DreamCatcher Productions

Hello Mary, Good-bye Tom

Senator Tom Hancock, Mary Cownie, new director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and Joe Scherrman, Summer 2011, visit the Field of Dreams movie site and talked about the impact the site has had on the arts and culture of the state.

As the cultural affairs director, Mary Cownie, oversees the state historical museum, a historic preservation office, libraries and publications, the Iowa Arts Council, and historical sites such as Edel Blacksmith Shop in Marshall County and Plum Grove in Johnson County.

When appointed to the office in January 2011, Cownie said, "I look forward to working each day to develop Iowa's arts and culture to make Iowa's young people want to stay in the state, and to attract individuals from outside of Iowa." We appreciate the time you spent learning a bit about Dubuque County. Come back and see us again.

State Sen. Tom Hancock, a conservative Democrat serving his second term from a northeast Iowa legislative district, said he will not seek reelection in 2012.

Hancock currently represents a district that includes most of Dubuque County, Jones County, and southern Delaware County.

"It is a lot of work. I put on thousands of miles attending meetings, and I just really did not have the energy to do it again. I just felt I did not want to go through another election. I love the job, but I kind of hate the politics of it. But I certainly did my best for seven years."

Tom, we appreciate the work you have done for the area, and you are welcome over anytime too.