Letter to the Editor: Submitted by Osmund (Ozzie) Quandahl

To the Editor:

Last week, I drove to Elkader with the special purpose of visiting Pastor Dave Andreae at the Elkader Nursing Home. I was glad to see he was better than I expected, so we had a good 30-40 minute visit.

I headed back from Elkader to Waukon with a short stop at Walz Feed Lot and a short visit with Mike Walz. The feed lot is full with 10,000 head and farmers on the waiting list.

Going north through Monona, as I was exiting the town, I guess I sped up too soon. The next thing I know, I was pulled over by the Monona Police. He said I was 12 miles over the 25 limit. I was held up over 30 minutes. I think he was very new to the job, and I know it is hard to find and hire new police in many places. I feel I was being unnecessarily harassed. I know, for sure, I was not putting anyone’s life at risk.

Another incident with the police happened a few years ago when my wife, Phyllis, and I were enjoying an ice cream cone as we came across the bridge at Marquette. The Marquette/McGregor Police pulled us over. He said we were five miles over and we were fined by a not so polite policeman. Not much later, he was fired.

In another incident, I attended Auctioneer School in Mason City. The class was at night and over at about 10-10:30 p.m., so I started for home. I went through New Hampton and came to a four-way stop, and this is about midnight. I looked both ways, and not a car in sight. I guess I didn’t completely stop. The next thing I know, I was stopped and fined.

I’m sure other people have been mistreated and harassed, just like me, and that is why the police have a not so good reputation. Law enforcement is very important and necessary, and I think our Waukon Police and Allamakee County Sheriff Department are doing a very good job. They need and deserve our support.

Kindest Regards & God Bless,
Osmund (Ozzie) Quandahl
Waukon