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Writers and Writing: 'Original Sins' a great crime thriller

Des Moines is the setting for “Original Sins,” a crime thriller by Erin Young, author of “The Fields.” Young lives in Brighton, England, and this is her second book. Both books are based in Iowa.

Pastor's Column: A plan for your life?

God has a beautiful plan for your life, even if you can’t see it right now.
A few weeks ago, I stood with my friend Lee Nielsen in Audubon as we buried his father, a World War II veteran. Lee is very grateful to be alive, but the odds against his birth were a mile high.

The CommStock Report: Argentina on the cusp

To the casual observer Argentina has it all … good demographics, natural resources and an educated public. What holds Argentina back, according to Brazilians, is that Argentines live there. They are a failed political state. It is like they go to great lengths to squander all of their positive resources so as to not realize their potential.

One Man’s Perspective: Nothing really heady this week

I take pride in my ability to please some readers on a weekly basis with this column while on the hand, with the same words, give others a meltdown and a reason to hate. In both cases, I say, you’re welcome.

This week, however, is not going to be one of those weeks.

Guest Commentary: Week 7 focuses on debate

Week seven of the legislative session ushered in a week focused mainly on debate. Every day after gaveling in, both parties retire to caucus and discuss the bills at hand. This gives my colleagues and I time to review each bill the senator is managing on the floor. Doing so offers context for how this legislation will improve the state of Iowa and its residents.

Letter to the Editor: Power players in Iowa Senate are aiding and abetting

The Iowa House is considering a bill designed to combat “organized retail theft” of property from stores. Lawmakers supporting the measure said they wanted to deter looting, which has happened in some U.S. cities. Law enforcement has not always intervened.

Iowans may naively think such lawlessness cannot happen here. But it can — and it is.

Lawn & Garden: Gear up for the 2024 garden season

It’s never too early to prepare for the garden season ahead. Having the right tool for the job saves time, reduces the frustration of trying to make the wrong tool work, and allows you to garden longer with less muscle fatigue.

Take an inventory of all your tools. Be sure to check the shed, garage or tool caddy. Make a list of those that need to be replaced or need an update. This is also a good time to clean and sharpen those tools you plan to use in the coming growing season.

Home Country

Ran into Herb Collins the other day down by the school. He volunteers there, from time to time, helping kids with their math homework, and trying to recruit future members of The Great World of Business.

He loved business, back in the days when he lived in the city and ran the pawn shop. For years now, ever since he hung up his jeweler’s loupe, he’s told us that there was an excitement to making the right deal.

Extension Outreach: Winter energy costs and utility bill reminders

This week I am featuring the latest article from Carol Ehlers, human science specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, “Winter Energy Costs and Utility Bill Reminders.”

Faced with inflation and rising energy costs, many households may struggle to pay their utility bills. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, it is important to get a good handle on how much to budget each month to cover your various utility bills.

One Man’s Perspective: Let me introduce you to Illinois’ Super Mayor

Tuesday, I wrote about the “Queen of the Court.”

Today, I share my thoughts about the Queen of Dolton who I’m sure you will find far less humble and far more vindictive.

Letter to the Editor

It seems that each day there is a new kerfuffle going on in either the Iowa Legislature or the Congress of the United States. A recent example is the debate now going on in Des Moines, in which one side is advocating keeping in place the provision that state committees and/or commissions must have an equal number of appointed males and females.

Guest Commentary: The Taxpayer Relief Fund

What is the taxpayer relief fund?

Pastor’s Column: Self-reliance

The enemy of spiritual growth is self reliance. This is a major theme found in Christ’s teachings.

The CommStock Report: Time is of the essence and the clock is ticking

It has been a theme of recent CommStock reports to inform subscribers that the agriculture economy is heading toward another crisis brought on by our enormous productivity that can be avoided if opportunities are taken to grow demand. We are heading toward 3 billion-bushel corn carryovers, $3 corn and subsisting on taxpayer subsidies again if immediate decisions are not made to grow demand to consume our surplus stocks.

Lawn & Garden: Starting plants from seeds indoors

Keep your green thumb in shape this winter while getting a jump on the growing season by starting your favorite or hard-to-find plants indoors. It’s fun, simpler than you think, and can help stretch your plant budget.

One Man’s Perspective: Celebrating the Queen of the Court

Last week, Caitlin Clark did it.

In spite of the haters, naysayers and people who find it necessary to try and tear any good thing down — Clark broke the women’s all-time college basketball scoring record Thursday — at least the recorded record — surpassing Kelsey Plum’s 3,527 mark with the first eight points for the No. 4 Hawkeyes against Michigan in less than three minutes.

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