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I am on an Americana kick. It's tough to even describe what Americana is. It's just one of those things where you know it when you hear it. Like when I hear an old Johnny Cash song, or some new … more
This year was the first time in a very long time that I had not spent the Fourth of July up in Clear Lake, Iowa. It was the first time ever that I had not celebrated it with much of my family. I … more
Cottonwoods glistened in the sunshine. The unfailing click of the windmill, the mamas calling to their new babies in the pastures and the twitter of a happy robin blended in the gentle South Dakota … more
According to reporting from the Harlan Tribune in its June 18 edition, Elk Horn facilities recently went into lockdown due to an incident involving a child. Elk Horn pool staff was … more
Lately, I've been trying to do a better job of living in the moment and being grateful for all of the people and places in my life that have had an impact on me. The hardest part is including … more
Long ago in a faraway land there lived an Empress. One late winter day she strolled through her garden. The bleak, colorless landscape disappointed her deeply, so she issued an imperial decree: … more
As many artists I love get older, and some of them stop touring altogether, it's always special for me when I'm able to go and see a performer or group that I enjoy. In the past, I've had the … more
“ I wonder if the northerns will be biting.” Delmer could barely contain his excitement. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. The final field was planted. Corn, oats and wheat seeds were … more
I ventured out to the movie theater and saw “Civil War” last week. I enjoyed it, but not because I'm super paranoid about another civil war happening in the U.S., or even particularly … more
A penny saved is a penny earned…It all adds up…Every little bit helps. They were simple, everyday sayings. They were life philosophies. They were the way we were brought up. So, growing … more
It’s no big fish tale! If dad even mentioned the words “go fishing,” the whole family would be ready and waiting in the car within 30 minutes. Worms dug. Poles packed. Lunch loaded. … more
Artificial intelligence (AI) was engineered to make our lives easier but poses the possibility of being twisted into menacing machines that wage war against mankind. At least, it’s a familiar … more
It stood 60 feet tall. Four sturdy metal legs, anchored to the ground, telescoped to the top where a six-foot wheel of angled blades spun into a blur. The giant sentinel greeted everyone who entered … more
The couple made their way through the dry prairie grass from the neighboring wagon. Fina smiled a welcome. “Come sit by the fire. I’ll put the coffee on to boil.” Thankful she had … more
I was recently watching “There's Something About Mary,” the Farrelly brothers directed movie starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz that came out in 1998. A significant cameo that … more
On a balmy February afternoon, I succumbed to the nagging temptation. I could not help myself. Just inside my garden fence I scratched in small patches of seeds—lettuce, spinach and radishes. … more
Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to sit down with Sue Cates, who currently runs JC’s Dairy Den with her husband, Jim, and Jeanie Botos, whose mother, Jennie Hiller, built and opened the … more
Curtains…What images open (or flutter) into your mind as you see the word? The curtain in the temple that ripped in two? The heavy velvet drapes in the auditorium that open to the first scene? … more
It's been a rough week for Bearcat nation. Men’s basketball head coach Ben McCollum took his leap towards his Division I dreams. Although many of us saw this day coming, it’s still … more
This past weekend, we packed up the car and drove nearly four hours to our hometown of Mason City in almost-Minnesota Iowa. By “we” I mean my fiancee, Morgan, our golden retriever, … more
The red, white and blue stripes spiraled in circles and disappeared like magic at the top. I stared in wonder at the lighted barber pole on Calumet Avenue that rainy April morning. Dad opened the … more
A conversation I have far too often is the difference between having a favorite movie and having a movie that you have seen more than any other movie. I have a list in my phone dedicated solely to … more
I had the opportunity to snap a couple photos at the ribbon cutting for West Law Office last week, and while I was there a few things happened that meant more to me than people probably know. … more
Every legislative session I have the privilege of hiring a legislative page to help support my office functions. Pages are typically high school juniors who take a semester off from school to … more
Do you ever realize, mid-stroke, that you have suddenly forgotten an important password? Ever forget a phone number—maybe even your own? Do you notice this happens more than it used to? … more
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