Letters to the Editor

Two large-scale carbon capture pipeline systems are seeking permits to build their pipelines across the state of Iowa. Summit Carbon Solutions LLC and Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC want to install over 1,000 miles of pipeline in Iowa. The basic premise of the lines is to carry captured carbon in liquid form from ethanol plants to be stored underground at capped sequestration points in North Dakota and Illinois, respectively. ...

While attending several musical events in South Dakota at both high school and college levels, I became aware that we in Iowa are much in omission. Of course, we stand for the playing and/or singing of our national anthem at all high school sporting events, but never at fine arts performances...

Dear Editor, Shame on Sen. Ernst for characterizing non-Americans as dangerous, violent, murderous, rapists, drug dealers and sexual predators in her recent “Every state is now a border state” editorial. Such allegations are baseless, xenophobic and contrary to the facts...

Many Iowans are unaware of a plan by Summit Carbon Solutions to run a buried CO2 pipeline through 31 counties. The fact that the proposed route passes near populated areas raises concerns about public safety. The company claims, “Safety is and always will be our top priority,” but downplays the dangers of liquid CO2...

The Red Cross Blood Drive on Oct. 18 had a much better turn out than August, of which I am so grateful. We continue to have people making appointments and not showing up, preventing others from giving because they could not make an appointment. We had six no-shows and my goal is zero no-shows. Please don’t make an appointment if you are not coming...

West Swan Lake is an important shallow lake in need of renovation because as it stands, it is not in a healthy state. The fishery is poor, waterfowl and other wildlife use is almost nonexistent and, as a public lake, it provides minimal recreation benefits to Iowans...

Across the country, members of law enforcement have been leading the way on the important topic of victims’ rights. As of today, one in three Americans lives in a state with Marsy’s Law – state constitutional rights for victims. This ensures that victims have equal rights and protections. Unfortunately, Iowa is not one of them. ...

Recently as well as historically, we have seen commentary from both of our Iowa Senators, our House Representative and other Republican legislators or mouthpieces decrying Democrats as the “tax and spend” party. The problem is the facts do not bear this out. More realistically Republicans should really be branded as the “untax and spend” party, particularly given the party’s actions the past 40 years...

While the country has been honoring the heroes of 9/11, I think we should also honor those who have done their part and stepped up and gotten their COVID vaccine. You should not only want to do it to keep yourself healthy, but also your family and everyone around you, especially children under 12...

As a young lieutenent, my father LeRoy McCarty led his men off the D-Day beach and on behind enemy lines. During the Battle of the Bulge, three of dad's men were captured. Fortunately, later, dad and his men liberated a concentration camp where his brother-soldiers were interred. ...

What does that stand for? Iowa Great Lakes Retired School Personal Association. I know there are many of you in the area, and I am extending an invitation to join the association. IRPSA President George Holland from Dubuque says retired teachers are not just interested in IPERS, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. ...

This summer, in July and August, two events were held to raise money for the Oaxaca Street Children’s School in Oaxaca, Mexico. Cliff Hinderman, who was a beloved Spanish teacher at Spirit Lake High School for years, held a garage sale every summer at Grace Lutheran Church to benefit his school in Mexico.  Members of the church and friends donated items throughout the year and also worked the sale.  ...

Sometimes there just aren’t words. Even a month later, we are still struggling to find a way to best describe our overwhelming gratitude for the incredible support our family received at the Bullseyes for Brain Cancer Benefit for Rick. ‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate, but it’s the best we have, so thank you...

I have been a regular Red Cross blood donor for over 65 years, for the last 55 in Spirit Lake. Last week, for the first time, I was sorry I donated. After the draw, while the attendant was finishing up, I asked him if it was a requirement that all the attendants be vaccinated for COVID. ...

To the editor, The Red Cross Blood Drive on Aug. 16, 2021 was a disappointment. We only had a total of 25 units the entire afternoon. We had very few appointments and of those we had seven no shows. We are again able to accommodate walk-ins but it is much better to make an appointment as we take those with appointments first...

I found some interesting historical events today on the internet. Donald Trump was the: First president in 28 years not to serve a second term. First president in 45 years not to release his tax returns. First president in 89 years to lose the House, Senate and presidency in a single term...

I have been anxiously watching the air quality index, hoping my asthma-prone mother will still be able to visit me this summer. Smokey days of haze seems to be becoming the new normal in late summer. But it doesn’t have to be this way, and we have the power to say no...

Inspiration found on the internet from a Lutheran Pastor. One of the most dangerous ideas that has come about in the last three years is that all points of view are equally valid and that Average Citizen (you) are just as equipped to judge which has merit as anyone else...

I will now sensibly revert to my previous sensible practice of not responding to opposing opinions in “Letters to the Editor” no matter how — oops, sorry about that. Robert Sneitzer Spirit Lake

Sen. Ernst writes she had a “gut punch” reaction to the Biden Administration’s decision to roll back the Trump Administration WOTUS rule. I also felt a gut punch reaction after reading Ernst’s editorial.  The core of the controversy is defining “a water of the United States” (WOTUS). ...

Last week’s edition of the Dickinson News included three letters to the editor with politically opposing views. I would like to respond to the last of the letters authored by Robert Sneitzer. He thought my letter stated that differing opinions were not allowed. ...

There is so much to celebrate in June. There is Father’s Day, the opening of farmer’s markets and, here in the Iowa Great Lakes, the beginning of vacation season to name a few. Lately I have been thinking about how the list of things to celebrate in June seems to be increasing just like the daylight throughout the month, and how this reflects our country’s ongoing maturity and ability to treat all kinds of people fairly. ...

Just when one thinks the existing Republican Party cannot get any crazier, it outdoes itself. Rep. Cheney was ousted from party leadership; replaced by Rep. Stefanik who immediately declared the party was “united in support of President Trump.” Rep. ...

Living in the Iowa Great Lakes surprises many newcomers. The old timers like myself recognize and greatly appreciate how the locals respond to the needs of others. I can attest to our trademark lifestyle. A time has come in my 55—year-plus life living here in the Lakes Area where circumstances put my friends to the test. ...