Opinions
Dear Savvy Senior,
I have some hip and back problems and could use a walking cane to help me get around. Is there anything I should know about canes before I buy one?
Limping Linda
Dear Linda,
When it comes to choosing a cane, most people don’t give it much thought, but they should. Walking...
As a parent/guardian/caretaker, you’ve noticed some social, emotional and/or behavioral changes in a child you are providing care for. Have you ever wondered, “Is this typical?” “Does everyone experience this?” “Do we need help?” Or, you might be thinking, “They aren’t like they used to be…I don’t...
During my campaign and forums, property tax is the most common topic of conversation. To be accurate--the increase in property taxes. The amended property tax bill (HF 1) passed unanimously out of the House Ways and Means Committee today. Our bill lowers the school foundation property tax levy...
Brooklyn, Iowa is not a huge city like Brooklyn, New York but it has a charming store, The Flag Store. It’s a unique combination of thrift shop, new items and of course, flags of all kinds from every state. If you need a flag to fly that’s where to look. Brooklyn is located in Poweshiek County, in...
Echoes from the Loafers’ Club Meeting
My wife is mad at me.
Did you forget to put ketchup on the shopping list again?
Oh, I put it on the list, but then I couldn’t read it.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Deep thoughts occur as I drive past his drive. Easter...
Dear Savvy Senior,
My husband and I are interested in taking our two grandkids on a big trip this summer and are looking for some good ideas. Can you recommend some travel companies that offer special travel packages for grandparents and grandkids?
Doting Grandmother
Dear Doting,
Grandparents...
This week we spent much of caucus discussing possible property tax relief. Rising assessments have been part of this discussion and I have had a handful of calls questioning recent home assessments. Assessors do not have the authority to tax. Your county supervisors, school boards, and city...
Anyone who knows me knows that I haunt thrift stores and second-hand shops a lot. Best places ever for cookbooks and cooking gadgets that someone else doesn’t use or want! Well…I hit the mother lode in Morton, Illinois this summer when I found a boxed set of vintage (1997) Pillsbury Classic...
(Editor’s note: This was sent in the midst of the pre-Easter season, but remains amusing after the holiday has passed.)
By Dick Hagen
Local ag writer
Over my many years traveling rural areas of Iowa and Minnesota I am often amused by commentary on some of our country churches. And what could be...
Echoes from the Loafer’s Club Meeting
The world seems an odd place without Bud Grant in it. I did a great favor for Bud once.
What did you do?
He told me to stay away from him and I did.
Driving by Bruce’s drive
I have a wonderful neighbor named Bruce. Deep thoughts occur as I drive past his...