Viewpoints

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.

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

by Rev. Lynn Groe

To the Editor:
Greetings from the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.  Although my husband and I live in one of the most beautiful places in the eastern part of the U.S., we are always smitten when we return to Waukon, Iowa. My class (the class of ‘69)  held its 45-year class reunion on July 19th, so we returned for a few days to my hometown of Waukon. We always marvel at the beauty of the county, the pride in Iowa farmers and their properties and the genuine friendliness of everyone with whom we come in contact in town and out in the country. It always serves as a reminder of who I am as a person because of the time and place I was raised.  Don’t ever take this great place for granted. There is a quote, “Home is the place that goes where you go, yet it welcomes you upon your return. Like a dog overjoyed at the door. We’ve missed you is what you hear, no matter how long you’ve been gone.”

To the Editor:
I would like to express my appreciation to the Allamakee County Fair Board and all of the men and women who helped to make the fair this year such a success.
The grandstand events, indoor and outdoor exhibits and the livestock of all kinds that were on display were all outstanding. Squirt, the “super bull” was also a big hit.
The 4-H food stand and ice cream by WW Homestead Dairy were also enjoyed by everyone.
They say fairs are for little people, and they are, but the adults enjoy them also - just one more thing to bring us together as family and friends in a small town.
Again, hats off to the Fair Board for an excellent job.

Ken Krambeer
Waukon

P.S. I hear the pay is really good!

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus

To the Editor:
I fully support opting out of smart meters and highly recommend anyone and everyone to do so. There are some communities where residents are not charged more for doing this. In reality, this is the right thing to do. Why should there be an extra charge for not wanting a hazard on their property? When you stop and think about it, the company should be charged extra for placing a hazard on someone’s property. That’s the way it goes with every other kind of hazard. You are charged extra for things that pose a hazard over those things that do not pose a hazard.

by Patti Ruff, State Representative

by Dick Schilling, Editor Emeritus