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Grow the workforce … grow the community

In today’s economy the idea of “growing your workforce” is paramount to “growing your community.” Serving as a catalyst for collaboration and coordination of community and economic development efforts that enrich and grow the region, is the strategic priority of the Marshalltown Regional Partnership. So “grow the workforce … grow the community,” is it really that simple? Not exactly. But, growing our workforce will absolutely be a key to the future growth of our community. Data that we received recently from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Community ...

Remembering Fannie Lou

The summer of 1964 — known as Freedom Summer — was a grassroots movement in the Deep South that sought to help African-Americans overcome legislative and communal barriers in registering to vote. Knowing Mississippi’s establishment Democratic Party would bar them from participating in ...

DACA is crucial

I’ve worked in law enforcement in Iowa for the past 25 years (14 years as a police chief). I have spent the past six+ years as the chief of police in Marshalltown. I can tell you without a doubt that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is crucial to the security and overall ...

There’s a proper forum for ‘M’ discussion

In response to Mr. Latham’s letter to the editor in the Nov. 18 edition concerning the F4 Veterans Memorial on American Legion grounds, I would first like to say I apologize if the location chosen for the “M” offended any of my fellow veterans. Diminishing the meaning of the memorial was certainly not intended by anyone involved in the choosing of the location. Secondly, I would like to say that the proper forum for discussing this issue is an American Legion General Membership meeting. Mr. Latham is a lifetime member of the American Legion and as such should attend a meeting, ...

Move the ‘M’

I totally agree with Col. Joe Latham’s letter regarding the inappropriate placement of the large promotional Marshalltown M in the memorial site where the F-4C Phantom Jet fighter is located on S. 6th St. As a retired veteran who thinks the site was so well done, I was surprised and greatly disappointed by the decision to put the M on that site. I just cannot believe that thoughtful Legion members voted to do that. The decision lacked sound thinking and a sense of respect for history and should be changed. It took a great effort by interested and dedicated people to place the jet ...

Looking back but moving forward

I am nearing the end of my term as mayor of Marshalltown. So, now is a time of reflection for me, and I have had time to think about the positive change seen in our community since I took office in January 2014. I wanted to share with you some of the areas in which I have been most proud of our community's accomplishments. And many are truly community accomplishments involving community organizations, volunteers, businesses, and city employees. Investment in the community Marshalltown was designated as an Iowa Great Places community in 2014, and we have prospered under this ...