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Class act

Everyone deserves a teacher, friend and mentor like Mr. Clark. Our friendship began about 15 years ago with a simple phone call. From that moment on, he became an important part of my life. Back in junior high, I wanted to be like him — and in 1973, that dream came true when I became a football coach. Over the years, we shared many moments, including a visit to Nora Springs where we spent the day talking, laughing and reminiscing about Anson Junior High and life. He always had a sharp mind and a kind spirit. I will truly miss him. I’ll never forget the nickname he gave me ...

RAGBRAI ride and rest

As Ragbrai comes through town it is time for Marshalltown to open our doors to people from many different places. As a rider of Ragbrai long ago I do remember the need for rest and the comfort it was to have a night’s sleep after the hot ride or the rainy ride on the 7 day journey. People on the route and wherever I stayed were gracious and I know how much I appreciated it. Those of us in Marshalltown once again have been given the chance to open up our yards, homes and hearts to those who may be just a bit weary at the end of the ride. Thank you to the many who have already ...

I need a favor from you

Whenever you begin a project that is years in the making, costs lots of money and tons of personal time, you keep your eyes fixed on the finish line. You know the community will appreciate it. All along the way, the group creating the project are dogged by the “we don’t need this, our community doesn’t deserve nice things” from people on Facebook and in person. Yet the people behind the project trudge on to completion. When the project finally becomes reality, it is more beautiful than anyone in the community could have imagined. Ribbon cuttings and celebrations abound from ...

Politics shouldn’t come at the expense of decency

Political campaigns should be about ideas, leadership, and the future of our communities—not personal attacks aimed at families and small businesses. Recently, Annette Sweeney and her campaign chose to distribute misleading and negative mailers throughout Senate District 27 targeting me, my family, and the business we have worked tirelessly to build. The ads reflected a style of politics that I believe falls short of what Iowa voters deserve. Rather than encouraging an honest discussion about issues and priorities, they focused on creating division and casting doubt on the character ...

Bible Truth or Tradition response

I am disturbed by the recent spat of columns written by Mark Rohde challenging and undermining traditionally held Christian beliefs. He seems convinced that he alone is capable of going back into the Scriptures to find their *real* meaning, saying to 2,000 years of Christians looking over his shoulder, “I know better.” Doesn’t he know that’s exactly what all of the heretics think? Arius to Joseph Smith to Jim Jones? While Scripture is infallible, we are not. We are limited and sinful and prone to error. When we’re not sure about some Scripture, we need the wisdom and guidance ...

Factory farming pollution

Lawmakers are now investigating toxic gas emissions from animal farming, including ammonia pollution that threatens nearby communities (The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Feb. 17, 2026). For residents living near these facilities, this isn’t new—it’s daily life. We often talk about factory farming in terms of animals or climate, but the human cost is just as real. Families are breathing contaminated air so the rest of us can consume cheap meat and dairy. This raises an uncomfortable question: how cheap is “cheap” if others are paying with their health? If we value ...