Local phone competition strong in Iowa March opinion column
An Iowa guest column argues the 1996 Telecommunications Act spurred robust local competition in the state. It notes more than 17 local providers including McLeodUSA and Cedar Rapids firms, warns that true long distance competition remains limited, and predicts lower rates and better service if Qwest gains long-distance rights. Bill Menner and the Iowa Competitive Telecommunications Coalition are cited.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Iowa Telecom
Qwest
Cedar Rapids
McLeodusa
Des Moines
California
Bell System
Iowa Competitive Telecommunications Coalition
At&t
MCI
Sprint
Verizon
SBC
New York
Texas
Federal Communications Commission
Iowa Needs More People for Growth and Jobs
The editorial argues Iowa should welcome hundreds of thousands more residents to fill job openings and sustain a thriving economy. It cites density comparisons with New Jersey, notes Iowas strong assimilation in the workforce, and highlights Cedar Rapids Iowa City as future tech hubs along Interstate 380.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bureau
Iowa
New Jersey
New York City
Tom Vilsack
U.S
Language as glue for Iowa government and bilingual urges
A Letter to the Gazette argues for official English while praising bilingualism as a government asset. It discusses Siouxan origins of the Iowa name, the need for a common written language for contracts and court matters, and reflects on cultural unity in democracy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
North America
Saskatchewan
Mississippi River Valley
Virginia
Carolinas
Iowa Siting Bill HF 577 Seeks Deregulated Power Contracts
Critics warn the measure ends Iowa Utilities Board oversight on power purchase contracts for new plants and removes a public need obligation. Supporters argue it would spur construction and grid growth while critics urge lawmakers to vote no to protect consumers and renewable goals.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
House
Iowa Utilities Board
Commentary on excelling students labeled as acting white
Fred Fredericks of Belle Plain cites Warren Bolton in the Feb 8 Gazette criticizing peers who faced ridicule for earning good grades. The letter argues some students blame society and favor affirmative action, calling others “no brainers” and urging educators to address cultural issues while noting exceptions for legitimate needs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Warren Bolton
Columbia
S.C
Gazette letter policy and submission details
The Gazette invites letters up to 300 words and requires name street address and daytime phone number. Only the writer name and hometown will be published. Submissions may be mailed to Box 511 Cedar Rapids Iowa 52406 or sent by fax to 319 398 5846 or email gazedit fyiowa com
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Linn County Public Health highlights and services
The Linn County Public Health Department spends 1.7 cents per person per day from local taxes, with under 50 percent of its budget locally funded and the rest from grants and fees. It inspects 1100 food establishments, regulates water and air, tracks lead exposure, runs immunizations, disease prevention, infection investigations, HIV AIDS programs, foodborne outbreak response, and enforces environmental rules.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Linn County Public Health Department
Also Mentioned on This Page
Bill Menner
Grinnell
Reformed Church of Campaign Funding
Mark Bowden
Jerry Elsen
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Peg Schmitz
Fred Fredericks
Belle Plain
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!