Jim Walters

Jan 22, 2025 | thegazette.com | Jim Walters

The Gazette offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced. Here's a thought. With Republicans in complete control at the Statehouse, and committed to lowering taxes and smaller government, and having a concept of a plan to accomplish both, it should be a slam dunk to wrap up the legislative session in a few weeks, shut the doors and go home — saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here's a bet.

Oct 4, 2024 | press-citizen.com | Jim Walters

Over 50 years ago, there was a small grove of poplar trees on the corner of Hazelwood Avenue and Rohret Road in southwestern Johnson County. Once, coming home at sunset, I saw that grove turn a brilliant orange. Thousands upon thousands of monarch butterflies had chosen that spot to rest on their southward migration. Some of the branches held so many that their weight caused the branches to droop.No one will ever see this again.

Sep 13, 2023 | stormlake.com | Jim Walters |Amber Mohmand

Sen. Joni Ernst’s proposal to solve Iowa’s doctor shortage, by her Directing Our Country’s Transfer of Residency Slots (DOCTORS) Act, to grant foreign doctors citizenship in exchange for practicing in rural Iowa, is objectionable for two reasons. First, because it doesn’t address why doctors no longer want to practice here.

Jul 18, 2023 | thegazette.com | Norman Sherman |Jim Walters |Althea Cole |Todd Dorman

We’d been driving a few hours. The warning signs were flashing, backs aching, bladders full. Time to stop. We were headed to Branson, Mo. Branson is the Las Vegas of the Ozarks. But think Vegas sans gambling, and with a “heapin helpin” of southern, family, values. Outside Branson, we saw a huge sign screaming “Discount Show Tickets.” My wife craves discounts, and those warning signs persisted. We stopped. As we stepped into the building, we entered the Timeshare Zone.

Jul 17, 2023 | desmoinesregister.com | Jim Walters

Iowa is now the most degraded state in our country, bathed in chemicals, inundated in livestock waste, and with the smallest amount of usable public space for residents. Is this hell? No, it's Iowa. Jim WaltersGuest columnistBack in 1973, I rode on the first RAGBRAI, from Sioux City to Davenport. In the vernacular of that time, it was "a blast." Over 300 of us made that trip, with hundreds joining in along the way. Everywhere people greeted us with enthusiasm.