Iola is mighty lucky to have a group of folks eager to make our little corner of the world prosper.For years Ray Pershall was Mr. Iola when it came to enticing companies to put down…

Thanks, Angelina. Obviously, I needed a kick in the pants.Wednesday afternoon I took the time and trouble to get a mammogram. Oh, so hard.Let’s see, it took 30 minutes, tops, out of my day with…

Most of us have to dig deep to reach memories of high school graduation. But no matter how far back the journey, similarities exist. For most, high school ends the years of living under your…

Ira F. Johnson, 75, Le Roy, died Monday, May 13, 2013, at his home.Ira was born Oct. 15, 1937, on the family farm southeast of Le Roy, the son of Milton and Hattie (Fowler) Johnson.…

For 36 years, 1960-1996, Guatemalans endured a civil war between military dictatorships and the indigenous Maya. The cumulative death toll is estimated at 200,000.The years between 1978-1983 are called the “Silent Holocaust” because of the…

It’s a war on words, for readers.Ever since the Times-Picayune announced two years ago it would reduce its days of publication from seven to three, its rival, the Advocate of Baton Rouge, has garnered a…

The initial response was disbelief. Republicans in Congress voting for workers’ rights? “This pro-worker, pro-family bill will help get Washington out of the way and empower hardworking Kansans by giving them more control over their…

Perhaps this is in through the back door, but I’m thinking a lack of community permitted Ariel Castro of Cleveland to keep captive for 10 years three women, without anybody knowing.And what a contrast that…

The economic development landscape is dotted with dollar bills.In today’s competitive environment communities serious about attracting business and industry had better have cash available when a company comes calling.Iola Industries has been an enormous blessing…

By its very nature, the military — designed to protect Americans’ way of life — is currently a contradiction in terms because in horrible numbers, men in uniform are sexually assaulting their female counterparts.The lax…