Page 4 - Clear Lake Mirror Reporter E-Edition 4-20-2016

Opinion
Page 4 • April 20, 2016
25 Years Ago
April 1991
If someone were to write a
book about the effort to build a new
Ventura library, it would have to be
classified as a mystery. Last week
Ventura Mayor Bob Wolfram, who
has spearheaded the effort to build a
new library for more than a year, an-
nounced that the city leaders had de-
cided to construct the library on city
property located on the north side of
the town, between the City Hall and
Fire Barn. That decision was made
after concerns surfaced that the city
might be destroying a historically
valuable building if it razed the exist-
ing library and post office structure.
Although plans had been drawn,
fundraising was well underway, and
contract negotiations were nearly
completed with the United States
Postal Service, city officials decided to
explore other options.
Storms rumbled through the area
Friday that packed winds of up to 60
mph and downed numerous trees.
In an effort to lessen the poten-
tial for a disastrous accident at the
dangerous intersection of N. 20 St.
and Highway 18, the Clear Lake City
Council was expected to ask the state
for help in evaluating the busy inter-
section.
ABCM Corporation, the parent
company of the Oakwood Care Cen-
ter, has announced the appointment
of Paul G. Klus as Oakwood’s new
manager. Klus is from Mason City.
Kathy Walls, a member of the
Clear Lake girls track team, was in-
cluded in this week’s issue of the Iowa
Girls High School Athletic Union
Weekly Track and Field Leader Re-
port. Walls successfully cleared 4’10”
in the high jump.
The Clear Lake girls track team
opened the season at the Clear Lake
Under The
Golden Dome, Too
Representative Linda Upmeyer
linda.upmeyer@legis.state.ia.us
Meet Alex Byrnes, Speaker’s Page
With nicer weather fi-
nally here, farmers have got-
ten out to the fields to begin
planting for this year. Several
legislators are farmers them-
selves, so they are looking
forward to wrapping up ses-
sion so that they can return
home and get back to life
on the farm. We continued
work on the state budget this
week and while we may not
complete our work by Day
100, I continue to believe
that should be our goal and
have charted a path to do so.
Each session, high
school students from across the state
are given the unique opportunity to
work as pages in the legislature. This
once in a lifetime experience gives
students the chance to see the inner
workings of state government and
make connections and friendships
that will last a lifetime. This year, my
page was Alex Byrnes, of Osage, and
in this week’s newsletter she shares her
experience:
“Hello, my name is Alex Byrnes
and I am the Speaker’s Page for the
2016 Legislative Session. Here is a sum-
mary of myself and how I was granted
this opportunity to work in this beauti-
ful Capitol.
I grew up on an acreage eight miles
Northwest of Osage, which is located
about 20 miles from the Minnesota
border. While attending Osage High
School, I had the opportunity to par-
12 N. 4th St., Clear Lake, IA. 50428 • Ph. • 641-357-2131 • Fax • 641-357-2133
Kim Ritter Kathleen Thul
kim@clreporter.com kathleen@clreporter.com Chris@clreporter.com
• Sales • Production Manager
• Graphic Design
John Schmidt
• Distribution
Contact us at office@clreporter.com
REMEMBER WHEN
Efforts add up in 1991
These Clear Lake students made high marks at the 9th Annual Sixth Grade Math Bee. The team of (seated L-R): Michael
Burgart, Jane Cherry, Ben Gordon and Greg Johnson placed second at the bee and have qualified for the State Math Bee.
Taking fifth place honors was the team of (standing L-R): Jed Latham, Erin Pleggenkuhle, Allison Secory and Kyle Smith.
Continuing (L-R): Maribeth Bernard, Keith Niebuhr, David Severtson and Brad Schutte placed 12th as a team. Alter-
nates to the team (kneeling in the front) Nicki Heinnicutt (left) and Cassie Fredia (right). Placing individually month the
140 competitors were: Michael Burgart, third place and a qualifier for the State Math Bee; Jed Latham, fourth; and Jane
Cherry, fifteenth. Pictured in the center back is math teacher and coach Jane Angle.
Early Bird and placed second in the
eight field competition. First place
finishers included Kathy Walls in the
high jump; Kendra Berge was first in
the long jump with a leap of 14’7”; the
800 meter relay team of Nikki Schina-
gel, Sabra Aswan, Sara Wempen and
Kime Moore in 1:57.2; Berge broke
the tape in the 200 meter dash clock-
ing in at 27.81; the 400 meter relay
team of Schinagel, Wempen, Walls
and Berge took first in 54.34.
Entertaining at the Surf Ballroom
will be the Kenny Hofer Orchestra,
Reminisce Band, Hal’s Ramblers, and
Sammy Jensen Orchestra.
515-281-3221
ticipate in cross country, track, Student
Council, 4-H, National Honor Society,
and Model U.N. I will graduate from
Osage on May 22.
Living in rural Iowa, the Page pro-
gram is not widely known. However,
because my dad is a State Representa-
tive, he informed me about this oppor-
tunity. Having an opportunity to work
in the Capitol was extra-special because
my dad is retiring this year and it is also of Public Safety to oversee and ef-
my senior year.
I have always had an interest in
politics, so this was something I was re-
ally looking forward to. In order to be a
page, I had to discuss this with my high
school counselor, Mrs. Dohlman, and
she encouraged me to go for it. How-
ever, I did not want to graduate early,
so I had to figure out my class schedule.
I ended up taking five classes during the
session which at times was very stressful,
See UPMEYER on page 5
Serving Clear Lake & Ventura
communities since 1869
Chris Barragy
• Photography
• Graphic Design
• Production
Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter
GUEST EDITORIAL
Human trafficking happens here
By Kay Day, of Clear Lake by members of their own family mem-
It’s not just a third world prob- bers who are desperate to make some
lem. While it’s seldom recognized for quick money. Recruiters are both
what it really is, trafficking in human men and women, sometimes working
lives is a thriving business right here as teams. We feel safe in the heartland
in America. Slavery. People making of America, but it is happening here
millions of dollars off the misery of with increasing frequency.
other human beings. It is a crime hid- Prevention is the key.
den in plain sight. To prevent trafficking we must
As of 2014, human trafficking raise awareness, educating our kids,
was a $150 billion per year business our teachers and law enforcement offi-
and growing. Sex trafficking made up cers about the methods and resources
about $99 billion of this. This crime traffickers use to entice their victims.
is no respecter of persons. It is found Do you know the social networking
in wealthy communities, poor com- sites and apps the traffickers frequent
munities, black, white, Asian and to find victims? Do you know how to
Hispanic communities; it’s in our recognize a trafficking victim? Do you
cities and in rural America. It im- know who to call if you suspect some-
pacts every demographic imaginable. one is a victim? Do you know how to
Labor trafficking and sex trafficking support the rehabilitation of rescued
happen here, and the commercial sex- trafficking victims?
ual exploitation of children is growing Inform yourself.
so rapidly that it will soon surpass the Begin informing yourself by at-
illegal sale of drugs and arms. tending a special screening of the
Boys are not immune movie, “Caged No More,” at Cinema
The average age of a girl entering West Theatre in Mason City, Iowa
the sex trade in America is between on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. This
11 and 14 years old. The life expec- movie, brought to you by the co-pro-
tancy of a girl in the sex trade is just ducer of “God’s Not Dead” is fiction
seven years. Only one percent to two but is based on real events. The movie
percent of trafficking victims are ever is not graphic and has a Dove rating
rescued. And the girls being trafficked of PG-13. If you are ready to discuss
50 Years Ago underway Saturday. Manager Elwood in America are predominately Ameri- sex and sex trafficking with your teen,
April 1966 Zipse qualified the announcement can children. They are our daughters, you can feel comfortable with having
There is an increasing sales vol- only in the event of good weather. Les our sisters, the neighbor’s teenage soc- them see the movie with you as part of
ume of agricultural products and Hugh will manage the golf shop, as- cer player, your babysitter. While 82 their education.
increasing employment in the Clear sisted by Don Bell. percent to 98 percent of those forced, Following the movie, informa-
Lake area, an economic study shows. Ray Stevens, a radio and TV tech- coerced or tricked into sex trafficking tion for teens, parents and educators
The report shows a decreasing number nician by trade, has been making all are girls, boys are not immune. will be available, including a list of
of farms in the area as the size of farms sorts of novelties by cutting old alumi- Recruiters are clever. dangerous social networking sites and
has increased. num photography records. Recruiters are experts at enlisting non-profit organizations engaged in
The Junior Chamber of Com- Clear Lake firemen were called to the trust of their targets. They are very fighting trafficking. A special reading
merce sponsored the annual Easter put out a large grass fire on Fletcher good at identifying those who will list and a “Gentlemen’s Club” pledge
Egg Hunt in City Park. Cash prizes Drive on the camp grounds. be most vulnerable. Then they start will be available for men.
were given to children finding eggs their pursuit. Tickets are available ONLY on-
with lucky numbers. 100 Years Ago While in the majority of hu- line. Google: Caged No More Movie
The Barrel Drive-In is open April 1916 man trafficking cases the recruiter is then go through the menu to reserve
a stranger, many are people your child your tickets before May 5. For more
J.C. Jensen attended a sale down knows. While this is inconceivable to information, you may call Kay Day at
and ready to serve up their broasted on the Stone Ranch Saturday. While you and me, many children are sold 641-355-3735.
chicken. Get 30 pieces of chicken for in the barn he stepped into a stall and
$6.25; 10 pieces of chicken for $2.15; a horse made a lunge at him cutting
or four pieces for 50¢. and bruising his face.
Playing at the Lake Theater is The tramp question has become a
“My Fair Lady,” winner of eight Acad- nuisance. Nearly every night there is What Is
emy Awards. The movie stars Audrey a “camp” in the woods near the camp- Wrong With
Everyone?
Hepburn and Rex Harrison. ground and considerable disturbance
is caused. In some cases, cottages By Guest Columnist Dorothy Rosby
60 Years Ago were broken into. Too many of these
March 1956 fellows wouldn’t work if they had a I like my drinks ice cold or scald- tant as I do, plus I’m not a researcher.
High winds Saturday and Sunday chance, preferring to beg from door to ing hot—nothing in between, except What I am is particular and curious.
quickly cleared the west end of Clear door. tomato juice which I like at room For example, I’m particular about
Lake of the winter accumulation of Mason City has fined a number of temperature. I like tea, but I don’t not putting salt on my watermelon
ice, leaving the remainder in the east auto speeders $15 and costs. If Clear care for coffee. And I like iced tea and curious about why some people
end to be disposed of by the sun and Lake would do the same, the treasury better than hot tea, except when I’m do. On the other hand, some people
wind. would be flush. Let’s go get those law chilly. I’m often chilly, even in the like salt on their tomatoes (me), and
The open season on golf balls gets breakers and earn some money. summer, because some people turn some people think that’s a waste of
their air conditioners higher than I tomatoes and salt. They might even
think should be legal. sprinkle sugar on their tomatoes,
No, I’m not nuts, though I do which I consider completely irratio-
Amanda Ragan like nuts—any kind. But I like pista- nal.
chios and almonds best and cashews Is it nature? Are their taste buds
State Senator least. That’s lucky because my hus- simply inferior to mine? Or is it nur-
band likes cashews best. We get along ture? Did their mothers think a spoon
515-281-3371 or 641-424-0874 fine with a can of mixed nuts, which full of sugar would make the vegeta-
amanda.ragan@legis.state.ia.us some would say is a fitting metaphor. bles go down? (Yes, I know tomatoes
I’m not telling you all this because are fruits, but I prefer to think of them
Iowa focuses efforts to stop human trafficking I aspire to be one of those celebrities as vegetables.)
Human trafficking uses force, making demands for my dressing In keeping with my ice cold and
fraud or coercion to exploit someone mate the reach of human trafficking room. But since you asked, I’d like red scalding hot preference, I believe it’s
for sex or labor. It is now a $150 bil- because related laws and definitions roses, a radio tuned to NPR, and diet never too hot to eat soup and never
lion industry, and it’s happening in are changing quickly to address the cola. I want the cola over crushed— too cold to eat ice cream. But I have a
Iowa. problem. For example, those engaged not cubed—ice, and I’d prefer it from relative who turns his nose up at soup,
SF 2191, approved unanimously in forced prostitution or survival sex a fountain, not a plastic bottle. Either behavior I consider un-American. And
by the Legislature and signed into were once considered offenders but Pepsi or Coke is fine though. I’m not given the choice, he would choose any
law, establishes an Office of Human are now regarded as victims. picky. other dessert over ice cream. If he can’t
Trafficking within the Department The average age of entry into No, the reason I’m telling you all be trusted to choose rocky road over
forced prostitution is 12 to 14 for this is because I’m intrigued by prefer- butterscotch pudding, how can he be
fectively coordinate efforts to combat girls and 11 to 13 for boys, accord- ences. If I could get a research grant to trusted at all.
human trafficking. The office will ing to the Polaris Project, a human study something, I would study why I used to lunch with a friend who
work with government agencies and trafficking victim advocacy organi- other people like what they like and after carefully removing all the onions,
community organizations with exper- zation. Many of these kids have run not what I like. Is everyone except me peppers, and tomatoes from her salad
tise in human trafficking prevention, away from troubled homes and wind deeply flawed? would give them to me. I’d watch her
victim protection and assistance, law up in another horrific situation. The I doubt I could get a research doing this and think, “What is wrong
enforcement and prosecution. National Network for Runaway Youth grant though, because I can’t see a
While awareness about the is- reports that within the first 48 hours foundation thinking this is as impor- See ROSBY on page 5
sue is growing, human trafficking of being on the street, one in three
has only recently been recognized kids are lured into sexual exploitation,
as a crime by many. It’s hard to esti- usually with the promise of shelter,
food or a fictitious modeling contract.
Owner/Publisher...... Mike Finnegan The Clear Lake Reporter is a member of the “National
Newspaper Association” & an award winning
mike@clreporter.com member of the “Iowa Newspaper Association.”
Editor.................. Marianne Morf Subscription Rates/Year Visit our home page at www.clreporter.com
marianne@clreporter.com
1 year Cerro Gordo County $59.00 (6 Mo. $35.00) The Clear Lake Reporter web-site
Michelle Watson Amy Palmer 1 year adjoining counties $68.00 (6 Mo. $42.00) includes up-to-date information:
1 year out-of-state $91.00 (6 Mo. $52.00)
michelle@clreporter.com amy@clreporter.com Single copy price $150 • News • Sports • Classifieds
To transfer a subscription out of state ....$500 Plus complete real estate listings found in the
• Opinion •Classifieds All subscriptions are Non-refundable.
• Agri.-Business • Billing • Clear Lake Home Buyers Guide
The Clear Lake Mirror Reporter is an official county newspaper (USPS 117-120).
• Sports • Circulation A legal newspaper prescribed by law, published weekly by Prefin Inc., 12 N. 4th Send us your suggestions,
• Social • Legals St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. Periodical Postage paid at the post office at Clear comments, or classified ads to:
• Home Buyers Guide Lake, Iowa 50428.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Clear Lake Mirror Reporter 12 N. office@clreporter.com
4th St., Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 or phone (641) 357-2131.