opinion
County sheriff comments on stewarding tax funds
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 3:49 pm
Citizens of Winneshiek County, As county government enters the budgeting process for the 25/26 fiscal year, the county board of supervisors asked each elected official and appointed department head to respond with their thoughts on how budgets are best managed. …
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Approving potential Decorah MEU would provide an option — nothing more
Monday, December 9, 2024 9:50 am
I was thrilled to recently hear that local business owner and Decorah resident Cody Whittle has announced his candidacy for the upcoming Dec. 10 city council election. One reason why is that Cody supports the exploration of a municipal electric …
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Biden pardoning his son won’t help restore public’s trust in government
Monday, December 9, 2024 9:49 am
I had it all planned out in my head. I was going to write a post-Thanksgiving column inspired by some of Norman Rockwell’s well-known art. It was going to make some great points on things like togetherness and community by …
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Positive climate efforts still have momentum
Friday, November 29, 2024 1:49 pm
People are worried that the U.S. will backslide on progress regarding climate. However, many positive efforts will not be stopped. Energy is now more cheaply produced via wind and solar than with coal. Companies are losing interest in building more …
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Whatever you do, don’t stay home during local elections
Friday, November 29, 2024 1:48 pm
My very first editor moderated live candidate forums each and every election cycle, and he’d always end them by thanking the candidates and telling the public to “vote early, and vote often.” From what little research I’ve done, it’s a …
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A prediction of life under next Trump presidency
Thursday, November 21, 2024 1:38 pm
Donald J. Trump, president elect, will soon be in office. Remembering his past words is a good way to look at his and our future now. Not long ago, we were told he wanted to be president for life. And …
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Reclaim the spirit of Armistice Day
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:37 pm
To the Editor: As we mark Veterans Day this year, we would do well to remember its origin, the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918. This date was celebrated as Armistice Day, a day to end all …
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‘To him, you are nothing more than cannon fodder’
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:36 pm
Belleau Woods, France, June 1918. This was the first and deadliest battle fought and won by the USA troops (Marines) in WWI. June 2018, at the Aisne-Marne Cemetery, France held a ceremony honoring the soldiers who gave their all 100 …
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No matter who won Tuesday, I hope they’ll reach across the aisle
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 8:28 am
My very first time I registered to vote, it was in a middle school gym. I was a senior in high school, and I believe I had study hall at some point on Election Day that year. So I walked …
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Presidential race could become a landslide
Saturday, October 26, 2024 11:06 am
It was breakfast time and, as I looked at my wife eating her cornflakes, it finally dawned on me. Why is this race for president of the United States running neck and neck? Women voters could overwhelm this election and …
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A call for fair events at a fair price
Saturday, October 26, 2024 11:05 am
Dear Winneshiek County Ag Association, I had reservations about writing this letter. However, after talking to many individuals, I decided to do it anyway. Our Winneshiek County Ag Association does fair buttons at $30 for three events and $60 for …
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‘We need to see a school board approved plan’
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:08 am
I have concerns regarding the upcoming $38 million elementary school vote. Now, more than ever, the voters need complete transparency in the election process. We need to see a school board approved plan. Last week, the local news highlighted Monticello’s …
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Finding a fair balance on the opinion page
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:05 am
Letter to the editor: The new Decorah newspaper is a great change! A much needed breath of fresh air in our community. It has meat. It has interesting articles and information. Thank you. Decorah is a liberal town. Winneshiek County …
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Loyalty or self-interest
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:05 am
The voting booth is a secure, private and confidential place in a democracy. In that secure place, the voter has very important questions to answer. Which candidate will serve the voter’s self-interest when they become a public servant in an …
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Overwhelming and hard questions deserve our best effort
Thursday, October 24, 2024 11:03 am
Human beings’ deep awareness of life is a mixed blessing. The wonderful diversity of all life and the depth of the universe is not completely understandable. When we become overwhelmed, we retreat into denial or become polarized to pretend we …