Letters to the Editor

Berkley was a true friend for 44 years. Berkley embodied in every way, both public and private, the essence of a good and decent and caring person. We sat side by side for 10 years on the House Agriculture Committee, and no one fought harder or cared more for the wellbeing of farm and rural families. He raised the specter of global warming long before it became widely acknowledged...

For hundreds of years and many wars, American soldiers have dealt lethally in combat against our enemies. Sadly, there have been instances when a few misguided warriors have committed crimes against non-belligerents, which in order to maintain discipline, military justice demanded punishment for the offending soldiers...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer postulated that this time they have the goods on President Trump to impeach him. The Democrats have wanted to remove Trump from office ever since he was elected. First it was the Russian puppet hoax. When they couldn't get the job done by themselves, they called for a special prosecutor to launch a two-year $40 million investigation staffed by Democratic attorneys and FBI investigators. ...

What should we think when the October National Geographic tells us the last northern white male rhinoceros has died? The dogma of grinding the rhino's horn into dust, then boiling the dust in water for a cure of impotence, has caused the wholesale slaughter of the rhinos — based upon a lie...

The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its holiday promotion for 2019. Join us on the Spirit Lake Local-Motive this holiday season for your chance to enter our weekly and grand prize drawings. Look Local First this holiday season and get your chance to win in our over $2,000 in prizes...

A direct translation is "something for something." In the international political world it means "I'll do this - if you do that." U.S. Federal law prohibits a foreign national from directly or indirectly making a contribution or donation of money or other things of value in connection with a U.S. ...

For all the cat and dog lovers out there, working at an animal shelter looks like a dream job. It appears to be a job filled with dog walks, cuddly cats, and meeting great people who want to adopt a new furry friend. While that is part of the job, the not so glamorous parts are there too...

In honor of Veterans Day, I share the story of Sgt. Henry Boeck, a Civil War veteran and my great-grandfather. Heinrich Otto (Henry) Boeck (1839-1925) immigrated to the United States from Germany when he was 17-years-old and settled in Davenport. He enlisted with the Union Army in 1861 at the age of 22 and served four years with the Iowa 2nd Cavalry. ...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer carried Trump derangement syndrome to new heights. The title of the Letter to the Editor was "Can an Immigrant Be a Loyal American?" I don't believe President Trump ever posed such a question. How can you pose a question of loyalty without defining the person in question? This shows the depths that the anti-Trump partisans will go to smear our President...

We had another successful Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct. 21. We registered 31 donors, collected 29 pints of blood and recruited three first-time donors. We also had to defer several for various reasons. We began an hour earlier at noon and no one had to wait over a few minutes to donate...

It would seem to Trump and his allies this is not possible. Their latest immigrant attack was against Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a decorated, Purple Heart awarded war hero. Born in Kiev, then part of the Soviet Union, whose Jewish family was forced to flee and relocate in America when he was 3 years old...

As the November 5th election approaches, we are reminded that good decisions are based on truthful information. It is in this spirit that we share the following information with you regarding the two issues pertaining to the Okoboji Community School District...

We all have opinions on the right way to get things done. That is a given. This ad in the Lakes News Shopper and Dickinson County News this week has a lot of questions and answers on the sale of the Okoboji Middle School in Arnolds Park. Is it right? Do WE ALL have ALL the facts? Sometimes I think we rely too much on social media for our information...

The Oct. 22 Letter to the Editor concerning greenhouse gases and the "climate change crowd" would benefit from some factual research to dispel its misinformation. I suggest that readers review James Boulter's Iowa Public Policy Report, "An Uncertain Future: The Outlook for Iowa Communities and flooding as our climate changes" which was published in September...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer tried to make the case that Republicans were deserting President Trump. That is the big Democratic dream that Republicans will desert our president. The national news media continues to feed this pipe dream that Republicans will desert President Trump. The reality is that for more than a year 90 percent of Republicans have continued to support President Trump...

The Dickinson County Republican Central Committee met at the Spirit Lake Library Monday, Oct. 21. The most important item on the agenda was the caucuses to be held on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, by Republicans and Democrats in our country. Voters at those caucuses will elect delegates to the county convention, the on to district and state conventions...

Jane Shuttleworth in her letter (climate action) completely ignores some quite critical aspects of the debate. She assumes, without any facts, that man's increasing use of fossil fuels is causing the changes in our weather patterns because CO2, methane and other "greenhouse" (GH) gases are increasing in our atmosphere. It is true they are rising — have been for a long time...

Trump stated, “If Turkey does anything that I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider to be off limits, I will totally destroy and obliterate the economy of Turkey.” 
Days after Trump announced the U.S. troop withdrawal, he was informed by Turkey’s leadership that they were preparing to invade Syria and attack the Kurds. ...

While rummaging through files the other day, I discovered some old newspapers that had been preserved by me and by my parents. These particular newpapers reflected events of significant historical importance. While the papers are yellowed, the print remains readable and surprisingly current in relation to these days in which we live...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer tried to present a distorted view of the Ukraine impeachment effort. The first "whistleblower" did not have firsthand knowledge of what was said on the telephone call between President Trump and Ukraine President Zelensky. ...

The board of directors and members of the East Okoboji Lakes Improvement Corporation (EOLIC) were saddened to learn of the passing of one of our founding members, Dr. Al Klein. His signature was on our articles of incorporation in 1968 and he and his wife Sheila remained members in good standing to this day...

I appreciate the recent letter to the editor asking "who is listening?" written in response to the millions of youth worldwide that called for climate action during the Sept. 20 Youth Climate Strike. It is tempting to paint a dismal picture of climate denial among our leaders, but as a youth told me at recent Citizens Climate Lobby meeting: "There are good things happening! It just gets drowned out in social media frenzies. We need to pay better attention."...

A majority of Americans now say they favor action to impeach President Trump. Though there are many actions by Trump that qualify for action against him, the latest and most serious is his request of a favor of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate his leading presidential opponent and offering the help of Rudy Giuliani and Attorney General Barr. ...

Team WAVE and the City of Arnolds Park would like to thank everyone who participated in our Adopt-A-Flowerbed program. Some of you have been part of our Adopt-A-Bed program for several years. Helping us keep our landscaped areas of the city clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy is no easy task, and we thank you for your part in that. ...

On Sept. 20, 2019, millions of young people around the world marched to make their voice heard. They said: "We want a future!" World scientists unite in saying the world as we know it will be in peril if we continue to pour pollution into the space surrounding our planet. ...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer tried to find a new way to make President Trump look bad. Fortunately, the Trump hating crowd is running out of new ideas. First, we had two years of Trump is guilty of Russian collaborator. When the Mueller Report debunked that theory it was necessary to think up new ideas. ...

Who controls your property tax bill? The county assessor does NOT determine your bill. Members of your city council, the county board of supervisors and school boards have the largest impact on your final bill when they set their budgets. Property taxes are complicated, but the basic formula is simple: assessed value multiplied by rate equals your bill. ...

My name is Kacey Krieger, and I am a part of Spirit Lake High School's Student Council. I am reaching out in hope of informing the community about our 2019 homecoming events! This year our homecoming week is Monday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 4. Our theme is "Home Sweet Homecoming."...

  For over 15 years, Spirit Lake and surrounding communities have been supporting the local blood bank, LifeServe Blood Center, at the community blood drives coordinated by John Guthrie. The blood drive was held Tuesday, Sept. 10, to help the blood center keep units on hand for hospital patients across the tri-state area. ...

President Trump stated: "I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and not lose any voters." Amid daily gaffs, false statements, praise of foreign dictators while alienating allies, and imposition of tariffs that cost Americans millions of dollars, his supporters march lock step to defend him...

Please support Spirit Lake Schools on their desire to extend the Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) in the upcoming special election. The passage of this RPS does not increase property taxes! What the RPS does allow is for the Spirit Lake Schools to receive one cent sales tax money based on enrollment — which has been used for computers, building upgrades and much more since 2012...

1. Voting "yes" will not increase your property taxes. 2. Voting "yes" allows our district an additional 20 years of access to the nearly $1 million/year we are already generating. 3. Voting "yes" will now allow our district to fund safety and security needs to better secure our entrances, etc. (No one will ever regret making it harder for an active shooter to enter a building.)...

I appreciate the mutuality that has developed in discussion between Vergene Donovan and I about Steve King's recent rape and incest remarks. It illustrates the power of civil discourse. I will add that when confronted, post-remarks, with the example of a 10-year-old incest victim who would lose her life carrying the resulting pregnancy to term, Congressmen King demurred, deferring an answer as to whether he would view the termination of such a pregnancy acceptable...

Are we creating avian killing fields in Dickinson County, Iowa?
Should we look at our new winds farms as an environmental melanoma — small, almost unnoticed, at first. But over time, will become a raging killer of bats and migrating birds, ranging from song birds, waterfowl, hummingbirds to raptors...

I hear and read things Congressman Steve King supposedly said. I'm not sure what to believe. I do believe he wants to do his best to represent the 4th District. Incest and rape are terrible in all cultures and religions. We have laws in our country that should be enforced to the fullest when someone is charged with such crimes...

An ever-growing number of psychiatrists are now saying the President Trump is clinically mentally unstable. Witnessed by tweets and statements during rallies, it has become apparent that worry and stress about criticism of him and the impending impeachment has affected his ability to act rationally...

I recently emerged from a store on a beautiful day in the Iowa Great Lakes. On my way to the car, I stepped over a lost penny on the ground. In today's society, we often think of a single penny as something without much value. It can seem like a nuisance to carry the extra weight around in a pocket or handbag, and we’re quick to toss a single penny into the change cup at the gas station for the next person who might need one...

Spirit Lake, I commend you and congratulate you. Our blood drive on Aug. 19 was a huge success and we made our goal. This is twice in a row and I am so proud of all you people that gave to this worthy cause. Our goal was 37 and we had 37 total units! Pat yourselves on the back...

My Congressional representative Steve King just attacked the foundation of the human family by casting incest in a positive light. The incest taboo is universal — all cultures and people of all faiths observe it. Our very humanity is based in the stability of our family ties. ...

Last week the serial anti-Trump letter writer tried to read President Trump's mind. It isn't necessary to read his mind because he tells you exactly what he is thinking. How refreshing to have a politician that tells you exactly what is on his mind...

Kudos to Steve Weisman and the DCN for outstanding coverage of the Prairie Lakes Conference field day tour of the Wallace & Bowers Nature Area. Owing to the generosity of a couple families, many Lakes area contributors, ownership and management by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Wallace & Bowers provides a textbook example and material contribution to our Lakes area water and soil quality. A perfect balance of sound agriculture and conservation...

The Iowa Great Lakes Rotary Club would like to thank everyone who helped make our third annual Boji Brew Fest event Aug. 3 at Arnolds Park Central Park a great success. A special thank you to the members of PEO, Chapter PA Spirit Lake, and spouses who volunteered along with our club members to make set up, ticket sales and tear down run smoothly...

In a recent oval office interview with Breitbart News, Trump said in a warning to Democratic Party members: "My base is full of tough people who will only use their toughness when provoked to a certain point." He further stated "I can tell you I have the support of the police, the support of the military and the support of the Bikers for Trump. I have tough people, but they don't play it tough until they get to a certain point, and then it would be very bad, very bad."...

The end of the summer season is near, but we can still remember the sound of feet hitting the pavement during the Pioneer Days run and the laughter of children enjoying inflatable attractions at Florence Park. We saw the grand opening of a new park. Floats and firetrucks from throughout the region gave us unforgettable sights and sounds. Milford honored a group of its finest residents as part of the annual parade...

  Arts On Grand and myself are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who helped make Backyard Bach and Blues a success this year. Backyard Bach and Blues was hosted at the Conover Residence in Spencer Saturday July 27, and it was a beautiful evening for the 220-plus attendees...

I would like to thank Russ Mitchell and others who worked on the mental health series in the recent editions of the Dickinson County News. He covered our son Jeff's story in a matter of fact way but also in a compassionate way. Not a day goes by that we don't grieve him in some way, and hopefully by sharing his story it can help someone else...

Are you often frustrated with how slowly government operates? A recent situation demonstrates when government wants to move fast they can, but that doesn't always lead to good decision making. Consider what happened when Dickinson County wanted to reduce the speed limit on the straight-away portion of Stakeout Road. ...

As the chairman of the Northwest Iowa Cares Connection Mental Health Regional Board, I feel I need to respond to Representative John Wills "The True Story" column in the July 17 edition of The Dickinson County News, as it gives the impression that all is financially well in the mental health world...

The LifeServe Blood Center blood drive sponsored by the Spirit Lake Community on Tuesday, July 9, had a great turn-out! Thirty-nine donors registered and 42 life-saving units of blood were donated. Thank you to everyone that came out to help boost the local blood supply. The units donated at the blood drive can help save up to 126 lives. There were a few milestone donors, who are listed below and a special thanks to John Guthrie for sponsoring and hosting the blood drive...

I am writing in regard to the life and preservation of Lower Gar Lake. This lake is the drain for all of the Iowa Great Lakes. The tubes placed at the south end have been helpful. I know some proposing another tube of some type to be placed to govern further drainage and adjust all-of the lakes' levels. This is in order to preserve the shorelines...