Maybe it’s the time of year. Or maybe Iowa is just a quiet place generally. But while Los Angeles burns to the ground and parts of Missouri are getting buried under 14 inches of snow, the stories that make headlines in Iowa have been more, well, relaxing.
Take the latest from Orange City and the battle between two brothers. This northwestern town, near Sioux City, population 6,762, known for its May tulip festival, gets its name from the Dutch Royal House of Orange. Prince William of Orange (born 1533), nicknamed “William the Silent” was famous for keeping his thoughts to himself. And yet, if only he could have kept silent instead of criticizing King Phillip II of Spain’s persecution of protestants, he might have avoided assassination by the Balthasar guard.
Anyway, back to Orange City, it seems that on Jan. 8, 19-year-old Timothy Ryan Rose and his 22-year-old brother Aidan were riding in Timothy’s 2016 Ford Explorer on their way to their father’s house. According to the report, Timothy decided to stop his vehicle near the intersection of Boston Ave. Northeast and Second Street South. At this point (and we don’t exactly know why) Aiden decided to jump out, followed shortly by his brother. An argument ensued (and we don’t know about what). But, by all accounts, it must have been pretty loud because somebody called the police. The brothers were then abruptly charged with disorderly conduct. Timothy and Aiden later confessed to yelling and arguing. If only they could have kept silent about their disagreement – or at least kept the windows rolled up – they might have avoided arrest. It’s like what happened to William of Orange. Sort of. Like what Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.”
Meanwhile, a southwest Iowa farmer broke the story, announcing he would be planting more corn this year. Jeff Jorgenson of Fremont County made the local news with the statement, “We were strong in soybeans for 2024, which turns into strong for corn in 2025.” And there you have it. More corn. In Iowa. Who’d have thought?
In Atlantic, Registered Dietitian Sarah Andersen will be presenting “All About Glucose” for the January Cass Healthy U talk. “Managing your glucose levels can have an incredible impact on your overall health,” she said. Those interested are advised make their reservation soon. Space is limited! A free box lunch is provided for all attendees. There were no details as to what will be in the lunch. Low glucose carrot sticks and lentil salad? Will there be a cookie? What kind? (If it’s oatmeal/raisin, I’m not going.)
When Iowa governor Kim Reynolds recently announced she would be traveling to Mar-a-Lago to have dinner with Donald Trump, it set tongues to wagging. This would make it two times in two months. What will they talk about? Mass deportation? Invading Panama? Gold high tops and cryptocurrency? Isn’t Trump still mad at the Reynolds for endorsing weirdo Ron DeSantis for president? Maybe Trump is going to ask the governor if it’s better to plant corn or soy beans.