2020 has been a year like no other for all of us. Tama County has been faced with a virus that has touched the lives of many and a derecho that damaged so many of our homes and towns. With World Mental Health Day on October 10, it is only right to ask, how often do we take time to care for ...

I’m writing this column one day before the debate and you’re reading it several days after the debate. So, how did each one do? I surmise that President Trump was in “attack mode” and perhaps even some personal attacks, probably even bringing up Joe’s son, Hunter every now and then. ...

What things did you see in Tama within the last month that inspired you about how Tama citizens responded to the derecho? What I saw was people helping people. Friends and neighbors were jumping in and working on getting their yards and the city back up and going. All the city’s employees ...

Life is full of second chances. Whether it be re-taking a driver's license test, running another 5K race, or repairing a relationship, life has a way of providing opportunities for improvement. When given extra chances, it is imperative we make adjustments. By examining our failures and ...

Do you remember the newspaper insert "Believe it of Not" of years ago? How about when Paul Harvey would tell you "The rest of the story?" Ever wonder what a mouse goes through when he's put in a maze and looks for that coveted "piece of cheese?" Here is my story.... I'm not going to get ...

I've openly said and admitted several times here that my parents had four children and that I certainly wasn't the brightest light-bulb in the package. In fact, my dad often said, "Johnny, you're a 40 watt bulb in a 100 watt package. Just shine the brightest you can." With that in mind, I ...

My wife and I celebrated 46 years of marriage last week and went to see my daughter and her family in Texas, who were celebrating their 5th wedding anniversary. I had a great time reconnecting with my 1 ½ year-old granddaughter. Finally, she had begun warming up to me, while having a great ...

-You know how to Polka and do the Chicken Dance. -The name of your bank includes your town name. -You know what “cow-tipping” is. -You’ve had to stop your car and wait while 8 deer cross the road and clear the fence on the other side. -Little smokies in barbecue sauce are ...

Why do foolish things come so naturally? When I got my driver’s license, every car I got to drive, I wanted to see how fast it would go. And I-35 had flashing speed signs, meant to slow you down to the posted speed limit. Foolishly, I wanted to see how high I could get those signs to ...

Remember this old adage? It clearly states my thoughts and opinions today. The Proof’s in the pudding my friend!!! In 1962 on a 6-1 decision, the United States Supreme Court held that reciting government-written prayers in public schools was unconstitutional, violating the Establishment ...