SCRANTON, Pa. - A microscope. A new puppy. A mother. And absolutely, positively NO CLOTHES. From the humorous to the heart-wrenching, children's wish lists to Santa reveal that children aren't as toy-centric as parents think - and that they're not as polite as perhaps they should be. Full Story »
The massive blizzard that shut down much of the activity in town Wednesday had many area residents in wonder. Schools and businesses closed and not many chose to venture away from their home if they didn't have to. Ricardo Mora was digging out his driveway just off Center Street in Marshalltown, then had plans to help an elderly neighbor with her snow. "It's terrible weather," he said. Full Story »
When it comes to those qualified for the title of sergeant, The Marshalltown Police Department has a new list to choose from. The Civil Service Commission has announced its certified promotion list for the position. Full Story »
Iowa farmers with corn still in the field will probably have to wait until spring to harvest it - if it's still standing. Combining with an inch or two of snow on the ground is possible, but deep drifts are another thing. Bob Busch of rural Waverly said Tuesday's winter storm means he will probably leave nearly 100 acres unharvested. Full Story »
The Marshalltown High School music department will do its best to get guests in the spirit of the season with its annual holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at the MHS/Community Auditorium. The concert will feature the treble and concert choir under the direction of Amy Ose, the symphonic band under the direction of Charles Bogner and the wind ensemble led by Bret Lee. Full Story »
The Marshalltown City Council favored a light agenda Monday, as talks began with plans along Iowa Avenue. In preparation of one day widening the roadway, the city is considering an engineering service agreement with Clapsaddle-Garber Associates for a survey to be conducted along West Iowa Avenue - from Center Street to Sixth Street - in the amount of $8,050. Full Story »
The city of Marshalltown is running a special: free snow. "You have to haul it yourself but anybody who wants some is welcome to come and get it," said City Administrator Dick Hierstein. Though the remark may have been humorous, Marshalltown residents are not laughing as they attempt to dig themselves out from as much as a foot of snow that has fallen and is forecasted to continue falling. Full Story »
When it comes that time of year for heavy snow, school cancellations are never too far behind. Area schools chose to cut their school day short Tuesday as snow continued to fall. Marshalltown school officials decided to let students out two hours early. Full Story »
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama called for a major new burst of federal spending Tuesday, perhaps $150 billion or more, aiming to jolt the wobbly economy into a stronger recovery and reduce painfully persistent double-digit unemployment. Despite Republican criticism concerning record federal deficits, Obama said the U.. Full Story »
Pending the weather, Marshall County Public Health predicted it will have been at every school in the county by the end of the week holding H1N1 flu vaccine clinics for students. State health officials believe a third wave of the H1N1 virus will resurface next year and local officials agree. Full Story »
The city of Marshalltown will begin enforcing its emergency snow ordinance at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The ordinance prohibits the parking of vehicles along streets designated as emergency snow routes. These routes are signed throughout the city. Cars remaining parked on the streets after this time will be subject to being towe. Full Story »
Schools in the Marshalltown Community School District will dismiss two hours early Tuesday due to the weather. There will be no afternoon preschool or evening events in the district. Full Story »
It may not be the storm of the century, but for Central Iowa, 8 to 12 inches with 50 mph winds is a big deal. Local shops were full of people preparing for the upcoming winter storm, which is expected to begin today. "Right now we're busier than all get out," said Ric Anderson, manager of Hy-Vee. "They're just picking through everything throughout the entire store. Full Story »
Both sides in a multimillion dollar lawsuit against Consumers Energy and CEO Brian Heithoff agreed Monday with one point; the jury made some wrong decisions. Both Lawrence McLellan, the attorney for Heithoff and Consumers Energy, and Darrell Meyer, attorney for Paul Greene and Bright Side Lighting, made that point. Now, it is up to the judge to decide what to do with i. Full Story »
Remembrance. Prayer. Honoring those present at Pearl Harbor or World War II veterans, either living and dead. Hope. Those were the themes heard by Iowa Veteran Home residents, staff and others at the National Pearl Harbor Remembrance and Prayer Day service held in the facility's chapel Monday afternoo. Full Story »
DES MOINES - Iowa has begun a slow recovery from the recession, but economists told Gov. Chet Culver on Monday that the state's economy remains shaky. "September was the worst month," said University of Iowa economist Charles Whiteman. "That's consistent with the notion that the worst is behind us. Full Story »
With nearly a foot of snow expected to blanket the area by Wednesday morning, the city of Marshalltown anticipates declaring a snow emergency on Tuesday. "The street superintendent declares one after we receive several inches, but people need to be aware that it will more than likely happen," said City Administrator Dick Hierstein. Full Story »
SIOUX CITY - Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin greeted hundreds of admirers in Sioux City on Sunday, fueling speculation about a possible presidential run in 2012. Iowa's caucuses traditionally kick off the presidential nominating season, and Republican strategists saw the stop in Palin's national book-signing tour as a signal not to be misse. Full Story »
WASHINGTON - Osama bin Laden may be slipping back and forth from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Or the U.S. might not have a clue, more than eight years after the al-Qaida leader masterminded the terrorist attacks on America. Full Story »
Tyler Lowe has proven he can turn things around. The fourth grade student at Fisher Elementary has focused more on his schoolwork and has left behavior problems behind him. Last year, Lowe got behind in his homework and had other issues which made it hard for him to focus his attention at school. This year he decided to improve his schoolwork and focus and it is paying off. Full Story »
Yay, recess! And students rush out in a flurry to catch the season's wintery snowflakes. But a few in Marshalltown aren't able to do that. So JBS - along with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1149 - are teaming up to help area kids bundle up. Full Story »
With the holidays approaching, 8-year-old Chelsey Pugliese of Burlington wanted to do something for less fortunate children. Pugliese decided to donate 10 inches of her hair to Locks of Love. "I feel bad for the other kids that don't have hair," Pugliese said. "It made me feel good after I donated it. Full Story »
By TAMMY R. LAWSON TIMES-REPUBLICAN If you have gold, silver or other rare collectibles lying around the house, the Treasure Hunters Roadshow would like to see them. The company, based in Springfield, Illinois, is bringing its five-day exhibition to Marshalltown Tuesday, Dec. 8 through Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Full Story »
Eleven area families opened their doors and gave readers a glimpse of their lives as nominees for the 2009 Times-Republican Family of the Year. Now it's time to vote for which nominee will be named the Family of the Year. Each family had their own unique story but one common theme ran throughout the nominees - they all thought it was important to spend time together as a family. Full Story »
WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans forced Democrats to vote in favor of cutting billions from providers of home care for older people as partisan debate flared Saturday during a rare weekend session on President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. Full Story »
A tree is reflected in a rain puddle in the German city of Stuttgart. AFP/DDP/Sascha Schuermann
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