Viewpoints

To the Editor:

The overwhelming generosity of the people of Waukon​ helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season. Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.

Shoebox packers brought joy and hope to children around the world through fun, full, personalized gifts. For many children, this is the first gift they have ever received. Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.

To the Editor:

Addiction is a chronic brain disorder characterized by compulsive drug use despite negative consequences. The emotional impact of addiction often leads to increased stress, depression, guilt, and emotional numbness. Individuals may experience overwhelming feelings of shame and hopelessness as they struggle to control their substance use despite the consequences.

Addiction is not a sign of weakness, a character flaw, or a moral failure. It is a common condition that affects millions of people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status, and while there is no one cause of addiction, there is hope - it can be treated effectively.

To the Editor:

I was watching an older movie called “Miracle” the other day. It was about the U.S.A. hockey team that played in the 1980 Olympics. Those teammates came from other teams and had to become a team. They had to put aside their animosity toward one another and become one.

In our last election millions of people voted. Many voted; on both sides. When the dust settled, the Republicans had many victories. Those who lost were disappointed. Both sides felt they were superior to the other.

We are all Americans, part of the U.S.A. We are a “team”. We have our disagreements but we are a part of a country that has many good qualities. I am trying to learn about all the countries of the world this year. So far, I have read about wealthy and poor nations. When people within a country are divided and fighting one another, the nation becomes weak. That can happen to the U.S.

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.