Opinion

The column of Washington Evening Journal News Editor David Hotle.

The column of Washington Evening Journal reporter Andy Hallman.

One of the many sights at Old Threshers this year was a man and a woman walking amongst the exhibits with monkeys curled around their necks. No, the couple were not hired entertainment, but a private couple out to see the sights of Old Threshers with their pet monkeys. Cheryl Ullrich, of Mt. Pleasant, is the only monkey breeder in the state of Iowa. She got into the business 15 years ago when she acquired a ...

Travis J. Brown is the sports editor at The Washington Evening Journal and an award-winning sports columnist. He writes a regular column about local sports.

To the editor:Jefferson County Right to Life would like to thank everyone who participated in the 40 Days for Life Campaign ? from March 9 through April 17. These 40 Days were a time of prayer and fasting to end abortion. During this time the lives of 483 unborn babies were saved from abortion by sidewalk counselors who were praying in front of abortion facilities. We know our prayers, added to those of the ...

My latest foray into places unknown took me to McAllen, Texas. Perhaps I should clarify that McAllen was not unknown, but more precisely, unseen. Numerous folks from around these parts have wintered in McAllen for years, and I always wondered: exactly what was the attraction?I have a better understanding of that attraction now that I have been there myself. McAllen is located not far from the Rio Grande. It is ...

I?m conflicted. Every time Randy West asks me back to Fairfield for his next musical, it?s a pretty easy decision to make. It?s always great to be back among such friendly people, in such a welcoming town. Access to Paul?s workout room is wonderful, and Everybody?s has everything a vegan could want to eat. Performing in a space like the Sondheim Center is always an honor, and Randy?s material is always engaging....

Transparency at all levels of government. This is the goal of the Iowa Transparency Project. There is another area of government that needs the spotlight on it in hopes of creating sunshine in this area. This would be the county and local governments and school districts with the collection of our property taxes. In fiscal year 2010, $4.2 billion was collected at the county and local level for property taxes. ...

Allyus Fritz is the Fairfield Ledger's sports editor.

Andy Hallman is news editor at The Fairfield Ledger.

Staff writer at the Fairfield Ledger

Diane Vance is a Ledger staff writer.