Viewpoints

by Fr. Jim Dubert
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Waukon

To The Editor:
We have probably all noticed all of the political ads showing up all over by signs in yards, newspapers, radio and television. It may be overwhelming, but this is a necessary part of our elective system. We must use as much of this information as possible to help us form an opinion on who best qualifies for the office position in question.
We must make good use of our right to vote in all elections, because, if we don’t, there may be a day when we no longer have that right. And besides, do we really want people on the state and national level making decisions for us when they don’t have the same values and/or beliefs that we do?
So, listen, watch and even take notes if necessary, then when election time arrives, we can feel confident that we are voting for the “best” person.

Kathy Kruse
Dorchester

To the Editor:
I find myself writing this after the tragic loss of a Hollywood icon. It’s not an easy subject to talk about, but it’s one that just cannot be ignored. Chances are, your life has been affected by suicide. You may have had a relative, a friend, co-worker, an acquaintance, or spouse take their life. Often times people ask, “Why?” “What could be so bad that they would want to end their life?” “How could they be so selfish?” It is questions like these that show just how uneducated society is about mental illness.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Laura Odegard, United Methodist Minister, retired

To the Editor:
Bravo to the Waukon Corn Days Committee. They outdid themselves this year. It was a great time for many people of varied interests and lasted for a number of days. I heard many good comments from young and old, city and country folks.
The 1940s Corn Days organizers have nothing on you  people. You did a great job. Lock in those dates, tweak it in a few areas and they will come. You showed area people that Waukon knows how to entertain, which is nothing new. “Remember the capacity Threshing Days crowds.”
The car show was great and quite entertaining, as well as the parade, sweet corn feed and even the dog show. Just keep building on it, involve more people and groups.

To the Editor:
I would like to acknowledge and express my sincere appreciation for our local EMS, law enforcement personnel and all individuals for their assistance August 5. Once our 911 call regarding the situation with our canoe accident on the Upper Iowa River was received, their reply to our need was promptly and professionally handled.
I would also like to commend Veterans Memorial Hospital’s ambulance crew and employees who provided compassionate and professional care.
We are fortunate to live in a community with responsive and caring individuals.

Geralyn Smith
Waukon

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
Iowa farmers continue to use good conservation practices which help keep the nitrates and other chemicals out of our precious waterways. Many Iowa farmers have taken advantage of the cost-share funds that were made available by the Iowa Department of Agriculture. These new science-based practices, some of which some will begin this fall, will help Iowa farmers continue to improve our water quality.
Visit cleanwateriowa.org to learn more about voluntary science-based practices that can be implemented on farms and in cities to improve water quality for all of us to enjoy.
Hats off to our water quality conscious farmers. Hopefully we can keep the EPA from being given the right to control all of the waterways across the United States of America.

Kathy Kruse
Dorchester

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus