The ways of the past don’t always get to stay that way, and too often a handshake, common decency and a man’s word just aren’t good enough anymore.

Soapbox Philosophy: Thinking my boys back into the box
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Opinions/Editorials · May 07, 2008
Last week in this space I talked about my first camping experience with my two oldest sons, Logan and Connor.
Apparently the whole camping thing embedded deeper into their skin than I first thought as they have now taken to sleeping on the floor — and under the bed.

Your Capitol Voice: A summary of the good, bad of the 2008 legislative session
by Jeff Kaufmann, State Representative · Opinions/Editorials · May 07, 2008
After four months of weekdays in Des Moines and weekends in Listening Posts and meetings at home, I am ready for a slower pace. I will still maintain an aggressive schedule of meetings and events in every corner of the District, but my days move to teaching and working on the farm.

Guest column: ‘Thank you’ not enough for Care For Kids
by Craig Artist, School Superintendent · Opinions/Editorials · May 07, 2008
North Hoover Elementary was built some 54 years ago at a time when President Herbert Hoover joined the ground breaking ceremonies. This was the same time the current heating and ventilation system was installed.

Editorial: Care For Kids perseveres
Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008
At this writing, we do not know if Thursday’s scheduled recount on last week’s very close referendum vote will make any change or any difference. Nevertheless, we want to offer our sincere congratulations to the Care For Kids Committee, which worked so hard to get the $3.35 million bond issue passed.

Soapbox Philosophy: Signs of spring: Mud and tents
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008
You know spring has arrived when you hear things like this: “You’ve heard of Habitat for Humanity? Well, they can put up a house faster than you put up that tent.”

Your Capitol Voice: Record revenues, record spending: Legislature should be ashamed
by Jeff Kaufmann, State Representative · Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008
The Legislature adjourned on Saturday morning at 2:30 a.m. I arrived at my home at 5 a.m. dead tired and wondering about a process that would pass one of its most important bills in the middle of the night with all legislators significantly fatigued.

Guest Column: Public tornado shelters available in West Branch
by Kyle Soukup, WB City Administrator · Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008
Throughout spring and summer, tornadoes are relatively common in Iowa. Tornadoes have struck the City of West Branch in each of the past three decades.

Park Perspectives: Herbert Hoover Historic Site trains 10 new Junior Rangers during National Park Week
by Cheryl Schreier, Hoover Park Superintend · Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008
The National Park Service celebrates National Park Week each year during the same week as Earth Day.

Letter: The Good Old Days with a horse and buggy
Opinions/Editorials · April 30, 2008

Editorial: Patience with the flaggers
Opinions/Editorials · April 23, 2008
Warmer weather brings children out to play, flowers to bloom and, of course, an increase in road construction.

Soapbox Philosophy: Spending is music to my demographic
by Gregory R. Norfleet · Opinions/Editorials · April 23, 2008
Walking through a store over the weekend, I heard “Gollum’s Song” playing over the store’s sound system and I was reminded that my money rules the economic world.