Last week, a historic home had to be torn down in Webster City. It was a sad day. I had spent time socially in that house nearly 30 years ago, and loved the people who lived there. It’s not that people didn’t try to save it. But once a house is abandoned or neglected, it’s hard to ...

Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.” The bumper sticker brought back memories of a host of teachers and the influence they had on my life. I used to tease my kids that I was so smart I needed only ...

It’s a new year, and it’s a year with changes already. At the end of 2025, we saw the retirement of the Daily Freeman Journal publisher Terry Christensen, and the retirement of the Daily Freeman-Journal editor, Jane Curtis. We saw the hiring of our publisher Grant Gibbons. And then ...

Now that I have your attention, I will start by saying what a privilege it has been to lead the Daily Freeman-Journal throughout the past three or so years. (I picture Doug Getter up in heaven rolling his eyes; you may remember that was his response when I took over this position for what I ...

In the mail a few weeks ago I received an annual notice from the Dallas County Treasurer. It was time to renew our automobile license tags. We own two cars so the total amount due smacked this frugal Dutchman right between the eyes. Being a pragmatic guy and understanding that taxes and death ...

With only a week before Christmas, it’s time for the final purchases. Special gifts, special dinners, holiday parties….all these pieces make the season more stressful than anyone ever intended. Christmas is still a holy day in our calendar, but for many it is full of challenges. For many ...