Viewpoints

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

To the Editor:
As the new director of Waukon’s library, I have enjoyed meeting with everyone who has recognized me from the newspaper or come to the library to welcome me. I have received many well wishes and all are appreciated.
Robey Memorial Library will be having its grand re-opening on September 13th, and I look forward to meeting more members of the community between now and then. If you haven’t been over to see the library since the renovations and expansion, I encourage you to do so.
Not only do we have hundreds of new titles, there are movies, audiobooks, puzzles and a brand new young adult section.
If you have a tablet or smartphone, bring it in and we’ll show you how to set up NEIBORS and access books online.
Or come to our weekly story time on Tuesdays at 10:30 and check out Tippie the cow (you can’t miss her!).

How to interpret your tax statement
My tax statement came in the mail today & my taxes went up! Why did the tax increase? How can I find out?  
Under the heading “Valuations and Taxes” you will find two columns. One column lists the 2013 year assessed value and taxable value. The second column lists the 2012 year assessed value and taxable value. If you compare the 2012 and 2013 assessed value and they are the same figure, your tax increase has not been caused by a change in your assessment. If the assessed value has increased or decreased, you have discovered the first reason for change in the amount of tax due. Contact the Allamakee County Assessor’s office if you have questions regarding changes to your assessment.