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I’m writing this column on the Wednesday night after the Hispanic Heritage Festival and the Children’s Festival that occurred in our community on September 14, 2024.   I consider … more
West Liberty School District commemorated the 25th anniversary of its Dual Language program this year. Recently, I sat down with Citlaly Fernandez, a Dual Language teacher at the middle school. She … more
Preserving community voices through oral history Written by Cueponi Cihuatl Espinoza We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for community members across the State of Iowa to share … more
Throughout our lives, we have all met someone who has a testimony of triumph over adversity. One story that has resonated deeply for our community has been the one of West Liberty High School junior … more
Miss Mai- a passionate educator West Liberty has been so fortunate to have people from all corners of the world. In particular, our elementary school has had teachers from other countries such … more
Christians all over the world just celebrated the most important event in human history – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is called Easter. Fleming Rutledge writes, “if Jesus … more
I’m writing this on the evening of April 7, 2024. This date marks the beginning of National Library Week. I have a story that is probably like lots of people’s experience. Saturdays … more
West Liberty, Iowa has a new dance group that is taking shape and resonating with the power and rhythm of the drum. Its indigenous Mexican roots are reflected in the sound of the gourd that simulates … more
Last week we passed a very robust education package dealing with school funding, raising teacher salaries, and the AEA’s. I was very clear about my position on the AEA bill when I wrote … more
This week we took action on two major pieces of legislation – combating illegal immigration and fighting against eminent domain abuse.   Eminent Domain – As a reminder I have … more
This week we passed a substantial bill refocusing and reforming our Regent Universities. Finding skilled labor is one of the most frequent problems I hear about back home and so refocusing our higher … more
I’m writing this column on a full stomach as I just returned from the Fish Fry (shrimp tonight) at St. Joseph’s Church. Once again, it was excellent food, a fantastic display of … more
Bert Hellinger once said, “We arrived through our parents… We already existed, otherwise we could not become. And when we die, we don’t disappear either. We are just not visible to … more
Carnaval, also known as Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras, is a joyous celebration observed in various parts of the world, symbolizing a final indulgence before the solemn period of Lent. Among the most … more
This week we are beginning to discuss legislation to further address school safety. The tragic shooting at Perry High School brought school safety to the top of our legislative agenda. We have … more
I’m always amazed at the paths our lives take. My best friend lives in the house where he was brought home from the hospital following his birth. I, on the other hand, have had the opportunity … more
This week I will explain my continued opposition to the AEA bill.   Before I get into the why I oppose it, I want to acknowledge an opinion that has been nearly unanimous – there is room … more
The 2024 Legislative Session is underway. I am going to start my column out the same way I always do – with a reminder. Republicans have had control of all three branches of government for … more
Moving to a new town can be an intimidating experience, especially when you're in eightht grade. Freshman Ximena Valenzuela Hernandez moved to West Liberty last year. She came from Columbus Junction, … more
We begin a new year, the year of our Lord, 2024, an election year, the New Year. It is a time to reflect on the past year of 2023. It is a time to ponder ahead on the new year of 2024. Let us … more
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