Annie Smith, principal at Paton-Churdan Community Schools, originally posted these comments on Facebook. With her permission she is contributing them as a guest columnist for VIEW FROM MY WINDOW. As we’ve hit the halfway point of this year’s basketball season, I am so confused and disheartened about where the game of basketball has gone! A lot of coaches at all…
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Comparing apples to oranges
Or, why can’t a computer be more like a toaster? ~a column by Colleen O’Brien My computer, with Microsoft Word paid for and installed, is back on track, after several days of black screen when I punch its button. This computer vacation did give me a respite from the news, an oddly satisfying feeling of living on a deserted island,…
Read MoreIowans say ‘No’ to governor’s special education and mental health cuts
~by Iowa House Democratic leader Jennifer Confrst The 2024 legislative session is off to a controversial start. Lawmakers have already heard from thousands of Iowans concerned about a proposal offered by the Governor that would reduce mental health, special education, reading recovery and other services provided to kids in schools. Last month, the Governor hinted she was going to propose…
Read MoreLetter to the editor from MeLinda Madison re: Perry Jan. 4 tragedy
Dear editor, In light of the recent shooting that occurred in Perry on January 4 of this year I’m writing this letter to voice my opinion and deepest thoughts about this and the other school shootings that have happened in our country. To me, gone are the days of resource officers as well as strong resources that were readily accessible…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Janice Harbaugh on behalf of Area Education Agencies
To the editor, I was a very young teacher working with teenagers who had been adjudicated to be delinquent when the Area Education Agency system was started in Iowa in 1974. Through 50 years, I have worked with it, for it, and sometimes against it, at various times in various roles. I am currently on the board of directors representing…
Read MoreIowa can and must learn from Perry tragedy
Most Iowans continue to reel under the tragedy of the Perry school shootings. Strength of Perry. The rash of mass shootings has spread to our rural area of Iowa. We do not doubt the community of Perry and those surrounding Perry with close ties will recover with strength and resilience. As typically happens with a mass shooting, there will be…
Read MoreView from my window
January 2024 I will begin by offering heartfelt sympathy and support for our friends, family, and neighbors in the Perry community as they grieve in the aftermath of the recent shooting tragedy. May we not forget. May we not return to our normal activities. Rather, may we use our voices and seek action to secure changes in policies and values…
Read MoreCapitol Roundup
~by State Sen Jesse Green, 24th Senate District January 12, 2024 Greetings once again from the Golden Dome. I hope you have had a blessed 2024 so far! We have had a historic few years at the Capitol. As we enter into a new session, I would first like to reflect on where we have come from and where we…
Read MoreGoing to the game on the 15th?
~a column by Colleen O’Brien The reason we need such a big and getting bigger government is that the citizens of this country need protection from the greedy corporate hierarchy that is always trying to get away with cheating their customers – tobacco, for example; Pharma; the food industry – Cheerios cost $6 for a 12-ounce box of exotic ingredients…
Read MoreReynolds’ Condition of the State address
Governor Kim Reynolds, January 9, 2024 Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery: “Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor, legislative leaders and members, justices and judges, my fellow Iowans: “Last week, the unthinkable happened in Iowa when shots were fired in the halls of Perry High School, taking the life of 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, and injuring seven others. “Our…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Double check a penicillin allergy
To the editor, Have you been diagnosed with a penicillin allergy? If so, you are among one in 10 Americans with this information included in their medical records. Unfortunately, the reality is an estimated 90- 95 percent of these individuals do not have such an allergy. In fact, a true penicillin allergy is actually quite rare. For the last several…
Read MoreA time to mourn
~guest commentary by Eric Coop, shared by The Scranton Journal The 1960s folk-rock group, The Byrds, said it best in their song, Turn, Turn, Turn, which in turn quotes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. “To everything turn, turn, turn, There is a season turn, turn, turn, And a time to every purpose under Heaven.” Since the tragic shooting at Perry High School…
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