When I was a kid growing up in eastern Iowa during the 1970s, the school library opened up the world to me. I remember rushing through my homework during study hall, so I could get to the … more

"I am convinced the Harris/Walz ticket will destroy the part of America as we know it that the Obama/Biden administrations have not destroyed ..." more

"I’m so thankful for all of my gay and lesbian friends for having the humility to show me how to truly be loving and accepting. I can’t imagine the courage it took for Greg to write that, given his experience in my home town. I’m not surprised, but I am saddened to read it ..." more

It was a long, hot day in the Claussen Show Barn on Saturday, Aug. 3. But I stuck around after the swine show for what promised to be a special event. more

I first became familiar with Minnesota governor Tim Walz earlier  this year when he appeared jointly with our friend from Wheatland, Iowa, Democratic Party chair Rita Hart, on Iowa PBS' "Iowa Press." I remarked to Linda at the time what a commonsense, down-to-earth guy he was. more

Aug. 14, 1974: The Dixon Businessmen’s Association planned to hold the first-ever Dixon Sweet Corn Festival. Events included a firemen’s breakfast, antique tractor pulls, a kiddy parade, and a street dance, as well as all-you-can eat sweet corn. more

"The legislature has passed many laws that infringe on our freedom, and they preview the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 with its 180-day plan to dismantle democracy and the rule of law. They believe everyone will be too disoriented and demoralized after the 180 days to fight back. So about this time next year, heaven forbid, the 180-day implementation could be behind us ..." more

"He's freaking out now, because of Kamala. He's beginning to worry that this election may not be close enough, to even make his second attempt at stealing the presidency ..." more

Enjoy the dog days of summer while they last – these precious days before school and after other activities when time stands still. Grass is green and grain is yellow and families are sneaking in vacations before our season of busy-ness cycles all over again. more

Aug. 8, 1984: Several North Scott area communities were getting ready to welcome cyclists from across the state, as the first-ever Tour Iowa’s Greater Region (TIGER) bicycle ride was set to take off from North Scott High School, enroute to Cornell College in Mount Vernon. Approximately 500 cyclists were expected to take part in the ride, which would also travel through Donahue and Dixon before going through Tipton. After a night in Mount Vernon, the route would head north to Anamosa, before tracking back through Lost Nation and Grand Mound and ending back in Eldridge. more

"The most important thing is to retain our democracy, so the people can vote, and negotiate to hold their legislators accountable.  We all need to participate in our government ..." more

" Crime, corruption, hate and immorality, but God will save America; not because of our righteousness, but because of our sins. Yes, God will save our once great nation, but for the sole and expressed purpose of giving us one last chance to repent ..." more

"It is obvious that Vondran is confused about what freedom and democracy are. Even worse, maybe he just doesn’t care ..." more

I’ve written about this before, but “The Little Mermaid” is not my favorite Disney story. For starters, the source material, as with most things Hans Christian Andersen, is horrifying. And I’ve always sort of been put off by Ariel’s willingness to give up a part of herself that she values so much, all for a guy she knows virtually nothing about. more

Imagine you're in your second month in a new job with a state-wide organization and the "big boss" pays a visit. That's what happened to new Scott County ISU Extension Director Samantha Culver last Wednesday when Iowa State University president Dr. Wendy Wintersteen and new vice president for Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson dropped in at the Scott County Extension Office in Bettendorf. more

July 31, 1974: The Iowa State Highway Commission affirmed that construction of Freeway 561 north from Davenport to DeWitt was on its five-year plan. The schedule said right-of-way acquisition was planned near Eldridge from 1975-76, with construction expected to begin in 1977. more

"This election is about keeping or losing our democracy. A man of advanced age with clear mental problems is not one to give the job of leading the most powerful nation on earth ..." more

"We need lawmakers at the state and federal levels who will work to expand worker protections and stand with labor unions who seek to make working conditions safe for all. Before you vote this November know which candidates will support child labor protections and vote accordingly ..." more

"Greg’s honesty models trust, vulnerability, and a hope for our community’s capacity to grow. Greg offered not only a testimony of pain, but also concrete actions that NSHS’ teachers, parents, and students can take to better support all young LGBTQ+ youth—and any young people who are singled out for being different ..." more

In case you missed it, at last week’s Eldridge Summer Festival, there was a small special event in Wiese Park. Eldridge Police Chief Andrew Lellig and Cpl. Jacob Costas officially introduced K-9 officer Marty to the community in a brief demonstration. more