For more than four decades, the Iowa Pork Producers Association's Iowa Pork Congress has been an event where pork producers and assorted experts gather to share views and information about an industry that has long been vital to the state's economy. The annual incarnation of this very popular ...

The quality or our state’s school systems is among the most important determinants of Iowa’s long-term prospects. In addition to making life richer through stimulating a love of lifelong learning, good schools have an enormous impact on economic development. When they produce graduates who ...

The buildings of our past, particularly those we deem importantly historic, are not merely reminders of the way things once were done: They are part of the fabric of our communities. That is why, in our opinion, the choice made by the congregation of a Webster City church to completely ...

It can be easy during the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season to overlook the fact that for the less fortunate among us, there will be no holiday from need. Children whose parents cannot afford those toys our youngsters think they have to receive, adults unable to find work to pay for ...

Thanksgiving is upon us, and soon the Christmas season will be here. The time spent together with family over food and gift giving is something that we all associate with this time of year. But there are those for whom these holidays are just another day, but with an added sense of loneliness ...

By his example, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley helps counter the disillusionment so many Americans express about Congress. The Iowa Republican is an important GOP leader, but he works harmoniously with many other senators — both Democrats and Republicans A good example of constructive ...

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 ...

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 ...

"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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Iowa is doing well. The economy is healthy and growing. State government is well-managed. Taxpayers are seeing their money spent wisely and with frugality. Unemployment is at a historic low. Assorted national rankings put our state ahead of most other states in a diverse assortment of ...

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? Why not? Many health care professionals are urging the public — especially those who, because of age or existing health conditions may be more vulnerable to the flu — to get immunized as soon as possible. They have a very good reason for being worried. ...

Less than a month into his term, President Donald Trump created a “fake news” battle with multiple national media outlets, referring to them as the “enemy of the people.” And that rhetoric continues. The idea of fake news now permeates our national dialogue, used to dismiss news reports ...

If you love a parade, plan to be in Des Moines Wednesday evening at 6:15. That's when what's billed as the state's largest parade will be the kickoff event for what may well be the grandest of our nation's state agricultural festivals ­ the Iowa State Fair. Iowans gathered in Fairfield ...

Helping current residents understand the history of a community is a vital goal. Thanks to a generous gift, the Depot Museum in Webster City is on the road to achieving significant renovations and enhancements. Last month, the Wilson Brewer Historic Parks Committee received a $100,000 ...

Iowa Central Community College is an enormous asset to Fort Dodge and all of north central Iowa. Consequently, it's very good news indeed that on Tuesday area voters approved a $25.5 million bond proposal that will enable further strengthening of this vital educational institution. Not only ...

On Monday, did your children or grandchildren get to tell a virtual Santa Claus what they want for Christmas? Did you try to guess how the magician you watched on your smartphone made the rabbit disappear? And, how about that ice skating app? Pardon our sarcasm, please. It is aimed, if you ...

Unlike most holidays, Halloween really has no serious purpose. It's primarily an opportunity for harmless, child-oriented fun. Costumes, trick-or-treat activities and an opportunity to engage in make-believe combine to make Halloween a favorite of youngsters and those still young at ...