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Crankbaits in the summer

Local Columns

The weather in many areas has been very inconsistent this summer. One day it’s warm, the next day it’s twenty degrees cooler. The one weather related thing that we’ve been able to count on is the wind. One day it’s windy, the next day it’s windier. But as we get farther into summer, there’s something else that we can count on. The water is warming up, and as the water warms, crankbaits can be very reliable fish-catchers. Here are some ideas about crankbaiting for more fish in the summer. Crankbaits come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. They’re productive by either ...

Summer vacation memories

Local Columns

It’s summer vacation season. At fast food joints and c-stores you can see the vacationing families in their loaded-down cars and minivans heading somewhere. The children look bored, Mom appears exhausted and Dad looks broke. When Cindy’s and my children were younger we took family vacations each year but they were modest compared to the extended vacations some folks enjoy these days. Nonetheless, those summer trips provided many great memories. Believing that a vacation ought to offer something for everyone, we always included a major league baseball game in our ...

Dislikes State Treasurer comments at levy appeal

Letters to Editor

Letter to the Editor, At the June 26th meeting of the State Appeal Board, all three members of the board voted in support of upholding Hamilton Hospital dba Van Diest Medical Center FY 2027 property tax levy. In the meeting, board member, State Treasurer Roby Smith chose to scold the hospital board members for their budgeting and levy process. I find his scolding very rich, coming from Iowa’s chief financial officer who has overseen the states FY 26’ train wreck of a budget. One billion plus dollars in the hole, using the states rainy day funds to keep the lights on. No rain, just ...

Taxpayer offended by Assessors disrespect

Letters to Editor

To the editor As a taxpayer in Hamilton County, I am grateful to our elected County Board of Supervisors, Rick Young, April Ely and Mary Clausen for their diligence in the responsibilities of this office. One such responsibility is the budget for the General fund levy. Budget preparation for the next fiscal year begins in late fall working with each department head preparing the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. The supervisors work with our elected county officials to make the most efficient use of the revenues allocated by the state of Iowa and property taxes collected from ...

Petitioners Takeaways From the Van Diest Medical Center Tax Levy Appeal Decision

Letters to Editor

Viewpoint: On behalf of the more than 400 Hamilton County residents who signed the petition challenging the Van Diest Medical Center property tax levy, we are disappointed by the State Appeal Board's decision not to reduce the requested levy. While we respect the Board's decision, we believe the hearing raised important issues that deserve continued public discussion. Our petition was based on two fundamental concerns. First, we believe the property tax levy is not necessary for Van Diest Medical Center to continue operating successfully. Based on the hospital's financial ...

Overbearing management

Letters to Editor

Letter to the editor, I think it is time that we rein in our city fathers and have a moratorium on condemning and buying property until they can take care of the property that they own. They can’t even tell you how many properties they own in Webster City. They set standards that you have to follow, but they need a reminder that they have property they forgot they have or they change the standard so they don’t have to care for them. For instance, if you buy a lot from them and build an expensive home, the city lots around you don’t have to be mowed and kept pretty. But your ...