Page 4 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 1-27-2016

Opinion Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter

Page 4 • Jan. 27, 2016

I Like Under The LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Winter...Really! Golden Dome, Too Remember Safe Routes to school
caregivers
By Guest Columnist Dorothy Rosby Representative Linda Upmeyer To the Editor,
To the Editor, Mark Wyatt, quoted in “Kids
515-281-3221 I recently read that families are More Prone to Bike-car Crashes”
linda.upmeyer@legis.state.ia.us the major provider of long-term (9/5/15), hit the nail on the head.
care; more and more elderly people Whether it is the lack of sidewalk,
A Floridian once asked me how ter because it’s cold outside, and three The second week of session is in growth we will need to be very strate- are choosing to stay in their homes busy intersections or other physical
I could bear to live in a place that has in the summer because it’s cold inside. the books and work within policy com- gic with the commitments we make. rather than go to an assisted living obstacles, parents will not allow their
winter three months out of the year. I And I like that in the winter, no one mittees is underway. I am happy to Iowans are expected to send the Leg- facility. But that kind of care-giving children to walk or ride their bikes to
didn’t tell her it’s actually six months. makes fun of me for it. report that this week the House Edu- islature an estimated $7.3 billion next takes a heavy emotional, physical, and school if they believe their children are
She didn’t need to know that. I’d tell my Florida friend that I cation Committee passed a bill that fiscal year. That amount is sufficient to financial toll on the caregivers...fam- in danger.
We were attending a conference like having four seasons. I wouldn’t would increase funding for our local meet the needs and priorities of Iowa. ily members who often times have to Currently there are federal funds
in Orlando, and we were standing in a tell her that sometimes we only have K-12 schools by $81 million. The bill One of the budgets that the Legis- balance work with their care-giving that can help fix the obstacles, but it
hotel meeting room which, in typical two, and the two that get skipped are will now move to the full House floor, lature passes each session are the stand- responsibilities. isn’t enough. The program known as
fashion for hotel meeting rooms, was my favorites, spring and fall. Still I like which I expect will be debated early ing appropriations, established either I think all of us, including the “Safe Routes to School” has more re-
cool enough to store a side of beef. At the variety. People who live in the land next week. House Republicans made in Iowa Code or the Iowa Constitu- state and federal government need quests for funding than funding avail-
least it was a moist cool. of permanent summer probably order a commitment to work quickly to find tion. This budget, totaling nearly $3.5 to work to develop and support pro- able, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Despite the air conditioning, my vanilla every time they go to Baskin resolution on school funding this ses- billion, consists of several areas of gov- grams that these care-givers can tap By designating state funds for
new friend was wearing a sleeveless Robbins. And it melts faster there. sion, so we are doing everything we can ernment including funding for schools, into for advice and counseling. After a “Safe Routes to School” program,
blouse and a skirt. I was wearing a I’d tell her the changing seasons to help move the process forward. the Legislature, and property tax cred- all, these care-givers save the govern- more children will have the oppor-
parka. I’m joking. I wasn’t, but only give me a chance to move the winter One of the primary responsibili- its, among other items. Outside of ment literally billions of dollars in tunity to walk or bike to and from
because I hadn’t thought to bring one. clothes out of my closet and move the ties of the Legislature is crafting the education funding (which is reviewed healthcare costs. school. Not only will they gain in-
I told her if anyone could handle summer clothes in. If it weren’t for state’s budget and ensuring that tax regularly by the Education committee) Let’s not forget that these care- dependence, but they will realize an
winter, it was her, able to bare her winter, I’d never clean my closet. dollars are spent in the most effective this budget has not been thoroughly re- givers are out there. active, healthy habit that can benefit
limbs in a meat locker the way she I’d tell her I love a white Christ- way possible. Compared to last year’s viewed for many years. their overall health and academic per-
was. And I said if people in warm cli- mas. I don’t care for a white Hallow- budget, the state is projected to see rev- In order to fund Iowans’ priorities Bob Burns, formance for years to come.
mates don’t like winter, why do they een or a white Easter, and I’ve seen enue growth of $153 million. While within anticipated revenue, Appropria- Mason City, Iowa
run their air conditioners so cold their plenty of both. But I wouldn’t tell her many say that this budget will be tight tions Chairman Pat Grassley has tasked Katelyn Nicholson, Clear Lake
drool freezes? that. and difficult, I remain optimistic and a bipartisan group of committee mem-
Actually I don’t remember what I And I’d say, “Haven’t you ever see this as a great opportunity to really bers with combing through the stand- Amanda Ragan
said, but if I had the chance again, I heard of a snow blower?” I wouldn’t dig into the budget to find savings and ings budget and questioning state de-
know exactly what I’d say. I’d tell her I ask her if she’s ever heard of a snow efficiencies, while making sure we fund partments about their spending. Led State Senator
like winter. And I wouldn’t be lying— shovel, because I bet she has. our priorities and obligations. by Rep. Ken Rizer, this subcommittee
much. I’d tell her that being snowed in House Republicans are commit- will be looking to find areas of duplica- 515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874
That might come as a surprise can be fun and I really mean that— ted to budgeting like Iowa families and tion, programs that may have outlived amanda.ragan@legis.state.ia.us
to those of you who know me well as long as the power stays on. And as businesses. That means we won’t spend their usefulness, and programs that
enough to know I’m chilled when the long as it doesn’t last long, and there’s more than the state collects in revenue, aren’t serving their intended need. To Another year of inadequate state funding.
temperature falls below 72, but you nowhere I want to go, and I have a and we won’t use one-time funding show that the Legislature is leading by funding for K-12 schools will result In addition to packing more stu-
stay out of this. good book to read and plenty of food sources to pay for ongoing expenses. example, the subcommittee began their in larger class sizes. That’s what school dents into classrooms, school leaders
I’d tell her winter makes people to eat, and there’s someone else to do Some in the Legislature have argued work this week by reviewing the Legis- administrators tell us in a new survey. say underfunding schools will force
tougher. She might ask me why, if the shoveling. Then it’s really fun. that now is the time to tap the state’s lative budget. Superintendents, principals and other them to:
I’m so tough, I’m the only one in the I’d tell her that those of us in reserve funds in order to get through This subcommittee will continue school officials completed the survey •Delay purchasing books and
room wearing a sweater. I’d tell her cold climates know enough to keep this time of slow revenue growth. This to meet regularly during session ques- in recent weeks to help us better un- classroom materials (77 percent of re-
I’m hiding my tattoos. (I don’t have our pantries well stocked in case of a is a short-sighted approach to the state’s tioning various government depart- derstand the consequences of short- spondents).
any tattoos, but don’t tell her that.) blizzard. I’d never starve in a storm. I budget. There is no economic emer- ments and agencies. I look forward to changing public schools, and to de- •Leave positions unfilled (71 per-
I’d say, “Don’t you know layers might get tired of eating canned corn gency, as tax receipts are projected to seeing the results they are able to come termine the impact of the Governor’s cent).
are fashionable?” I wear three or four and tuna fish though. increase next fiscal year, but with slow up with. veto last summer of bipartisan school
of them all the time; four in the win- See ROSBY on page 5 See RAGAN on page 5

REMEMBER WHEN

25 Years Ago • January 1991 led offensively with 20-points, followed by Jenni Fey with 16. Tami Ackerman 85 Years Ago • February 1931
A 160-acre tract of land, located just north of Ventura, is slated for joint led the team in rebounds. Charles Ritz sold the Ritz Smokeshop to V. Monody, of South Dakota, and
purchase by Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Wetlands for Iowa and the Grocery specials for the week at Easter’s Super Valu include: Coke and Mr. Kelroy, of Mason City.
state Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) program. The area will be Sprite products, 24-12 oz. cans, $5.99; Cottonelle Bath Tissue, 4-pack, 87¢; Mrs. E.W. Winnie reported a dandelion in bloom at her home Monday.
used for wildlife management area and will be open for hunting and trapping. Hefty Trash Bags, 30 gallon, 20 count, $1.99; Frito Lay Potato Chips, 15 oz., Who needs to go to California or Florida for the winter when a dandelion will
Clear Lake has a new summer attraction. A 15-passenger rubber-tire trolley $1.79; Chiquita bananas, lb., 38¢; Frozen Orange Roughy Fish Fillets, lb., bloom out of doors in February right here in Clear Lake?
was purchased in Arizona by Gary Geist, owner of Lady of the Lake. He intends $3.79; and Boneless Chuck Roast, lb., $1.99. Harold Crane and Burette Bailey entertained a company of friends at a
to run the trolley on a route around the lake during the summer months. In ad- Playing at the Surf Ballroom is Marc Frana Band on Jan. 25 and Everett waffle supper. A rousing time was had by all who attended.
dition, the vehicle will also be transporting riders out to the Iowa Trolley Park, Boyer Orchestra on Jan. 26. Miss Caroline Sondrol, who underwent an operation at the Park Hospital
on the east edge of Clear Lake, for rides on the real electric railroad trolleys. for appendicitis is recovering nicely at home.
A free facsimile service to send messages to friends and relatives serving 50 Years Ago • January 1966
in Saudi Arabia has been extended by the Clear Lake Independent Telephone Area farmers are being warned not to buy seed from men who travel through 100 Years Ago • January 1916
Company. the countryside selling the seed and then move before the seed is delivered. If The ice harvest is in progress. An electric cutter is proving a time saver. The
The Ventura, Calif. magazine that features a five-page spread on Ventura, you buy from them you are running the risk of planting foul and noxious weeds, machine, which is on trial, is a large circular saw costing about $600. The Cul-
Iowa, has arrived. They can be picked up at the Pronto Store in Ventura. as well as cheap seed. Stick to the area seed dealers at Peterson Farm Store, East- ver Ice Co. has contracts for a large amount of ice. Steward Bros. began work
Airman Travis W. Rieck, son of Pamela F. Hanna, of Clear Lake, has gradu- man Grain Company and Farmers Co-op Elevator of Clear Lake and Farmer’s Monday. Garner has ordered 300 tons and Britt 500.
ated from Air Force basic training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The air- Co-op Elevator of Ventura. You need a good halter on your horse this cold stormy weather. See them
man is a 1990 graduate of Clear Lake High School. The thermometer went crazy in Clear Lake during the past week with the at Pattersons. Also available, gloves, mittens, fur, plush robes, and auto shawls.
Sophomore Kathy Walls led the Clear Lake girls in a 74-64 victory over temperature fluctuating as much as 57 degrees in 30 hours. Found on East Grove Road Monday night a lady’s fur neck piece.
Eagle Grove with a career high 37-points. The guard court of Kendra Berge, Joy Playing at the Lake Theater is “The Hallelujah Trail,” starring Burt Lan- The mercury last night went to 30 below and the wind blew a perfect gale.
Freesemann, Sara Wempen and Jen Keifer also played a good game according to caster, Lee Remick, Jim Hutton and Pamela Tiffin. Philip and Edward Pierce have started school at Ventura. They are well
Coach Kay Bacon. behaved little boys and are welcome to continue their education in Ventura.
In a game where the lead bounced back and forth, the Ventura Lady Vikes
came up short to Sheffield-Chapin/Merservey-Thornton, 59-46. Megan Coe

CLHS Boys Basketball Team, 1965-66

The Clear Lake Lions were all smiles in 1965 as they enjoyed four victories in a row. The 1965-66 team were front row
(L-R): Coach Gary Boeyink, Kent Opheim, Mark Schoneman, Jim MacDonald, and Bruce Evenrud. Back row (L-R):
Don Anderson, Tim Sill, Doug Floy, Bill Morisky, Ken Grabinski and Jim Elting.

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