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Month: May 2012

The cost of California’s death penalty

By Howard Mintz, San Jose Mercury News – SAN JOSE, Calif. — In a one-month span from December 2005 to January 2006, California carried out its last two executions, administering lethal drugs to

Union’s pension plan targeted for criminal probe

By Judy Thomas, McClatchy Newspapers – KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Federal authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers’ pension and benefit plans, McClatchy Newspapers has learned. The investigation

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New plant identification guide available at Lime Creek

MASON CITY – The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management (IRVM) staff of the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board has recently completed a native prairie plant identification guide that contains photos and descriptions of

As Europe’s economic outlook darkens, US risks grow

By Kevin G. Hall, McClatchy Newspapers – WASHINGTON — Most economists don’t expect Europe’s debt problems to sink the sluggish U.S. economic recovery, but clearly Europe has sent new headwinds our way, dragging

Obit: Maynard Swancutt, 76

Maynard F. Swancutt, 76, formerly of Riceville and Charles City, Iowa, died Thursday, December 22, 2011 at Avalon Southwest Care Center, Tucson, Arizona, Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday,

Spring clean-up to be held in Mason City

City of Mason City Sanitation customers are advised the city will be conducting Spring Clean-Up Days the week of June 4 through June 8.  During this week, customers are allowed to set

Debate over crop insurance subsidy rages

By Kim Geiger, Tribune Washington Bureau – WASHINGTON — It’s a deal that most businesses would relish: Buy an insurance policy to cover losses or falling prices, and the government will foot most

LeBron expected to win NBA MVP award

By Barry Jackson, McClatchy Newspapers – MIAMI — Heat forward LeBron James’ sterling second season in Miami will result in his third Most Valuable Player Award. James will be named the NBA’s MVP

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Swap meet still going on through Sunday

OSAGE – A large swap meet called the Sportsman’s Exchange is still being held near Osage through Sunday if you enjoy rummaging for items of all ages, sizes and values. The event,

Massey’s Gem Lifts Iowa

MINNEAPOLIS — The University of Iowa softball team posted a 1-0, eight inning victory at Minnesota on Friday night at Jane Sage Cowles Stadium. The victory keeps the Hawkeyes 1 1/2 games

Kidnapped girls ‘doing fine’ after rescue

By Michael Muskal, Los Angeles Times – LOS ANGELES — Two kidnapped Tennessee girls were released from a Memphis hospital Friday morning, apparently safe and healthy after a two-week ordeal that left

Obama touts refinancing changes on visit to Nevada

By Michael A. Memoli, Tribune Washington Bureau – RENO, Nev. — Although the announcement on same-sex marriage became the focus the week after President Barack Obama officially kicked off his re-election campaign,

William Balfour guilty in Hudson murders case

By Jason Meisner and Stacy St. Clair, Chicago Tribune – CHICAGO — Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson softly sobbed and leaned into her fiance’s shoulder Friday as a Cook County jury convicted

Obit: Marjorie Johnson, 71

Marjorie Johnson, 71, of Mason City died Friday May 11, 2012 at the Rockwell Nursing Home in Rockwell, Iowa. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday May 14, 2012 at the Fullerton