Linn County faces costly plan for 35 bed juvenile jail
At a public hearing Linn County weighs a 6.35 million plan for a 35 bed juvenile detention center with potential expansion to 56 beds. Officials defend the project as necessary to prevent crowding and offer lawful, structured programs despite cost concerns. Local residents raise noise and escape worries while law enforcement officials argue space is vital to public safety now and for the next 15 years. The board plans to fund the project through a mix of bond authority and fund balances without a bond vote. The proposal anticipates sharing space with nearby counties if needed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Hal Sondrol
Cedar Rapids
Mar
Iowa
Ivan Vonk
Alcatraz
Miller Avenue
Four Oaks
Peg Pangborn
Kenneth Washburn
Marion
RO Forge
Grant Wood
Foege
the Gazette
Terry Branstad
Linn
Johnson
Linn Youth Services
Letters to the Gazette on society and standards
The writer questions shifts in family roles education and media, accusing professionals and government of eroding parental authority and traditional values. He argues about situational ethics, abortion, and relativism, challenging the goals set by professionals and society. Signed W.1. Smith, Iowa City.
Cedar Rapids resident criticizes council and fire chief choice
A Cedar Rapids reader questions local governance commenting on mayoral history, council decisions, and the firing of a fire chief. The letter applauds residents who attend meetings and urges the council to be more responsive to taxpayers and the broader community.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Carol Martin
Mary Dias
Brad Gorman
Gazette letter submission guidelines for readers
The Gazette outlines a 300 word limit for letters and requires name street address and daytime phone. Only name and hometown publish. Submissions may be sent to Cedar Rapids Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids Iowa 52406 by fax or email to the listed addresses.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Gazette
Why fuss over Hillary Clinton and health reform ideas
Linda Huber of Cedar Rapids argues that Hillary Clinton should play an active role in government, criticizes Republicans for opposing health reform and campaign reforms, and accuses them of catering to the wealthy and tobacco lobbyists while ignoring homelessness and aid needs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hillary Clinton
Clinton
Linda Huber
Cedar Rapids
NEA blamed as chief promoter of illiteracy in education
The claim portrays the National Education Association as the driver of illiteracy and anti phonics policy since the 1930s. It cites shifts to whole language, later dyslexia rise, SAT declines, NEA funding growth, and a 1985 illiteracy figure, ending with California's 100 million phonics reversal.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Johnny
National Education Association
NEA
Samuel Blumenfeld
Samuel Orton
Iowa State
California
Thanksgiving Grinch Store and Christmas Appetite Clash
A freelance writer from Iowa City argues that Christmas merchandising starts too early eclipsing Thanksgiving. The piece recalls holiday broadcasts and shopping stress, laments early decorations, and poses questions about profit driving seasonal hype and religious observance. The author urges preserving traditional Thanksgiving timing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
HBO
Disney
Bravo
Old Capitol Mall
Muzak
America
Also Mentioned on This Page
Ken Slaughter
Dale Larson
Jerry Elsen
Mark Bowden
Rose
The
David Baugh
Paul Coffman
City Council
Lew Finch
Marion Snoble
Hillary
Gary Ellis
Iowa City
Mithra
Jesus
Trinity Church
University Hospitals
Trinity
Betty McCollister
Dr. Seuss’ Grinch
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