Should children be required by Iowa law to wear helmets when on motorcycles?

As it stands, it is illegal in Iowa to put young kids in a car without having them strapped into a protective seat. No such measures exist for motorcycles. Kids, like adults, are allowed to ride on motorcylces with no helmets. The ride-free lobby in Iowa has been successful in keeping helmet provisions off their heads. But should The Legislature pass a law requiring that kids wear helmets on motorcycles? (1 comments)

What can Carroll do to improve as a community?

This is an open-ended question. What can we do to become a better community? This isn't just about local elected officials. What can businesses do to improve the commercial district and economy? What about the culture and attitude here? What are your best ideas for making Carroll, Iowa a better place to live for all? (31 comments)

What do you think of Rod Roberts' gubernatorial campaign?

Rod Roberts’ entry in the 2010 gubernatorial race has been voted the top Carroll-area news story of 2009 by The Daily Times Herald editorial staff. Roberts, a five-term state representative who represents all of Carroll County and parts of Sac County and Crawford County, formally announced an exploratory committee in late July. He’s been campaigning across the state and raising money in earnest since. What do you think of Roberts' candidacy for governor? Is he qualified? Would he be a good governor? Should he be running? What do you think this means for Carroll? And does Roberts have any chance in your view of winning his party's nomination? (1 comments)

Should Iowa ban texting while driving and/or cell phone use in cars and trucks?

What do you think? Should the State of Iowa ban texting for all drivers or just teens? Or should Iowa go further and ban all cell phone use in motor vehicles, even hands-free devices? Or should government simply stay out the matter and accept cell phone use on the road as a way of life with its attendant beneifts and risks? (13 comments)