My 25th high school class reunion was this month. While some like to relive the memories of North Scott, the school experience was traumatic for many of us. I was the target of bullying and harassment on a consistent basis. Those weren’t glory days; they were hell. And yet, I had certain generally positive experiences (e.g., Lancer Productions, choir, some friendly classmates, and a handful of teachers who tried to establish a safe and affirming environment). more

"We want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us make the 39th Annual Moonlight Chase and the Eldridge Summer Festival a huge success, even in the blazing heat ..." more

"The Iowa labor law of 2023 should never have been passed and any attempt to justify or defend it is clear foolishness.  The fools are the Iowa legislators who voted for the bill and governor who signed it ..." more

"A special tribute to Kathy Fox for her 1972 unusual, ingenious preschool idea. This preschool has served over 1,000 students ..." more

"In November, please vote to reverse the Iowa abortion ban. Vote for Democratic legislators ..." more

Speaking at the Rotary clubs of Ames and North Scott last August, Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand said, without hesitation, that officials who violate their trust and steal from public coffers should serve time behind bars. more

July 10, 1974: The Eldridge City Council questioned whether the police department would be able to guarantee 24-hour patrol coverage during police chief Harley Osmun’s upcoming vacation. At a previous meeting, Osmun had requested part-time help, which the council denied. During Osmun’s vacation, the three other officers would have to work a 56-hour week to ensure 24-hour coverage. more

"The only way we lose is if we don’t vote Democratic, Nov. 5, for President Joe Biden ..." more

"I think it is crazy to change the speed limit on Lincoln Road to 25 mph from First Street to Buttermilk Road ..." more

"I suggest that the condition that we find ourselves in has a huge overlap between the tribes. I suggest that the political bases, the huge voter blocs whose support never changes regardless of the reported facts, simply follow the party lines ..." more

"We were all taught from the get-go that in America no one is above the law, even the president.  But six members of the Supreme Court broke that law with their asinine ruling on presidential immunity ..." more

"Thank you to all involved in the planning and carrying out of the “Veterans Appreciation Night” held at Lancer baseball stadium on July 1 preceding the North Scott v Davenport Assumption doubleheader ..." more

I didn’t take Spanish in high school, so, like the character of Benny in “In the Heights,” I’ve only got a passing familiarity with the language. more

Thursday, July Fourth, is a day to fly your flag proudly – or not. I add "or not," because in this land of the free and home of the brave, flying the flag is a choice. Were it not so, would it have any meaning? more

July 3, 1974:  The North Scott School Board approved shortening the school day by 30 minutes, starting in the upcoming school year. Board members reported no negative public reaction to the proposal. Each period at the junior high and high school would be made five minutes shorter. At the elementary schools, recess would be made slightly shorter and class periods would be condensed. The board also established Sept. 10 as the date for a $1.4 million bond issue that would fund additions at Ed White and Alan Shepard, and a new school building at Park View. more

"To everyone setting off fireworks early and against the rules: We have a 12-year-old dog with severe heart issues ..." more

"Joe is our best hope of denying Trump again ..." more

"The truth matters. Information matters. I am so thankful you wrote that article ..." more

How I wish I could've been in Toronto (Canada, not Iowa!) last week with newspaper colleagues when ISWNE – International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors – handed out its annual Golden Quill and Golden Dozen awards. My advocacy for the Scott County Library was one of the winners. more

June 26, 1974: The Eldridge City Council rejected a request from the Eldridge Police Department for additional manhours. The request was made after a resident reported her vehicle had been involved in a hit-and-run accident and a police officer was not able to respond to the scene until an hour after the incident. Police chief Harley Osmun said the incident took place during the only period of the week that was not covered by an officer – 160 of 168 hours were currently covered. He said the council had given him an ultimatum in March when it prevented him from hiring a part-time officer. more