Breaking News

Your View

Dear leader

In Friday, June 12's TR The Capital Dispatch reports that Trump says Lahn of Kansas is “much more Trump” than Feenstra. I have read a fair few of “Randy’s Roundups.” Not because I want to follow him, but because I wanted to campaign against him for the way he’s mismanaged Iowa’s District 4. That said, I can’t imagine anyone who could have carried more water for Donald Trump than Feenstra. He’s never written a column that hasn't included high praise for Trump. If Feenstra is the Christian that he says he is, some of that must have been difficult. Now that Trump has ...

Bible Truth or Tradition response

Being a longtime friend of Mark Rohde, and being a Bible teacher and pastor for 4 decades, I was saddened to see how a local pastor chose to respond to Mr. Rohde’s “Bible Truth or Tradition” articles. In undergraduate work, I took a class in Logic where I learned about “Ad hominem”, a fallacy in logic where an individual attacks their opponent’s character instead of addressing the arguments presented. Pastor Hedman chose that route — getting malicious on a personal level. That’s common when someone can’t make a valid argument based on truth. It’s similar to the ...

Bike path etiquette

With the nice weather there are more users on the city bike paths. Everyone needs to remember that these are used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Bicyclists and electric devices need to remember to announce themselves as they approach slower traffic from behind. Blasting by at speed is not only rude but dangerous as this might cause a serious collision. My personal opinion is that electric devices on the path are basically ok if used responsibly but if you are physically capable of powering a bike or scooter why not get some exercise. I realize that electric bikes can be peddled and ...

Voters can clean house in November

Dear editor, As Donald Trump’s name was removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on June 13, just one day before his 80th birthday. It was a fitting “tribute” to our nation’s manbaby. Steve Schmidt, the former Republican strategist who worked closely with George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and John McCain, summed it up this way: “The Kennedy Center is named after a president who called Americans to service, sacrifice and citizenship. Trump represents the opposite impulse. Self before country. Vanity before duty. Brand before nation.” Amen to that. ...

Class act

Everyone deserves a teacher, friend and mentor like Mr. Clark. Our friendship began about 15 years ago with a simple phone call. From that moment on, he became an important part of my life. Back in junior high, I wanted to be like him — and in 1973, that dream came true when I became a football coach. Over the years, we shared many moments, including a visit to Nora Springs where we spent the day talking, laughing and reminiscing about Anson Junior High and life. He always had a sharp mind and a kind spirit. I will truly miss him. I’ll never forget the nickname he gave me ...

RAGBRAI ride and rest

As Ragbrai comes through town it is time for Marshalltown to open our doors to people from many different places. As a rider of Ragbrai long ago I do remember the need for rest and the comfort it was to have a night’s sleep after the hot ride or the rainy ride on the 7 day journey. People on the route and wherever I stayed were gracious and I know how much I appreciated it. Those of us in Marshalltown once again have been given the chance to open up our yards, homes and hearts to those who may be just a bit weary at the end of the ride. Thank you to the many who have already ...