Opinion

Every time area waters rise, we do our part to help resolve unnecessary concerns of out-of-towners regarding the flooding here. Each time we have flooding through the years, the TV stations and metro newspapers exaggerate the oft erroneous and “tragic” consequences of Cherokee flooding...

The news out of Sioux City regarding a series of stores closing in the Southern Hills Mall is certainly not good for Siouxland, but just might portend a brighter future for small town business in the area. The mall has lost anchor stores Younkers and Sears, and the word is out that JC Penney’s is next to go. ...

Have you ever felt like there’s nothing at the library that you want to read? Is your to-read list long than your arm, or has it filled what was “supposed” to be a memo book? You’re not alone. I have this happen a lot with kiddos who come into the library. ...

Many of us have worked in grocery stores during our teen, college, and perhaps adult lives. We recall long, tiring days, always on your feet, either stocking shelves, unloading trucks, or bagging and checking groceries while the customers make small talk about the weather, their families, or the ballgame the night before...

We wish organizers well in their plans to tweak the format for the annual Cherokee Jazz & Blues Festival that has attracted hundreds of music lovers each January for the past 19 years. According to committee members, festival goers can expect some changes for next year’s 20th annual bash and in the future. In a recent meeting, the committee voted to rename the festival, although at this time no name has been announced...

’Tis a pity that President Donald Trump’s political allies and supporters can’t see the light about his allegiance to despotic autocrats. Despite reassurance from top White House officials and U.S. Intelligence leaders that the U.S. would hold accountable those responsible for journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing, Trump has steadfastly refused to take action against those involved - Saudi Arabia and its Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman...

I was having a conversation the other day with a teacher who remarked that there isn’t a lot of middle school level literature about farming or agricultural life. I can’t say that I disagree either. Sure, when the kiddos come in we can point them towards literature on many different topics from tractors, to animal husbandry, and even soil conservation. ...

Just a wild guess, but Cherokee and much of the Midwest could experience flooding in a month or two if there’s a rapid thaw after all the snow and sub-zero temperatures prolong winter. And who’s to say we won’t get more snows and frigid temps in March and April as we have in the past?...

The dedication and fortitude of the Cherokee Education Foundation members and supporters was on full display last Saturday night for the annual CEF Dinner & Auction that raises funds for our schools. You see, there was a raging blizzard that very night, replete with ferocious 60-mph winds, heavy snows, and sub-zero temperatures. Through much of the day, the CEF Board battled with, Yes or no? before agreeing that the #1 priority remained our students, so are we gonna let a little weather stop us?...

As we carefully made our way downtown to work during last weekend’s blizzard, it was comforting and warming to see several Cherokee businesses open, ready and willing to serve any courageous customers. How hearty and dedicated are they? we asked ourselves, to brave the impossible weather and impassable roads to open their doors, turn on their lights and heat, and stand at the ready to serve customers, even knowing nobody may come in the door!...

March is just around the corner! Flowers will be blooming soon (haha), the snow will be gone (hahaha), and the roads will be wet with rain and not snow melt (hahahahaha). Yes, it’s a time of beginnings and, in January, our new work based learning student started with us. Here’s Alisanne:...

here’s a little known National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day each October - a day set aside to show appreciation to men and women who keep our places of employment clean after we mess them up. Custodial workers work hard and diligently behind the scenes and are under-appreciated for the vital service they provide day after day (mostly night after night and weekends!) keeping schools, hospitals and clinics, office buildings, factories, banks, courthouses, city halls, museums, churches and other buildings clean and spotless while under constant scrutiny.. ...

Recent snowfalls and deer carcasses revealing possible mountain lion activity in Southeast South Dakota and Northwest Iowa has area law enforcement, animal control, Department of Natural Resource officials, and concerned residents, hunters, and property owners on the look-out for the dangerous, carnivorous wildcats...

We sit in amazement each time we attend the Cherokee Symphony as the 50-member orchestra entertains and enraptures from the relished start to the rousing finish with unparalleled excellence under the direction of Maestro Ted Hallberg. The Mid-Winter Concert is Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Cherokee Community Center. just one of three winter concerts we’re privileged to see and hear. Don’t miss this!...

One of the key components of the Cherokee Public Library is to serve as an extension of the classroom through various educational opportunities provided for our patrons. What better way to find and connect with resources than with your local library?...

Forget the TV weather forecasters and their hit-and-miss predictions, Old Man Winter recently blasted us with snow, ice and cold temperatures, and it’s time for us to remember the dedication to duty of our street and road crews, utility workers, law enforcement officers, fire fighters, and all emergency responders...

As her neighbor and friend for more than 50 years, we, too felt the pain in the recent passing of beloved Cherokee “community nurse” Wilma Starkey at age 87. Through the years when summoned, Wilma would stop what she was doing and respond to apply her considerable nursing and medical skills to any and all in need, from a neighbor boy’s skinned knee, to changing a squeamish adult’s post-surgery bandages, to a concerned parent with a sick child...

According to a nationwide study of the Valentine’s Day gift and travel habits of U.S. adults, 25% prefer a romantic weekend getaway over chocolates, diamonds, or flowers. We agree that a long weekend in some warm clime during an Iowa February is tempting, but the fact remains that 75% of us stick with traditional gifts and save quite a few bucks in the process...

Love is in the air! Can you feel it? It’s super cold, yes, but there is love out there somewhere. Here’s a few things going on at the library that I love: We have new receipt printers at our service desk! We are replacing our stamped cards with something that is personal to you and is way easier to read. No more hunting for the actual due date. The receipts will show you what you have checked out, what holds you have, what fines you still have to pay, and doubles as a handy bookmark...

As we splinter families and cage the wailing children, maybe we all need a reminder about what this country stands for. Perhaps Neal Diamond’s song, “America” triggers some conscience in our sorrowful powers that be and their pitiful treatment of immigrants...

We applaud our Cherokee County Board of Supervisors for their wisdom and effort in the hiring of Cherokee native and Washington High graduate Sarah Tracy as new County Engineer. A 1992 WHS graduate, Sarah graduated with honors from Iowa State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Civil Engineering. Tracy officially begins her duties here Feb. 20...

Americans have grown all too familiar with the horror of school shootings. The reoccurring tragedies are a desecrating stain on America and have given parents cause to worry when they send their kids to school. However, what’s more common is the daily danger from bullying, threats and violence that many students (and even teachers) face from disruptive students. ...

As promised in my last column, the Youth Media Awards were held on January 28, and I have somewhat of a recap on the award winners and trends. I’m purposely being a bit vague on plots and details, as I detest when previews or reviews give up far too much information about a book...

Because we know, rest assured the Cherokee Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC), Cherokee Industrial Corporation (CIC), Cherokee Development Corporation (CDC), the City and County, plus local businesses, are keeping their eyes and ears open while fishing for new business in Cherokee...

Insurance is no joke; however their commercials are. Currently Gieco has even sponsored as best commercial they have had. We are shown copies of old ads and then you go on the computer and pick your favorite. My favorite is the squirrel running out in front of car, the car swerves and hits a tree. ...