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The speed limit bill passed the Senate this week after much discussion. This was a difficult bill to sort out because it actually did two things. First, it raised the speed limit on controlled access highways, and second, it raised the fines and court costs for traffic violations.

DES MOINES – State lawmakers are considering a bill that would raise their pay by 17 percent in 2007 and so far reaction to the idea has been mixed. Disbelief mixed with exasperation mixed with laughter.

The annual salary for rank and file lawmakers would rise from $21,381 to $25,000. Pay for leaders would jump from $32,974 to $37,500, a nearly 14 percent increase. Daily expense pay during the legislative session would increase from $86 to $105 and pay for monthly expenses would rise from $200 to $300.

But the salary saga is great political theater at any price.

The other day I was watching a news program and they were discussing “communication.” Of course, today that doesn’t necessarily mean talking to each other, face to face. Rather it refers to the electronic age in which we live today. Cell phones, computers, PDAs, blackberries, Ipods.

By the way, I have no idea what the last three items are. I have only in the last year begun to carry a cell phone. Of course, I was also the one who fought using a computer until they removed my old Remington typewriter while I whimpered at my desk.

... that sometimes, when I get into a pout, it takes me a while to get over it.

And since I write a newspaper column, I sometimes take advantage of the opportunity to pout in public.

Case in point.

You know the pair -- those dark stretch jeans that you've worn so much, they practically walk on their own. They just make your body look so good, accentuating your favorite spots and camouflaging those that aren't quite as favorable.
The reason those jeans and the other clothing you gravitate toward in your closet are your faves is because they complement the shape of your body. Dressing according to your body type helps you look more "together," whether you aim to be trendy, corporate, conservative or something in between.

April 9, 1930

Harpers Ferry

E. S. Rice, with the Canadian-American Fish Co., of New York City, was a business caller here on Monday, and while here was a guest at the John Wiedner home and was a welcome caller at L. L. Boardman’s.

John Adam and Dave Vickery went to St. Paul Monday to drive back two new Fords for the garage.

Mrs. Shannon, who was formerly Winnie Cahalan, of Cherry Mound, and two sons, of Montana, who recently purchased a farm at Rossville, Iowa, were callers here Sunday.

School Notes

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by Teela Hammell

Kee High’s Lady Hawks track team competed in the Lady Pirates’ Invitational at Postville Tuesday, April 5. Kee placed sixth overall in the competition and managed to grab themselves a fair share of medals.

Jenny Becker and Asyah Moore led the team in field events once again Tuesday when they tied for second place in the long jump. Both girls jumped 14' 3", which was only a half an inch less than the first-place winner.

Coe College junior outfielder Ashley Wagner of Lansing, has been named the Iowa Conference Softball Player of the Week for the period ended April 3.

Wagner led off Saturday’s, April 2 doubleheader against Central with her fourth home run of the season against reigning IIAC MVP Corrie Schmidt. Her third home run of the season was a two-run blast on Thursday in an 8-1 win against fourth-ranked Augustana.

I learned of the death of Geraldine Haun. I’ll never forget how kind and caring she was to my daughter, Karan. My sympathy to her families.

Martha Callo families have our sympathy, also. Martha was always such a nice lady-no matter where you saw her she would speak to you and made inquiries to our families.

On Thursday, the DeSoto Lutheran WELCA had a quilting day for World Relief. There were five of us and we tied and sewed up ten quilts that day. We had our business meeting and our usual potluck meal.