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Larry Hodgden
Cedar County Chair
Larry Hodgden was born in Cedar County, 3 miles northwest of Clarence in a family home. After a few years on a farm north of Stanwood, Larry’s parents, Wayne and Luella, moved to Tipton where he grew up on the farm four miles southwest of Tipton. Larry attended Tipton Schools K-12 graduating in 1963 and playing on some successful basketball teams.
His dream was to begin farming but Vietnam interrupted those plans and Larry served in the United States Air Force from 1965-70 being discharged as a Staff Sergeant. With two brothers coming of age to farm and land prices climbing, Larry looked around for other opportunities. He was employed at Wabash Transformer in Tipton from 1974-92, by Stickle Enterprises from 1993-99, and then by Theisen’s until he retired in 2011. During these years he accumulated two years of college credit.
Larry married Sharon Gray in 1972 and they have three children who live in the area and seven grandchildren. Larry has been an active Democrat his whole life, serving his first term as Cedar County chair in 1977 and is now in his third term as county chair. He is a member of 1st UCC Church, Tipton Lions, Tipton Education Boosters, started Cedar County Bicycle Coalition, served on the Freedom Rock committee and is a dedicated environmental activist.
You can follow Larry on Facebook at Larry John Hodgden, contact him by email at cedar16dems@hotmail.com or by phone 319-560-7174
Phil Wiese Announces Campaign for Iowa House District 82
Tipton, Iowa – Phil Wiese has officially announced his candidacy for Iowa House District 82, which encompasses parts of Scott, Muscatine, and all of Cedar Counties. With a campaign focused on addressing the real issues faced by Iowans, emphasizing practical solutions over partisan conflicts, Wiese aims to bring a new kind of leadership to the state legislature. His extensive experience in agriculture, business, and public service positions him as a candidate ready to work for the people of District 82.
“I’m running for the Iowa House to make sure no Iowan gets left behind,” Wiese stated. “It’s time for a leader who will ensure every Iowan has the opportunity to succeed. I pledge to fight not the culture wars, but for the real issues that matter to Iowans by putting people over politics.”
Wiese's campaign highlights his commitment to:
Supporting Strong Public Education: Wiese plans to give teachers and students the resources they need to succeed and restore funding to Area Education Agencies to protect vulnerable children. “Iowans don’t want their tax dollars paying for elite private academies. Tax dollars need to fund public schools,” he emphasized.
Expanding Quality, Affordable Healthcare: Wiese advocates for broader access to affordable healthcare and the protection of reproductive freedoms for women.
Ensuring Equality and Fairness: As a leader, Wiese believes in equality and fairness for all, addressing the rising costs of living, including insurance, groceries, and fuel, by working across party lines to help lower costs.
Wiese’s deep roots in the farming community underscore his dedication to Iowa’s rural areas. A 6th generation Iowa farmer, he resides on a farm outside Blue Grass. His journey began on a farm south of Dixon and later moved to Tipton in the 6th grade. At 18, he purchased and managed the Tipton Maid-Rite before pursuing new business ventures. Wiese holds degrees from Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa.
In addition to his professional background, Wiese is committed to public service. He is a volunteer firefighter and first responder for the Montpelier Fire Department. As an Eagle Scout, he has dedicated numerous hours to community service in Cedar County. His service included roles on the fundraising board of the Muscatine Art Center and the board of directors for the Domestic Violence Intervention Program of Southeast Iowa. Wiese continues to volunteer, helping individuals overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol.
In his free time, Wiese enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and beekeeping.
For more information about Phil Wiese and his campaign, visit Phil Wiese for Iowa on Facebook.