Editor’s Note: The Ya-Ya Sisters, all former classmates and Webster City High School graduates, gather annually for a reunion. Ellen Timm, a Ya-Ya mom, shares some thoughts on the annual gatherings. » Full Story

As the development and communications director for The Salvation Army in Des Moines, my office is in what some folks might call a “rougher” part of town. The rescue mission is next door. » Full Story

So another new school year is here.

You remember how that was: new clothes, new shoes, new backpack, new school supplies, and maybe even a new friend or two. » Full Story

This is the perfect time of year for certain items: 1) Buying mosquito spray in bulk just to keep your current blood supply at its necessary level; 2) Finding that certain Spider Man or Pokemon (or... » Full Story

While standing in line at the supermarket recently I grew impatient with the woman ahead of me who was laboriously writing out a paper check. » Full Story

Way back in February I got wind that Antiques Roadshow was coming to Des Moines this summer. » Full Story

We went to Des Moines the other day to shop for some school clothes and Larry made a disturbing sound. » Full Story

To a writer, the scariest thing in the world can be as simple as a blank sheet of paper. The reason that it is so scary is because of the potential of what will go on that piece of paper. » Full Story

Autumn could not come soon enough for me. While summer vacation was usually a good time for all, there was always this yearning to get back to hitting the books. » Full Story

Small businesses are the job creators of the Iowa economy.

During the 2010 session, I worked to redirect a larger share of economic development resources to help small businesses. » Full Story