Opinions
WEEK SIX
1 Out of 10 Iowans Have Unclaimed Property
In Iowa, there is currently more than $587 million in safekeeping waiting to be claimed. Each year, millions of dollars and hundreds of safe deposit boxes are turned over to the Treasurer’s Office after financial institutions and businesses lose...
According to the Merrium-Webster Dictionary, the term “panhellenic” refers to all things Greek. It is often attached to a women’s group or sorority and celebrates the origin or ancestry of Greeks. Mason City, IA has a rich history of Greek families who settled there. Flavors of Panhellenic was...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
I had a rough morning.
What happened?
I got up.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. I’d put some blueberries on my oatmeal because I wanted the blueberry of happiness to visit me...
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about service dogs for seniors with disabilities? My 67-year-old father has chronic arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make his life a little easier.
Dog Loving Leah
Dear Leah,
For people with disabilities...
Hey friends,
No matter the weather, we kept things moving in the Iowa Senate this week! We held our first floor debates of the year, sending a couple of key bills over to the House while continuing our work in subcommittees and committees. Here are some of the highlights:
Making Life Easier for...
WEEK FIVE
Another week of commitee work, subcommitees, and floor debate on SSA. One more week where school funding was the focus. The Senate passed a 2% increase in SSA early in the week and we amended their bill with our proposal and passed it on Thursday. I would have liked to have seen a higher...
No cookbooks today. Sometimes I like to just report on my own cooking, family recipes or things I’ve tried that are good enough to make over and over. The following are sometimes less than conventional with flexible amounts of ingredients depending upon what the cook’s tastes are and or how many...
My fellow Americans,
With the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and the unprecedentedly disruptive actions taken by DOGE and President Trump in the name of government efficiency, one agency in particular has faced a bevy of attacks on their programs and mission: USAID....
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
I’m thinking of taking some night classes.
Red Cross is teaching a class. Do you know CPR?
Of course. I know the entire alphabet.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Whenever I pass his drive, thoughts occur to me. Harry...
Dear Savvy Senior,
What can you tell me about the IRS income tax filing requirements for retirees this tax season? My earned income stopped when I retired last March, so I’m wondering if I need to file a tax return this year.
Retired in 2024
Dear Retired,
Whether or not you are required to file...