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This year marks a remarkable milestone in our community’s history — the 125th anniversary of Varina. On June 7-8, 2025, we invite friends, family and neighbors — past and present — to gather and celebrate Varina’s enduring legacy and vibrant small-town spirit during our Quasquicentennial celebration.
Among the many families who helped shape Varina is the Walsh family. Ray and Agnes Walsh made Varina their home in the 1920s, where they opened a general store and began building their family’s future in the heart of our town. That spirit of enterprise and community continued with Ray and Ruth Walsh, who opened Walsh Lockers — a cornerstone business that served many in the area for decades and was later run by their son, Mike. Ruth also gave back to the town through her dedicated service as Varina’s Post Master for many years.
The story of the Walsh family is just one of many that reflect the resilience, hard work and deep roots that make Varina special. We hope you’ll join us in honoring the people, stories and spirit that have kept Varina thriving for 125 years.
Mark your calendars for June 7-8, 2025, and come celebrate with us!
The Ray and Ruth Walsh family, Varina
As mentioned in a previous letter to the Editor, a group of nonpolitical party specific people called the Concerned Citizens of Sac County have been meeting every two weeks. Our goal is to unite and empower communities to defend democratic principles, counter misinformation and uphold inclusive values.
In the future, the group would like to promote positive discussion with speakers, signage and information. We feel the Constitution matters and fighting for democracy is what concerned citizens should do. Meetings follow a Code of Conduct that requires attendees to be respectful of all present.
Several local merchants have contacted the group and have expressed concern about the price and availability of products due to tariffs. Please be understanding of price increases and continue to shop local. We want to keep the businesses we have!
Our next meeting will be at the Sac City Library on Tuesday, May 27, at 1:30 p.m.
Terry Striegel, Sac City
Just a note to say how much I am enjoying the once a week paper. I had become accustomed to the twice a week distribution and was a little uneasy when I heard you were cutting back, but my fears were unfounded as the new paper is super packed with information and I feel more in depth.
As an aside, I live in Florida and have been a print subscriber for a few years. I have never lived or know anyone in Storm Lake. I watched your film a few years ago and was completely taken by your story to the point that I started my out of state print subscription on a whim and am happy to say I am still here.
The paper to me is like reading about another part of the world that I find so very interesting. The editorial pages are my favorites. John and Art , your pieces are first rate and always worth reading.
Thank you all for doing all you do. You rock!
Mark Garcia, Miami Lakes, Fla.
Turns out, Jesus and his friends were wrong, or at least short-sighted, about some things, especially when we consider the MAGA world of Donald Trump.
Jesus said the misguided political and cultural leaders and followers of his own day should be forgiven because, “They know not what they are doing.” Well, most of the close disciples of Trump know exactly what they are doing... kissing the ring. And the leader himself knows exactly what direction he is headed — toward tyrannical monarchy or to full-fledged despotic dictatorship.
Jesus’ disciple Paul said, “Rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.” This implies we should honor our political leaders because they generally are trying to work for the good of the people. Paul lived in a time when the Roman empire still had decent people in high places. That changed quickly. He never attended a cabinet meeting like the ones in the Trump administration today.
On the other hand, Jesus was right about folks like Trump in several respects. For example, he was angry at the moneychangers of his day who exploited people like MAGA oligarchs do. He also taught people to avoid Trump’s wealthy elite lifestyle: “Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth.” I guess that would apply to Trump’s gold toilet and his meme-coin and Gaza “Middle East Riviera” ventures.
Jesus blessed the poor, hungry, grieving and falsely accused, saying their lot could easily be reversed given the right conditions. However, those conditions are not likely to gel at a time like America is in today, not without a lot of citizen participation that Americans are not willing to pony up.
Kimball Shinkoskey, Woods Cross, Utah
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