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Opinion

Just Jonathan: A local reporter’s RAGBRAI experience

Local Columns

July 27 will be one of those days I think none of us will forget. As we watched the day come closer and closer, forecasted temperatures went up and up. At one point I read highs of 101 for that Thursday. Luckily those original forecasts were altered and we ended up with low 90 degree weather ...

You’ll Figure it Out: Nostalgia time

Local Columns

For as long as I can remember, August brings out the nostalgia in me. I think it has something to do with school starting soon and eons ago realizing that I had actually passed a grade and was entering the next level. Then it was watching my kids go from 3rd to 4th.........9th to 10th, and ...

Iowa Outdoors: Project AWARE

Editorials

The 20th annual Project AWARE was held on the Iowa River July 9-14, 2023. AWARE is an acronym for A Watershed Awareness River Expedition. For each of the past 20 years a section of stream in this state has been cleaned through this project. This year, 315 volunteers cleaned 58 miles of ...

Hey, driver! What’s that?

Local Columns

One of life’s little annoyances is a braggart! I read a story about one of these egotistical narcissists. There was a sightseeing bus making its rounds through Washington, D.C., and the driver was pointing out the high points of the city. Passing the Pentagon building, the driver ...

Just Jonathan: Looking back at theater camp

Local Columns

Last week, I attended a children theater camp production titled “The Secret of the Sphinx” put on by Footliters Traveling Playhouse’s and hosted by the Wieting Theater. What an amazing opportunity for so many young people in our community. As I grew up and became the person I am ...

Here comes the — crack — bride!

Local Columns

Weddings are entertaining! Each is different from the other. And the inevitable seems to always occur. I went to a friend’s wedding where lit candles were placed on the floor at the end of each row. The problem was that the candles kept getting bumped and tipped over with ensuing ...

Magic Mike 6XL: The Daytrip

Local Columns

Everyone seems to take summer vacations. I know people that have been all over the country this summer and a few that have been out of it, all in the name of summer vacations. My summer vacation was Tuesday. It started when I woke up at noon, but that's nothing abnormal. Me and my Ma got ...

You’ll Figure it Out: Summertime in Chelsea!

Local Columns

In the early sixties, summers in Chelsea were pretty much like those summers in Tama, Toledo, Montour and other little places around Tama County. For a pre-teen kid, they could get kinda boring. Swimming lessons were over, (thank God), Little League was finishing up, (gonna miss that) ...

Just Jonathan: A birthday boy’s critique

Local Columns

This piece is not just a cheap way to get a few birthday shoutouts, although appreciated! I want to fully appreciate this milestone and bring back more focus and intention to my life. So often I’ve noticed myself dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, not relishing the ...

Just Jonathan: My double life

Local Columns

Well, the time has come. In this piece I will be exposing myself and the double life I have been living since the beginning of April. By now most everyone knows me as one of the dedicated local reporters, however I feel it’s time to expose myself. Here it goes… When I’m not manning a ...