Opinion

Tuesday was an adventure into the world of journalism. I was so tickled pink that got press credentials to attend the Joe Biden Rally in Sioux City. To me it was a big deal, to listen to the former Vice President and in my personal opinion (I am sure not to others, but it is mine and I am entitled) could very well be the next President of the United States...

The 6th Annual Cherokee GLOW RUN 5K run & walk was Wednesday night and a record number (136 registered) of hardy souls showed up to create one glowing, memorable stroll through Cherokee and Spring Lake Park areas. The achievements and future of the Cherokee Trails group shines much brighter than those 136 glow orbs utilized on Wednesday’s run/walk extravaganza...

It’s hard to believe that the back-to-school aisles are being set at stores, thus heralding in the end of summer 2019. In mere weeks the kiddos will line up and be ushered into their new classrooms for the long school day. That’s something my mom always told me when I complained about going to school, “the school day is long, but the year is short and next summer will be here before you know it.” Sometimes I wish these years hadn’t gone by so fast...

Just a few fleeting thoughts with no apparent connection. Some may seem offensive but sincerely is not to be, just an observation. Are people perpetually stupid when it comes to politics? Politics shouldn’t even feed into the equation. What is your government doing for you? Are you truly better off than you were? Take unemployment. ...

We think the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce and business community are on to something with the name change this year to “Crazy Days” featured in every town every summer. The original Crazy Days - a brilliant marketing tool - were created when merchants rid themselves of spring and summer leftovers to enter the busier fall and winter seasons and clear shelf and display space for the new arrivals...

Doing nothing wasn’t the answer. We applaud the City Council and employees for finally addressing the deplorable condition of our flooded City park land following this spring’s record flooding on the Little Sioux River and Spring Lake Park. We understand the scope of damage and the tremendous eyesore it had become while the City waited resolutions from a strapped FEMA and other sources...

The revelation that a scant 8% of Cherokee residents are recycling should be an embarrassing call to action by every resident in this community. There may be several reasons why someone would not wish to recycle their trash - from too lazy to inconvenience, to confusing - but only one reason should compel all of us to do so and that’s to help save the planet from becoming a toxic, unlivable, deadly environment for our children and their children...

Welcome to the United States of America. We hope you enjoy your stay. You can check out any time you’d like and then be on your way. But while you’re here… Get yours. That’s become our mantra. Our way of life. Prey on the weak, naive, and less fortunate. Satisfy those impulses. Snag the advantage at every turn. Amass wealth and buy your way there. It doesn’t matter who you step on while you’re steppin’ on up...

We hope everyone had a pleasant and happy 4th of July with baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, cold beverages, and family, but took the time to remember what Independence Day really stands for. Just think of the sacrifice and courage of all those who laid down their lives for our freedoms so we can actually celebrate an Independence Day - our nation’s birthday! There’s no greater love than to lay down your life for others. Ask the Father of the Man on the cross...

Rightfully so, the Cherokee area has been buzzing about the expansive new Cherokee Bomgaars Store now located in the former KMart building on North 2nd Street. Bomgaars purchased the KMart property in January 2018, aware of the future closing of all KMarts nation wide. Last week Bomgaars completed the move across the street from their former location and now proudly offer shoppers a shiny new 40,000 square foot store. The old Bomgaars featured 25,000 square feet of retail space...

June had been a wonderful month with the start of the youth summer reading program. While I talk a lot about our various events, I’m not sure how many in the community know what goes into planning the summer reading program, or the timeframe in which we prepare for the summer. ...

We were enlightened to see a couple Cherokee bars take the time and effort to put their money where thirsty mouths are in donating $1,000 to the Cherokee Middle School Mentoring Program that, among other positives, merges students and police interaction and a getting to know you benefit...

We give short shrift to anonymous emails/letters we receive, whether critical or in praise of our opinion pieces. If you care enough to have an opinion, put your name on it and send ‘er in! If you request anonymity you’ll get it. If you want your message to stay confidential, it will. No big whoop...

That resounding buzz you hear is not the summertime bees, or Russian drones, but much of NW Iowa raving about the Cherokee Community Theater’s current production, “Mamma Mia.” Now in its second and final four-day run, knowing me, knowing you, it’s not too late to go (tonight, Saturday night, Sunday afternoon) see this magical showcase of local talent on full colorful display in this incomparable musical comedy that is captivating all who see it, including many going a second and third time because they find it so compelling.. ...

As are many. we are sad to see Jeff Miller, the Cherokee School District Buildings and Grounds Director, announce his resignation last week. By all accounts, Jeff was the man for the job, armed with a vast expertise on infrastructure needs and what makes them tick...

They own the teams but they can’t be called owners. Isn’t prudent. Uncalled for. Awfully presumptive. Snob fraternity. Money mongers. Plantation mentality. Racist. Victimizes Africans. Harkens back to slavery in the 17th Century. The absurdity of inches turning to miles is baring its own head today as certain “minorities” clamor, protest,whine and achieve their own ride on their own super highway with their own speed limit to vengeance, redemption, reclamation, reckoning and restitution...

We salute fathers everywhere on the heels of Fathers Day this past Sunday. In today’s world, good, hard-working, devoted, Christian dads putting family and others first are an invisible species as politics, bad guys, women, Black, immigrant’and LGBTQ issues ambush the headlines and kidnap the focus...

Over 50 years ago some solutions-oriented citizens envisioned damming the Little Sioux River north of Cherokee as a major tool in flood prevention and economic development and recreation. They were thwarted and nothing happened. About 20 years ago, Terry Graybill won a County Supervisor’s seat with the intention of creating a lake north of Cherokee for flood prevention and economic development and recreation. He was thwarted and nothing happened...