Pleasant trip to the courthouse

To the editor:

In March 2015, I had the privilege of presiding over a criminal jury trial in the always-well-maintained Henry County Courthouse in Mt. Pleasant. About 50 citizens of Henry County reported for duty. All were respectful, polite and attentive. From this group of 50, the lawyers selected 13 persons to serve as the trial jury. This group, too, was attentive, engaged and fair.

During the trial, I enjoyed the opportunity to observe the delightful and truly outstanding artwork skillfully created by students attending the Mt. Pleasant Schools. Several of the works appeared to me to be professional-grade. One piece of art in particular grabbed by attention and I mentioned it to the jury panel. The mostly blue painting quoted from Abraham Lincoln: ?Whatever you are ? be a good one!? Lincoln?s words should inspire all of us ? public servants, parents, students, teachers and citizens of the state of Iowa ? to strive to be the best.

Many thanks to the students of the Mt. Pleasant Schools for their inspirational artwork and for making my trip to Mt. Pleasant in March especially enjoyable.

Sincerely yours,

Michael J. Schilling

District Court Judge

Eighth Judicial District