It's "Fair" to say that I'm a city girl

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 7, 2020 3:34 pm

Most of the time I love this job. And most of the time I'm the weird untraditional sort of "reporter" that isn't doing it like the big guys. I'm sure you wouldn't catch a single one of them giving a hug to a gal crying because she just lost everything she owned, Nor would you see them pondering if they should go to the nearest ATM and give the gal some cash to get her through.

Laugh with Kathy: Postal Emergency

KATHY LARIVIERE
May 4, 2020 10:39 pm

A few years ago, when I was expecting the arrival of my first grandchild, I purchased a sheet of stamps and framed it for the baby’s room.  I told my daughter-in-law that the gift served two purposes.

Letter to the Editor: 2 Week tour cancelled, all monies not refundable

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 3, 2020 9:25 pm

Vinton native Jesse Hepker was very excited for his senior year. After being nominated by his high school choir teacher, Jesse was selected to represent his state as part of the Iowa Ambassadors of Music on a two week trip to Europe this July.

Tolerance will not be Tolerated

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
May 1, 2020 3:51 pm

During the COVID-19 pandemic it has been interesting to watch the drive this has created to internet use. People are now finding that you need to go to online platforms for essentials like groceries if they cannot go out.

Letter to the Editor: Drug Effectiveness Discussion

VINTON TODAY
April 29, 2020 5:34 am

Editor:I hope none of you Gould, Linsey, or Schwartz come down with COVID-19.   I also hope if you do get it you can recover at home without drug therapy.

Getting lost in the curls

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 28, 2020 3:30 pm

In all of the COVID-19 concerns, and wondering about the future, and shaking my head at what we are doing to ourselves because of it, sometimes I need some time to step away from it all.

Laugh with Kathy: Known Traveler Number

KATHY LARIVIERE
April 27, 2020 12:50 am

Shortly after we moved to rural Benton County, the local newspaper printed a series of articles about disaster preparedness. The premise of the article was that if there was a disaster in your area and you had to leave your house for a week, could you grab everything you need in less than ten minutes? Then there would be a short list of items you should be able to access quickly.

Letter to the Editor: Gingrich on Controversial Treatment

VINTON TODAY
April 27, 2020 12:50 am

Dear Editor:To Norma Gould and others: Did you click on the link to Democrat State Senator Karen Whitsett?  The drug therapy you state is unproven, but I don’t think it matters much to those who are out of choices.

Laugh with Kathy: You can write

KATHY LARIVIERE
April 24, 2020 3:06 pm

The first time someone told me I could write I was in 8th grade and my English teacher recommended me for Advanced English. She also assigned me to be the sports editor for the school newspaper for my 9th grade year.

It's Political Season time for Spring Training

VALERIE CLOSE, EDITOR
April 23, 2020 5:36 pm

The other day I made a rare trip to the grocery store. Hey, I ran out of milk and while the place used to be packed to the gills, I opted to spend a little more at the gas stations rather than wade into a sea of bodies for half a gallon of milk, I'm weird that way.