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National Police Week 2026 by Chris Jones

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week including that day as National Police Week. National Police Week allows us to honor and remember our fallen law enforcement officers, support their families, and recognize the dedication and service of those who have served and are serving within the profession. For local law enforcement officers, this week offers a moment of reflection on the tremendous public support we have in Marshall County. Throughout my career, I have come to appreciate this time ...

From the Mayor’s Desk: Volume 5

“Change is constant, growth is optional.” Former longtime 2nd Ward City Councilor Tom Curley told me that in late 1998. And it stuck. I believe that Tom told me that it was a Marshalltown Chamber saying at the time. What was true in 1998 still rings true in 2026. With all the changes going on in Marshalltown right now, many of them are eyed towards improvements and growth for residents AND newcomers. And that is my idea of economic development in a nutshell. Everybody wins. A good example of this is the Arts and Culture Alliance. The City has a five-year agreement with the ...

No deportation date for Bolivian immigrant tabbed for Congo

José Yugar-Cruz, the Bolivian immigrant targeted by federal officials for deportation to the Democratic Republic of Congo, does not know when he would be deported, members of Escucha Mi Voz Iowa said Tuesday. Motions aimed at winning his release offer hope that he will not be deported at ...

From drug addict to Doctorate!

Twenty plus years ago, Nikolas (Nik) Kerr, formerly from Mt. Pleasant, was in Minneapolis. He started on the north side of the city and worked his way south. He had a map of every pharmacy, drug store, Walmart and CVC in the metropolitan area. At each store he bought all the pseudoephedrine they would allow. Nik had an advantage, he didn’t look like a druggie. He looked more like Mr. America. He knew how to act, too. In some of the more downscale stores, if he thought he could get away with it, he would fake talking on his cellphone. “Oh, you’re sick? Sure, I’ll see if I can get ...

Meeting a growing need: Why Iowa needs more therapists trained in co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment

Across Iowa, communities are facing rising challenges related to both mental health and substance use. While these issues are often discussed separately, they frequently occur together — creating complex and deeply intertwined struggles for individuals, families, and the professionals who support them. Yet despite this growing need, too few therapists are trained to effectively treat both conditions at the same time. Understanding the connection between mental health and substance use is essential for effective care. These conditions often influence one another in powerful ways. ...

Some context around our involvement with the city

My name is Tom Deimerly. My wife Libby Brown and I own Deim Holdings LLC. I want to share some context around our involvement with the city, our vacant corner lot, and what happened at the April 27 council meeting. We are not in this to profit. We have brought our vision to the city for years — slice off a portion of this corner for permanent community greenspace, leave the rest to be privately developed along with the building. To no avail. What we will not do is see this lot utilized in a manner inconsistent with that vision during the time that we control it. I have been ...