Backbone State Park Lake Fight Keeps Hope Alive
Faced with reduced lake depth and a $1 million dredge bill rejected by the Iowa Conservation Commission, Backbone Preservation Commission mobilizes volunteers and partners to save the lake. They work with farmers, FFA, youth groups, and CCC alumni to conserve soil, manage silt, fundraise with novelty items, and lobby legislators while planning events like a winter carnival and bluegrass festival. The effort emphasizes timing, hard work, and community action over immediate money.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Backbone State Park
Maquoketa River
Delaware County
Iowa
Civilian Conservation Corps
Iowa Conservation Commission
Volunteer Backbone Preservation Commission
Commission
FFA
CCC
Reagan Budget Tug Of War Threatens 83 Plan
The piece notes a deepening clash between President Reagan and Congress over budget policy with both sides at odds. It highlights a midcourse compromise seen as better than paralysis, Iowa Senator Jepsen backing Reagan, and the aim to reduce the deficit toward an eventual balance while forecasting the 1983 budget under possible White House veto pressure.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Somewit
Reagan
Congress
Iowa
Jepsen
Capitol
White House
Florida woman charged after trying to cash large state check
A 26 year old Florida woman attempted to open a checking account using a $404,754 revenue sharing check made out to Hialeah. She told police she found the check in her mailbox and believed it was her tax refund. Authorities charged her with grand theft.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Florida
Hialeah
Symbols and tribalism in the nuclear age debate
In a critique of nationalism amid nuclear tensions, the piece argues nations are modern tribes rooted in sovereignty and identity. It cites the United Nations expansion, decolonization, and the Falklands as cases showing nationalism persists despite atomic threats, urging negotiated international solutions over abolishing nations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United Nations
Africa
Asia
Caribbean
Dear Honest Row and In-Despair Ad Parody
A satirical letter mocks consumer culture and self help scams. The narrator laments failed promises from ads and urges action while warning about a get rich quick kit that promises drastic, unethical steps and a money back guarantee.
Periodic Observations from Eastern Iowans Collected
Cedar Rapids associate English professor Terry Heller of Coe College contributes as a thoughtful Eastern Iowan inviting ideas and reflections on varied topics. The piece signals open commentary from local voices.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Terry Heller
Cedar Rapids
Coe College
Liability disputes letters to the Gazette on $104 million
A letter questions a front page report about an IE settlement for two injured children while noting insurance will cover much of the amount. The writer asks why Kelvin Davis climbed a substation fence and ponders personal responsibility and fault in the sue-happy culture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kelvin Davis
Hunter Substation
Mr. Davis
Employee disputes Mary's story about Linn County Care Facility
An employee at Linn County Care Facility denies involvement in the accusations raised by Mary Burke. The statement contends a single complaint sparked broader claims and asserts none of the alleged abuses align with their experience. The worker endorses Louis and Elaine Hulseberg and expresses commitment to the facility.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mary Burke
Linn County
Residents praise Linn County Care Facility leadership
A resident at Linn County Care Facility commends Louie and Elaine Hulseburg for well run management. The writer, living there five years and working in Cedar Rapids, notes access to recreation activities and reports no abuse seen.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Louie
Elaine Hulseburg
Cedar Rapids
Raccoon incident praised for quick brave action
In the April 25 letter the writer praises a citizen who held a possibly rabid raccoon at bay until authorities arrived. The piece notes the citizen acted promptly and bravely, while urging readers to examine their own shortcomings before criticizing others.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Animal Control
Gazette Letter Guidelines For Readers Opinions
The Gazette invites letters up to 400 words and may shorten or edit. Writers must include name address and signature, with a non published telephone for authentication. Anonymous letters are not published. Focus on issues and events rather than personalities. One letter per writer every 30 days.
Also Mentioned on This Page
the Commerce Commission
Mr. Reagan
Middle East
Falklands
The
New Yorker
Jonathan Schell
Schell
Flora Lewis
Sinai
Israel
Britain
Royal Navy
Francis Pym
Thatcher
NATO
Alliance
Argentina
Ron
the Gazette
Louis
Elaine Hulseberg
Elaine
Samuel
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