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Letters to Editor

Iowa should lead the way in curbing gun violence

To the Editor: As of today, June 1, 2019, there have been 150 days in 2019. There have also been 150 mass shootings in the United States in those 150 days. America has a problem with guns. More accurately, America has a growing problem with gun violence. Research shows the number one reason for this is that America has more guns than people. Which is due to easy, basically uncontrolled, unmonitored access. Since the Sandy Hook massacre in December 2002, more than 1600 mass shootings have taken place in this country. The GOP generally opposes any type of gun control ...

HC Crimestoppers seeks donations

To the Editor:  In 2011, concerned citizens of our county came together to re-start Hamilton County Crimestoppers so that local citizens can play an active role in keeping our communities safe. For the last eight years dedicated HCC board members have accomplished much with your monetary donations: we have implemented an anonymous tip line for reporting information about criminal activity; we continue to publish bimonthly “Most-Wanted” posters and offer rewards for capture; we continue to promote the message of Crimestoppers in our communities, and we are always working to ...

Angel Tree helps nearly 300 children this year

To the Editor: The members of the board of HERO (Help Entertain and Restore Organization) would like to once again thank the wonderful citizens of Hamilton County for making so many less fortunate families in our communities a little happier this Christmas. Thank you for your time to select an Angel, your time to shop for them and return their gifts, your financial resources to do so, but most of all thank you for your giving spirit. As we watch each of you come in and thoughtfully select a tag (many times with your children) and then return the gifts with huge smiles it warms our ...

Urges area residents to attend, take part in pageant

To the Editor:  To the communities of the Greater Swede Bend area: Once again, the Lucia Festivity of Light Pageant approaches in Stratford. This pageant honors the sacrifice of Saint Lucia who gave relief to the cast out Christians imprisoned in Rome. Her crown of candles lit her way through the dark as her hands were carrying food and drink to them. Last year, I was crowned St. Lucia. I had been attending the pageant since I was young and was excited to have been one of the candidates, like my sister had been before. It's so exciting to be part of this event, especially ...

Behn thanks Ernst, Grassley for support of year-long E15

To the Editor: I was encouraged to see President Trump’s recent commitment to make E15 available at gas stations year-round. As a farmer, and legislator, I understand how impactful this change will be to rural Iowa communities specifically, and to all of Iowa in general. E15 is a fuel blend made with 15 percent ethanol that burns cleaner, provides higher octane and gives consumers the opportunity to save five to ten cents per gallon. For too long, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has restricted the sale of E15 to only eight and a half months of the year — keeping it ...

Elected officials should represent all constituents

To the Editor: I have a couple questions for all the incumbents that squeaked by the midterm election by getting just over 50 percent. Do you feel good about 50 percent when all that means is every other person you meet wants you out of office? If you get half the people after years in office, for example 16 years, do you think it’s a ringing endorsement of your perfromance? If you don’t really care if you’re re-elected, as one caniddate let slip, why are you there? Do all of the corporate contributions really go towards the campaign? If I got 50 percent, I would change my ...