Dec. 5, 1984: Although the news did not come as a complete surprise, employees at the International Harvester Farmall plant in Rock Island were still disappointed to hear the plan would close. Officials with the company were scheduled to meet with employees to reveal their plans for the 1,650 workers who would be unemployed, but Don Keding of rural Long Grove was one of many affected who said it would be tough to find a new job. “It’s going to be damn tough to find something that will even come close to giving workers the fringe benefits and high salaries that major manufacturing has provided in this area.” more

I was asked to speak last month at the annual conference of the National Freedom of Information Coalition. My remarks boiled down to a simple message: The public needs more information about their governments, not more secrecy from their governments. more

Editor’s note: Scott County supervisors on Nov. 7 approved these priorities of the Iowa Urban County Coalition for taxpayer-funded lobbying of state legislators during the 2025 session. The coalition is comprised of supervisors from Linn, Black Hawk, Dubuque, Johnson, and Scott counties. more

"It is not too early to get those holiday gifts wrapped. Here is the perfect solution ..." more

"The work and generosity of these businesses, organizations, and individuals, improve our community and our community events, one tree, even one string of lights, at a time.  What a wonderful community we live in! Thank you ..." more

Tubbs family honored for initial pledge for bandshell fund drive more

Former NSP owner Bill Tubbs’ Impressions column appeared for 53 years on this page. Bill passed away Sept. 20. Here's an excerpt from Nov. 28, 1984. more

Nov. 28, 1984: Marc Brown, author and illustrator of the popular “Arthur” children’s books, paid a visit to John Glenn Elementary School. He talked about his writing process, and made a large drawing based on student suggestions. Brown said he knew he wanted to be an artist when he was in second grade. “I promise I’ll keep writing more books if you guys go to the library to read them once in a while,” Brown told the students. more

In August, the Eldridge council adopted a social host ordinance, holding adult property owners liable for underage drinking in their homes. more

Nov. 20, 1974: North Scott sophomore Lisa Lau was surprised to learn that her prize-winning recipe for cheesecake cookies was selected to be in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. Lau won the cake and cookie division in the Milk Made Magic contest, sponsored by the Scott County Dairy Association, and prepared the cookies for judging at the Iowa State Fair. Several judges in that competition were associated with the magazine. Lau received a $50 check from the magazine for printing her recipe.  more

As news reports say Donald Trump may try to bypass the Senate and its confirmation process in order to make recess appointments for some of his cabinet picks, it is worth remembering what Chuck Grassley had to say on the subject when Barack Obama was president in 2012. more

"I read that the Scott County Supervisors Board Chairman’s main concern is county employees. Apparently employee welfare supersedes taxpayers’ pocketbook ..." more

"Our nation's congress will soon be controlled by individuals patronizing religious extremists believing a woman should not have control over her own body. Guys, better get that vasectomy before they, too, are outlawed. And some sheep's blood on our doors might be a good idea ..." more

The election’s finally past, much to our relief, and the results were historic. Here’s a few reflections: more

Nov. 13, 1974: As Republican Robert Ray waltzed to an unprecedented fourth term, the GOP was also largely successful in Scott County elections. Ken Paulsen defeated William “Blackie” Strout to win his first full term as sheriff. Paulsen had been appointed to the position after Strout resigned. Richard Hagen also won his race for county recorder and would replace his father Clarence in the office. However, there was a significant upset in Iowa House District 24, as Democrat Herb Hinkhouse upset incumbent Edgar Holden. Holden was the majority leader in the Iowa House and had been expected to not only win a fourth term, but also play a major leadership role in the next legislative session. more

The Greeks heeded the goddess Erato to inspire artists and writers over the centuries. I think an American version of Erato lives around here and flourishes. more

Lifelong love story abounds in kindness more

"A heartfelt thank you to the exceptional Democrats for their time, energy and cost while running in the past election ..." more

"We put gas and groceries, which are not controlled by the federal government, ahead of morality and country ..." more

Nov. 11, 2009: A group of North Scott sophomores told their story to Scott Campbell after a teen drinking party led to a car accident in rural Clinton County. Caitlin Efstathiou, Leesha Jones, Leigh Cawiezell and Tyler Blondell wanted to share their experience to discourage other teens from making their mistakes more