27 May 1971
Page 1
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Newspaper
Sumner Gazette
Location
Sumner, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 27, 1971
Page
1
The piece urges honest appraisal of Memorial Day beyond a long weekend. It recalls the Civil War origins, honors soldiers who fought and died, and warns against glamorizing war while emphasizing memory, respect, and national gratitude for those who served. It stresses significance across generations and calls for thoughtful observance.
A reprint of a Lincoln speech excerpt on the Civil War battlefield dedication, urging national unity and a renewed commitment to the unfinished work of liberty. The passage emphasizes sacrifice by brave soldiers and the call to ensure government by the people endures.
Bremer Chickasaw District 12 delegate notes slow progress on school aid and reapportionment extending into June. Highlights include House File 671 to remove abandoned vehicles with 48 hour public property and 24 hour private property timelines, House File 129 creating a General Services Administration, House File 704 aligning unemployment coverage with federal rules, Spouse File 14 enabling private improvement on public ground for recreation areas, Senate File 433 renewing auto license plates every three years with annual validation.
After 46 years in the Sumner School system, Miss Lucinda Wolff ends a storied career shaping eighth grade civics and discipline. Former students recall her early mornings and late days, noting her impact, steadfast standards, and the school’s evolution beyond traditional grades. Her retirement marks a milestone for a devoted educator admired by many.
Town notes recount Norma Omdahl returning to Atkins after visiting Elsie Boie and Donal, plus visits from Beman, DeVries, Reinking families, and Glicks. A political column discusses Senate House school financing friction and reapportionment, noting population shifts since 1960 and district realignments, with expected impacts on Bremer and Black Hawk Counties.
Community notices recount extended guest lists for Sumner area families with multiple drops of names, places, and graduation celebrations. The long roster includes Harmon Hildebrandt Waverly Kreb Manweiller Hencken and many relatives from Tripoli Sumner Alden Frederika Webster City Galt Woolstock Cedar Falls Iowa City Waterloo and St Ansgar. The item concludes with a continuation note indicating the story continues on page 3.
The Legislature moves toward a tax increase with the Senate replacing House amendments using its own Ways and Means bills. Adjournment slips from May 28, with early June now seen as likely. The Senate rejects the House progressive income tax, favors a moderate rise adding about 31 million in revenue, and contends over a 4 percent sales tax increase. The liquor commission reorganization bill stalls amid economy arguments.
The May 27 Sumner Gazette reports a liquor measure died on the floor but remains alive under a reconsideration motion. It notes debates over dram shop liability, a six month suing window, and shifting salaries for state superintendent Johnston's successor. Governor Ray backs a $27,000 pay, while some push to keep it at $23,000. The article also covers unemployment tax alignment, trespass laws, and farm policy on the 1899 refuse act.
Lillian Dirksen, Sumner poet and Midwest poet laureate contender, contributes verses and notes on mortality, faith, and divinity to the Sumner Gazette. The piece blends Plutarch quoted thoughts on death with dramatic volcanic imagery as a hamlet near a sleeping volcano endures a fiery eruption.
Census figures show Sumner lost sixteen residents from 1960 to 1970. Obituary notices report Wilfred A. Westendorf, 60, died at his Sumner farm home from a heart attack. Other items include graduations, retirements, awards, ordination, and local civic milestones.
Sumner local notes report H. Hough, longtime commercial teacher at Sumner High School, resigns after 19 years and leaves for Clarksburg West Virginia to join a business college. Also noted are university commencements, veteran returns, obituaries, marriages, road petitions, travel visits, a birth, and milk price shifts in Sumner.
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