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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 ...

Vote for Alex Pruismann for sheriff on June 4

Letters to Editor

To the editor: I've known Alex (Pruismann) for several years through law enforcement, and before that we competed against each other in high school sports. He has always been a stand-up person, competitor and deputy, and has the professional skillset to keep growing the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Vote for Alex Pruismann on June 4th. Derek Christie Webster County Chief Deputy

From the mayor of Iowa Falls: "Our loss is your gain"

Letters to Editor

To the editor: I have been involved in the criminal justice field for over 25 years as a sworn peace officer, as well as teaching and administering a Criminal Justice program at the college level. I have met and worked with a great many law enforcement professionals in that time and Alex Pruismann is clearly one of the standouts. Alex understands that police work is not just about enforcing laws but that it is, at its root, a people business. Just about any law enforcement officer can write tickets and arrest people but not all of them approach the job with an understanding of ...

The blessings of a good mother

Local Columns

Mother’s Day 2024 is my siblings and my sixth observance of the special day without a mother. Our mother passed away in November 2018. The six Huisman kids were blessed with a wonderful mother. On a recent Friday my three brothers and I got together for lunch and spent three hours reminiscing and telling stories. Our parents came up frequently during that conversation. When discussing our teen years, for instance, all four of us recalled coming home in the wee hours. In the layout of our parental home, the bathroom was on the first floor, adjacent to our parents’ bedroom. So ...