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A force of nature has come to a halt

Local Columns

For some people, it takes a force of nature to get motivated. For others, like Bob Erickson, it took a force of nature to slow him down. This past week, it apparently was time for Bob to come to a full halt. It was a shock to learn that Bob had died last Saturday. Almost everyone in Webster City knew Bob in some capacity. He not only owned Foster Funeral Home, and helped families struggle through the loss of loved ones, but it seemed he was everywhere, working on projects, encouraging new people, taking care of flowers and property and serving as a volunteer for many different ...

Annual D/SAOC cake auction is about to begin

Local Columns

No one ever thinks it will happen to them. And then it does. Domestic abuse is talked about openly today, and one would hope that would make it go away. But it doesn’t. Abuse isn’t just about women any more. It includes husbands and children, infants and teens. Men and women alike now look for help when a situation changes so quickly they can’t see it coming. Or they have come to the end of their rope. Today the numbers continue to stagger. If you go to the Domestic Sexual Abuse and Outreach Center — D/SAOC — website, there is no question about the need. The ...

My favorite bait

Local Columns

When a person goes fishing, there are several decisions that need to be made. Where to go, when to go, who to go with, those thoughts all enter the picture. Then when we arrive at the body of water that we’ll be fishing, there’s more decisions. Should we chase bass, walleyes, panfish, ...

Enjoying a non-irritating retirement

Local Columns

Compared with a lot of men, I’m a rather boring guy. I have no major hobbies. Many men enjoy golfing. I tried it; even took golf lessons. Those little round holes on the golf course are safe with me. Fishing? Naw. I’m too impatient. Hunting? Nope. Nearly 65 years ago I bought a shotgun from my Uncle Frank. Only one animal, a slow-moving rabbit ever died because of my hunting prowess (or lack of same.) Years ago I remodeled part of our basement; Better Homes & Gardens never took photos. To save money, I have tried servicing my cars but it always costs more to have a ...

Your newspaper has a vital role in the community

Local Columns

Your local newspaper, The Daily Freeman-Journal, historically had a little bit of everything from a news and information perspective. It provided local news that was uniquely sourced but it also provided ample amounts of state, national, and world news. It provided television listings, comics, business and stock news. It reported local high school sports, college sports with an emphasis on Iowa universities, and professional sports. As media has fragmented and evolved, national and world news are available in many forums including broadcast media, national talk radio, and the ...

Understanding our hospital tax levy

Letters to Editor

Hamilton County Public Hospital d.b.a. Van Diest Medical Center exists for one reason: to care for the people of Hamilton County and surrounding areas. That includes caring for you when you need emergency services, inpatient or outpatient care: that also includes the dedicated professionals ...