A recently released book about one of the most brutal murders in Iowa history has drawn interest that has surprised its author. Scott Cawelti chronicled the 1975 murders of Leslie and Jorjean Mark and their two young children in their farmhouse northeast of Cedar Falls in the book “Brother’s Blood: a heartland Cain and Abel.” [...]

If you know an Iowan who’s a good role model and displays solid moral fiber, you might consider nominating that person for the 2012 Iowa Character Awards. Amy Smit, who runs the Character Counts in Iowa office in Des Moines, says being recognized for this type of honor is a real prize. “It’s great to [...]