Iowa school district consolidation urged to 99 per county
A historical look shows Iowa reduced districts from thousands to 449 by 1966 and kept many small districts with aid programs. The piece argues for further consolidation to about 99 districts statewide, urging the legislature to act despite constitutional and fiscal concerns.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Salix faces steep tax hit from costly accident judgment
Taxpayers face a 92 percent property tax increase to cover a 188000 accident judgment against Salix after a town fight over an ambulance death claim. The piece warns that large suits against governments harm residents through higher taxes and warned insurance does not shield the public from footing the bill.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Salix
Citizens Question Police Chief Hiring Costs
A reader criticizes the city council for spending about 6000 on a police chief search and advertising. The letter urges promoting a qualified internal candidate, praising the acting chief and condemning perceived post election spending and tax raises.
U.S. Retargets ICBMs Amid Soviet Civil Defense Edge
The United States quietly shifts focus by retargeting intercontinental missiles and targeting Soviet underground depots and mass shelters, signaling concern over Moscow’s six year build up of civil defense. Experts question political will to fund a U.S. passive defense and note differing strategic priorities in SALT talks.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
U.S
Soviet Union
Moscow
Pentagon
Jimmy Carter
Ford
Nixon
Regenerated America’s Freedom Train Halt Sparks Debate
A reader article laments the halt of America’s Freedom Train and questions the nation’s future. It cites socialist trends, moral decline, and calls for renewal while recalling a personal near miss with a train incident.
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America
U.S.A
Signal at Hiawatha Crossing Questioned by Reader
A reader corrects claims in a Dec 25 piece about a Nov 20 ICG train collision. The writer disputes statements by ICG claim agent Shaukis and asserts the radio in question was off, urging safer crossings and proper accident reporting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hiawatha Crossing
Shaukis
Illinois Central Gulf Railroad
Year-end candor from Tom Wicker on missteps and Carter
New York Times Service columnist Tom Wicker reflects on recent misstatements about FBI director terms, firing squad details, and presidential expectations. He notes errors in health of memory and judgment, cites specifics on Hail to the Chief, Carter Ford distinctions, and ends with a cautious 1977 wish.
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New York
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Congress
FBI
Jimmy Carter
White House
Bill Miller
New York Herald-Tribune
Life Magazine
Tennyson
James Sanderson
Scott
Sanderson
Madison
Washington
If You Are a Woman Should You Fall in Love
A humorous warning by Carl Riblet Jr. advises women to study child psychology before marriage to anticipate a partner who may never grow up. The quip suggests practical planning for future children and family life.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Salix
Bank Sponsored DC Trip Raises School Community Concerns
A letter criticizes bank sponsored educational trips for students to Washington DC as commercial pressure in schools. The writer urges mailed notices to parents, especially for younger students, to allow informed decisions and avoid affecting students through school guidance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington, D.C
Marion Bank
Gazette Editorial Office Letter Guidelines
The Gazette outlines reader letters policy with a 400 word limit per letter and a 30 day rule per writer. Submissions require name and address, no anonymity, and editors may condense without changing meaning. Telephone number is for internal use only.
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