Viewpoints

To the Editor:

I share some thoughts on the 2025 Iowa Legislative Session.

State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people in power with our votes. It is a leap of faith the senator and the representative will do what is best for our family’s safety and economic security. However, uncertainty can be managed with communication with those who are working for us.

Citizens of northeast Iowa, this is a reminder of who represents your county of residence in the legislature in Des Moines. Iowa House District 63 residents are served by Representative Michael Bergan. The counties in District 63 are; Howard, Winneshiek and a northern tier of Fayette. There are over 31,000 residents in the district.

Why December 25th?

In the past few months, we were approaching one of the most looked forward to days of the year - Christmas! But by now, some have already taken the Christmas tree down, removed the lights, and are preparing for the next season.

We celebrate Christmas on December 25th, but have you ever wondered why? How do we know Jesus was born on that day when the Bible doesn’t even tell us? People who doubt the Bible will often claim that Christians used this date to replace pagan festivals. Yet, this argument does not have any real historical evidence. What’s more, there are also many good reasons which show Jesus was born on December 25th. One of them comes from Luke 1.

To the Editor:

The role of Iowa Secretary of State requires balance - ensuring that Iowa elections are safe, secure, and fair while concurrently empowering every eligible voter to exercise their fundamental right to make their voices heard in Iowa elections.

Across all 99 counties, we saw a fair and smoothly administered 2024 general election. Iowa’s election approach is nationally ranked - and we can attribute much of our success to multiple layers of protection and year-round preparation from poll workers, county auditors, Iowa Secretary of State staff, and our state and federal election security partners. Not only has our layered approach contributed to another safe, secure, and fair election - Iowans have noticed the results. A recent Iowa Poll found that 91% of Iowans have trust in Iowa’s election process.

Pastor Buck here from Lansing UMC with another Wandering thoughts of a Wayward Follower of Jesus… We are in the season where giving seems to be the theme. Giving has always been part of a religious life.  In Old Testament times it was the giving of offerings (i.e. the first fruits of the harvest) or animals for sacrifices. It was and is our way of giving back to God a small portion of what He gives us daily.

For the last few weeks at church, I have been preaching through Luke 21, which records Jesus’ teaching on the end times. It can be scary to consider how similar our world is to that prophesied description.

To the Editor:

Generosity is powerful. Whether in the form of a large donation, time spent volunteering, or an everyday act of kindness, generosity changes lives and improves communities - and it inspires others to do the same.

At the Allamakee County Community Foundation, our mission is to ignite the generous spirit that is at the heart of our community and encourage our neighbors to spread and instill it in others across our county. We have a front row seat to our community at its best, because we see the ways that generosity is making our region a thriving, welcoming place for everyone.

This National Community Foundation Week - November 12 through 18 - is a time to recognize the power in community philanthropy and celebrate the ways, big and small, that our neighbors make a positive impact by giving back.

To the Editor:

Words cannot express all my love and gratitude for my classmates from the Waukon High School Class of 1969. Our class recently gathered for our 55th class reunion. My husband and I live near Maggie Valley, NC in western North Carolina.

Our county and adjacent counties experienced catastrophic effects from Hurricane Helene. Because of this, we were unable to get to the airport to fly up for the reunion. The reunion attendees were notified that I would not be there and a dear friend from the class, Karen Watts Gibson, gathered a good-will offering to be sent to me to give to hurricane relief efforts in our area.

These 63 wonderful “Iowa nice” classmates donated $1,473.00!! Their kindness has overwhelmed me.

To the Editor:

Veterans Day has been known as a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. It’s a day also known as Armistice Day, marking the end of The Great War. Wouldn’t it be great to say that there was no more war, and that peace prevailed?

The fact that there have been multiple wars and conflicts, and that we still have many active-duty service personnel means that we will continue to have many veterans. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are over 18 million veterans in the United States. There are over 200,000 veterans here in Iowa. Veterans are here in every part of our community, as business owners, teachers, firefighters, medical personnel, volunteers and more.

To the Editor:

As I read the report of the Waukon City Council in the November 6 edition of The Standard on page seven, I realized that the city is getting an opinion on the cost of a 4th Avenue NW Addition, as well as a 7th Street NW Extension. This is all related to the development in the Bresnahan Property.

For as long as the city has owned it, there has been no development except for the flood control. It seems that the council approves whatever the planner suggests. True, it may be the time to develop that property.

A few years ago, there were ads in The Standard indicating that three lots had been sold and three more were available. What happened? Now there is talk again about concrete streets with curb and gutter. How many other streets and alleys in this town need upkeep with concrete curb and gutter?

To the Editor:

As our country honors all those who have served in the defense of the United States, the Auxiliary of Lawrence D. Anderson, VFW Post 4117 is grateful to the citizens and businesses who contributed to our recent canvas for poppy donations. These funds go toward support of veterans’ needs and services.

Loyally,
Karen Mathis
Local Poppy Chair