Breaking News

Opinion

Facebook friends can be real friends

Local Columns

The social media phenomenon known as Facebook turns 20 years old this year! It was a year or so after Facebook became a reality that I began hearing talk promoting the application and younger friends and acquaintances began urging me to get involved. Early on, I was reluctant to sign up for Facebook but by 2010 (or so) I became a member. In the 15 (or so) years that have followed, I have developed a love-hate relationship with it. For years I have I read complaints about Facebook and its policies, security issues, advertising, screening and on and on. Yes, I have been frustrated too, ...

'The people of Webster City must really value your service'

Letters to Editor

To the editor: I was totally amazed to find your journal still in print today. The people of Webster City must really value your service. My father Charles Floyd Koestner grew up on a farm outside Webster and left for the military when he was 21 at the beginning of WWII. In cleaning out ...

Conversing with Chicago cab drivers

Local Columns

Forty years ago my job at the Sioux City Journal involved, among a host of other duties, regular travel to call on major advertisers headquartered in other Midwestern cities. Some of those sales calls necessitated air travel. The Sioux City Airport was only a 10 to 15 minute-drive from our home which made getting to and from the airport quick and easy. On most air trips, I rented a car at the destination airport and drove to appointments. Chicago presented a bigger challenge. I usually rented a car to make sales calls in the suburbs, dropped off the rental car at a downtown drop-off ...

New postmaster in Webster City is honored to serve the community

Letters to Editor

To the editor: As the newly installed Postmaster for Webster City, I am honored to serve this incredible community and be a part of your daily lives. The U.S. Postal Service has been a trusted institution for nearly 250 years, and as we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are as committed as ever to providing exceptional service to you. This year, USPS is rolling out exciting new products and services aimed at making your mailing and shipping experiences faster, easier, and more convenient and affordable. From new P.O. Box offerings to our expanded USPS Connect service for local ...

Of tea and newspapers

Local Columns

Breakfast has always been my favorite meal. It has several origins: My Scottish and English forebears, for whom a substantial first-meal-of-the-day was an article of faith; my maternal grandmother preparing a bounteous spread for farm hands at 5.30 a.m. in her farm kitchen; and a lifetime of travel and, with it, hotel breakfasts eaten all over the world. Now, in retirement, I see the wisdom of John Gunther, the American journalist and writer, who famously said: “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” Once you get in the habit, it has a way of drawing you in. The prospect ...

Eb shops for his Valentine

Local Columns

I could spot him halfway across the big box store. The trademark bib overalls and plaid flannel shirt — it had to be Ebeneezer Griper, my irascible old friend. Eb was surveying the candy inventory as I approached and stuck out my hand. “Howdy, Eb!” I said with a smile. “You and that stupid grin,” Eb scowled. “Do you know how stupid you look?” Eb has never won the Mr. Congeniality Award. “I like you too, Eb,” I teased, shaking his hand. “Picking out a Valentine present for Hilda?” “No, I’m shopping for a new truss,” he grumbled. “I take it you’re ...