Man recounts 27 year sentence and second chance
Phillip Emmert, a former federal prisoner from Eastern Iowa, writes on Thanksgiving about his 1992 conspiracy to distribute meth, his 27 year mandatory minimum, and his 2006 commutation. He urges criminal justice reform and supports Grassley’s Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, stressing rehabilitation over long incarceration.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George W. Bush
Congress
U.S
Chuck Grassley
Phillip Emmert
Iowa
Solon residents urge council to deny Gallery Acres water hookup
A Solon resident argues against funding a water hookup for Gallery Acres West, a 14 home development outside city limits. The author contends residents outside Solon should not bear financial risks and urges the council to vote no, citing long delays and cheaper but unsustainable options. Cedar Rapids casino license mention appears as a separate note.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Solon
Gallery Acres
Gazette
Solon City Council
Sue Ballantyne Solon
Cedar Rapids debates over casino, roads, and council voting
A Cedar Rapids reader questions casino gambling claims and city spending on street resurfacing, wider sidewalks, and permeable pavement. The letter defends council member Justin Shields for steady leadership and criticizes an opponent for not voting in prior elections and for wavering on affordable housing.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Gaming Commission
Michael Molacek
Cedar Rapids
Justin Shields
Shields
District 5
Letters Nourish Civility Through Thoughtful Handwritten Notes
Civic writer Lynda Waddington urges readers to revive civility by sending old fashioned letters. She praises writing by hand for memory and creativity, and suggests recognizing teachers, coaches, neighbors, and mentors with careful, thoughtful notes this holiday season.
Also Mentioned on This Page
Grassley
Community Letters
C.R. Casino
SLY Standard Treators.com
Moore
Vvichael
Michaelpramirez.com
Lynda Waddington
Lyndalowa
Lynda
Waddington
Thegazette
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