I google to fin out what makes a good Mayor for small community. Here is what it says: • To have a strong communication skills. Clearly convey ideas and listen to community concerns. • Community engagement. Actively involve residents in the decision making process. • Visionary ...

As I sit here in “war-torn” Portland, Oregon, there are no firebombs, no cars ablaze. Yes, there are a few folks peacefully picketing outside the ICE facility (one in a chicken suit) and an “emergency naked bike ride” is planned for next week. Yes, Portland is weird. It revels in ...

After reading Rhonda Braudis’ article about the changes to the career of an emergency dispatcher, I am compelled to add some ancient history background to the changes she has seen. My wife and I moved to Marshalltown in 1974; when we arrived, I maintained all of the radio communications for ...

Where are our elected officials? They should be demanding accountability from the state officials about who and where the disease originated from. It is in the public interest and a safety issue and not let the state officials put it off. After all 70 some people and 2 deaths are wanting to ...

The case involving former school superintendent Ian Roberts is regrettable. Yes, he lied on parts of his resume and said things that weren’t true. But at the same time, Roberts was well-regarded by many students, parents and school officials. As Des Moines Register reporter Courtney ...

There is anger in our culture these days. People standing against, not just ideas, but the people who hold those ideas. Angry rhetoric screamed. Violence incited. Lives lost. There are calls to stop and calls to bravely stand for what you believe rather than hate and be against others for ...