The integrity of our elections and the power of our vote are vital to the health of our democracy. The United States remains a beacon of hope and promise because the people – not politicians – determine the outcome of elections with their voice and their vote.

Q: What is Whistleblower Appreciation Day?

By Rev. Jordan Gowing, Crosswinds, Spencer campus

Have you ever found yourself in a conversation wishing the other person was actually listening? Perhaps they were distracted by their phone, a TV on in the background, notifications on their watch or their glazed over expression made it clear their mind was somewhere else. It’s easy to notice this in other people, but how often are we guilty of the same?

To the Editor,

I recently attended "Let It Be" at the Okoboji Summer Theater. The talented young performers and great Lennon-McCartney songs were offset by gratuitous and historically inaccurate political commentary.

Early in the show, we heard a clip from a radio broadcast in which Sen. John Kennedy attacked the Republican Party.  This occurred during the 1960 presidential debates—several years before anyone in America had heard of The Beatles.

Editor's note: A Polk County District Court Judge on Monday granted an injunction blocking the enforcement of Iowa's most recent Heartbeat Bill until the matter is resolved in court.

Editor's note: A Polk County District Court Judge on Monday granted an injunction blocking the enforcement of Iowa's most recent Heartbeat Bill until the matter is resolved in court.

Q: What do you advise Iowans planning international travel?

Californians who have likely never set foot on a farm and produce less than 1 percent of the nation’s pork want to dictate how Iowans raise our livestock.

In 2018, Golden-State voters approved Proposition 12, a state ballot measure that prohibits the sale of pork, eggs and veal not produced according to arbitrary production standards. Total hogwash!

By Carol DeSchepper – Spiritual Director at First Lutheran in Milford

On the evening of July 4, I witnessed a total lack of common sense along with the breaking of safety laws. I could not believe what I was seeing!

Almost every time someone has asked me how I'm doing the last couple weeks, my answer has been the same.

Busy.

And this week's Dickinson County News is proof of that. Not only have there been the usual ribbon cutting photos to take and press releases to proofread, there are several major community events clustering for coverage in this edition.

God's Children are not for sale.

I recently watched the movie called “The Sound of Freedom.” It was a stirring movie about children who are trafficked in the sex slave trade and a very sad situation that it is happening today. The saddest part of the movie was the end when the star of the show, Jim Caviezel, talked about the show. He implored people to talk about slavery and that, if each of us becomes aware of slavery, perhaps we can end this modern abomination.

Q: Why do you embrace social media as a federal lawmaker?

By Sedar Shako - Harris-Lake Park United Methodist Church

"Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Rescue me from those who pursue me. For they are too strong for me. Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me." Psalm 142: 6-7.

While I was doing the mediation on these two verses of David, I was surprised by the way King David is praying to God to deliver him.