Viewpoints

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

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.