The economic news this past Friday was not good. Unemployment ticked higher, fewer jobs were created, and the stock market plummeted. So - what can be done to fix the economy? Let's begin by asking some simple (who, what, how, & when) questions.WHO ARE WE-The Tama County economy is the ...

One day a little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it would probably be a long trip, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and two cans or root beer. He started his journey. When he had walked about four blocks, he sat down at a park bench right next to an old man. The old man ...

This Memorial weekend market was a slow one. There were still 13 vendors there with plenty to sell. Some of the items available were bakery, eggs, jams, jellies, herbs fresh and dried, popcorn, onions, radishes, spinach, garlic, turnips, rhubarb, lettuce, homemade angel food cakes(Darold is ...

I have learned my capacity for remembering faces far exceeds my capacity for remembering names, and the older I get, the more apparent that fact becomes. I have also learned the older I get, the more apt I am to take a mental journey back down memory lane. Reminiscing brings me comfort.I have ...

This was the third week of market; there were thirteen vendors with tables full of items to sell. Produce that was available included radishes, rhubarb, green onions, spinach, lettuce, asparagus, garlic, and turnips. I had a delightful surprise. My little granddaughter Morgyn came to market ...

The date for the third annual Toledo Stoplight Festival is rapidly approaching. On July 6, 2012, beginning at 4:30 p.m., a night of music and merriment will begin. Festival hours have been extended this year to allow each band more playing time. The festival will end at 11 p.m.A committee of ...

You all know the old adage, "truth is stranger than fiction," and this certainly is no exception. In recent weeks, the following stories have been in the media. Names have NOT been changed to protect anyone because I don't think any names are used. Five stories that will perhaps tickle your ...

This was the second week of market. Twenty five flowers were planted by kids that came to market. They gave these flowers to their Mothers for Mothers Day. There were 16 vendors with tables full of bakery, eggs, noodles, plants, turnips, radishes, fresh herbs, dry herbs, nut meats, spinach, ...

Some of you will know the last few years have relegated me to a certain level of reclusiveness. Not that I am antisocial, but that certain responsibilities have kept me tied somewhat to home and the monitoring of my network, which is how I pay the bills.When the decision was made to build a ...

There is no exact litmus test on the "Husband of the Year" award and for the sake of too many arguments, most of the husbands reading this column are pretty darn good husbands for sure. But to be the actual "Husband of the Year" takes some doing. Dedication to the one you love; sacrifice to ...