Okay, I will admit it: I enjoy studying euphemisms. Euphemisms are those words we use as a substitute for a word that may be unpleasant or offensive. Many years ago, for instance, a proper farm wife wouldn’t say “boar” or “bull.” She would euphemize with “the male animal.” The ...

My plan was to give a six-month update into how the position of sheriff has been going, but when I looked at my calendar and it was already August, I think I finally realized that time was slipping away from me as fast as I could think. I wanted to give the citizens of Hamilton County an ...

As we near the 80th anniversary of the explosion that ultimately convinced the Japanese that World War II was lost to them, I am reminded of another, far less volatile explosion, that perfectly illustrates the relationship between the Curtis family and the Dinsdales. Dad, as in my father, ...

Being a teenage geek (or nerd) is sad enough but when your kids find out it hurts. I remember the day my daughter realized the truth of my past. Arriving home from work one afternoon some 30 years ago, I discovered my then-about-16-year-old daughter reading her mother’s and my old high ...

Serving as your representative on the Webster City Council for the past 12 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. The pride and fulfillment I’ve felt during this time are difficult to put into words. With my current term concluding at the end of this year, it’s again time ...

Name the most difficult physical task you can imagine. Lifting a heavy object? Out running an angry bear? Jumping over a wide chasm? How about this one: staying awake when your mind and body want to sleep? You know the feeling. It’s been a long day and you’ve enjoyed a good evening ...