A squirrel banquetIf you're a fan of cowboy hats, old pickup trucks, flannel shirts, enormous deer racks, big fish and cathead biscuits with sawmill gravy, then you're going to like the subject of this week's column squirrels.I love the sweet aroma of squirrel and I'm surprised at most folks ...
When my wife and I moved to the city from rural Iowa 14 years ago one of the biggest changes we experienced was church music. In rural Iowa we were members of a church with a traditional worship service; in the city we found mostly contemporary worship services.I am not denominationally loyal ...
So I spent my spring break doing a lot of driving and a lot of visiting, headed north in spite of the fact that I rarely hear of anyone going that direction for spring break. Usually it's south, of course, in some form or another. But the folks I wanted to visit are north of here, so that's ...
April has the special designation of being National Poetry Month. Since 1996, National Poetry Month is an initiative of The Academy of American Poets to help celebrate the art of poetry and increase the visibility of poetry in popular culture. There are numerous ways to observe this holiday, ...
During that cold snap called winter, we've been busy planning. Sunday the 30th of March we're having an open house for all home based businesses in the area at inTANDEM Workspace at 501 Bank Street. Join us at 1 pm and see how the Chamber can help make your business grow. We're also ...
To the Editor:Saturday, March 15, 2014 was the Webster City Cub Scout Pinewood Derby race. I feel it was a huge success much in part to all of the volunteers who helped make it run smoothly. Thank you to the businesses and individuals who helped. The boys are the recipients of their generosity ...
To the Editor:Terry Branstad and I have a lot in common. We're both 67-year-old white males, native Iowans, raised on family farms, and registered Republicans. We both attended the University of Iowa. Branstad went on to become a lawyer and a career politician. I went into farming.After his ...
Every old farmhouse had one. Every country elevator had one. The now-gone country stores and gas stations had one on the back room table. They were the common thing that drew folks around, made then bury their hatchets for a day and made cause for both casual and serious conversation. Of what I ...
University of Iowa President Sally Mason created brouhaha a few weeks ago with her remark on sexual assaults on the campus.Commenting on the problem, President Mason said, "I'm not pleased that we have sexual assaults, obviously. The goal would be to end that, to never have another sexual ...
Sometimes we suffer missed opportunities that become especially clear when viewed in hindsight. Then again, maybe hindsight is the only way to see a missed opportunity.One of those for me is Ruth Buxton Sayre, a distinguished senior citizen I met during my last semester at Drake. I needed ...
Twenty-five years ago, in a bi-partisan celebration of what is best about living in Iowa, the Legislature created and Gov. Branstad signed into law an innovative program to protect Iowa's natural heritage for future generations.Iowa's Resource Enhancement and Protection Program - or REAP - has ...
On an anniversary of a significant historical event, people often ask, "Where were you when" There are events in our lives that leave a lasting memory. Some are tragic, some joyful and others less significant in the big picture.I can remember several less significant events, like the first time ...
I wonder who decided it is acceptable to wear shorts in the winter time.Whoever it was must have had middle school students in mind, because I certainly see lots of them who have adopted that look on an almost-daily basis. It's especially true now that our weather is moderating, and I ...
To the Editor:In the last few weeks, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Webster City have both passed resolutions supporting an increase in the state fuel tax by 10 cents per gallon phased in over three years. Other city councils within the County are likely to ...
My two dogs have very distinct personalities which get them into trouble on a regular basis.Toby is kind of goofy, a bit of doofus - not dumb by any means - but definitely stubborn. His little friend and partner in crime, Buster is the real brains of the operation. When you look at him ...
Spring finally seems to be arriving. While we all know in Iowa it is never a good idea to count on the weather to stay the same longer than five minutes, the warmer temperatures do bring to mind getting started on outdoor projects. For many people, gardening is an enjoyable hobby that also ...
The conclusion of week nine ends our second funnel for the session. While committee work is winding down we are continuing to stay busy in other areas of the legislature.Human ResourcesMonday morning I joined my colleagues from the Human Resources committee on a legislative trip to Ankeny to ...
Jam of the Week: "Defenestration Song" by Have A Nice LifeAs brief as exciting travels might be, they can offer a renewed sense of home when they're over.Winter weather is waning, and people are looking to get out of their stuffy shelters. I've probably jinxed the weather now that I've said it, ...
To the Editor:I am concerned about Van Deist Supply Company's new drainage projects included in their overall expansion.It seems the dredging for the drainage from the 2-4-D waste pool is running particularly close to Brewer Creek. I have not received an answer from anyone at VDSC to my ...
Right out of the chute, the news is not good. Not good at all. Just understand what's at stake here. It is not one-and-done. And this begs the question - where are the deer?No one can say they were blindsided by this one - no one. But everyone, especially if they are a deer hunter - can say ...