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Opinion

When child protection becomes an empty promise

Columnists

As a father, my top priority is protecting my kids. When a child is placed in foster care, their safety and wellbeing become the state’s responsibility. Tragically, the state failed to protect Sabrina Ray, killed by her adoptive parents in 2017, and her siblings from abuse and torture. Because of that failure, the state of Iowa in 2023 paid $10 million to settle lawsuits brought by Sabrina’s two surviving sisters. I voted on those settlements because, as Auditor, I am a statutory member of the Board that makes these decisions. I supported those settlements not just to help those ...

MCSD opens preschool enrollment for 2026-27

Columnists

The Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) has opened enrollment for its 2026-27 preschool programs. Classrooms are located in all six district elementary schools. The program aims to provide a seamless transition into kindergarten while offering a high-quality, research-based educational foundation. The Frog Street Curriculum focuses on the whole child. Integrating physical, social, and academic growth with hands-on learning provides learning for all students. They engage in nine rotating themes throughout the year, covering essential milestones such as: Early Literacy & ...

Grant Wood memorialized Iowa’s heritage

Columnists

For 46 years in a row, I’ve traveled across our state to meet with Iowans in every county, every year. Each time, I learn something new in the county I’m visiting and enjoy getting a first-hand look at high-quality goods and services made here in Iowa. Some things never change, such as Iowans’ productivity and humility. Iowans don’t brag enough to showcase the innovation, pioneering spirit and community vitality that’s part of our heritage, anchoring our economy and enriching civic life. A century ago, a native Iowan captured the essence of self-reliance intrinsic to closely ...

Thanks for your support of the MHS band pasta dinner

Your View

On behalf of the MHS Band parents and students, I would like to sincerely thank the many people of our community and surrounding area for their generous support of our pasta dinner fundraiser on Feb. 17, 2026. Thank you to all of the students, parents, and volunteers for your efforts to make this event such a tremendous success! Additionally, numerous businesses and individuals supported this effort through food and monetary donations. Thank you to our patron ticket supporters including Barilla, Solution Tree Service, Linda Holvik, Patrick Konarig, Hometown Veterinarian, HyVee, ...

Proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will benefit communities

Your View

Dear Editor, Marshalltown is home to a diverse economy rooted in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and food processing. Global companies such as Emerson, Lennox, and JBS, along with countless small businesses and family farms across central Iowa, depend on efficient, reliable freight rail to move products to customers and markets across the nation and world. Freight rail is not just a cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, it is the backbone that connects our businesses, sustains jobs, and supports growth in our communities. Union Pacific has long been an essential transportation ...

Equal, fair and farce

Columnists

When NBC affiliates in Tennessee showed the movie “Necessary Roughness” in 1994, those affiliates were required to give a Democrat Senate candidate 4 minutes and 13 seconds of free airtime. The Democrat was running against Fred Thompson, the actor turned Republican Senate candidate. When Thompson ran for President in 2008, NBC stopped aired re-runs of “Law & Order” that featured Thompson, who had been the District Attorney on the show. The Equal Time Doctrine is not new. But the national press corps, always ready to pounce on President Donald Trump and Republicans, has suddenly ...