Viewpoints

Wed
13
Sep

Letter to the Editor: 2018 is coming

To the Editor:

Not to belabor a topic, but a unique opportunity may exist for someone or an organization, business, etc. because the main event of the summer, RAGBRAI, locally generated many attractive outdoor displays with a bicycle theme in various settings. All one needs is a camera, a good eye and a little imagination.

It could be a contest, of sorts, with the best 12 or 24 pictures chosen for a 2018 calendar (maybe two photos per month). These could be sold depicting and promoting Allamakee County, with all or some of the profits going toward building or creating new or better bicycle or walking trails right here for local families to use.

It is not too late, as a few fall leaves may add more authority to the picture or scene. This could be sponsored by the Chamber, the County Tourism Office, local banks or even a county newspaper. It would sell; a Norman Rockwell-style, old-fashioned-looking calendar depicting smalltown Iowa rural America.

Wed
06
Sep

And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that I don’t understand why Navy ships keep having accidents with commercial vessels at sea.

As a member of the air group aboard our carrier, I did not spend time on the bridge, but did visit a few times. Mostly it was to see how the air officer kept track of where our planes were aboard our carrier. But I was tangentially aware of radar operations.

We traveled with destroyer escorts, and they were usually visible from weather decks. But once in a while, we had to rendezvous with an oiler for transfer of fuels, and the two ships always seemed to find each other.

Wed
06
Sep

Letter to the Editor: RAGBRAI reflections

To the Editor:

Yes, it finally happened. RAGBRAI XLV hit Allamakee County and Waukon, and what a sight it was with thousands of people and bicycles everywhere. Not since Dick Sparrow and Ray Sweeney brought the 40-horse hitch to Waukon have so many strangers graced our streets - only this time they stayed for a while.

It was one of those “you almost had to be there” moments. I hope many pictures were taken for sharing with locals and others years from now. I was asked by a friend in another state, “What exactly is RAGBRAI?”.

To summarize it, RAGBRAI is a combination of a big tent chautauqua, a carnival (without big rides), a traveling road show, a smaller version of the Iowa State Fair, a food extravaganza - both local and mobile, an outdoor rock concert, and the summer Olympics, all rolled into one. The only thing missing was a religious revival, and maybe some of that took place also.

Wed
06
Sep

Letter to the Editor: Eliminating order to create more freedom does not work

To the Editor:

I would like to make some clarifications. I am not a Democrat, I don’t think we should abolish capitalism, I have a copy of the Constitution on the bookcase next to my bed, I don’t want free stuff, and I don’t hate the military. Saying we spend too much on our military doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate everything our service men and women do for us every day.

I do believe government is a necessary part of living in a civilized society. We can’t be the greatest country in the world while letting our people die from lack of healthcare at the same time. In other countries they actually get things for the taxes they pay. The truth is capitalism (without regulation) is not bound to protecting people from corporate greed and the ability to profit off of our elderly, our sick, our vulnerable, our students, our incarcerated, and essentially everyone. Eliminating order to create more “freedom” doesn’t work.

Wed
06
Sep

Letter to the Editor: An honor to be honored

To the Editor:

I want to express my appreciation to all Allamakee Community School students, staff, alumni and community members past and present for the honor bestowed upon me in naming the Waukon High School outdoor athletic area the “Richard Hermeier Sports Complex”. I am so proud of all the school facilities, staff and students that represent my humble beginnings.

This school and Waukon High School athletics have had a profound influence on my entire life and I am grateful to express my love and gratitude by continuing to contribute financially to the Waukon athletic facilities and programs. I ask that all of you find it in your heart to show your allegiance to Waukon High School and keep the Waukon Indians number one. No contribution is too small.

Wed
30
Aug

And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

... that I delayed writing this today until the partial eclipse had happened. Should not have bothered. I realize we were in the 85% or so area, but it seemed a bust, after weeks of hype. Cloud cover didn’t help.

I suffer from that disease quite common to older people, called retention deficit disorder, but I think the one in 1979 was more impressive here. I remember a couple of the young photographers at the newspaper set up on the roof to photograph it, after making elaborate plans.

And I remember when my Navy-trained “artful dodger” photographer, unhappy with an eclipse photo, used a flashlight and two round discs, one white and one black, and made a beautiful representation in his darkroom. Drew raves after publication, and we never told!

You younger folks will get another chance to see a partial here, in April of 2024.

Wed
30
Aug

Letter to the Editor: The Black Hawk Bridge

To the Editor:

It is our town’s icon, Lansing, Iowa;
Since 1931, our link to Wisconsin;
Economically, half of our business livelihood;
Our “brand” stands proud over The Mighty Miss.

We have been told she is like an erector set,
Just replace parts as needed;
Inspections and repairs are necessary forever.
What 86 year old does not need a check-up occasionally?

The IDOT had an infomercial concerning her replacement
In Lansing this week, giving us three replacement alternatives to choose from;
Not a word about keeping her around for another 50 years;
They already have her in a grave.

Soundings were done on the piers that support her,
Proving them sound and secure.
She is strong, no limits have been placed on loading her.
She is narrow, not conforming to current standards.

Wed
30
Aug

Letter to the Editor: Progressive message not the answer

To the Editor:

In response to the Letter to the Editor of August 2, 2017 by Jacob Galema of Lansing, it is difficult to know where to start because his letter is almost completely based on emotional suppositions with no facts. I will respond with a few facts.

Jacob obviously dislikes Capitalism and does not acknowledge that it is through Capitalism that the United States became the great nation that it is; not through Socialism, Communism or a Progressive movement.

I suggest that Jacob spend a little time reading the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. The latter guarantees us Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, which sets us apart from any other nation on earth. It is the backbone of American Freedom.

Wed
23
Aug

And then I wrote...

by Dick Schilling, "Editor Emeritus"

.. that I had occasion to visit the recently opened Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center at Columbus just downstream from Lansing. To say I was impressed would be putting it mildly.

I liked the idea of doing something with that piece of county owned land ever since the county was forced to clear the area of human habitation. The reasons why that was necessary were debated way back when I still covered the meetings of the Board of Supervisors, and I won’t go into that here.

When architect’s drawings of the proposed building’s exterior appeared, they seemed to very much fit the locale. When brochures tried to give an idea of what the inside would look like, I could not imagine much of it.

Wed
23
Aug

Word for Word 8/23/17


Pastor Tim Rupert

For our most recent church newsletter, I wrote on the subject of ‘supporting the ministry of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents.’ It’s a common topic, talking about stewardship. And it’s a broader topic than church giving. It should affect our entire lives.

As I thought about what to write for this space, I came across an article reminding me of a way we are called by God, right now, to give of ourselves. There is presently a massive humanitarian crisis in Africa. A staggering 20 million people are threatened with starvation. Children, men, women - our sisters and brothers are facing this threat.

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