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Opinion

I served my Country, but it’s leaving me high and dry

Columnists

Take it from a veteran who’s been homeless: Just because you see me in the streets doesn’t mean I’m not working. After their service, many veterans struggle with low-wage work, mental health issues, and challenges with their families. It’s something most people don’t want to talk about, but it’s all too real for veterans across the country — including me. For years, I’ve oscillated between stable work and transitional housing. At different times, I’ve slept in shelters, outside the public library, or back in the woods. I’ve been a volunteer advocate for veterans ...

Barker Bulletin — Week 15: Property Tax Reform

Columnists

This week brought the 100th day of the legislative session. Day 100 is the latest day we have with our clerks. I am thankful for Jeff’s hard work this session as he helped me keep up with all the correspondence from constituents in the 51st District. We also moved a bunch of policy bills on the floor this week. My highlight of the week was visiting with students from West Marshall on their field trip. I also had the honor to drop of letters to graduates at each high school in the district. I started the weekend at the Iowa GOP 4th District convention. Our party is built from the ...

Head Start is a stunning success. Don’t cut it.

Columnists

The federal Head Start program has been a lifesaver for me since I was a toddler. I count my lucky stars that my parents were able to get me into Head Start for early childhood education decades ago. I count myself even more fortunate to have it for my own child now. But I worry that could all change if the Trump administration gets its way. Studies have shown that Head Start children have better social skills and impulse control. They make great strides in math, language, cognitive development, and how to learn. Their health and dental outcomes are also much better than low-income ...

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Columnists

As an Assistant Marshall County Attorney whose docket focuses on sexually motivated crimes and domestic violence, I see firsthand the devastating impact sexual assaults have on victims and our community. Therefore, I am proud to stand with survivors of these crimes every April, in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important reminder of what happens behind closed doors. Not only is the victim’s life altered in profound ways, but that victim’s family, friends, and the community suffer collateral damages. Victims may face economic strain ...

Suggestion for the TR

Your View

The DMR is currently running a survey for the coolest thing invented in Iowa. I don’t think you get to be on the list if you won it in another year. I always vote for the Butter Braid out of West Bend, IA. I think we should do the Coolest Thing Invented in Marshalltown. Of course, there’s the Marshalltown trowel, The Flying Elbow WWF burger, Lilly Mae’s TorTush and my two favorites: MPACT, A Co-Responder Program that embeds social workers within the MPD, and REMIX Non-Profit Dance Academy that in addition to offering a full slate of classes also offers classes for adult ...

Fraudsters are treating Treasury like a personal piggy bank

Columnists

Tax Day has come and gone…along with the money the IRS took from your paycheck. Even if you paid your taxes on time and in full, you are still subject to the threat of an IRS audit. Meanwhile, fraudsters are treating the national treasury like a personal piggy bank, stealing more than $1 ...