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The Bible tells me so

Local Columns

For my ninth birthday my parents gave me a Bible. It was a black leatherette-bound King James Version with my name stamped in gold on the cover. I was pleased to receive this gift but was horrified by what my mother wrote on the presentation page: “To Arvid from Mommy and Daddy.” From Mommy and Daddy? For heaven’s sake I was nine years old. What if my friends thought I still called my parents “Mommy and Daddy.” Well-schooled in the art of accepting a gift without complaint, I said nothing to my mother about that embarrassing message. But you can bet I kept that ...

Your patriotism can honor veterans all year long

Letters to Editor

To the editor: Memorial Day honors those whose patriotism led them to sacrifice their lives in defense of democracy. Patriotism is a love of country. If you are devoted, you contribute to the well-being of your devotee. Patriots sacrifice comforts for their country. Too often people say, “I don’t talk politics,” to avoid discomfort. Yet democracy is based upon an exchange of ideas. Therefore, a strong, well-functioning democracy must have citizens sharing their beliefs and ideas with each other. Today’s divisive political climate makes talking about politics all the more ...

Remembering Smallpage

Local Columns

There are too many veterans. I say that with the utmost respect. I say it because, to my way of thinking, there are too many wars. And too many deaths. I believe you understand. You probably understand because, like the rest of us, someone you know is a veteran, loves a veteran, or has lost a veteran. Their stories are all too common, especially this time of year. Take, for instance, the well-told story of the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, whose deaths sparked change in the way our country asked families to go to war. History tells us that they were the sons of Thomas ...

Forget-me-not

Local Columns

Another Memorial Day had come and gone. John had attended the community Memorial Day service at the local cemetery Monday morning but melancholy gnawed at his soul in the days which followed. On his way into town for a tractor part on Thursday morning, John felt an inexplicable urge to stop by the well-groomed cemetery again and visit the grave of an old high school buddy. Parking his pick-up truck a few yards uphill from the grave, John unfolded his lanky frame from the cab and walked slowly to the granite stone. At the grave he lowered himself to his knees and set upright a plant ...

Timmons supports Alex Pruismann as the next sheriff

Letters to Editor

To the Editor: First off, I would like to thank Hamilton County for their support to our law enforcement personnel. We are truly blessed to live in such a caring county. As you know, we have an especially important vote coming on June 4th. This vote is to elect Hamilton County’s next sheriff. Being elected as your sheriff is much more than a promotion; it is an honor, a privilege, and an overall humbling experience. Ask yourself, what do I want to see in our next sheriff? We need a sheriff that is caring, dedicated, enthusiastic, honest, trustworthy, and fair. As I have ...

An open letter to Class of 2024

Local Columns

Dear high school senior: It’s been a busy year, hasn’t it? Senior photos, mailing out invitations, prom, trying to think of something witty to say when someone asks about your plans for the future. About all that’s left is a long, hot ceremony in a robe your grandmother wouldn’t be caught dead in and a reception with those fancy little sandwiches your anxious mother is so crazy about. Hang in there. Even if you want to shout “free at last!” as you are handed your diploma, exercise self-control and smile proudly as you try to exit the stage without falling down the ...