Editorial questions standards in district test score report
The editorial critiques the West Ottawa School Districts standardized test score report for omitting about 150 Chapter 1 students and potentially skewing trends. It urges apples-to-apples comparisons, repeats the call for fall and spring testing, and insists the public deserves consistent methods and clear measurements to avoid misleading conclusions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hich
Ottawa
Sam Sheldon
Marlin Kimball
Editorials split on Kansas slot machine plan for racetracks
Guest editors defend Gov. Graves plan to put a constitutional amendment to voters allowing slot machines at Kansas racetracks. They argue Kansans gamble anyway and taxes should benefit local causes, urging voter education and restraint by gambling interests if the measure fails. Opposing view condemns slot machines as a slippery slope but accepts the public vote as a right, warning about family losses and urging accountability and civic discussion.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald
Bill Graves
Missouri
Topeka
South Dakota
Colorado
Vegas
Kansas
Woodlands
Wichita Greyhound Park
Camptown
Graves
Tax dollars used to fund private political agendas
A reader argues against government funding of private organizations with political aims. They cite environmental groups receiving grants, urge elimination of all private grants, and call for neutral government funding that serves all citizens. They reference reforms and amendments to restrict tax grants and warn against government being for sale to those with money.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tom Jefferson
Washington
Nature Conservancy
World Wildlife Fund
Environmental Defense Fund
Defenders of Wildlife
Natural Resources Defense Council
Congress
Jefferson
Church
United States
Andy Jackson
Ernest Istook
David McIntosh
Robert Ehrlich
Ottawa official defends late fees and nuisance law stance
City commissioner responds to Sept 22 letter, noting prior study of late fees and alignment with 68 Kansas municipalities charging 10 percent on utilities. Defends nuisance ordinance as legal, cites AG opinions, and rejects personal attacks while affirming Ottawa’s orderly governance and ongoing community cleanup efforts.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lowry
Ottawa Antique Gas Engine Show Thank You Note
George and Helen Myers thank the Franklin County Historical Society and volunteers for organizing the first Ottawa Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Show. They recall how Ottawa products, the Dragsaw, and Warne r items drew collectors since 1992, and praise Ray Reed Deborah Barker and the Ottawa Public Library for help. They urge visits to Old Depot Museum and wish continued success.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Franklin County Historical Society
Ottawa
Ray
Doris Reed
Pomona
Rough & Tumble
Kinzer
Deborah Barker
Franklin County, Historical Society
George and
Helen Myers
Blain
Ottawa High cross country meet preview missing in Herald
A reader blasts the Friday Herald for omitting coverage of the Ottawa High School cross country meet held Saturday September 23 in Ottawa. The note praises the talented team, notes eight or nine runners could reach the state championship, and urges scrapbook keepers to write their own press releases.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Herald
Ottawa
Letters to the Editor Guidance for Publication
The notice requests letters to the editor be signed with a telephone number and writer's address, and states unsigned letters will not be published to expedite verification. It encourages letters and indicates they will be published after signing and verification.
City utility late charges draw reader protest in Ottawa
A reader condemns the $10 or 10 percent late fee on City of Ottawa utilities as excessive and unfair to those short of cash. The letter argues the charge worsens poverty and urges commissioners to aid those in need rather than boast about timely payments. The writer also thanks Wal Mart staff for recovering a lost film roll from the Spring Hill festival.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
City of Ottawa
Wal-Mart
Lemeler thanks Home Care and ponders Ottawa concerns
A reader praises Southview Home Care after hospital discharge and laments low turnout at a POW MIA observance. The note reflects on parenting, community safety, and calls for more police in Ottawa. It invites public input on the community forum It’s Your Quarter with a contact number for calls.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cal
Also Mentioned on This Page
HNSTL
Charley Reese
King Features Syndicate
City Commission
Jackson
DeLa Torre
City
DeLaTorre
N. Mulberry
Warner
Ottawa Public Library
Franklin County
Old Depot
Labette Terrace
Southview
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