Is it time to End the "Bottle Bill"?

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 23, 2026 9:55 am

The “bottle bill,” became law in 1978 creating a 5 ¢ deposit on some bottles and cans of soda at the store. You can get have your nickel returned, when you return it to a redemption center.

Lawsuit threatened over the use of "Retire" vs. "Resign" in an "Agreement"

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 20, 2026 11:27 am

Tuesday's Supervisor meeting saw a fireworks show over two words: "resignation" and "retirement."The debate centered on John Lindaman's "Settlement Agreement and General Release," which repeatedly states that he resigned.

Iowa makes new First Amendment Law

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
February 13, 2026 11:12 am

Remember back in the old days when the authors of the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States clearly said, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Letter to the Editor: When governance fails . . .

VINTON TODAY
January 25, 2026 5:55 pm

Dear Editor, I wrote a few weeks ago about my concern that things might go Kinetic . . . it seems that transition is underway.  Two dead, one wounded as of today.

Letter to the Editor: Like Launderer's Soap

VINTON TODAY
January 15, 2026 8:04 pm

Dear Editor, When Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government had just been created in the 1700's, he responded with, “A republic, if you can keep it.

Letter to the Editor: Name Calling

VINTON TODAY
January 15, 2026 4:11 pm

Dear Editor,Can any of you naysayers define Nazis , Fascists,  Marxist,  Communist, Islamist , or capitalism governance without Webster's dictionary?  You use the words, but have n̈o idea what they mean.

Letter to the Editor: Are things about to go "Kinetic" ?

VINTON TODAY
January 9, 2026 10:48 am

Dear Editor.Are things about to go “Kinetic” ?Definition - Kinetic warfare refers to military combat that involves direct physical destruction, contrasting with non-destructive methods like diplomacy.

Letter to the Editor: It's Time to Reach Students in Rural Iowa

VINTON TODAY
December 15, 2025 1:02 pm

Dear Editor, For too long, higher education in Iowa has drifted from its core mission: preparing a highly skilled workforce and anchoring talent in our communities.

Twisted Knickers: National Parks

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
December 9, 2025 10:44 am

I have to admit that politics at every level is exhausting and I'm exhausted from all of it. I never thought I'd say that because I love politics. I think I'm just tired from the constant eye rolling that I seem to do.

Letter to the Editor: RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA . . . redux . . .

VINTON TODAY
December 5, 2025 11:50 am

Dear Editor,  It would seem the Democrats have chosen a successor to the RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA hoax.   It would seem that President Trump is issuing ILLEGAL ORDERS .