It's been two weeks since I received a phone call out of nowhere, and ever since, even at my retirement open house, I wrestled with the thought that there was at least one more column to write. more

There’s something to be said for indulging your inner child. more

Mark Ridolfi and Ross Shinberg debate the pros and cons of coffee. more

Last week the Senate Education and Appropriations committees passed Senate File 94, known as the Students First Act. I am receiving a lot of emails, phone calls and comments from constituents on this bill. more

Jan. 24, 1973: The Eldridge City Council heard a proposal from Gene Schneckloth on the construction of a nine-hole golf course to be developed on a farm owned by the Schneckloth’s in east Eldridge. The proposed plat also included a 31-unit housing development. Schneckloth said he hoped to begin construction by fall.  more

The last several years have certainly provided some unique and substantial challenges. Yet, despite the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, inflation, and a weather whiplash (from flooding to derechos to drought), we continue to see record engagement in our state’s conservation activity. There has never been more awareness, resources, partners, people, and actual conservation work getting done in the state of Iowa than we have today.  more

"Taxpayers have no oversight over private school curriculum or how tax dollar are spent ..." more

"I suggest that Democrats establish a kind of shadow government to combat trends in the Iowa all-Republican government that are unwise and prejudicial ..." more

"Non-partisan research doesn’t support Gov. Reynolds’ conclusions concerning the benefits of vouchers. In fact, the conclusions are that there are no benefits ..." more

It's an almost foregone conclusion that Gov. Kim Reynolds will succeed in her plan to shovel taxpayer dollars to private schools – $381 million a year when her plan is fully implemented. She came just a few votes short last year, until members of her own majority Republican Party in the Iowa House said it was a bridge too far. Thank you to two from this area who held the line, Reps. Ross Paustian and Gary Mohr! more

Jan. 17, 1973: Sam, a St. Bernard owned by the Ed Borchers family of rural Dixon, was rescued after he wandered into the swollen, ice-jammed Wapsipinicon River. Sam attempted to cross the ice, which broke under his weight. He was saved by Mrs. Leo Borchers, Mrs. Ed Borchers, Ronnie Sprout and Basil Prine.  more

I recall, some 25 years ago, sitting on the stage of North Scott Senior High, my favorite place upon this earth, surrounded by strangers, extremely talented strangers, I might add. Among them was a man I had not seen on stage before. Decidedly not a high schooler, and fairly obviously, not a recent graduate. more