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Policing the word ‘Milk’

Efforts to restrict plant-based products from using the word “milk” are gaining traction again, despite little evidence that consumers are confused (Reuters, April 24, 2026). Most people know exactly what oat milk is — and choose it intentionally. So why the push to regulate language? It’s hard not to see it as an attempt to shield one industry from growing competition. Consumers benefit from clear labeling and diverse choices. Limiting how products are described doesn’t protect the public — it limits innovation and restricts access to alternatives many people prefer for ...

Vote for Dave Dawson in June primary

Dave Dawson is a hard-working leader ready to represent Iowa’s 4th Congressional District. He has the energy, the intellect, and the compassion to be a remarkable voice in Congress. Dave is an accomplished attorney who has spent nearly two decades protecting families as a prosecutor. He has argued and won cases before the Iowa Supreme Court to safeguard children’s rights. As a former Iowa House Representative he was known for working across the aisle to achieve results. Having grown up in a small town, Dave knows the struggles of rural Iowa and the importance of strengthening ...

WolfTornabane has fresh ideas

I am weary of the constant chaos and the negative tone that has come to dominate our political conversations. Neither has led to effective governance, and both have left many constituents feeling frustrated and unheard. With the election primaries just weeks away, now is the time to thoughtfully consider the candidates in both parties. We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to choose a new direction. In recent months, our current leadership has struggled to produce meaningful results, and there has been little accountability within the GOP regarding Donald Trump’s ...

Thanks to MPD and a good ‘Samaritan’

I need to publicly thank an unknown citizen and the Marshalltown Police Department. I had been looking in my car and all over the house for my black ISU portfolio and enclosed documents after using it uptown to bay a bill. It was not to be found. Then one of Marshalltown’s fine policemen rings my doorbell with my lost portfolio in hand. It seems someone had found it on the street (Lincoln Street?) and turned it into at the police station. I’m now guessing I put it on top of my car, forgot to take it down, and it flew off as I drove. While it had no great value, getting it and its ...

Cleanup years ago

I am writing to share a conversation I had this morning over coffee with an older gentleman. He mentioned that when he was a child, his father had him sweep the sidewalk in front of his restaurant every morning. Interestingly, rather than sweeping the debris into the street, he swept it into a garbage bag to be disposed of properly. This made me wonder why a similar practice isn’t more common today, rather than relying on volunteers for neighborhood or storefront upkeep. I thought it was an interesting perspective on maintaining our local walkways.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

To: Community of Marshalltown We are happy to let you know that the Letter Carrier’s will once again hold their Food Drive “Stamp Out Hunger” on Saturday, May 9. Your letter carrier will be collecting non-perishable food donations left by mailboxes and a drop box in the post office for the local food pantries of the Salvation Army and the Emergency Food Box. This effort by members of the National Association of Letter Carriers and other volunteers is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Grocery and gas prices are rising, and many in our community are experiencing ...