Reporters Notebook

Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

VOTING IS IMPORTANT!

I think we can all agree that voting is important. It is the right of everyAmerican citizen of legal age to go to the polls on Election Day and cast a ballot for the candidates and issues of their choice.But today, I want to look at elections a little differently.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

God will not be mocked

I had planned for a light-hearted column this week reflecting on something fun I did with my kids over the weekend. But sometimes those plans have to change.President Donald Trump has a way of shifting the news cycle simply by walking into a room. On Monday, he did it with a social media post.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Why Showing up Still Matters

There are days when I question how long I can keep up this schedule.Too many miles. Too many nights away from my family. Too many evenings when coming home after bedtime has become the norm instead of the exception.But then I remind myself why I do what I do.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Right Response

Over the weekend I took my family to the zoo in Omaha. It was a break from the day-to-day grind, and I was looking forward to getting away and enjoying my day.My parents drove out from Indiana to see us. We purchased a new vehicle, and my mom and dad were driving it to us.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Voices in my head

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the voices inside my head.No, not the kind that get you odd looks from strangers. I mean the way certain voices stick with you — how you can hear someone when you read their words or replay a conversation in your mind.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

GOLFING AT THE DELLS

My family takes just one big trip each summer: a visit to Wisconsin Dells to see my parents and siblings.Last week, we made the annual trek. It’s one of the few times each year when all the cousins run wild together, and we adults try to keep up. Timmy was a miniature golf pro.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Does Local News Matter?

I have a few simple questions this week. Does local news matter? What value does community journalism bring?And what would our world look like if one day, all local journalism simply disappeared?
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Hot Wheels and Real Wheels

My kids have a newfound love for Hot Wheels cars.Timmy will run back and forth across the hardwood with a dump truck, making enough noise to wake the dead — or at least make Helen Keller ask for peace and quiet.They love cars. Big cars, small cars. Plastic, metal. It doesn’t matter.
Rick Holtz

Rick Holtz

Read Public Notices

I have a confession to make. I actually read the public notices that are published in newspapers.I know what you are probably thinking. Why in the world would someone read public notices in a newspaper?Because I can. But the thing is, you can too. And you should.
Rick Holtz is one of the co-owners of the Polk County News. Read his column each week in the newspaper and on the website.

Rick Holtz is one of the co-owners of the Polk County News. Read his column each week in the newspaper and on the website.

Superbowl commercials left me scratching my head

The Superbowl has come and gone, and if I am honest, the commercials left a lot to be desired. Sure, you had some good ones. But there was not really any one commercial that left me laughing like they have in previous years. I always love when the E-Trade Baby makes an appearance.