Opinion

We survived the Polar Vortex

Published by admin on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:23am

     Raise your hand if you’re over winter already!

     What is being termed the “Polar Vortex” last week brought well-below zero wind chills to 75 percent of the United States. Actual temperatures at night for most of last week were 20 degrees below zero. Add the wind, and it felt like 50 degrees below zero!

     Six states saw record low temperatures, temperatures colder than the South Pole. On Tuesday morning, Jan. 29, Grand Forks, N.D., saw an actual temperature of -75 degrees. Minneapolis, Minn., experienced 14 consecutive hours of -50 degrees.

Iowa should regulate marijuana

Published by admin on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:22am

     Ten states now regulate marijuana like alcohol.

     In November, Michigan voters approved legal sales of marijuana to adults. The newly elected governors of both Minnesota and Illinois want to do the same.

     Iowa should follow their lead. Marijuana prohibition hasn’t worked and has hurt taxpayers and everyday Iowans.

     Despite the best efforts of the criminal justice system to protect us from this overly exaggerated threat and the hundreds of millions spent on police, courts, jails and prisons, Iowans are not safer or healthier.

House Republican Newsletter

Published by admin on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:21am

Contested House Race Resolved

Words on Wellness

Published by admin on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:21am

Food for Thought: The Gut-brain Axis

     One of the biggest buzzwords in current media refers to the smallest subject: the human gut microbiome. This microbiome is a collection of microorganisms living in the human intestinal tract; aka the “good gut bugs.” These good gut bugs help our gut produce compounds needed for digestion and absorption of other nutrients. They also provide protection against harmful “bugs” and support our immune system. These good gut bugs have also been shown to promote brain health.

Love and life: How relationships affect your health

Published by admin on Wed, 02/13/2019 - 9:20am

     Valentine’s Day is coming, and whether or not you celebrate this romantic holiday, we thought you might want to know more about how love and relationships affect your health.

     Whether it’s romantic, familial or friendship, love releases hormones that make you feel better – plain and simple.

     Brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin can trigger energy and create a sense of attachment when released. This bond can lower blood pressure and stress hormones, and improve your overall mood.

GJCF looks to showcase national history

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 8:44am

     This July will be celebrated as the anniversary of a pretty miraculous affair in our nation’s history.

     Saturday, July 20 will be the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

     Now, anyone over the age of 50 likely recalls watching footage of astronaut Neal Armstrong on their TV screen that evening saying, “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” In 1969, only about 20 percent of households had access to watching Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walk out of Apollo 11 and take their first steps on the moon’s surface.

Making laws should not be about lawmakers’ convenience

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 8:43am

     One of the biggest contrasts in public access to state and local governments in Iowa came into focus last week, and Iowans should be concerned by what occurred.

     A bit of context: Iowans have long had the right to sit in on almost every meeting of state government policy-making and governing boards and on meetings of their local school board, city council and county board of supervisors.

House Republican Newsletter

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 8:42am

News from District 96

     This week I had the opportunity to discuss agriculture issues with constituents from both the Soybean Association and Pork Producers. I appreciate their commitment and willingness to come to Des Moines to share their thoughts.

     If you would like to discuss an issue feel free to come to one of my forums or send me an e-mail.

Governor Reynolds Budget Priorities

Small-town living at its best, not worst

Published by admin on Wed, 01/23/2019 - 9:12am

     I recently realized I have been here in Monticello for nine and a half years. And I have loved every minute of it!

     I came across an article in Reader’s Digest that was almost a warning to city slickers about the tidbits people should know when moving to a small town. Warnings?? Living in a small town isn’t a move that requires warnings!

     “Medical services are difficult to access.” That definitely doesn’t describe Monticello and Jones County.

Help reduce Iowa’s payday loan interest rates

Published by admin on Wed, 01/23/2019 - 9:11am

To the Editor,

     Everyone needs to borrow money, whether it’s for unexpected healthcare costs, utility bills or other basic items. But not everyone is treated the same.

     Have you ever borrowed $200 or $300 at interest rates of 350 to 400 percent?

     Probably not. You have better alternatives.

     Things are different, however, when lower-income working Iowans need to borrow $200 or $300. They actually pay triple digit interest rates to 350 to 400 percent because that’s what Iowa lawmakers allow the “payday loan” industry to charge!

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