It seems that 2020 keeps packing in the surprises. We still have a little over 3 months left before we can say it's over, and I'm not even going to ask, "What ELSE could go wrong?"The passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was a mild surprise to me, knowing how sick she had been.

By Ivy Shuster, Democratic candidate for Iowa State Senate District 38 (Benton, Iowa, and Poweshiek counties)There are two ways to save money in healthcare.

We live in a scaryWorld todayIt's different thanBeforeNo more hugs kissingOur happiness gone awayLike never beforeThe virus has taken ourLoved ones awayFamilies sufferingLike never beforeThe fear of the unknownHas arrivedThe worry of what will happenTomorrow to you and meCoronavirus on our mind'sCoronavirus everywhereOur lives in dangerLike never beforeWe practice social distancingEvery day to keep the virusAt bay as we shop in different waysWere asked to stay at homeLike never beforeWhen will thisVirus ever go awayBut I promiseI'll love and pray for everyoneSufferingEvery day.

By Ivy Schuster, Democratic Candidate for Iowa State Senate District 38  From the time that I have spent talking to local farmers, a constant theme emerges: farmers want to be the best stewards of the land but they can’t do it alone.

Voting by mail should replace voting at the polls in it's  entirety.  The two institutions that can definitely be trusted is the County Board of Elections and the United States Postal Service.

I've been pondering the storm damage I've seen over the last 12 days in our county. For several hours since the storm hit, I drove around taking pictures.

To our city administrators and city government for providing a brush dump for our citizens to use.   To our city crews who work tirelessly and quickly to clear our streets and city parking of debris.

Dear Editor,In these days of pandemic because people are staying home more, there is reason to be even more cautious, especially those of us over 65, of whom some are not as discerning as others.

Dear Editor, I own my home here in Vinton. I was born and raised here...taught school in Kansas until 2006...and returned home in May of 2007. It's a shame that a person who believes strongly in something cannot display a flag on their own property without it being stolen.

By Pastor Matt HantzBlessed Hope Community ChurchSeriously.  Knock it off!  At some point I’m starting to feel like a frustrated parent who wants to send 2020 to its room with no dinner.