Viewpoints

To the Editor:
As harvest is well underway, I want to remind everyone to be aware on their travels. The roads and highways get busy with tractors and wagons, combines, tractor trailers and those that travel this area to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Farmers have had great weather for harvesting so far and I want to remind them to be safe and get the rest they need.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy harvest.

Dustin Byrnes
Allamakee County Farm Bureau

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor Emeritus:
I’m responding, Dick, because of your caustic remarks about Pope Francis.

To the Editor:
Has anyone really looked at politicians’ hand gestures? As we know there is a whole field of study on body language, but allow me to take liberty here with some “political posturing.”
For convenience, I have arbitrarily grouped them into four types. The first of the four types is an open hand with fingers slightly splayed; the second, finger pointing; the third, is four fingers pressed into the heal of the hand.
The open-handed gesture indicates the politician is virtually, and figuratively, petting their audience. Finger pointing can only mean the listeners are being accused of something they did or did not get while being petted. When a politician’s fingers are pressed into the heal of their hand it likely means there are members of the audience they would like to grasp by the scruff of their sorry necks and have them removed from the premises.

With winter just around the corner, Iowans who meet certain income guidelines and are at least 60 years of age or are disabled can apply, starting October 1, for assistance with their home heating bills.  All other persons may apply, with certain income guidelines, beginning the first of November. If approved, the assistance will can continue through April 30, 2016.
Persons who would like to apply for the assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency (CAA). To find your local CAA, log on to https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply or call the Department of Human Rights at 515-281-0859.  
Bow season began on October 1, and it is a good time to remember the importance of tree stand safety.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources provided the following tips for making your tree stand and hunting trip both safe and successful:

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
Old Glory and the ideals represented by a white picket fence should be honored. However, on the point of Mt. Hosmer?
Not only is there a desire to be in beautiful places like the Veterans Park at Mt. Hosmer, but share the beauty. Sharing the beauty might just mean preserving it.
I would be remiss in honoring the spirit of the woman the Mt. Hosmer is named after if I didn’t comment on the ongoing tendency to use nature as a backdrop for honoring those who have gone before us. Are we adding to a visitor’s experience when they come to the park, or taking it away?
Just a thought, but you can have picket fences, fly Old Glory and put up benches in your own back yard, without taking a breathtaking view of nature away for the rest of us.
Thank you.

Ann Gallagher
a/k/a Catfish Annie
Waukon
 

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by State Representative Patti Ruff