As I’m writing this, we’ve completed the first two weeks of the 2026 state legislative session and honestly, I’m partially at a loss for words.   I’m feeling defeated because of the narrative of County government that is being painted by the state leadership.  Their words make it sound like counties across this state are living off a fat hog.  They are making it sound like so many county officials are not pouring their hearts into providing th

To be abroad, in my experience, is synonymous with having a full stomach. When I say full, in this sense, I mean beyond the capacity at which you would usually say, “Yeah, that seems to be plenty,” and instead refer to the point at which you become literally unsure of whether or not you are capable of consuming anything more. Essentially, Thanksgiving every day.

 A YouTuber exposed massive fraud in Minnesota and it’s being portrayed as some outrageous new thing. Before getting on with this I think it’s important to recognize the role that Nick Shirley played here. He’s a guy with an agenda like me. I haven’t been paid for my YouTube videos. I just want to get ideas out there for the benefit of my fellow man, whether on a big huge level or a quiet chuckle. Search YouTube for “fritz groszkruger”.

The Primary Election is coming up in June.  Primary Elections are for the registered political parties in Iowa.  We happen to have two of them: Republican and Democrat.    The 

Primary is for federal, state, and county-wide positions.  This year, there are several County offices on the ballot this year.  County positions are 4-year terms and alternate between 

Costs and returns for farmers paint a dire picture right now. Oversupply and inflation are wolves at the door for anyone who doesn’t have family money as a backup. Oversupply was created by lobbies for crop insurance (federal welfare) and alternative fuel mandates or subsidies. Lack of profitability is intensified by habitual tillage and soil destruction.

I know what you’re saying….preparing for the Primary Election already?! Well, that’s how things work in our office! Believe it or not, it’s been 64 days since the  City-School Election was held in November and we’re slowly starting the process all 

over again because the Primary Election is just 146 days away and while that may seem like a long time, we truly must start this far in advance for several different 

When I was in Delhi for a day in transit to Malaysia, I met up with my internship mentor from this past summer, Aparna. Frankly, I met up with as many coworkers as possible, stopping by the Sehgal Foundation for a whole two hours and greeting everyone I could before I had to take the metro back to the airport and catch my next flight.

 The river looks a little murky most of the time. But it’s beautifully clear in a drought. Before the plow all of them were clear.
 
We have a lake nearby called Beed’s Lake. There is an association dedicated to cleaning it up. Geese are partly to blame for the E. coli contamination that keeps people out of it. Farmers are special so their role is excused.
 

A new year is upon us which means a new state legislative session and thanks to campaigns for governor along with Senate, House of Representatives, and even local elections you are going to hear a lot about property tax reform this session, so I wanted to bring a few items to light for you.   

As a father of four and former volunteer EMT for 15 years in my hometown of Hull, I know the vital importance of affordable and accessible healthcare for Iowa families, particularly our 
neighbors in rural Iowa. Traveling across our district, I’ve had countless conversations with Iowans about the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and declining access to care in rural 

It’s 2:00 AM, and there’s a knock on my door. Another knock. I bolt upright in my bed, wondering who might be awake at this unholy hour of the night. My door swings open, seemingly of its own accord, revealing… no one? As my door creaks at its hinges, I am shocked to see that no person has been knocking on, nor opening, my door.

A friend from childhood is a professional in Venezuela. He has participated in protests against the Nicolas Maduro regime. He’s hiding now because kidnapping Nicolas Maduro in a country of 30 million people still leaves options for the oppressors. It’s hard to judge the extent or efficiency of their police state.

One of the best things about being in County government (other than the people….employees & residents) themselves, is the amazing networks we have surrounding us.  From ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) to each individual affiliate (the separate departments like Auditor, Treasurer, Secondary Roads, etc) and beyond, we have so many opportunities to be involved and continue to learn through meetings & conferences.    

 It’s the end of the year. The days are short, nights long, and memories in full abundance. Looking back, I’ve got a lot to be thankful for this year.
 

Last night we sat cozy in the house listening to the blizzard outside. Karl and family were here. Having wisely decided to trust the government report about the approaching storm, they stayed an extra day. The weather may have been frightful but it gave us another day together.