Columns

We have officially started the 2021 legislative session, and it has been a very busy week. Many of us who have been at the Capitol before have had to adjust to new changes due to the pandemic to try to keep everyone in the building safe but still conduct our work and give the public access to their elected officials...

Monday, Jan. 11, marked the first day of the 89th General Assembly. While much of the legislative session looked different, many pieces remained the same. This week provided for a lot of the building blocks of the session, swearing-in, getting people in offices and desks and updates from the Governor, National Guard and Chief Justice. ...

The first week of the 89th General Assembly began on Monday, and it has been a good week thus far. The first week is generally full of pomp and circumstance along with the approval of administrative issues like rules, pay and other things that keep the session going and orderly. The week also entails getting the Condition of the State from the governor, judicial and military (National Guard) of the state...

  A: In January, I started my annual 99 county meetings across Iowa. For the last four decades, I've traveled to every corner of the state to hold open dialogue with my constituents. At my recent meeting in Delaware County in Manchester, I had a Q&A with workers who manufacture state-of-the-art snow plows, salt and sand spreaders and other types of equipment that help keep our roads safe during bad weather. ...

I've been struggling to find the words — to keep my thoughts concise. I've been wondering whether I should even say anything after so many better wordsmiths have wrought the concept much better than I. But the attack on our Capitol cannot and should not be something on which any of us remain silent...

Let me be very clear, what happened with the rioting and anarchy in Washington D.C. on Jan. 6 was a terrible thing. I have had friends in both political parties say that exact thing. Many of the same people who are saying bad things about this incident wanted to give a pass to those who were rioting last spring and summer in 2020, and I cannot let that pass without comment. Republicans and Democrats should together condemn any violent riots. It should not be a partisan issue...

The 89th General Assembly convened on Jan. 11, 2021. There are a number of new protocols in place to provide for greater social distancing in meetings, on the House floor and around the Capitol complex. That said, I am easily accessible via phone (515-991-7337) or email at megan.jones@legis.iowa.gov...

This last year was one of the most challenging for me that I can remember in my lifetime. I know when one thinks of world events like the Great Depression, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and many other terrible events, this year, while bad, hasn't been the worst humans have seen since creation of this world...

Good news is on the way in the form of COVID relief checks and vaccines. But consumers should not let their guard down, Attorney General Tom Miller warns.  "Scammers follow the headlines, and they'll take advantage of our excitement, confusion and other emotions," Miller said.   ...

It's been a rough year. We started 2020 with all eyes on Iowa for the first-in-the-nation presidential nominating contest. The Iowa caucuses took place under the cloud of a presidential impeachment. That surreal moment in history was eclipsed by a deadly virus that disrupted life as we know it...

  2020 has presented unique challenges for folks all across our state. The global pandemic coupled with a devastating derecho has been tough, but through it all we've witnessed the resilient spirit of Iowans. As I safely and responsibly traveled Iowa on my sixth annual 99 County Tour – visiting every county in our beautiful state – I continued to listen to your stories, challenges and successes to take your voices back to Washington...

My apologies for the timing. I didn't want to spoil the surprise. There was a particularly special Christmas gift I helped give some people this year — six people specifically. Like many of us, a good number of the branches in my family tree didn't gather this year for Christmas. ...

In the small town of Toledo in Tama County, there's a beautiful Colonial Revival-style building that's stood for more than a century. It's the Wieting Theater, and during my childhood it was an oasis and a means to escape the day's stresses and problems. ...

I shared this on Christmas Eve, and in my childhood I remember watching a Christmas classic each year: "A Charlie Brown Christmas." I learned a lot of lessons in that classic cartoon, but the biggest one is Linus' true meaning of Christmas. Through the hustle and bustle of the season we often forget the true meaning of Christmas and I would like to give you that one simple message in this update:...

The Iowa Constitution requires that every 10 years following the census there must be a drawing of congressional and state legislative districts based on changes in population, also known as redistricting. In Iowa, the responsibility of drawing the map of proposed districts lies with the nonpartisan bill drafting agency, known as the Legislative Services Agency (LSA). ...

  Iowan Brandon Lay was a hero — not just as a Marine serving two tours in Afghanistan — but also as someone who dedicated his time and energy to helping fellow veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after he returned home. Because of Brandon's efforts, countless veterans who faced mental health challenges are in a better place today. Sadly, like far too many of our nation's heroes, Brandon continued to struggle himself, and recently, tragically took his own life...

The holiday season is known for celebrations and traditions, but it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to impaired driving. Iowa Law Enforcement across the state will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this holiday season to remove impaired drivers from the roads and help save lives. From Dec. 18 to Jan. 1, motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement. ...

One campaign appealed to a judge, contesting election results that weren't returned in its candidate's favor. Ballots were recounted, and the case was ultimately dismissed by the court. Though it may sound an awful lot like 2020's continually drawn-out election happenings, I'm actually describing a front page story from the Feb. ...

These may very well be the darkest days of my lifetime. COVID cases spiking, record unemployment and suicide, personal loss, isolation, and children not getting the full education they need to succeed. In the midst of this uncertainty, many of us are hoping the familiar comforts of holiday tradition will deliver some modicum of normalcy and joy...

The number of unemployment claims decreased in Iowa last week despite recent coronavirus mitigation measures. It's a good sign for the state as it continues into a period when seasonal layoffs are normal. Iowa Workforce Development reported a total of 5,593 initial unemployment claims were filed between Nov. 22-28. That's a decrease of 3,337 from the previous week's adjusted numbers...

Near the end of each calendar year, I often see parents and grandparents searching for gifts to give the children in their lives. This holiday season, look no further than College Savings Iowa and giving the gift of education. Families around the state are celebrating many things, from finishing the fall semester to holidays and a new year. ...

  On Dec. 7, we recognized 79 years since the horrific attacks on Pearl Harbor — a day that will live in infamy — which led the United States to join the Allied forces in what would become the deadliest war in human history. But thanks to the brave Americans who answered the call to defend freedom around the globe, this nation was able to lead the effort to defeat Nazi Germany and the Axis powers...

Connecting every home and business to high-speed internet access will open the door of opportunity for rural residents to compete in the digital economy. Rural broadband is a critical piece of the puzzle for communities to foster economic development and productivity; empower students to attain top academic achievement; and, allow workers and families to enjoy a high quality of life with a lower cost of living available in the Midwest. ...

We have learned a lot about our limits, our weaknesses and our resolve this year. One of the weaknesses we experienced was our access to broadband services. Over the last year, many people have seen their work, school, shopping and other things move online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ready or not, the increased use of broadband internet is here to stay...

Consumers may discover unexpected charges popping up on their credit card statements and other bills as a side effect of the pandemic.  Businesses are charging more fees, in some cases calling them "COVID surcharges." These could include retailers charging consumers more to use credit cards. ...

  Earlier this week, Moderna asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize use of its COVID-19 vaccine after reporting 94 percent efficacy in its trial. This comes on the heels of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca announcing that their respective coronavirus vaccines are 90 percent or more effective...

One hundred years ago, Congress passed the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, setting up a system in which companies lease public lands to wrest valuable oil and gas from the ground. In the century since, the royalties and rent that those corporations pay to the American people for access have remained essentially unchanged even as the scale of development and profits has grown hugely...

It's been a heck of a year, and we're not even done yet. So I'll take a break from the more serious topics that never seem to let up and talk a little about my family's first Thanksgiving on our own. Like many folks, the pandemic has kept our larger family from gathering to stuff themselves silly before passing out just in time for dinner. ...

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every person in one way or another this year. We've worn masks and social distanced, but we are tired and want to reconnect with family and friends, especially during the holidays. COVID is something to take seriously, as 3.3 percent of Americans have tested positive for coronavirus, and in Dickinson County, 6.5 percent have tested positive, with 35 percent of those positives in the last month alone. ...

Ten new trail benches were placed around the trails system this fall. Four benches were set in September and another six were installed in early November. Every bench has a special story so DCTB is featuring them through Trails Talk to celebrate and share the stories of families and friends that are being honored through a bench donation...

The nation's top infectious disease doctor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, recently said it has been "beyond historic." As the novel coronavirus continues to wrap around the world, the Trump administration's Operation Warp Speed has produced promising developments to combat COVID-19, the highly infectious disease that created a public health emergency and economic fall-out throughout 2020. ...

Last year, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, I joined a congressional delegation trip to visit U.S. troops, including Iowans, deployed in the Middle East. As a former company commander in Kuwait and Iraq, I understand the significance of our elected leaders being on-the-ground in war zones and personally assessing our continued combat operations. It's an important part of my job as a U.S. Senator and as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee...

Monday's prime-time address from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds wasn't a terribly long message to Iowans, but I imagine the goal was to have the state's full attention rather than lose it during a lengthy speech. She told us that, where once it took our state about five months to generate 52,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, we're now racking up that many in just two weeks. ...

With the presidential election remaining in the news for last several days, now is a good time to review the important election reforms recently implemented in Iowa. These reforms ensure all legal votes are counted and only legal votes are counted. Over the last four years, Senate Republicans led on policies to provide security and protection for elections and voters in our state...

Service is more than just a word to me. It's a part of who I am. At 19 years old, at Iowa State University, I joined the Army ROTC program. I went on to spend more than 20 years serving in our military — retiring as a lieutenant colonel. I was blessed with the opportunity to lead some of the best and brightest Iowans in our Army National Guard...


Conserving America's natural resources is a nonpartisan issue. Both Republicans and Democrats alike should strive to protect our environment so future generations can enjoy the natural beauty with which we have been blessed. That's why, as a state representative, I have focused much of my energy on improving the quality of water in Iowa's lakes, rivers, and streams...

    A: The U.S. Secretary of Interior announced at the Iowa Gold Star Military Museum in Johnston that starting on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2020, all U.S. veterans and Gold Star families will be given free entry into national parts, federal lands and wildlife refuges managed by the U.S. ...

The election is now behind us — no more ads, no more phone calls, or yard signs. Voters were asked an important question on Election Day: Should Iowa have a constitutional convention? It was a small question with a potentially big impact. According to the Iowa Constitution, Iowans must be asked every 10 years if they support a constitutional convention to make changes to the Iowa Constitution. ...

On New Year's Day 1960, 2-year-old Tina Marie Brandon was killed in an accident in Dallas. Thirty years later, she came back to life — or at least it appeared she had. In 1990, Deborah Lester was able to falsify a birth certificate for Tina and get a Social Security number, according to Colorado Springs police. Lester held Tina's identity for 28 years, opening multiple business, bank accounts and credit cards and applying for government benefits, police allege...

It seems oxymoronic, but two divisive topics will intersect in our national history next week. When the votes were tallied in November of 2016, no one had the foresight to predict we Iowans would be under a viral pandemic come the 2020 presidential election. ...

It's a commonly-known statistic – one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. However, there's a lot more to know about breast cancer, and some of it might surprise you. 1. It doesn't just affect older women who have had a history of breast cancer in their family...

So many life events and celebrations, from graduations to birthdays and weddings have been impacted by the pandemic. Earlier this year, when schools shut down and entire sectors of the economy closed to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, it also put the brakes on routine screenings and life-saving check-ups with our health care providers...

If you attended high school in Spencer between the years of 1969 and 1992, you probably didn't get through your freshman year without a little time with Nellie "Nell" Alderman. The fiery pastor's daughter from North Dakota taught civics, and her classroom lessons took students to the 13 Colonies and back...

The ability to vote and make one's voice heard is one of our most sacred rights. We continue to support common sense measures, which strengthen the security of our election system. Absentee voting is not being restricted. Iowa continues to be one of the most accessible states when it comes to voting. Here is some information about voting in Iowa. ...

When President Trump appointed Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of Agriculture, he told him to "take care of the farmers." For the past three and a half years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has met that mandate, even during these challenging and unprecedented times...

I've been with the Dickinson County News since the start of 2010. There's never been a week when we've left out the opinion page. Sometimes, when we get a bumper crop of commentary, we'll even add a second page.
That's not a wrinkle I brought to the table, by the way. ...

  Iowans have options about how we choose to vote. We can cast an absentee ballot from the comfort of our home, in-person at the county auditor's office, or vote at the polls on Election Day. All three methods are safe and secure. Whichever method you choose, it's important to have a voting plan...

  A: As the world's largest economy and beacon of democracy, it's not a secret that our elections are targeted by foreign adversaries seeking to sow discord and division in the United States of America. For the last four years, Congress and the Trump administration have stepped up oversight, enforcement and funding to protect election security for the 2020 elections. ...

Governor Reynolds announced Wednesday that the state finished Fiscal Year 2020 with a budget surplus of $305.5 million. This comes as the state closes the books on Fiscal Year 2020, which ended on June 30. According to the Department of Management, general fund revenue grew by 1 percent during the fiscal year. This growth came in the midst of a global pandemic which shut down significant parts of the Iowa economy for nearly two months...

  A: The Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse strings. The people's branch decides how to raise revenue and how to spend it. There's a rule of thumb tax writers must appreciate before legislation gets enacted into law. When something is taxed, you get less of it. ...