Viewpoints

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that this column is going to test my typing ability, which is already suspect. I think I was the only one in my high school typing class not to earn the 40 wpm pin. And in my long career at the newspaper, several of the young women with whom I worked found occasion to giggle or snicker at my “hunt and peck” approach.

It is sort of the same reason why I could never master the guitar. My fingers do not obey my mind quickly enough. That is also why I depend on a mouse and can’t use the touchpad on the computer.

The problem?

The Iowa women lost their NIT basketball game to Washington State over the weekend. Washington State is the name of the school, but the team roster read more like a United Nations all-star lineup.

This is not sour grapes. They played better than Iowa did that day, and deserved the win.

To the Editor:

Several weeks ago Karen Pratte had a letter referencing my involvement in closing Luster Heights. After several inquiries from community members, here’s the “Rest of the Story.”

Anyone who works in a public system or private business understands the role of delegated authority. For example, superintendents delegate to principles, supervisors/city councils, CEO’s to department managers. This normal flow is no different for Legislators.

To the Editor:

I anticipated my initial letter would cause a reaction from the community at large. I visited home recently and many people stopped me to talk about my previous letter. I thank you all for the feedback.

I initially drafted a much different letter in response to Mr. Quandahl. It was riddled with negativity and personal attacks toward our president and those who voted for him. I was advised by people much better and smarter than myself not to publish it. I am grateful they had the courage to voice their concerns by calling me out. If I were to attack Mr. Quandahl, as well as others like him, we could never have an actual conversation. I stand by everything I said in the letter that was published, as well as the manner in which it was conveyed.

To the Editor:

Katie Fahey, principal of St. Patrick’s School in Waukon, has seen the impact of endowments firsthand. By securing a permanent endowment fund with the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF), St. Patrick’s School could ensure long term financial security.

Fahey has said that the St. Patrick’s endowment has allowed the school to expand its programming to offer 21st century learning to keep its children and teachers going at the same pace so they can learn real-world skills and survive in the real world after they leave St. Pat’s. That endowment has also allowed St. Pat’s to offer retirement plans for teachers.

More than 20 Allamakee County nonprofits like the St. Pat’s have established endowment funds through the ACCF. Nonprofit leaders look to these funds as a reliable and recurring source of funding that helps them meet emerging needs and continue the good work they do.

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that almost everyone has a story to tell about trying to get through the “menu” of telephone options robotically provided when trying to contact a utility or big business.

I had noticed that the streetlight on my corner was out on a Friday night. I figured it would be pointless to report that over the weekend. I was hoping that someone would call Alliant and so waited through Monday to see if it would be taken care of. When it wasn’t, I called Tuesday, and after a few menu choices, was put in touch with a human. That person switched me to a different department after listening to the problem, and so I got to talk to a second human. She took down the information and noted that depending on workload, it could take as much as a week before they would get to it. Both humans were very respectful and professional.

To the Editor:

A roar of approval to the Waukon Lions and their yearly variety show Saturday night.  A good crowd was on hand to applaud the St Patrick’s themed evening.  Father and son Gregg and Dolan Jones deftly handled the intros, side gags, changes, jokes, and quips to keep the show moving.

A good mix of adults, teens, and kids appeared on stage to entertain and delight.  It’s gratifying to see our high school performers trot out their pieces for the community.  The bell choir was celestial.  The dance school was charming.  The Allamakee Community Players were hilarious.

We were kept in the Lion’s den a bit too long, and the girl eating lion was too scary for the younger audience.

Waukon and Allamakee County are fortunate to have this generous group so active with their efforts to support those in need here and abroad.  Saturday night showed the “pride” we have in our Lions!

Russ Hagen
Waterville

To the Editor:

I would like to give an update on the South Front Street Playground Enhancement Project. We have just received notice that our project is the recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation, which will be presented at a reception at the Empty Nest Winery April 18.

The capital campaign is doing quite well; however, we still have a long way to go to reach our goal. In recent weeks, it was brought to my attention that there is a handicapped ten-year-old in the community who would benefit from a handicap accessible playground. After seeking more information concerning handicap accessible playgrounds, I learned there are less than ten American Disabilities Act approved playgrounds in Iowa. Hopefully, our project will be one.

To the Editor:

As an 80-plus-year-old senior citizen, I have seen a lot of ups and downs in this great country of ours.

I believe we have reached an all-time low. We have crime in our streets, riots, murder, plus our elected officials condone out and out lying. My mother told me if you tell a lie a bird will poop on your tongue.
One good feat I see so far in office is our president is sending our governor to China (thank you), or is he being traded for some made in China steel or product? Don’t answer, it would probably be a lie.

Paul R. Melsha
Harpers Ferry
 

To the Editor:

The FBI is investigating the Trump White House and the ties to Russia and other foreign countries. The Trump White House is trying to give this country away to Russia, so let’s just follow the money trail wherever it takes us.

As for  Mr. Johnson, Mr. Quandahl,  Ms. Hager and Mr. Engle, so, so sad that they and others are so misinformed or don’t really care that they voted for a lifelong sexual predator. The proof is in the pudding and on tape and in his own words. Don’t be afraid, they’ll get over it, just as the Republican party got over it in no time flat.

Pat Ward
Waterville
 

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that I am not a big fan of Iowa Public Television, but at certain times I am drawn there by the programming. That happens during their fundraising efforts, akin to what commercial networks call “sweeps week” I suppose.

So, upon successive nights I got to watch such things as that show in black and white by Roy Orbison and friends, for what I think they said was the 30th consecutive annual showing. I was not a fan of his at that time and despite the fact that I enjoyed hearing several of his songs on radio, I could not have told you at that time what he looked at. But he has a remarkable voice and talent.

I also got to see a showing of The Highway Men, four country and western male singers who were in their prime at the time it was recorded, and a couple of them have since died.