opinion
‘If you can’t be first, be better’
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:57 am
Sometimes folks seem to believe we journalists are supposed to be all-knowing, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), we aren’t. Take for example, the recent situation at Aase Haugen here in Decorah. The local senior care facility was …
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Alliant and reliability
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:53 am
Dear Editor, As we approach March 4, Alliant Energy is apparently sparing no expense to convince residents that it is the beacon of electric reliability and affordability, and that we can’t do any better. This is the second time since …
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Many chances
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:52 am
I would like to address a common concern I’ve heard about the March 4 referendum vote to establish a municipal electric utility. Some feel that having just “one vote” means they only get one chance to have a say in …
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Economic common-sense – the case for an MEU, Part 3
Thursday, January 23, 2025 10:45 am
The vote to establish a municipal electric utility is an opportunity to explore an alternative to save money, invest locally and build resilience for our infrastructure. Opportunity — you never know until you try. Saving Money: I don’t know about …
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A vote for knowledge
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 10:52 am
A yes vote on March 4 is a vote for knowledge. This is a vote for an investigation into the possibility of a local electrical utility, a vote to look further into the costs, to consider where the money will go, who …
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Food for thought
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 10:51 am
It was a bright and sunny noon hour. We were enjoying lunch next to the warm east windows. The sun protected us from the -20° temperature outside. We both hit upon a subject involving food. The discussion took us back to the altar …
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Reader foresees ‘persistent and irresistible’ electric rates, property taxes under MEU
Thursday, January 16, 2025 3:09 pm
In my ongoing pilgrimage toward MEU enlightenment, as I read and ask questions and occasionally get answers on issues as disparate as revenue bonds versus general obligation bonds, assessed value versus taxable value, gross margin versus net margin, levy caps, …
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‘Holiday Lights’ shines again
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:10 pm
As the 20th season of Holiday Lights has now concluded, I wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you to the event’s sponsors, visitors and volunteers for another incredible season at Pulpit Rock Campground in Decorah. I have been fortunate to …
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Guardians of Northeast Iowa highlights benefits of services
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
It is a topic which most people glaze over, but the impact of guardians, conservators and trustees is immeasurable. First, the service provided is legally necessary and ordered by the Iowa court system. Guardianship provides decision-making services for highly vulnerable, protected …
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Looking forward to hearing from lawmakers
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:08 pm
The following is my response to the Iowa Legislative Session of 2025 interview published in the Jan. 2, 2025, edition of the Decorah Leader. State legislative sessions sound mysterious and feel beyond any control by this citizen. We put people …
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The hypocrisy: a rebuttal to Emily Neal
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 3:07 pm
It’s time to acknowledge a hard truth: the city council is not playing by the rules. As I wrote this letter, the council is down one member, and yet, they continue to push forward with a radical agenda that alienates …
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Rx for what’s ailing you — the writer’s prescription
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:11 pm
We may not realize that politics is one of those human issues that can implode on us. There comes a time when this realization hits rather hard. This last election was one of them. There is a remedy to help …
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Lawmakers should move past the stigma of cannabis products
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:10 pm
To the Editor: It is time for Iowa and its leaders and the country as a whole to legalize/decriminalize the evil weed, as some still say, aka marijuana and most all CBD products. Minnesota has done it as has Missouri …
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Current electric prices high, but service reliable
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:10 pm
This is just my opinion. I’m sure a lot of people will disagree with me, especially the city council. So be it. Alliant and MiEnergy out of Cresco — which I’m on — they’re both high, but they are reliable. …
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Reader foresees recession under next Trump administration
Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:09 pm
I’ve had conversations with concerned people about protecting retirement funds, so no funds will be lost, wondering how to protect funds. I lost funds during the Repubs’ recessions. It took Clinton and Obama eight years each to regain what was …