The school year is off and running.During my first couple of months on the job, we have made some staff and curriculum additions. I intend on highlighting some of these changes for this year.One of the first things that I did when I was hired as the interim superintendent was to have a goal setting session with the Board of Education, where we tried to determine the priorities for the district.One of the ...
To the editor:Deciding on a candidate to vote for may be overwhelming because of biased advertising and the intensity of the election. I decided to research everything and have focused on topics not specifically named in campaign advertising. I always look for original sources so I?ve gone to each of the presidential candidates websites to get to know them in their own words. I?ve also gone to the Democratic and ...
To the editor:To whomever dropped groceries off at my house a week ago: My son and I truly do appreciate it, and we are very grateful.So we would like to thank you ever so much! ? Jodi and Dakoda Hargrove
To the editor:The recent article [?Resident addresses city?s meter issue with petition,? Oct. 19, front] did not mention that the wireless Neptune meters are about twice as expensive as the normal touch-pad meters the city has decided to go with. This will save the city a huge amount of money over time, probably more than enough to put in fiberoptic or some other option that is safer, better, and more cost ...
To the editor:Fairfield is a town unlike any other. I?m certain that line has been repeated too many times for it to have much meaning anymore, but it?s true nonetheless. So many bonds hold us together as a community despite any onslaught of negativity the world has to offer, and I?ve become extremely proud to call this place my home.I?m proudest, however, of one local interest above all: our Fairfield sports ...
To the editor:I come from a fiscally conservative, socially responsible, mostly Republican family. However, the politics of ?no compromise? displayed by the majority of Republicans in recent years has given me pause to rethink my party affiliation. Throughout the last 4 years, Senate Republicans have followed lockstep behind their leader Mitch McConnell, whose top priority has been to ?make sure President Obama ...
It?s hard to believe that we are approximately three weeks from the start of school. The coming school year at Mid-Prairie brings many changes with the transition to elementary, grade-alike attendance centers and the moving of fifth grade to the Middle School.The summer has been spent working on the logistics of the transition. I can?t compliment the custodians enough for the positive way they have tackled the ...
Washingtonians are so lucky to have such a fine new library. It is absolutely first rate. However, a library is just a building. What we are REALLY lucky to have is such a wonderful library staff. They don?t miss a thing. I am specifically referring to the recent eclipse of the sun.Their clever promotions of the eclipse drew us to the town square, where the south side was closed to traffic. The library staff had ...
Iowans from Sioux City to Davenport know why I serve on these committees: Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Environment and Public Works; and Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Iowans have seen that these committees can have a tremendous impact on our farmers, military and small businesses.As the newly appointed chair of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee, I want to explain ...
School finance is unlike any other business or corporation. Rules and restrictions on how funds can be used and which account funds can be deposited or spent are very complicated. You always hope that a school district has either an experienced Superintendent and/or an experienced Business Manager. District?s who have rookies in both positions will many times find themselves in trouble with the auditor and the ...
To the Editor:Aug. l, 2017, marks the date of an important vote for Washington?s citizens. Hopefully all eligible voters will exercise their right to have a say on the issue being brought to vote at that time. On that date it will be decided whether or not Washington?s tax base will be broadened by voting ?yes? on the Hotel/Motel TAX Referendum. This tax is looked upon favorably by not only the owners of our ...
Not only do our teachers recharge in the summer through professional learning, continuing education, and some rest and relaxation, but our support staff is busy getting our facilities ready as well. In addition to our typical deep cleaning and re-waxing of floors, we have some larger projects that I want to let you know about.Stewart Elementary will have the most visible improvements because of the wrap up of ...
At a recent city council meeting, along with several other Washingtonians, I spoke regarding the concerns of shooting fireworks within the city limits. Here is a condensed version of what I submitted.Five reasons for not allowing fireworks within the city limits: 1) disturbing the peace; 2) the effect on those with PTSD and other medical issues; 3) fire concerns; 4) injuries, especially to children; 5) more ...
January 9, 2017Washington, Iowa To the Editor:?Appalled? is a word that is used to describe great disgust. Like genocide or what Hitler did to the Jews during World War II. Not a word one uses during a football game, where young men are trying their best, with all the effort they can. It?s about two coaches trying to outdo their worthy opponents.I am writing this for two reasons. To enlighten a color ...
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