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It's now official. This particular government funding gap has caused the longest continuous shutdown on record. However, this isn't the time to gloat. Not in my opinion anyway. I'm of the opinion this should be getting fixed as soon as possible. In fact, I believe most Americans are with me on that, it's just a question of how...

Big orange snowplows should be easy to see, but in the midst of a winter snowstorm, it can become difficult. The Iowa Department of Transportation continues to make accident prevention while plowing a priority. Snowplow trucks typically travel around 35 miles per hour or less. When they hit drifts, they can throw large snow clouds around them. This can disrupt the vision of drivers in vehicles traveling around the plows and potentially create increased risks for crashes...

Journey with me, reader. Picture the sentiments of today in the frame of an era not so long ago — an era in which history was being made. A story coming to light in the early 1970s revealed truths which were thought by some to be almost impossible. Yet, within two years, that same truth was undeniable. Journey with me, reader, as John Q. Public pens a letter to his local paper. The date is Thursday, Aug. 1, 1974...

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently launched its first health Application Programming Interface (API) that will power "Blue Button" features. Blue Button is a national movement that provides easier access to one's own health information in a format that they can use...

Our government has had budget legislation on the books for quite some time now, but it didn't lead to a government shutdown until Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music" bumped "Shake, Shake, Shake" by KC and the Sunshine Band from the top of the billboard. ...

I often receive questions about the regulations of school lunch programs. While the state has very little jurisdiction here, the federal government recently announced revised school lunch regulations. The most problematic of the 2012 regulations included these changes: ...

Recently, House Republicans participated in the first of two Medicaid managed care oversight meetings. At this first meeting, members of the Health Policy Oversight Committee heard from the Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) on how the capitation payments to the MCOs are calculated. ...

In a July 21, 2017, memo the secretary of defense, James Mattis, made promising comments about his ambitions to end wasteful spending at the Pentagon. He wrote that he expected "leaders at all levels in the department to exercise the utmost degree of stewardship over every penny” spent and that "only by instilling budget discipline, by establishing a culture of cost awareness, and by holding ourselves accountable, can we earn the trust and confidence of the Congress and the American people that we are the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars.". ...

Despite it being just a few days until Christmas, I've personally come across a higher-than-average number of comments pointing the finger at the "liberal media" — frankly, at this point, that just comes with the job. The New Year's not too far away, and we're still convinced stories are meant to dupe the masses, rather than display the truth. Emotional appeals, rather than cold hard facts...

I couldn’t be happier to make the following announcement: Congress has passed a Farm Bill that I fully support because this legislation meets rural America’s most pressing needs. As I meet with my Agriculture Leadership Committees throughout the 4th District, they provide me with important first-hand accounts of the difficulties our producers face. ...

A new tax year is almost here, and with that the bulk of the individual income tax changes from the 2018 tax reform law become effective. Particularly in light of federal tax reform, state tax reform was prioritized last session to fix the outdated and overly complex tax code-and one of the most important reforms was an average tax cut of 10 percent in tax year 2019. ...

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley's remarks after the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill make me fairly proud to be an Iowan. It's not even that I necessarily agree with what he said, though I gotta admit it's hard to argue with him. What really makes me proud is that he pointed out a problem he sees in the system without degrading his colleagues. I'd say he was angry, but he wasn't rude. He was critical, clear and direct, but didn't mince words — somehow seems appropriate for Iowa...

State revenue collections in November continued to come in higher than projected, although at a slower pace than the previous two months, according to the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency. For the month, state revenue rose 1.9 percent over what was received in November 2017. ...

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) held its December meeting on Dec. 13. This is the meeting where the official revenue estimate is set for the next fiscal year. All three members of  the REC had fairly positive comments about the current state of the economy and what they see for Iowa in the near future. The positive outlook on Iowa's economy showed with the slight changes the panel made to their FY 2019 and FY 2020 estimates from October...

  A couple years ago, I received a letter from an Iowan whose son had a severe peanut allergy. She wrote about how the price of an EpiPen, a popular anti-allergy prescription drug device, had skyrocketed. Though she and her family couldn't afford the dramatic increase, she wrote that she would "pay whatever it takes" to keep her son healthy...

Starting Dec. 1, patients with medical cannabidiol cards were able to purchase cannabidiol from five places across the state. A person diagnosed with a qualifying condition can ask their primary physician to recommend them for a medical cannabidiol card. The following conditions can qualify a person for a card:...

In this ever-changing world in which we're living, song lyrics can come back and bite you. It's nearing Christmas time, and the holiday touchstone "Baby, It's Cold Outside" is being put on the black list for some on the airwaves. Which of course is making folks mad. ...

Well, zis, boom, bah. Two of the uncertainties hanging over the heads of Iowa ag producers are on a bit more solid footing this week. Not only did the United State Mexico Canada Agreement get signed by President Trump as a replacement for the former North American Free Trade Agreement, but the Environmental Protective Agency announced this coming year's renewable fuel volumes obligations. ...

It is with mixed emotion I write informing you that I have accepted a promotion to the rank of sergeant.  This promotion will be located in our Spencer office, within ISP enforcement operations. As I look back over 14 years in the educational/public relations side of law enforcement, I am reminded of several great programs we developed: "Ask a Trooper," "The Patrol Post," "Windshield Time," as well as many live radio programs. ...

Q: Why do you offer internship opportunities in your Senate offices?   A: Throughout my public service, I have worked to engage younger generations to actively participate in civic life. For the last 38 years, I have held at least one meeting in each of Iowa's 99 counties to seek feedback from Iowans. ...

This week, State Auditor Mary Mosiman released a report confirming $126 million in FY 2018 Medicaid savings from the transition to managed care. The review was completed by three CPAs in the State Auditor's office, two additional auditors in the office, and confirmed by the Deputy Auditor of State, Andy Nielsen. ...

Earlier this week, I was named Chair of the Administrative Rules Review Committee. This is a permanent statutory committee that is a joint, Senate-House committee. I have served on this committee for four years, where we meet monthly (throughout the year, not just during the legislative session)...

Nathan Kollasch with Milford Boy Scout Troop #170 spent Saturday, Nov. 10, installing two new trail kiosks at Kenue Park and the Nature Trails trailhead. The project is part of the work he is doing to earn his Eagle Scout Rank. Several other scouts from the Milford troop also helped Nathan get the kiosks placed. ...

  A: Consider the fact that one in eight females born today in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetimes. That effectively means this disease will impact every single American, in every neighborhood and every household in this country. The National Cancer Institute estimates about 266,120 new cases of invasive female breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2018 and 40,920 women will die from breast cancer by the end of the year...

As the holidays approach and donation requests rise, you may come across more naughty than nice. Scammers will take advantage of your generosity all year long, but especially during the holidays. But first, remember: Just because there are fraudsters who prey on donors, doesn’t mean you should stop giving. There are great charities out there that help change lives. Please keep giving, but do your research first...

To help farmers still working to bring in this year's harvest, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation extending the temporary weight-limit exemption for trucks operating on Iowa roads. The proclamation was effective until Nov. 27. The proclamation specifically increased the weight allowable for shipment of corn, soybeans, hay, straw and stover by 12.5 percent per axle (up to a maximum of 90,000 pounds) without the need for an oversize/overweight permit...

Though I realize it's a bit of old news at this point, I find it impossible to ignore the passing of comic book titan Stan Lee. Moreover, I find it poetic he passed the day after Veterans Day. Many aren't aware, but Stan the Man (birth name Stanley Lieber) served in the Army during World War II — one of only a few men categorized as playwrights (another being Theodor Geisel, a.k.a. ...

This week, the Iowa Department of Revenue issued new income tax withholding tables for 2019 that will conform to tax cuts passed by the Iowa House last session. This means-paychecks will be bigger starting in January. This is because employers will reduce the amount of Iowa tax withheld from their employees' paychecks, resulting in increased take-home wages for Iowa workers...

This Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2018, marked the 100 year anniversary of Armistice Day, which ended World War I. Just over 73 years ago, World War II officially came to an end, and for some, that too was over a lifetime ago. Only 496,777 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II were still with us at the start of 2018, according to U.S. ...

  The relationship between the United States and China has been called the most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. I couldn't agree more. It's also the most complicated. Trade, economic development and technological innovation are just a few of the issues currently putting pressure on relations between our two nations. As the United States attempts to navigate the challenging dynamics at play, it's critical to approach these issues from a position of strength...

This past week, the Kiwanis Club of Spirit Lake had an ad in the papers requesting nominations for their Citizen of the Years Award. The local club was chartered Dec. 10, 1947, and introduced the Citizen of The Years Award in 1949. Berkley Bedell and I are the only living persons present both at the charter night and the first award night. So, I write with that history in mind...

Thanksgiving is the beginning of the holiday season, as well as the year's busiest travel weekend. Whether you're driving across the street or across the country to reach your Thanksgiving feast, it's imperative to wear your seat belt as you travel. Increased traffic brings an increased possibility of a traffic crash...

My fellow Americans, I have a confession to make. Quite by accident, I realized I may have actually offended a large group of people Monday morning … while the national anthem played … at a Veterans Day assembly. It was just one of those situations when we find ourselves making a potentially bigger mess while trying to be considerate — like holding the door open for someone, only to realize you hit someone on the other side squarely on the nose...

The midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6, brought some changes to state government. In the legislature, the House and Senate will remain in Republican control with a 54 seat majority in the House and 32 seats in the Senate (This number has the possibility of changing with canvassing and recounts in the days to come)...

  A:  First, I join with all of my fellow Americans to pay tribute to all of the men and women who have served our country honorably in uniform during times of war and peace. This year, we mark a special centennial salute on Nov. 11. On this day one hundred years ago, Armistice Day commemorated the cease fire agreement in World War I on the 11th hour, of the 11 day, of the 11th month. ...

Consumers have tools to keep the annoying robocalls and other annoying, unwanted phone solicitations at bay. There were 4 billion robocalls placed in July, up from 2.6 billion in July 2017, according to YouMail, which tracks the most common auto-dialed calls every month. The company's website lists high-risk numbers from 515 and other area codes, including scams involving interest rates, travel, insurance and vehicle warranties...

Election Day will not satisfy us. We often think it will, but it won't. Each side hopes their chosen "wave" (both of which sound like Kool-aid flavors to me) will win the day and right everything wrong with society. If only it were that easy. Fact of the matter is, problems will persist no matter which primary color dominates the government - local or national. ...

School funding is up, and there’s no disputing it. In fact, it's up over 30 percent the past eight years, a number House Republicans have been sharing since the beginning of the year. School aid is up from $2.444 billion in FY11 to $3.212 billion in FY19, a $767 million or 30.4 percent increase...

Earlier this year, the legislature passed a bipartisan bill targeted at opioid abuse. This is not the end of the conversation or the only avenue that can curb abuse. However, it was a good start. In a study released on Oct. 31, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), reported the number of deaths involving opioids appears to be declining — perhaps by as much as 35 percent...

As the high school football postseason continues into the quarterfinals, parents may find themselves weighing the pros and cons of having their children participate. Physical activity improves fitness, helps build strong muscles and bones and boosts academic performance in some areas, but unfortunately sports and recreational activities also send hundreds of thousands of kids to the emergency room with concussions every year...

Hundreds of thousands of Iowans are making their voices heard by casting a ballot in the November elections. Are you one of them? If so, thank you for voting. If you’re not, why not? The United States of America is the greatest and freest country in the world because we give the power to our citizens to choose our elected leaders. ...

Dickinson County Trails Board submitted two grants in October through Iowa’s 2018 Federal Recreational Trails Program. One grant was for the rail trail, Tatonka Ska Trace, from Hudson Avenue in Spirit Lake and continuing west for another mile to 219th Street. In 2019, DCTB will be constructing a mile of this trail from Hy-Vee to Hudson Avenue, and this year's grant request will be a continuation from that segment...

This week and every week, parents should have conversations with their teens about the important rules they need to follow to stay safe behind the wheel. These rules address the greatest dangers for teen drivers — alcohol, inconsistent or no seat belt use, distracted and drowsy driving, speeding and number of passengers...

It's nearing the time of year again when ladies and gents dawn fancy dress and celebrate All Hallow's Eve. Not to be left out, this column is again in its own fancy dress just to add a bit of seasonal fun. For once, I was fairly prepared. It took some shower singing and some early morning note jotting, but I think this column — at least at first glance — could pass for the later handy work of a founding member of the Quarrymen (you may know the name John Lennon). ...

President Trump's decision last week to allow the year-round sale of E15 is a promise made and kept to farmers throughout rural America. E15 is shorthand for gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, instead of the more common E10, and was prohibited for sale in the summer by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2011...

On Tuesday, the three-member Revenue Estimating Conference held its fall meeting to revise state revenue projections for the current fiscal year (FY 2019) and the next budget year (FY 2020).   Fiscal Year 2019 – For the current fiscal year, the REC raised the General Fund forecast to $7.7421 billion. ...

The Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) projects general fund revenue. The REC is established in Iowa Code 8.22A. This entity provides a way to arrive at a consensus of general fund revenue estimates. These estimates are used by both the governor and Legislature for the budgeting process...

Humor is an ever-changing spectrum, and we may be starting to see some new colors in that spectrum thanks to the digital revolution. The format of the magazine caption contest has mutated and multiplied on the information highway and now calls itself a meme. ...

Last month, I completed my annual 99 county meetings for the 38th year in a row. At almost every one of those meetings, Iowans asked about the progress Congress is making on a new Farm Bill. The challenges surrounding international trade have created uncertainty, especially for farmers in Iowa and throughout rural America. ...

Here's a rhetorical question: Is it possible to be unfair to people on both sides of an issue? I'm not the mayor or police chief of the opinion page — that would be my publisher and general manager — but I am traffic enforcement when it comes to letters to the editor. No one likes an officer that lets too many cars fly by at a high rate of speed. No one likes citations for everyone who doesn't quite come to a complete stop at a controlled intersection, either.