Paul Struck

With its joyful Christmas lighting, Santa and the kids, and other holiday events; the popular Fall Family Fest; and the traditional hosting of the Cherokee PRCA Rodeo Western BBQ to name a few, the historic Cherokee RR Depot shines as a true family-centered gem in this community. However, keeping this landmark functional and on track as a tribute to the […]

As are most Iowa schools, the Cherokee School District is following state guidelines regarding the banning of certain books in the school library for K-8 students. Before the current school year started in August, Supt. Tom Ryherd and the district’s librarians decided to make the “young adult” section at the elementary and middle school library unavailable until they received guidance […]

We grow weary of the lingering doubts and aspersions bubbling in the community regarding the city’s recent “process” of hiring a new city administrator. This does not reflect at all on the final selection of Tom Letsche, a Cherokee native and long-time community businessman. We wish Tom well in his new endeavor and will work to support him as we […]

Pending weather, the Licklider Shooting Complex south of Cherokee will be closed to the public Dec. 23 and reopen in the spring, according to Cherokee County Conservation Board director/naturalist Laura Jones. If the weather stays mild, the complex could remain open longer. Last summer the CCCB received management of the county-owned former Little Sioux Wildlife Area, approximately a 50-acre property […]

He’s too young. He’s inexperienced. He’s too nice…these were just a few public comments tossed around the community when Derek Scott ran for Cherokee County Sheriff three years ago as a striving 28-year-old law enforcement officer. And to the benefit of all county residents and local law enforcement, Scott has proven he’s not only fit for this important role, he […]

God bless those who sacrifice their time and talents to serve on the various boards that help chart the course for our schools, cities, counties, state, church and civic organizations, and private businesses. By bringing their skills and opinions to the table, coupled with a passion to serve the greater good, they are integral in the progress and success of […]

Six weeks into the job, Cherokee native Tom Letsche continues learning and assessing his role as city administrator, communicating with city staff and department heads and applying his business expertise and experience in carrying out his new duties. Letsche was selected as city administrator in November after a hiring committee interviewed a handful of applicants to replace former administrator Eric […]

Every winter it’s just a matter of time until nature blasts us with rain, ice, snow, wind, and frigid temperatures, and it’s time for each of us to think about the dedication to duty of our street and road crews, utility workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders. As winter pelts us it’s nice to know that our capable […]

The question hasn’t been raised publicly that we know, but we’ve asked ourselves many times since it happened, What if Perry, Iowa high school principal Dan Marburger had been armed in that tragic school shooting? Would he still be alive today? Would that sixth-grade boy killed in the shooting also be alive now? What about the shooter, Dylan Butler? Had […]

Work crews continue the painstaking demolition and renovation of Cherokee Wilson School’s interior into a proposed apartment complex. Preliminary plans target a spring 2024 completion date. It’s being adjusted as it goes, according to developer Shawn Foutch of JMAE, LLC based in Johnston. The project survived several stumbling blocks and unforeseen obstacles, including pandemic, supply chain interruptions, labor and materials […]