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MPL Boardroom Antics pt. 8

Editor, “blankets” (Call Number GN Thompson) is a book available at MPL. Summary according to MPL “Loosely based on the author’s life, chronicling his journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring the people, experiences, and beliefs that he encountered along the way.” “Quaint, meditative and sometimes dreamy, blankets will take you straight back to your first kiss.” “blankets” review by author Matthew Hughstun. “Implied molestation, child abuse, child negligence, scenes showing the difficulties of mental retardation and family life, drug use, violence, ...

Thanks for your support of the MHS band pasta dinner

On behalf of the MHS Band parents and students, I would like to sincerely thank the many people of our community and surrounding area for their generous support of our pasta dinner fundraiser on Feb. 17, 2026. Thank you to all of the students, parents, and volunteers for your efforts to make this event such a tremendous success! Additionally, numerous businesses and individuals supported this effort through food and monetary donations. Thank you to our patron ticket supporters including Barilla, Solution Tree Service, Linda Holvik, Patrick Konarig, Hometown Veterinarian, HyVee, ...

Proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern will benefit communities

Dear Editor, Marshalltown is home to a diverse economy rooted in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and food processing. Global companies such as Emerson, Lennox, and JBS, along with countless small businesses and family farms across central Iowa, depend on efficient, reliable freight rail to move products to customers and markets across the nation and world. Freight rail is not just a cornerstone of Iowa’s economy, it is the backbone that connects our businesses, sustains jobs, and supports growth in our communities. Union Pacific has long been an essential transportation ...

Last to leave Marine

My friend John was “promoted to glory” on Feb. 15. My wife and I were just out in California and a group of us took time to have lunch with him. You wouldn’t know John if I just told you his full name but I will share that he was the “last to leave” during the Fall of Saigon on April 30,1975. Master Gunnery Sergeant John Valdez was the “Top” NCO for the Marine Security Battalion at the American Embassy. A tough but fair “Gunny” and combat veteran, he was in charge of the Leathernecks at the Embassy and Tan Sun Nhut Airbase. My boyhood friend and fellow Eagle Scout, ...

Flock and local control

I spoke at a recent City Council meeting about the Flock camera contract not because I distrust our police, but because residents deserve to understand how systems that collect data on everyone are governed once they’re in place. I recognize that the Marshalltown Police Department has credited these cameras with generating investigative leads, and I don’t dispute their usefulness. But usefulness alone cannot be the standard for systems that collect and store broad public data. Flock Safety emphasizes that customers control routine data sharing, and I take those statements at face ...

Open letter to Sen. Grassley

In response to your contention that partisan Democrats have once again shut down portions of the government: The persons that voted against the passage of this last funding bill were the persons who showed integrity because they stood up for what was right. To do anything else would have made them complicit in terrorism and the unlawful detention of legal residents and American citizens. It is your duty as a member of Congress to work out compromises with your fellow legislators and get laws passed. But, once again, you have dug in your heels and failed to do this. Approximately 73% ...