Viewpoints

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.

To the editor:
We appreciate the Jerry Kelly family of Clermont for their unique contribution to Holiday Lights 10th anniversary. The Kelly family, under the direction of Jerry Kelly, donated the fireworks display that welcomed visitors Saturday, November 29.  For those of us who watched from the Holiday Lights display at Decorah Campground, it was truly overwhelming and spectacular.
In our 10th year displaying Holiday Lights, we have reflected on why we put so much effort into bringing this event to northeast Iowa. The most obvious reason is the need to support our mission by raising funds that provide direct services to the families and children who seek our help. We have also wanted this event to be an extension of our mission by providing an opportunity for families to establish an annual tradition that is fun, healthy and fitting with the season.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

Blessings on you all as the Christmas Season is here, and in our part of Iowa snow will soon claim us all. However, it was very different in balmy Bethlehem as well as my own Oakland hometown.
No chilly open tables here, either and no mama will give birth in a barn. So, yes, Christmas comes to different places and climates in different ages, but the Holy Babe is still as alive here in Iowa as He was 20 centuries ago in old Israel.
I’ve even been there - looking inside of the Bethlehem stable, even as I enjoy smiling at cows in our Iowa barns. So, whether we still see the Baby Jesus in a bed of straw in that Bethlehem stable with Mary close by or our Holy newborn in a bassinet in our nice hospital along with a rested up Mother Mary, we need to remember that He is still the Son of God, the long-awaited Messiah, to each generation through the ages.

by Dick Schiling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that there is an old country song that starts out “we live in two different worlds.”

That’s the way I felt early last week when events unfolded in Missouri as the decision by the grand jury in the shooting death of Michael Brown approached, and then was announced Monday night.

To the editor:

Last week, President Obama spoke on TV with his plan for immigration, bypassed the Congress like a bully; much like he pushed the 2,700-page health bill through. Mr. Gruber, the formulator of the health bill, called the American people stupid. For once he told the truth, but not all Americans are stupid, just the bottom feeders.

To the editor:

Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are increasingly abused because they are available and easily accessible to all ages. If each of us takes the opportunity to educate ourselves, we can begin to affect this progressive, scary and deadly trend of over-the-counter misuse and prescription drug abuse.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

... that since I spent more than two of the happiest years of my life stationed at Moffett Field Naval Air Station on the peninsula south of San Francisco, I wondered what would become of that historic facility after it was decommissioned 20 years ago.

Now I know.

To the editor:

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we are reminded that now is a great time for giving. When you make a donation by December 31 to the Allamakee County Community Foundation, you aren’t just giving money - you’re making a difference in our community, Here are 10 ways to make the most of your year-end giving. 

To the Editor:

I had six friends with me from McGregor in Waukon for the Christmas Fantasy Luncheon Monday, November 19. I was so proud (having been born and bred in Waukon) as to the elegance and loveliness of this occasion. I can’t imagine the planning and volunteering that goes into this.

Thank you, Waukon folks for making me so very proud!