Iowa farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our country, who wake before the sun rises to feed families and fuel our nation. However, while there is no more rewarding work, it can come with a series of unforeseen risks that can threaten our producers’ livelihoods. Farmers work long hours ...

This week was the second legislative funnel deadline, which means that most House bills must pass a Senate committee and vice versa by the end of this week, so House committee work was focused on review Senate bills. I also participated in a bi-partisan press conference unveiling polling data ...

National Agriculture Week is always one of my favorite times at the Capitol. It’s a chance to step back and recognize just how important agriculture is to our state. Farming is not only part of Iowa’s identity, but also a major driver of our economy, making up more than 22% of total ...

The Marshalltown YMCA is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, which has caused me to reflect on our organization’s history and leadership. A bit about the Y’s beginnings: In 1844 London, 22-year-old George Williams, a farmer-turned-department store worker, joined 11 friends to ...

In my last column, we went over the Marshalltown Mayors position, let’s do more basics. (You did read the last one….right?) Let’s talk City Council. After 6 years as Councilor At Large and 5 years representing Ward 1, I think I have a pretty good handle on what the job entails. The ...

By MARK ROHDE 3days and 3 nights: 72 hours or a Hebrew Idiom? To start with, this is not about me and my beliefs. I have my biased opinions, who doesn’t? This is about truth. Not my truth, not your truth, but God’s truth. Jesus of Nazareth is my hero and he said that God’s word ...