My name is Deb Johnson, and I’m the newest staff member at the Hometown Press where I serve as a part-time office assistant. There’s a lot to learn at the newspaper, but people have been very helpful and patient as I get my feet wet. I’ve very much enjoyed meeting customers who come into the...
Read more
Abundance from the Garden – by Julie Van Manen
Growing up in town, we had a garden large enough to provide some fresh vegetables for a few meals. It was more of my dad’s project providing him some outside time after working in the factory. We had enough tomatoes for BLTs, potatoes, and green beans. THEN, I married a farmer who grew up with a garden that...
Read more
The DeeZee Spirit by Darrell Zegers – 9-7-17
I really don’t think I’m as bad a guy as people say. But I do have the ability to make my poor wife very angry.
I had a doctor’s appointment in Des Moines last week. She went along because once I get into a large hospital, I can’t find my way out. I’m like a rat...
Read more
From the Kitchen: Elizabeth Van Wyk
The year 2018 promises to be an exciting year for this week’s featured cook, Elizabeth Van Wyk, and her husband of four years, Nathan. The couple will welcome their first child into this world in January. They currently live in Sully, but are in the final stages of fixing up a home on the outskirts...
Read more
Zimmerman, Vander Beek celebrate big birthdays with big thrill
Kara Zimmerman and Jerry Vander Beek dove right into new decades of their lives with some daring fun last month. To celebrate Kara turning 30 and Jerry turning 60, the two decided they’d follow through with an idea they came up with a couple years ago – to go skydiving together.
“We had both always wanted...
Read more
From the Kitchen: Heidi Brand
This week’s featured cook, Heidi Brand, would be lost without her menu board. “Each week I plan out 7-10 complete meals and put them on the board,” explained Heidi. “I don’t plan each day’s meals, just a list for the week, and decide each day which to use. Each of our three oldest kids chooses...
Read more
Greetings from St. Louis – Kitchen Column by Julie Van Manen
Editor’s Note: Thanks, Julie, for filling in over the summer months in Shelly Rankin’s absence. Look for the Wooden Spoon to return this fall.
As I write this morning, my view out the window is that of the St. Louis Cardinals Stadium. Unfortunately, the Cardinals are not in town this week. I am attending the National...
Read more