A Webster City physician is the author of a new book that focuses on the Japanese technique of bringing happiness and health through what's known as "forest bathing." Doctor Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller has done extensive research on the practice which was started in the 1980s. She says doctors … [Read more...]
Book tells story of U-I doctor who helped millions with clubfoot cure (audio)
A University of Iowa doctor who developed a painless, non-surgical technique for curing the world's most common skeletal birth defect is subject of a book being released today. Doctor Ignacio Ponseti discovered that using plaster casts and braces could cure clubfoot, which strikes 200,000 … [Read more...]
Iowan Jim McDonough’s annual fundraising Christmas concerts underway
An accomplished musician from eastern Iowa is in the midst of his annual series of holiday concerts across the state. Jim McDonough, a pianist from Monticello, started the series last weekend with stops in Ottumwa and Davenport and he's bringing shows to four more cities over the next two … [Read more...]
Central Iowa food pantry sees busiest month in November
A food pantry in central Iowa that serves the most people in the state saw its busiest month in November. Bidwell Riversides Food Pantry spokesperson, Alison Hanner, says 5,891 people got food at their Des Moines location. She says there's a variety of things that put people in need. "The rising … [Read more...]
Outdoor live nativity play featured on eastern Iowa farm
A crew of 70 people will perform an elaborate outdoor nativity play in eastern Iowa this weekend. Julia Bean owns the farm near the small community of Scotch Grove where everything's staged. She says in addition to a manger and live animals, there are streets to illustrate what Bethlehem may have … [Read more...]
Iowans encouraged to take part in Giving Tuesday
This is Giving Tuesday, a day where Iowans are encouraged to join people around the world in a generosity movement designed to unleash the power of people and organizations to transform their communities. Neal Bohnet, chief development officer for the Iowa Red Cross, says his agency is dedicated … [Read more...]
Salvation Army looking for more bell ringers for Red Kettle campaign
The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign is underway and one leader says they face a problem familiar to others seeking part-time help. Major Jason Poff oversees the campaign for the Des Moines area. "The giving had been good -- our challenge really is having enough bell ringers to be out at all … [Read more...]
Cutting a real Christmas tree still a family experience
This past weekend is typically the busiest for tree farms across Iowa, as families shift their focus from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Robin Miller works at the T&S Christmas Tree Farm in rural Hawarden, which offers cut-your-own pines, firs and spruces. Miller says real, not artificial, trees … [Read more...]
Le Mars church one of many organizations offering Thanksgiving meal
There are free Thanksgiving meals being offered all across the state on this Thanksgiving Day. The Rejoice Community Church in Le Mars is expecting some 600 people to come for their annual meal. Organizer Adri Ruisch says the annual event got started more than 25 years ago because of a challenge … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving meal is for family and friends, not an Instagram moment
Smart phones and politics are two things Iowans should not bring to the Thanksgiving table today. A national survey conducted by a West Des Moines branding and marketing agency finds certain topics should remain off-limits, and electronic gadgets should be switched off. Doug Jeske, president … [Read more...]