Last month, I drove an hour east of Cleveland to Ashtabula, Ohio, where I grew up and where my youngest sister, Toni, is a high school English teacher. Once a week, she also teaches a “career enrichment” class for eighth-graders, which is why I was there. Our old high school is long gone, ...
The hundredth anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting of World War I in Europe came and went with surprisingly little notice last Nov. 11. Commemoration was muted for a conflict that took the lives of some 15 to 19 million soldiers and civilians — estimates vary widely — ...
In reference to efforts to teach black children, the president of the St. Petersburg, Florida, chapter of the NAACP, Maria Scruggs, said: “The (school) district has shown they just can’t do it. ... Now it’s time for the community to step in.” That’s a recognition that politicians and ...
One of my older sisters once dated a much older guy who had not yet come to terms with growing up. I remember nothing about him — except his nose hair. He was the Rapunzel of nose hair. I do believe you could have climbed it straight into his brain. I was never sure if I should suggest to him ...
We who follow immigration policy closely know that the wall is a dumb idea. Closing much of the government over it is dumber still. Why is the wall a dumb idea? It would be expensive. It’d be unsightly. It’d be environmentally destructive. More to this point, it’d be ...
Dear Readers, What images come to mind when you think of a natural food? An apple freshly picked from a tree? A loaf of bread fresh out of the oven? Fresh green beans right out of the garden? Some food manufacturers are finding themselves in hot water for labeling their foods as natural when ...
If there is a more anti-Trump organ in the American establishment than The Washington Post, it does not readily come to mind. Hence, in choosing to send his op-ed attack on President Donald Trump to the Post, Mitt Romney was collaborating with an adversary of his party and his president. ...
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts became the first 2020 Democratic White House challenger to announce her “exploratory committee,” a legal device that allows candidates to receive donations and to hire staff in preparation for a full-fledged presidential candidacy. Make no mistake; ...
Iowa’s 87th general assembly (2017-2018) was a mind-boggling head-spinner. Two examples: 1) we saw a $1.058 billion negative budgetary turnaround yet legislators handed out $611 million as corporate tax breaks and 2) legislators continued to underfund K-12 public schools while trying to ...
Today I have some easy casserole (better known as “hot dish” in Minnesota) recipes. After all the holiday cooking and eating, I’m ready for some easy comfort food meals. Beef Hash and Green Bean Casserole 2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen green beans 15 oz. can corned beef hash 10 oz. can ...
I want to compliment the people responsible for the book “Ravaged.” It was beautifully done and I have already given a few as gifts — some to friends who grew up here, but no longer live in Marshalltown. When one looks at the pictures it’s hard to believe no one was killed — no ...
Kindness has been apparent from strangers and friends alike following the July 19, 2018 tornado. Without judgement and many times without being asked, people jumped in to help. It’s that spirt that helps make a community great for all. In 2019, we need to carry on that spirit with all our ...
The office of the presidency is known for wearing down the mere mortals who hold it. At the very least, it prematurely ages its occupants. Often, it humiliates them, forcing them to rehabilitate their reputations later (George H.W. Bush and Jimmy Carter). In the worst case, it chews them up ...
Check the Sunday opinion section each week to see how some residents answered the question of the week. Sound Off is compiled and written by Ashlyn Ruiz, a junior at MHS.
I wanted to write this column about dogs. If you follow me on Twitter or have read my work elsewhere, you probably know that about me: I like my dogs. Though truth be told, I probably like your dogs, too. Because I just like dogs. It’s a common sentiment. Dog ownership has been going up ...
I often complain — rather gratuitously, I now realize — that I don’t have a moment to myself. Responsibilities and relationships tug at my time, and hardly a day goes by without someone calling or knocking on my door unexpectedly. How did I get so lucky? I’m not being sarcastic ...
It’s the start of a new year, a time many people use to start a new habit or project or reach for a professional goal. This week also marks the swearing in of the newly elected members of the Senate and the House of Representatives. There will be much pomp and circumstance as the House ...
There are so many things I neglected to do in 2018 — however, I’m confident with the right resolutions this time around 2019 will finally be the Year of Kelly. This year I promise to do every single one of these to make myself a better person. Unless I get busy or forget about them or ...
Wondering what to do with yourself after retirement? Talk to Larry McKim of Ottumwa. He’s 72 years young, recently bought a bar for the first time in his life, although he doesn’t drink, and, oh, yes, he’s had cancer three times (actually four), triple bypass surgery and 36 broken ...
China’s economy is showing signs of trouble, eliciting mixed reactions from Americans. Typically, Chinese economic woes are a bad sign for U.S. companies, as China is a major buyer of U.S. goods like airplanes, cars, electronics, medical supplies and agricultural products. However, ...