U.S. Rep. Steve King, the 8th term Republican congressman from rural northwest and north central Iowa, is all over the news again, for more public remarks that many consider bigoted and racist. That has prompted requests for us to re-publish our column from 15 years ago, when King was just arriving on the national scene.…
By CHUCK OFFENBURGER PEOSTA, Iowa, Feb. 6, 2017 — His mind wanders easily and frequently. He barely hears at all. But the 92-year-old monk Father Jim O’Connor, our trusted spiritual mentor, can still drop you with his humor. “Oh,” he cooed when I said something nice to him during our latest visit here at New Melleray Abbey…
By HOLLIE ROBERTS JEFFERSON, Iowa, Feb. 13, 2017 — A poem in honor of my friend Carla Offenburger, as she starts another round of cancer treatment. — Philippians, 4:13 My friend has cancer This is not the first time, sadly. Decisions have to be made: What kind of treatment is best? Should she enroll in a new…
By ART SEAMAN KITTANNING, Penn., Feb. 13, 2017 — I used to fly airplanes and when I hear aviation stories I always am interested. The Sully Sullenberger story was amazing. Other stories are usually less daring. However… I moved to the western Pennsylvania town of Kittanning in 2002 to become pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church.…
By CARLA OFFENBURGER COOPER, Iowa, Feb. 13, 2017 — First, let me apologize for being silent these past two weeks in updating you on my current dance with cancer. I have literally been without words. It’s a dance marathon for sure. But here is what most comes to mind as I try to put into…