Breaking News

Local Columns

No one should feel like they’re facing winter alone

There’s a certain point every year when the temperature drops, the sky turns that particular shade of gray, and we all look around and think, “Welp … here we go.” Winter in Iowa — at least this year — isn’t subtle. It just shows up and sticks around. And with winter comes a whole new set of questions, worries, and honest conversations I hear from folks around Webster County. People want to know how the roads are going to look. They want to understand the plan for plowing, sanding, and keeping everything moving. They worry about getting to work, getting kids to school, and ...

Memories from the family that made Shimkat Motor Co. a success

When your family is in the car business, it’s a really big deal when you turn 16-years-old and get your driver’s license and your very first car. Bill Shimkat remembers in vivid detail that day in 1986 when his father, Edward C. Shimkat, took him out to the Fort Dodge family’s ...

School district owes explanation for this goodbye gift

While the text of the Iowa Constitution lacks the prominence of that adopted by our nation’s Founders, people from Ackley to Zwingle and points in between should track down a copy and give it a read. Buried away in the document Iowa voters adopted in 1857, they will find Article III, Section 31, or what has come to be known as the public purpose requirement. That section says, in essence, that state and local governments are barred from spending public money unless there is a public purpose for those expenditures. My public-school education tells me that section prohibits the use ...

Grateful to be an Iowan

Every year, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect on God’s endless grace and blessings. I’m grateful for my loving wife of 32 years, my four wonderful kids, friends, and neighbors. I’m thankful that Iowans have placed their faith and trust in me to represent our communities in Congress with integrity, dignity, and professionalism. I’m grateful to be an Iowan and live in the greatest state and the greatest country on Earth. Iowa is special. Neighbors look out for neighbors, our communities are strong, and our values are rooted in faith and family. I’m a fourth-generation ...

Q&A: Rural health matters

Q: What is the Rural Health Transformation program? A: Congress beefed up federal dollars to expand access to health care services in rural communities in the health and tax law signed in July by President Trump. The Rural Health Transformation program was designed to improve access to care, improve health outcomes, prioritize new and emergency technologies, strengthen local and regional partnerships, enhance economic opportunity, prioritize data and technology driven solutions and outline strategies to manage long-term financial solvency and operating models of rural hospitals. I led ...

Leading, supporting & shopping local

People often think leadership means being the one out front, making decisions, setting the tone. And yes, that is a good chunk of what I do. But in my role, being a supporter matters just as much. Sometimes more. I’ve learned that leadership is not always about talking. A lot of it is listening. Standing beside people who are doing good work and making sure their efforts are seen. Championing causes that highlight the people who need us most. Using whatever platform I have to shine a light on issues that do not always get attention but should. And sometimes support looks very ...