PIK program drains taxpayers in costly farm aid plan
The Gazette critiques the payment in kind crop reduction as over priced and biased toward large producers. It cites a 7.86 billion dollar federal cost for corn wheat and grain sorghum with rice and cotton unresolved. It warns that tenant farmers and workers suffer as fertilizer and machinery demand drops, and questions the program's legitimacy and broad impact.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
U.S. Agriculture Department
Iowa
PIK
Congress
Nuptial leeway in Iowa marriage statute sparks debate
The Iowa Legislature quietly updated a marriage statute drawing criticism for potentially limiting officiants to judges or gospel ministers. Critics claim non Christian or non gospel clerics are excluded. The article argues gospel should be read broadly and that the law already allows a wide range of ministers, keeping marriage options open for all faiths and denominations.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Ho Tai the mascot sparks debate at Utica High
An 18 inch statue named Ho Tai in Utica Michigan has become the center of a dispute as track team rituals around the idol prompt a minister to call it idol worship. Critics say luck and training influence wins more than faith. The coach discovered the statue in a ceramics shop over a decade ago.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michigan
Utica High School
Reagan blasts federal role in education policy
The piece criticizes President Reagan for blaming federal involvement for declines in U S education quality after the National Commission warns of mediocrity. It argues his stance shifts responsibility to parents and communities and echoes his GE era sermons against government funding.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
National Commission On Excellence In Education
Reagan
Eureka College
Illinois
Ashland
Department of Education
Reagan’s Education Stance and Federal Role Debate
The piece argues the federal government should recognize a national education danger and act, citing Lincoln’s Morrill Bill as a precedent. It critiques Reagan for blaming government in speeches while endorsing some programs, urging broader security measures that include long term education for children.
Letter praising Linn County Care staff and residents
A former maintenance worker commends the Hulsebergs and staff at Linn County Care for kindness to residents. He notes growth requires more supervision and suggests separate wings for serious cases, urging county supervisors to provide needed support while highlighting ongoing mutual affection between residents and staff.
Unemployed Worker Faces Benefit Rules After Siding Job
A job seeker describes working limited hours with a siding company during rain and wind, earning 94.50 versus 148 unemployment, and losing extended benefits after not meeting job-contacts requirements. He notes confusion over claim rules and continuing job-search obligations.
Help the Starving Through Foreign Aid and Pets
A speaker argues that aid to developing nations should come as foreign assistance rather than food relief to avoid population growth and waste. He cites the 38 percent of US foreign trade with developing nations and compares pet food spending to foreign aid budgets to support redirecting funds to aid India and others.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
Peace Corps
U.S
America
India
Spa move raises concerns over west side relocation
A Cedar Rapids reader, member of the exercise salon, complains the May 1 move to the west side reduced space and equipment. She says the move aimed to attract nearby memberships, yet the new facility is smaller, crowded, and less well laid out, with calls for refunds for those who paid higher east side rates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
West Side
Cedar Rapids Board Reconsiders Wilson Junior High Closure
The Cedar Rapids school board revisits the plan to close Wilson Junior High amid public concern. The original recommendation, supported by the superintendent and most board members, called for closing two or three junior highs starting with Wilson in 1984. Only Curran Rosser maintains the initial stance. critics question the new plan's quality and impacts on electives and other middle schools.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Wilson Junior High School
Wilson Junior High
Curran Rosser
Supt
Harold Guthrie
Wilson
Happy residents defend Linn County Care Facility
A reader claims the Linn County Care Facility is misrepresented in print, arguing residents there are happy and appreciative of the staff. The letter expresses personal support for residing at the facility if needed.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Linn County
Linn
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.P. Hladky, Jr
Board of
Joe Hladky III
John Donnelly
John Robertson
Art Heusinkveld
the Gazette
Ron
Feds
Washington
General Electric
Soren Kierkegaard
Abraham Lincoln
Ohio
Soviet Union
Eastside
Happy Residents
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