Opinion

To the editor:I consulted Wikipedia and found these latest population figures for 2010 for the largest US cities. Sixty cities were listed totaling over 50,000,000 people. That?s the number of babies who have been aborted in the last 40 years in the US since the Roe v. Wade decision was handed down on Jan. 22, 1973.On Jan. 7, 2012, Planned Parenthood released their 2011-2012 annual report. In 2011, Planned ...

To the editor:In the times we are living I can?t be the only one who, after watching world and local news, feels some form of depression or sadness. What is going on?Like me, many others recently watched our president give a memorial speech on the tragic loss of children and adults at another school. It hinted of some greater gun control coming down the road. But?what if we are not seeing the bigger picture?I ...

To the editor:Dr. Francis Thicke?s appointment to the NOSB (National Organic Standards Board is something that everyone in the Fairfield community can celebrate. Dr. Thicke?s presence on the NOSB will be a boon for the American public, the future of organic agriculture and the integrity of USDA-certified organic products in the US and worldwide. By accepting this appointment, Dr. Thicke is truly providing public ...

By Curt SwarmI don't know what it is about the ~ you-use-it,? but I've seen it play out way too often, not only with me, but with others.I had just passed my EMT test in Ft. Collins, Colorado and was on my way home, feeling proud and pleased with myself for having accomplished something I had wanted to do for a long time.It was about 10 at night. Rounding an S curve I came upon an accident scene that looked ...

To the Editor:With the special election involving all voters residing in the Washington Community School District rapidly approaching, below are some important things that voters need to be aware of.The special election is being held for the purpose of filling a vacant Director District 2 position on the Washington Community School Board. The election will be held on Tuesday, March 20, with polls opening at 7 ...

To the Editor:The recent letter to the editor failed to include the name of Ainsworth Legion bugler at the local cemetery, etc.For the past 55 years, that is veteran Dale Roberts. Well done with taps, Dale. Jim StephensAinsworth

By Kevin KinneyIowa's lack of mental health care is a leading worry for the majority of Iowans. The recent Iowa Poll shows that almost all of us believe there are problems with our state's mental health care system. New recommendations from a Complex Needs Workgroup will help address Iowa's mental health concerns. The goal is to provide the right services at the right time to those struggling with severe, ...

By Curt SwarmIt's been a tough winter. But tough winters, with the accompanying housebound syndrome and flu, is perfect for you know what?yes, reading!Here's my recommendation for keeping the howling north wind and frigid temperatures at bay, ?Grant,? by Ron Chernow.I read Chernow's ?Hamilton? and ?Washington,? so it was only fair that I should follow up with ?Grant.? It's 1,100 pages long. No fooling. It took ...

By Curt SwarmBuffy is the Bully of our 13 hens.We call her Buffy because she has a buff tail. We inherited Buffy and Red from a person who didn't want to keep Buffy and Red through the winter.Therefore, Buffy and Red are ?adopted? hens. Buffy and Red stick together. The other 11 hens may be off in the garden somewhere, while Buffy and Red are beside each other in the mulch. Buffy may be a bully because she she ...

By Senator Charles GrassleyWith Congress at work on key priorities and the President spelling out his goals in the annual State of the Union address, I'm focused on a number of initiatives for Iowans and the nation.Last year marked many victories for Americans. The executive branch launched a regulatory reboot across the federal bureaucracy to remove unnecessary layers of red tape that were stalling innovation, ...

To the Editor:A while back I attended a memorial to Ione Burham, a lady and her husband I've had the pleasure of knowing for years. She was the most honest, educated, disciplined religious person. When she spoke or wrote, she had the facts. The stories she wrote or told weren't bent or distorted to please someone.If you missed the service you missed a lost music art. The bell ringers who gathered, students she ...

To the editor:The board of directors and staff of the Lord?s Cupboard of Jefferson County would like to thank the community for contributing to the success of the annual Christmas Box program. We are truly grateful to the countless volunteers who helped and to live in such a supportive community.We would like to thank all those who contributed time, talent, and treasure, including First Church of the Nazarene ...