Viewpoints

by Rev. Ron Pederson
King Of Grace Lutheran Church

by Dick Schiling, Editor Emeritus

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

.. that reflecting on how united in purpose the United States became after the attack on Pearl Harbor 73 years ago this Dec. 7 only served to remind me of how divided we are at the current time.

To the Editor:

We finally got the long-awaited news from Ferguson, MO - Cop Wilson will not be tried. That started riots in Ferguson and several other places - stealing and burning, wrecking the city. How would you like to own and operate a business in Ferguson, MO? The people (I’m generous in calling the rioters people) are much like the Wall Street Occupiers who are led by the likes of Jessie Jackson, Al Sharpton, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid.

To the Editor:

To the editor:
Many of you have probably read or heard about the articles that have been posted in the Des Moines Register over the past year. While Des Moines is four hours away, we too have some of the same challenges here facing rural EMS, in every one of our communities, now and in the coming years.
Operating an ambulance service can be very expensive. Rising equipment costs, advances in technology and lack of funding are making it difficult for many ambulance services to stay afloat.
For many years, much of the rural EMS has relied on donations and fundraising to support their ambulance service. But those dollars are no longer enough to pay for the increasing costs associated with running an ambulance. And, contrary to what many believe, most ambulance services receive no funding from federal or state government. In Allamakee County they do receive a portion from local governments, but taxes don’t increase the same as expenses.

To the editor:
We appreciate the Jerry Kelly family of Clermont for their unique contribution to Holiday Lights 10th anniversary. The Kelly family, under the direction of Jerry Kelly, donated the fireworks display that welcomed visitors Saturday, November 29.  For those of us who watched from the Holiday Lights display at Decorah Campground, it was truly overwhelming and spectacular.
In our 10th year displaying Holiday Lights, we have reflected on why we put so much effort into bringing this event to northeast Iowa. The most obvious reason is the need to support our mission by raising funds that provide direct services to the families and children who seek our help. We have also wanted this event to be an extension of our mission by providing an opportunity for families to establish an annual tradition that is fun, healthy and fitting with the season.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

Blessings on you all as the Christmas Season is here, and in our part of Iowa snow will soon claim us all. However, it was very different in balmy Bethlehem as well as my own Oakland hometown.
No chilly open tables here, either and no mama will give birth in a barn. So, yes, Christmas comes to different places and climates in different ages, but the Holy Babe is still as alive here in Iowa as He was 20 centuries ago in old Israel.
I’ve even been there - looking inside of the Bethlehem stable, even as I enjoy smiling at cows in our Iowa barns. So, whether we still see the Baby Jesus in a bed of straw in that Bethlehem stable with Mary close by or our Holy newborn in a bassinet in our nice hospital along with a rested up Mother Mary, we need to remember that He is still the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah, to each generation through the ages.

by Dick Schiling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that there is an old country song that starts out “we live in two different worlds.”

That’s the way I felt early last week when events unfolded in Missouri as the decision by the grand jury in the shooting death of Michael Brown approached, and then was announced Monday night.