On Dec. 13, while conducting a routine patrol in Palmyra, Syria as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, two members of the Iowa National Guard and a U.S. civilian interpreter were killed, and three other soldiers from Iowa were injured, by a lone ISIS gunman. This despicable terrorist act was ...

In early November of this year, I received a request from the Honorable Judge Sharon Soorholtz Greer of the Iowa Court of Appeals to participate in a collaborative workshop to explore the overall needs and available resources for Marshall County citizens. Having worked with the community for ...

Another year has passed quicker than we can say “Where did time go?” Over the past 12 months, I have brought you an assortment of natural history notes about the observations from the real world. All those stories touched on a brief glimpse into the workings of nature. It was fun to bring ...

I became a widow at age 38 when my son was 7. Solo parenting is hard, but thanks to the Affordable Care Act I’ve been able to work part-time from home in a way that makes our lives work pretty well. In January, my health insurance premiums will jump 79%, from $191 per month to $342. For a ...

I was so light headed and unstable on my feet, I had to use one of those electric carts at the supermarket. A first! Geesh. I felt like an old man. Oh, I am an old man! Shoppers scrambled to get out of my way. At 77, I still have my fingers in Medicare insurance. I carry a bag with my ...

Since my husband and I went public with our family’s story about our son’s severe mental illness, my phone, inbox, and social media messages have been full. People reach out constantly — some looking for help for themselves, others desperate to find treatment for a loved one. They come ...