editor: Several weeks ago, a man wrote that he did not need the stimulus payment….
Charter schools must have sunshine, too
The 2021 session of the Iowa Legislature will end in a few weeks, and one…
Things are gettin’ outta hand – Beside the Point
Things are a little crazy in the world right now. My brother and I were…
Where oh where are today’s Bob Rays
It’s hard for those of us of a certain vintage to realize it has been…
Letter to the Editor – Huddlesons thank those who supported
Editor: Our family of Dianne Huddleson would like to extend our sincere thank you to…
Pandemic recovery plan includes lightening up
Gearing up for my second Moderna vaccination on Monday has me going through the filing…
Marina project adds to burgeoning riverfront – Opinion
Social media this week’s been abuzz with observers watching the city’s handling of proposed $6…
Uncanny Kansas – Empty Nest by Curt Swarm
I’m in a mad dash across Kansas on I-70. My brother in Canon City, Colorado,…
Things are cooking again for Easter – Beside the Point
I was rummaging through the rec room Saturday night looking for a bottle of white…
Godfrey case brings light to governor’s powers
The Iowa Supreme Court chamber is a magnificent venue for the seven justices who referee…
We battled more than one pandemic – Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor Here’s what I learned over the last several years, and my greatest fear…