Joni Ernst


A gut punch to Iowans. That’s the only way to describe the Biden Administration’s decision to roll back the previous administration’s Navigable Water Protection Rule. Sadly, for those of us who have been on the front lines of this fight since 2015, this news is not a surprise. Now let me be clear: everyone can agree that clean water should […]

Down Memory Lane

Long Ago, Yesteryear, and Now

RELUCTANT SOLDIER, COMBAT HERO We began, last week, our extended account of Edward Jacobe, Reluctant Soldier, Combat Hero, with his birth, and a special dinner held for him before he went off to war in World War II. This week, we shift back to his early life. Early Life. Edward, as he was known by his family, was the son […]

Sheriff’s Report

INCIDENTSJune 14•12:15 a.m.-214th Ln/Quail Ridge Trl: suspiciousperson/activity•9:09 a.m.-3000 blk200th Trl: theft/larceny/shoplifting•9:13 a.m.-1400 blkValleyview Ct: 911abandoned•9:29 a.m.-1900 blkPammel Park Rd: animalcomplaint•10:43 a.m.-2700 blk TruroRd: motorist assist•10:46 a.m.-3000 blkTruro Rd: suspiciousperson/activity•3:40 p.m.-200 blkLillianna St: talk to officer•4:20 p.m.-300 blk ENorth St: traffic complaint•7:07 p.m.-Rustic Ave/ StCharles Rd: welfare check•9:01 p.m.-Adair MadisonAve/ State Highway 92:accident with injuries•9:36 p.m.-400 blkE North St: accidentproperty dmg […]

Police Report

INCIDENTSJune 14•3:17 a.m.-1100 blk AnnieDr: talk to officer•7:14 a.m.-900 blk EFilmore St: motorist assist•10:11 a.m.-400 blk EBenton St: violation of acourt order•12:22 p.m.-1000 blk WJefferson St: 911 wrongnumber•12:37 p.m.-1900 blkDogwood Ln: talk toofficer•2:33 p.m.-400 blk E StateHighway 92: accidentproperty dmg only•5:17 p.m.-300 blk WSummit St: intelligenceinfo/data•4:43 p.m.-1000 blk W Summit4 St: med fall signal• m.-1000 blk N6:John25 Waynep. Dr: animalcomplaint•6:57 […]

Caryl Ann Harper

Wayne Hill

Karen Taylor, New Virginia

Winterset project recognized by State Historical Society of Iowa

The Winterset Facade Rehabilitation Project received the Certificate of Merit for the Excellence in Archaeology and Historic Preservation Award, given by the State Historical Society. This designation recognized the Winterset Project as one of the best preservation projects at the local or state level through their use of historic preservation best practices while meeting federal standards. Winterset was one of […]

Local citizen to read Declaration of Independence on July 4th

Madison County is named after our nation’s fourth President, James Madison. Reflecting on the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, he said he “hoped and prayed that the citizens of America would make a big deal” of the Declaration of Independence and event “as long as liberty reigned in the hearts of its people.” Further, he urged that […]

Magnolia stump enjoys new life as mythical home



Five years ago a beautiful magnolia tree hung in the balance in the front yard of the house located two and a half blocks from the downtown square on West Jefferson Street. Prized for its large flowers which perfumed the balmy spring air with a sweet, heady fragrance, the tree finally had to face the fact it was on its […]