Have you seen Montel Williams on TV lately? He narrates a drug industry commercial.
    He tells about the industry's buses which travel around the country dispensing free or low cost medicine to people without health insurance. This is very helpful because 47 million of us do not have such insurance. The buses help, but I believe that Barack Obama has a better idea. He has developed a comprehensive health care plan.

    Annually, thousands of postal service letter carriers sustain dog bite injuries. Most of these dog bites could have been prevented through responsible pet ownership.
    Our carriers are vigilant and dedicated, but we may be forced to stop mail delivery at an address or an entire block or neighborhood, and another delivery option may be required if a letter carrier is threatened by your dog or a neighbor’s dog. If you are a dog owner, you should know that if your dog attacks and bites someone, you could be held liable for all medical expenses and other costs that could run into thousands of dollars.

    A few weeks ago, my brand-new car was the victim of a high school baseball game.
    I find out now that the insurance adjuster for the school is denying my claim because I “assumed risk” by parking at the pool. (I was parked on the far east curve on the pool side.) He likened the accident to an “act of God, or hitting a deer”.

    Responding to articles about the “Family Planning Clinic” and the negative letters about it in the 22 July Tribune.
    Most of our modern day, worldwide problems come from the runaway human population increases. We have “climate change/global warming,” air, water, noise and junk pollution, congested traffic, high crime, oppressive and restrictive laws.

   I have had an Iowa driver’s license for almost 60 years and for the most part, I have considered myself to be a good and responsible driver.
    As I approach my 75th birthday, my opinion of my driving skills has changed dramatically.

To the Editor:

    AN ABORTION CLINIC in our community?
    Do we want this organization to refer our desperate daughters to locations where, as they are told, "All of their problems will be solved?"

To the Editor:
   
    We are writing today in reference to the announcement that appeared in the New Hampton Newspaper and Shopper last week concerning the new family planning clinic located at 22 N. Linn Ave., New Hampton.
    What is the aim of a family planning clinic? It is not promoting healthy values or morals for the families of this community.

    Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Democrats, Republicans and Independents. It is time to replace the Bias, Spin and destructive politics that exist today.
    It exists in large part because a great many of us have become “Fat, Dumb and Happy.” People have too much time on their hands; everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame. It seems everyone has their own agenda to espouse.
    We live in the greatest country on Earth. If you do not believe this, stop reading and turn on your television and let those so-called “talking head experts” accentuate the negative.

    (Editor’s note: Submitted by Janet Carspecken, Clive, a former Turkey Valley teacher, on the retirement of another long-time Turkey Valley teacher, Mary Jo Hangartner.)

    Most people, when they hear the word teacher, will instantly think of the definition: “Someone trained and explicitly educated on how to teach; one who delivers instruction.”
    However, those who have experienced a “true teacher” would say a teacher is a guide who helps students make the journey from knowledge to understanding through experience. The “true teacher” introduces new ideas to students and helps them use those ideas and knowledge in performance.
    There is no teacher that fits this definition more than Mary Jo Hangartner who retired from Turkey Valley Community School after 32 years of service as high school speech and English teacher, competitive speech and debate coach, and seventh through 12 grade Gifted Talented Program coordinator.

    For three weekends in May, Bowlaway Lanes and the New Hampton USBC Women’s Bowling Association had the opportunity to host the Iowa State USBC WBA Senior State Tournament.
    Thank you to everyone who responded to our requests for items to be placed in a “Welcome Bag” for distribution to the 250 entrants. It was a great opportunity to showcase New Hampton and our “Expanding Horizons”.

    On behalf of the students, staff, and parents of the Turkey Valley Community School    District, the Turkey Valley Crisis Team would like to sincerely thank all of the incredible volunteers and law enforcement officials who helped us respond to the threats made to our school earlier this year.
    The area fire departments, law enforcement officials, and first responders are an amazing part of this community, and when duty calls, they are ready to act to keep our community safe.

American Cancer Society
Relay for Life Chickasaw County
Schedule of Events

12th Annual American Cancer Society
Relay for Life of Chickasaw County
Friday, June 6, 2008, Chickasaw Wellness Complex
5 p.m. – Midnight

   The Hawkeye Chapter of the American Red Cross extends its thanks to the citizens of the Cedar Valley and all of eastern Iowa for their outstanding generosity and philanthropic spirit in  relation to the Iowa tornado disaster.
    The Hawkeye Chapter partnered with television station KWWL to produce a day-long telethon called “Tornados of 2008 – Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”

    Many claim that nothing is made in America anymore. In fact, the U.S. share of worldwide manufacturing has been stable since 1982, and American manufacturing production is at its highest point in history.
    This is true both nationwide and right here in New Hampton, Iowa. To sustain the local community and contribute to a greater national economy, our strong manufacturing base needs to be supported and remain intact. That means making the right business decisions to maintain a local plant.

   In regards to the recent ads placed by Progress Casting putting down the union’s presence in New Hampton, we would like to clarify and make accurate the false statements and accusations.
    The GMP union did not approach employees about needing to “unionize.” The employees approached GMP looking for help. To do that, it is required by law that 30 percent (roughly 28 employees) or more have to file the initial petition. Fifty of the employees got together, and the petition was filed.