Columns

   I’ve stated previously in this column that one of the greatest privileges I’ve had during my time as editor of The Opinion-Tribune was accompanying World War II veterans from southwest Iowa to Washington, D.C., in September 2008, on the inaugural Western Iowa Honor Flight.

     Last week, I had the opportunity to get a personal tour of the famous Todd House down in Tabor. I had heard a lot about the place over the years - knew it had a lot of history behind it and a connection to the Underground Railroad - but had never actually seen the place in person.

    I guess it was nice to learn that I wasn’t being singled out or picked on.
    Judging by some e-mails I’ve received in the past week, I wasn’t the only Glenwood resident slapped with a sizeable rate hike on my water and sewer bill this month from the Glenwood Municipal Utilities.

    Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a second. The Catholic Church is blaming the 1960s for its child molestation scandals?
    A five-year study released by John Jay College of Criminal Justice seems to suggest as much.

    The study was undertaken at the request and with the financial support of America's Roman Catholic bishops. The report links the spike in child abuse by priests in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s to, the study says, “the importance given to young people and popular culture.”