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The calm in the chaos: Honoring Marshall County’s first, first responders

Each year, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we are given a dedicated moment to recognize a group of professionals who are essential to public safety, yet often remain unseen. These are the unseen heroes, the calm during the storm, the ones who answer the call when someone’s life has been flipped upside down. These are our 911 Communications Specialists, the Nation’s true “First, First Responders.” We are blessed here in Marshall County to have men and women who exemplify professionalism, compassion and strength like few can. Unless you have sat in their ...

A commitment to thoughtful leadership

My name is Christian Goodman, and I am announcing my intention to run to fill the vacant county supervisor position my late father, Kevin Goodman, held until Jan. 7, 2026. Just a few months ago, I did not expect to be in this position. Public policy and debate always interested me, but I was not actively pursuing a role in local government. That changed after my father’s passing. I felt called to step forward — not only to continue the work he had begun, but to serve the community that shaped who I am. I’ve lived here my entire life, and I’m proud to call Marshall County ...

From the Mayor’s Desk

Ok, now that you have what the Marshalltown Mayor and City Council roles are, let’s turn to the city staff and employees. I have been accused of bragging about how good our staff and employees are. To that, I plead guilty as charged. Most of my working life, I have worked in groups of people, some big and some small. One unwritten rule that I have noticed by observation is that the bigger the group you work in, the more likely you will have a dud. You know, the one that does the absolute minimum, can’t be counted on and just slides by. This rule just does not apply to our staff ...

A guide to Marshalltown’s FY27 school tax rate adjustments

As the Marshalltown Cmmunity School District (MCSD) finalizes its budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year (FY27), it is important to provide clear context on how school funding works in Iowa and why adjustments to the local tax rate are sometimes necessary. School finance is driven by a combination of state formulas, enrollment trends, and mandated programs, all of which play a role in shaping the final tax rate. First, it’s important to understand that local school tax rates are largely driven by the state funding formula, not local discretion.The majority of a district’s tax rate is ...

This is what a World Superpower looks like

America is living through a moment difficult to describe without sounding a little unhinged. But here goes: We are watching the United States do things that only the United States can do. In the span of a few days, Americans have watched astronauts push farther into space than any human beings in history, while U.S. forces execute military operations so precise and technologically overwhelming that they look like something written for a Hollywood script. Pilots are being rescued in missions that resemble “Mission: Impossible.” Terrorists are being eliminated with the kind of ...

Bible truth or tradition: According to the Bible, do we have an eternal soul, or are we living souls?

About me: I am a truth seeker. How about you? I believe the Bible, in its original form, is the revealed Word and will of God. Somewhere I heard that the Bible was written so that a child could understand it. I wish I had read it more as a child—but it is never too late. AI is a wonderful tool if used properly, with quick access to a lot of research material. But we know AI can make mistakes. So can people. Sometimes, I question what I hear being taught in “church.” So don’t take my word for it (or anyone else’s, for that matter). Please check it out for yourself. People can ...