Columns

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. ...

National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual observation coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor each October. The goal of the month is to educate employers and others on disability employment issues as well as celebrate the contributions of America's workers with disabilities. ...

DCTB has had another busy season installing new benches along a number of trail segments throughout the system. Four new benches were placed in early September and another five benches will be placed in the next couple weeks. There are a couple of benches along new trail segments and others are replacing old wood benches that are beyond repair due to maintenance and safety concerns. ...

As state treasurer and administrator of Iowa's 529 plans, I look forward to College Savings Month each September. This nationally-recognized initiative is a great way to share the benefits of saving with a 529 plan with more families and communities around our state and country. Here are some of the benefits a College Savings Iowa account owner can receive:...

  A: Article 2, Section 2, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution says the president, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, shall nominate judges to the U.S. Supreme Court. That means the president has the constitutional duty to make a nomination when a vacancy takes place. ...

    A: Federal law requires the U.S. fuel supply to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuel, which helps petroleum fuels burn more cleanly and replaces a petroleum-based substance that was used for that purpose, but was found to cause cancer. Nearly two decades ago, I fought to include the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and secured an annual expansion in the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act...

This year, much has changed. In the spring, we didn't gather in Pella to celebrate the town's Dutch heritage at the annual Tulip Time festival. This summer, we didn't stuff our faces with fried food on a stick or take our picture with the famous Butter Cow at the Iowa State Fair. And this fall, we couldn't attend the annual Cy-Hawk football game...

Earlier this month, we observed the 19th anniversary of 9/11. We honored the memory of three thousand souls whose lives were stolen for the sole purpose of inflicting terror upon 300 million Americans. We grieve with their loved ones left behind and salute first responders who selflessly put their lives on the line to save others. ...

Recently we have heard a lot of talk about defunding our police in this country. This talk started in Minneapolis and has since spread to large and medium cities in our nation. Instead of defunding the police, I prefer to defend our police. These brave folks have done nothing but protected and served us through all the targeting and anger of the mobs who are rioting and looting...

Americans are cleaning like never before and seeking ways to keep homes and workplaces free of COVID-19. As a result, scams and misleading claims are spreading. Some businesses offer cleaning products or services that claim long-lasting protection ― 90 days in some cases ― against the coronavirus.  ...

By now, most young people in our community are back in school, in a classroom, at a desk. A whole spectrum of emotions — from joy to fear — comes with that depending on the circumstances, but the doors are once again open. It might be tempting to take this as a sign that we've finally got the COVID-19 pandemic on the run, but that all depends on where our community goes from here...

The Sportsman's 6th Annual Tiki Ride had its biggest event yet on Aug. 1 as it brought in several hundred riders and a $3,500 donation to Dickinson County Trails. The ride grows bigger and better every year and, with matching grant funds, the proceeds will garner over $14,000 for trail development. DCTB thanks Sportsman's, their staff and the many volunteers that work so hard to make this fun event happen...


In Iowa, we expect our politicians to show up. Meeting with Iowans is the highest priority for our political leaders. Just look at Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley and our Gov. Kim Reynolds, who visit all 99 counties every year. So, it's disappointing to see Democratic U.S. ...

  Doesn't it just seem like one thing after another? We're in the midst of a global pandemic, which has taken the lives of more than 1,000 Iowans, and then we get hit by a derecho. It's been a trying year for folks across Iowa. The challenges we're facing as a state, and a nation, are some of the toughest in a lifetime. ...

    A: The U.S Postal Service touches every household and business in the nation. Benjamin Franklin served as the first postmaster general, leading the mission to build a trusted network of public infrastructure and connect people and commerce with a universal mail delivery service. ...

The text came last Monday, just before lunch, from my son in Des Moines. "Severe thunderstorms here now. We're in shelter. Happy Monday." That was my first indication that somewhere in Iowa, things weren't as calm and dry as they were here in the northwest corner of the state...

    A: As schools and businesses transition their workforces and students online due to the pandemic, Iowans need to take internet security measures seriously. Be aware that home networks are vulnerable to malicious actors looking to steal personal information as well as sensitive work-related data...

On Aug. 3, Margaret Sullivan, author of the book "Ghosting The News: Local Journalism And The Crisis Of American Democracy," appeared on NPR's "Fresh Air." She was asked about why she was sounding the alarm about newspapers. Her response: "Well, it's — it is an alarming situation but one that, most members of the public don't seem to be very tuned into. ...

I've lived my whole life using the talent that was given me. I've worked to hone and refine my talent and have created a lifelong occupation singing and entertaining those who love the music. Some of the highlights of my life have been the many appearances on national television shows such as the Steve Allen Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, Kraft Music Hall, the Mike Douglas Show and 76 appearances — the record for a singer — on "the Tonight Show," starring Johnny Carson. ...

For two weeks this July, we crisscrossed our state, carrying forward a tradition started by Senator Grassley 40 years ago to meet with Iowans in every county, every year. On this road trip, we each reached Iowans in 29 counties. Like Iowa students who are eager to return to their classrooms and campuses in August, we sure were grateful to meet directly with our constituents...

I was having an e-mail discussion with a good friend this week and realized something I am appalled about that I felt a need to share. America has become sharply divided to a point that my fellow Americans are self-censoring according to a survey completed by The CATO Institute. ...

The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic fallout have exposed America's broken health care system once again. Countless patients are returning home from the hospital with no knowledge of the devastating medical bills awaiting them. And employers face new, COVID-induced health care costs at the same time their revenues have come under pressure...

    A: This historic civil rights law has empowered tens of millions of Americans with disabilities to live a higher quality of life and eliminate barriers to employment, education and economic opportunities in communities across our great nation. During debate on the Senate floor 30 years ago, I introduced an amendment to make the ADA apply to the legislative branch of the federal government...

Throughout this pandemic I've continued to listen to and hear from Iowans in all corners of our state. During telephone town halls, virtual town halls, conference calls, Facebook live events, and so much more, I've continued to hear directly from Iowans and have been able to bring their fight and voices to Washington...

  A: When a loved one goes to the hospital for cancer treatments, orthopedic surgery or complications from COVID-19, American consumers and taxpayers deserve to know what hospitals will charge for their services. For years, I've heard from Iowans who are fed up with the secrecy shrouding the prices they pay for pharmaceuticals, medical care and hospital stays...

Oliver sat forward in his chair. It was the first of three heaves needed to get out of the sagging recliner. Oliver had to admit both he and the chair were starting to show their age — a tear here, some spots there — but he still felt young. He hadn't even retired yet and, if he needed to rock himself a few times to get out of a chair and grab a snack during a commercial break on his day off, then Father Time hadn't the stamina to go a few rounds with ol' Ollie...

Have you ever wondered about our national anthem and how it came to be?  What does it matter anyway, it's just a song or its just a flag, right? In today's era where we have rioting; people offended by the flag, anthem, founding fathers, statues, and God knows what else, I thought I would look at unity...

  The COVID-19 pandemic has been what I call a great awakening when it comes to the vulnerabilities in our supply chain. It's clear now, maybe more than ever, that the United States has become too dependent on Communist China for items like personal protective equipment, prescription drugs and other essential medical supplies. We need to fix that...

Let’s talk about masks. As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic stretches on, with accelerating case counts around the U.S. and the death toll rising above 128,000 in this country, it seems unthinkable that the request of citizens to wear masks when out in public elicits such strong negative responses among a disturbingly-large segment of the population...

The U.S. economy has begun to reopen, but don't expect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to lessen, economists warn. The uncertainty could mean more Americans have trouble paying their mortgages.  Fortunately, homeowners have several options during this time.  ...

As we look back at Independence Day, let's remember why we celebrate and defend our blessings of freedom, liberty and justice for all. In these uncertain times, America's promise is more important than ever. There's a saying among the faithful that God won't give us more than we can handle. Arguably, 2020 is putting this message to the test...

As we prepare to enjoy Fourth of July week and upcoming celebrations in our beautiful Iowa Great Lakes region, we wish to remind you that Independence Day is founded on sacrifices, which includes a history of Americans giving up personal comforts to enhance wellbeing for all...

The bill signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on June 4, brought to the forefront a problem for the majority of the residents of Dickinson County. The new law required all members of county-appointed commissions to reside in rural (unincorporated) areas of the county. This action meant four commissioners (three on Planning and Zoning and one on the Board of Adjustment) were dismissed by noon the following day...

Iowa is one of the most heavily licensed states in the country. Nearly one out of every three workers in Iowa is required to maintain a license to work in their profession, while the national average is one out of every four workers. Licensing in many areas of the economy has a proper role. ...

Recently, there has been a lot of misinformation about two bills that the Iowa House passed this year on election law. The two bills are somehow, either purposefully or mistakenly, a part of a misinformation campaign where people are informed that Republicans passed bills that are voter suppression or eliminates absentee voting. ...

The legislature adjourned for the year on Sunday, June 14.  This year’s session was definitely different than previous years. While we didn't get to all the legislation we wanted, we were still able to accomplish a lot in the time we did have. Before we paused the session in March, the Senate passed legislation to lower barriers to some professions, and bring unemployed people back into our workforce and encourage them to build careers for themselves. ...

On Sunday, June 14, we concluded the 2020 legislative session. This session was unlike any we have experienced before. The session was suspended, abbreviated and hyphenated. My friend and colleage, Representative Jon Throup really summarized this session well: ...

On Friday, June 19, the nation honored an event that occurred 155 years ago. It is an event that has never received the nationwide attention that it deserves. But it is a day that all freedom-loving people in the United States should celebrate. And it is a day that I successfully worked to gain recognition for in Iowa as far back as 2002...

On Thursday, June 10, the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate made history by introducing a bill in both chambers, moving it through subcommittee and committee, then to the floor of both chambers, and passing it unanimously and sending it to the governor for signature. This bill, named "Justice Reform" by us but misnamed "Police Misconduct Reform" by newspapers was historic for several reasons and was much needed...

Earlier this week we released a budget plan for Fiscal Year 2021. We have to be careful about budgeting, now more than ever, because we have yet to see an end to the impacts of COVID-19. While the COVID pandemic has impacted the budget, I am optimistic that Iowa is in better shape than many states. ...

The Senate continued to debate a number of bills this week as we worked toward adjournment for the year. One of the bills we passed would expand the Empower Rural Iowa program and help increase access to broadband in areas of Iowa where it is still lacking. ...

  Iowans are amazing. The level of civic engagement among our citizens is unrivaled. We proved that once again when voters turned out in record numbers to cast their ballots in the June primary election. Despite an ongoing pandemic and civil unrest across the state, Iowans were determined to make their voices heard the best way possible: by voting...

The legislative session re-started this week, continuing the work from a couple months ago and with a few new challenges ahead. This session looks much different than it did when we paused. Now, committee meetings are held in the Senate chamber instead of committee rooms to allow for social distancing, and speakers on subcommittee bills will give comments from the Senate gallery instead of usually coming to the meeting tables. ...