Viewpoints

To the Editor:
On Christmas Eve 2014, CoOpportunity Health, an Iowa-based health insurance provider, was taken over by the state of Iowa causing confusion and many questions amidst insurance providers and customers. The world of health insurance is a complicated one, but looking at CoOpportunity’s situation “differently” helps to clarify what’s really happened.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Tom Buresh

To the Editor:
Society is always changing directions in terms of what’s acceptable and what’s not. We hear about the best ways to raise our children, the best plan to make healthcare affordable for everyone, and the best people to be in public office. Another hot topic is marijuana. Is it the best move to make it legal? Is it safe? Is it healthy? Is it medicine? How will it affect our children’s’ future? These tough questions must be asked and answered before society decides what to believe.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
With all of the news about law enforcement being broadcast, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the men and women in our local law enforcement agencies for the fine job they do. When we need them at the hospital for help, they are there. When there is a medical emergency, they are there. When there is a fire, they are there. And while we are in our homes or at work they are there to serve and protect.
Along with the fire departments and EMS, we are fortunate to have such dedicated and skilled professionals available when needed. Again, thank you for all you do and may you always be safe.

Mike Myers
Waukon
 

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Dave Herold
Superintendent of Schools
Allamakee Community School District

The following letter is one that I wrote to Dr. Brad Buck, Director of the Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Governor (Terry Branstad) and our local legislators.  Dr. Buck sent a letter to all Iowa schools this week letting them know that early start waivers would not be accepted anymore except in extreme circumstances.  This is my response to that letter.

To the Editor:
Too bad we citizens don’t appreciate our local fire department until we need them!
I have always been a supporter of our volunteers and law enforcement, but when I have carbon monoxide in my house on Thanksgiving weekend, I realized what a support they are. I’m grateful to Chief Dave Martin and to Kris Krueger for clearing out my home and getting a new furnace installed for me.

Pat Pettingill
Waukon

by Rev. Ron Pederson
King Of Grace Lutheran Church