Breaking News

Editorials

No one likes a litterbug

For weeks, small forests of signs promoting dozens of political candidates have been demonstrations of the vigor of our system of government. Now, they are just litter. Some candidates and their supporters started the process of picking up their signs on Tuesday evening. It is pleasing to note that the vast majority of those running for office in our area understand their responsibility in that regard. Some do not. As is the case after any election, a few of the signs will remain visible for weeks, even months. So, candidates, we urge you to mobilize the same small armies of ...

Make your voice heard at the polls

Election Day is almost upon us. On Nov. 6, those citizens who choose to vote have the opportunity to shape the future of our community, state and nation. Given the impact American policies have almost everywhere in the world, it is really no exaggeration to say that the voices of this country's voters are heard all over the planet. Many of the decisions voters will make that will shape the future of the nation, our state and local communities. Amazingly, many people choose not to vote. That poses a serious threat to our democratic system. American governmental institutions won't work ...

Keep good judges on the bench

"Iowa's judiciary is recognized as among the best in the nation. In surveys conducted for the United States Chamber of Commerce, our state judiciary has consistently ranked among the top five state court systems in terms of impartiality and competence. This high standing is due to Iowa's judicial merit selection and retention process that emphasizes professional qualifications instead of partisan politics and ideologies." Those are the words of former Chief Justice Louis A. Lavorato of the Iowa Supreme Court. Since 1962, when Iowa voters approved a constitutional reform measure, ...

October is National Pork Month

October has been designated National Pork Month. That makes it an especially good time to reflect on the importance of the pork industry to this state. It's unlikely that anyone who lives in Iowa does not already know that pork production contributes mightily to the economic vitality of the Hawkeye State. It may come as a surprise, however, that hogs raised in Iowa account for more than 30 percent of U.S. hog production. Iowa ranks as the nation's top hog-producing state. It's also the top state for pork exports. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association: • Hog farming ...

Re-elect state Rep. Rob Bacon

State Rep. Rob Bacon, of Slater, has was first elected to the Iowa House of Representative in 2010 and is now completing his third term. He brought to the House substantial legislative experience having previously served one term in the Iowa Senate. Bacon understands well the multitude of issues that lawmakers are called upon to address. As a local business owner and civic leader his knowledge of our part of Iowa is extensive. He has done a superb job of making sure that local concerns are fully voiced in Des Moines. Bacon chairs the House Natural Resources Committee. That gives ...

Let’s keep Mike Naig on the job

When Iowans go to the polls next month, they have a chance to show their support for a superb secretary of agriculture. Mike Naig was appointed on March 5 by Gov. Kim Reynolds to succeed Bill Northey, when that outstanding predecessor became an undersecretary in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Naig has proved to be an outstanding choice to lead the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. His five years as deputy secretary resulted in a seamless transition of leadership at IDALS and the continuation of the key initiatives Northey launched. Of particular importance ...