Iowa to Omaha rail debate heats as Midwest link moves
The Gazette weighs Iowa DOT plans on a Chicago to Omaha passenger rail via IAIS tracks. Officials consider funding, engineering, and joint costs within the nine state Midwest Rail Initiative while weighing break even prospects and regional benefits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Omaha
Associated Press
Iowa Department of Transportation
Mark Wandro
Iowa City-Omaha
Iowa Interstate Railroad
IAIS
the Gazette
Iowa
Neil Volmer
DOT
Modal
Wandro
Midwest
Transportation Economics and Management Systems Inc
Volmer
Division
Davenport
Iowa City
Newton
Des Moines
Atlantic
Illinois
Nebraska
Celebrities weigh in on candidates in presidential coverage
Critics slam coverage that highlights Ald Gore or George W Bush foes based on celebrity opinions. The piece mocks reports on Wheaties favors and peanut butter sandwiches while dismissing actor and musician endorsements as irrelevant to presidential qualifications.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kevin Costner
al Gore
Texas
George W. Bush
France
Robert Altman
United States
Bush
Elton John
Gore
Willie Nelson
Eddie Veder
Ralph Nader
Bo Derek
CNN
Larry King
Peanuts anniversary marks 50 years of syndication
Cindy Hadish notes fond memories of Peanuts as the strip nears its 50th anniversary since syndication began on October 2 1950. Tributes planned worldwide include a Snoopy stamp unveiling at Mall of America and an anniversary TV special in Taiwan, with fans debating details of the beloved characters.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Charlie Brown
Australia
Taiwan
United States
Mall of America
Bloomington
Minn
Snoopy
Dolly Madison
John Lennon
Lucy
Debate on vinyl siding in historic district guidelines
A reader questions the Second and Third Avenue Historic District guidelines noting that the Department of the Interior allows synthetic siding since 1990 and many districts permit vinyl. The letter argues guidelines should protect character through details and colors, not mandate specific materials, and asks the preservation commission for guidance rather than restriction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Leo Harran
Second
Third Avenue
Department of the Interior
District of Columbia
Historic Preservation Commission
Letter on discrimination ordinance and sexual preference
A reader argues that American values require equal opportunity for all including homosexuals and criticizes Larry Johnson for distorting an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual preference. The letter contends the ordinance protects rights, not special privileges, and questions the push to revoke protections.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Larry Johnson
United States
Johnson
America
Gazette Letters Policy Summary
The Gazette states it does not vouch for readers letters accuracy or judge opinions. It notes contradictions or corrections may be published later and offers equal opportunity for reader input.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Gazette invites public letters with full identity
The Gazette accepts letters and guest columns addressing public business. Writers must provide full name, signature, street address and daytime phone number. anonymous letters are not accepted. Maximum 300 words per letter, one per writer every 30 days. column length generally under 650 words. Submit to The Gazette Box 511 Cedar Rapids IA 52406 or by fax or email with complete contact details.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
the Gazette
Cedar Rapids
Iowa
Get the whole story before calling militia
Gazette columnist Mike Deupree argues against militia action over cross border waste disputes. He questions Iowa Minnesota waste rhetoric, cites groundwater seepage from a glacial history, and notes Iowa counties export waste to Illinois where host community agreements enable modern landfills. He advocates recycling and sending residuals to accepted, environmentally protective landfills.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Minnesota
Deupree
Illinois
Also Mentioned on This Page
Mark Bowden
Jerry Elsen
Dave Storey
Scott Swenson
Peg Schmitz
Gazette Communications, Inc
Joe Hladky
Chuck Peters
Ken Slaughter
Hollywood
Leona Helmsley
Peanuts
Charles M. Schulz
Cindy Hadish
Mike Deupree
Ilinois
Bluestein
Linn County
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