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As your police chief, I am writing to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for making National Night Out a success. Your enthusiastic participation and unwavering support have made a positive impact on our community and have strengthened the bond between the police department and the residents we proudly serve.
National Night Out is not just a one-day event; it embodies the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines our city. Your active involvement demonstrates a commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive and harmonious environment for all. Together, as neighbors, friends and partners, we can overcome any challenges that may arise.
The continued support we receive from our community plays a crucial role in our efforts to uphold public safety and maintain law and order. We understand that effective policing is not achieved in isolation, but through meaningful connections with the people we serve. Your engagement and vigilance contribute significantly to the success of our operations and initiatives.
By standing with us, you have helped foster a sense of belonging for everyone, irrespective of their backgrounds or beliefs.
This inclusivity has not only made our city stronger but has also set an example for others to follow. We are proud to have citizens who actively take part in shaping the future of our community.
As we move forward, please know that our commitment to you remains steadfast. We will continue to strive for excellence in our duties and ensure that your safety and well-being are always our top priorities. Together, we can overcome any challenges that may arise and build a city we can all be proud of.
Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude to all of you. Your support and dedication make us proud to be a part of and serve the city we love.
I also want to give a big shout-out to all the Storm Lake Police Department officers, detectives, Storm Lake Fire Department firefighters, City of Storm Lake staff members, elected officials and BVRMC emergency medical service members who went above and beyond the evening of Aug. 1, working extra hours to attend block parties and engage with members of the community. Thank you to King's Pointe Resort for donating free waterpark passes to be given to the public!
Stay safe, be vigilant and let’s continue to work hand in hand for a brighter future.
Chris Cole | Storm Lake Police Department
Anyone who wants to host a block party in Storm Lake for next year’s National Night Out can schedule one by contacting the Storm Lake Police Department and Lieutenant Alyssa Solem.
Wowza! What’s happened to Iowa? Bob Ray was the first governor to welcome Asians to our statewide community. Generations of Iowa farmers have depended on Mexicans with special visa status to harvest our family's fields. Those folks purchased homes so their extended families would have reliable housing when they annually worked the fields in Corwith (my hometown) and neighboring communities.
They became part of our local communities, paying utilities and taxes and purchasing at the local grocery stores and gas stations. Bringing their heritage to local summer celebrations.
But now, Iowa’s governor is at the border to prevent more workers from being available to feed Iowa’s labor needs? To deny community kids close up exposure to a different culture in a diverse global economy?
Give me a break.
Sue B. Mullins | Former Iowa State Rep. and farmer from Corwith
Since the month of August has no major holidays, various societies have created their own “national” holidays. I observed Aug. 8’s National Happiness Happens Day.
Here’s how you can celebrate, too — not for just one day, but for years to come: Go to iowaatwork.com where you will see our state lit up like a Christmas tree. Each colorful “bulb” represents a project funded by The American Rescue Plan Act or The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (both of which passed with NO help from our Republican congressional delegation).
The 2,953 projects represent over $12 billion invested in mostly transportation, environment, health, education, broadband and child care. The interactive map allows examination of each project in detail, including the county and city of its location, the funding amount,and the congressional act making it possible. Note that the map doesn’t yet include funding recipients of the Inflation Reduction Act, again opposed by Iowa’s GOP naysayers.
Want to spread the joy? Post this colorful map on social media and let happiness happen for others — all the way to the 2024 election and beyond. Post a print out on your refrigerator!
Karen Heidman | Sioux City
Playing for pay is a pretty rare gig for a pitcher at Scholten’s age (43). Maybe his Dutch heritage is a factor. Bert Blyleven is a Hollander AND a Hall-of-Famer and he too pitched into his 40s, though his career path was the opposite of Scholten’s; from the Netherlands to the (Minnesota) Twins instead of from the USA to the (Oosterhout) Twins.
Now if Scholten could just get the GOP gaslight gang to play ball with him in the Iowa House when he returns for his offseason job as a lawmaker. The article didn’t say but I’m guessing he’s a southpaw.
Mike Wellman | Des Moines
Editor’s note: JD Scholten is a right-hander.
Letters to the Editor can be sent to times@stormlake.com or by mail to P.O. Box 487, Storm Lake, IA 50588. Letters must include the writer’s name, address and telephone number.
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