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Opinion

Magic Mike 6XL: Pushin’ Up Weeds

Local Columns

I probably think about death too much. Not in a bad way or anything, just your daily musings. My sister said I probably don't think about it any more than anyone else, then I reminded her I wrote a book all about the different possible ways my family might die. But really who can tell with ...

You’ll Figure It Out: The crazy tradition of Groundhog’s Day!

Local Columns

This coming Sunday, Feb. 2 is one of the goofiest, weirdest and insane holidays (?) of all time. And you know you'll mention it sometime this coming Sunday. "Punxsutawney Phil" is this ground-hog's or woodchuck's name and I guess he, (or she), lives in a beautiful, well furnished burrow in ...

Magic Mike 6XL: Foot In mouth disease

Local Columns

I tend to be a bit loquacious at times, but I get it honest. However, there is something unfortunate that comes with being so talkative, and that is contracting the ol' foot-in-mouth disease. Those times when your mouth moves a little faster than your brain, and suddenly you've said something ...

Just Jonathan: A community coffee shop

Local Columns

A handful of times I’ve used my column to shoutout and praise the great attributes of our community. I love who we are and the great things we’re capable of. That is not this week's message. I want a coffee shop. Originally a Facebook post I made after conducting an interview inside of a ...

District 53 Newsletter: Jan. 16, 2025

Editorials

The 2025 legislative session is well underway. As I write this, the opening addresses from the Governor, the Chief Justice, and the head of the Iowa National Guard are all done, many bills are getting filed, and our committee work is underway. The major theme for this session will be the ...

Just Jonathan: My anxiety experience

Local Columns

Here’s a topic I’ve been thinking about tackling for quite some time, good old anxiety! Anxiety has become somewhat jaded and even a taboo topic. I think by putting some of my thoughts and opinions out into the ether that is the News Chronicle might help someone reading. Keep in mind, I’m ...

Magic Mike 6XL: The Great Wait

Local Columns

I was at the doctor's office today. Don't worry, I'm still alive... for now. But It got me thinking about that thing that you do more than anything at a doctor's office: wait in the waiting room. I have been to hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent cares, cardiologists, neurologists, ...

You’ll Figure It Out: Our cruise 2025

Local Columns

The Sheda family took off from Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, January 4 for a cruise on the "Grandeur of the Sea," Royal Caribbean Cruise line. It's the smallest of the four ships of their fleet but still was quite large from my perspective. The entire crew consisted of about 800 crew members, ...

Magic Mike 6XL: Smoked to Perfection

Local Columns

I guess you could say I believe in omens. I'm not going to see a bluebird fly overhead and then move to Belchertown, Massachusetts, but sometimes there are signs. And particularly what I love is when the universe reassures those moments of precognition, no matter how insane or stupid they might ...