Breaking News

Opinion

And just like that …

Local Columns

Today is my last day with the Daily Freeman-Journal, bringing to a close nearly 30 years with the company. That old saying "time flies" may seem a bit cliche, but it certainly feels apt to me right now. This week as I’ve been wrapping up a few tasks, I’ve been sorting through old files and photos, stirring up memories of the people I’ve met through the years — the folks I’ve worked with and those I’ve interviewed. I’ve been thinking about the inspirational mentors who shared their passion for the job and who showed a young writer the importance of solid community ...

Suspending jerkbaits

Local Columns

Suspending jerkbaits are a style of minnow-imitating baits that have been around for a good number of years, but have really grown in popularity in the past few open water fishing seasons. Many anglers think of suspending jerkbaits as being an outstanding tool for catching largemouth and ...

Embarrassed by mechanical ineptitude

Local Columns

We purchased a new car in September 2019. There were a few bugs during the first couple of months but the dealer took good care of us; we are happy with the purchase. A few months later I began hearing a light rattle in the dash ̶ it was coming from somewhere near the radio (or whatever they call that complicated computer screen, multiple-function device in the dash.) I intended to make an appointment to have the rattle investigated and eliminated. You know how it goes; when you’re not driving you forget about the rattle so I didn’t make an appointment to have it ...

ISU Alumni Club offers scholarships

Local Columns

ISU Alumni Club offers scholarships The Iowa State University (ISU) Alumni Club of Hamilton County annually offers scholarship awards to individuals who live in or attend school in Hamilton County, and whom are planning to or currently attend school at Iowa State University. Recipients are selected based on a submission of application, financial need, academic achievement, and an interview process. The amount awarded each year is entirely supported by the financial generosity of Hamilton County alumni members, as well as the friends and fans of ISU. The application deadline is ...

When do fish bite best?

Local Columns

Part of the fun of fishing are the ideas that are facts to some anglers and absolutely not facts to other anglers. For instance, it’s believed by a good number of anglers that lure-makers make baits to catch fishermen, not fish. While it’s true that a bait has to be purchased by an angler ...

Just don’t call me late to supper

Local Columns

Though it took place nearly 45 years ago, I remember it like yesterday. We were on our way home from church and our son, then about five years old, was standing up right behind our front seat (yes, this was unsafe but we didn’t know that yet) telling us about his Sunday school experience. At one point Dirk asks, “Dad, how do we say our name?” “What?” I asked. “Well, I thought we said it ‘HYOOS-muhn’ but my Sunday school teacher calls me Dirk ‘HIGHS-muhn.” It was time for my boy to learn the facts of life about his surname. We worshipped at a Reformed Church in ...