The 2022 session of the Iowa Legislature began Jan. 10, much as lawmakers have convened for most of the past 175 years: with speeches and ceremony, the reuniting of friends and the renewal of partisan enmity. more

"For the last 26 years of living in rural Scott County, we consider it neighborly to be responsible stewards of our land.  We have cared for existing century oaks and planted thousands of native trees, including our state tree, the oak ..." more

"I’d like to give a rose to all the husbands and wives, one man and one woman, who were joined in marriage the way God intended ..." more

"The more the state became divided, the more the Iowa legislature passed laws giving the governor added power. Iowa’s rule of judges nominating supreme court judges, a model for the country, was displaced by a law giving the governor a voice ..." more

"If you haven’t seen 'Anything Goes' at North Scott High School yet, run — don’t walk to see it before it ends ..." more

"Thank you to the cast, crew, and all who contributed. So much talent, and to think these are but high schoolers ..." more

When I was 8, I asked for my parents’ permission to compete in the Little Miss category of the Miss Iowa Scholarship Organization. They agreed despite their confusion at my interest, as I was an incredibly bashful child. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I remember being scared to death and practically running off the stage for almost every phase of competition. As you can imagine, I did not walk away with the title. more

April 25, 1973: Record rainfall, combined with heavy snow melt to the north caused the Wapsipinicon River to flood, cresting at a record 12.74 feet at Highway 61. The highway was briefly closed as 18-24 inches of water covered the roadway. A portion of the highway was washed out, and the Iowa Highway Commission maintenance department said it would take 1,000 tons of rock to rebuild the grade of the road. Highway 67 at the Folletts crossing north of Princeton was also briefly closed due to flooding. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River was expected to crest at 19.5 feet at Lock & Dam 15, and at 12 feet in LeClaire. more

One Sunday afternoon in March, Linda and I were minding our own business when we heard the backup generator kick in. That would be the backup generator which we paid Koehler Electric to install at our home in January 2021, the earliest available time after the August 2020 derecho. more

They say good things come to those who wait. more

"Of the seven presidents with the highest job creation rates since 1945, six were Democrats ..." more

There was no floor action in the Iowa House last week as the budget subcommittee chairs focused on negotiating the details of the state budget with their counterparts in the Senate. more

Led by House Republicans, the Legislature has acted on significant measures this session empowering parents while making clear where the lines of control exist when it comes to parental responsibility and school districts' responsibility. more

May 5, 1983: Presidential candidate and former astronaut John Glenn made a brief appearance at the Davenport Municipal Airport. He was greeted by a group of students from his namesake elementary school in Donahue. Jesse Petersen gave Glenn a school shirt, and Sheryl Fahrenkrog presented Mrs. Anne Glenn with a bouquet of flowers. Glenn said he felt honored to have a school named after him, but wished the students could vote. more

My friend John Ockenfels of the small town of Shueyville, near Cedar Rapids, is turning his dream of flying his Cessna T210M Turbo Centurion airplane around the world into a cause that's gaining worldwide attention. more

Saturday was a marvelous night at the North Scott Fine Arts Auditorium. Not only did we get to see another amazing performance of “Anything Goes,” we also gathered to celebrate Tom Goodall’s career. more

"This is Teacher Appreciation Week. Let us celebrate our teachers in Iowa by showing them love and respect. The last several years have been difficult for all, but teachers had additional unforeseen burdens ..." more

"Given the vertiginous speed in which the Republican legislators passed bills this legislative session, and the lack of credible rationale for their passage, it’s time Iowans examine the carnage brought onto middle and lower economic status children ..." more

"Family farm groups from Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri gathered in Des Moines on April 29 to celebrate the 90th birthday of our friend, country music legend Willie Nelson ..." more

May 4 was the final day of the 2023 session. Much of last week was taken up with debate over the $8.517 billion budget. During debate on the largest budget bill, Democrats claimed funding for Area Education Associations was being cut. more