A Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
I'm sure that there are some that won’t agree, but that doesn’t bother me. I certainly don’t agree with many of the editorials that John and Art Cullen write on several subjects, but that didn’t stop me from putting a check in the mail to renew my subscription. Here is why I do that and think the people that don’t subscribe should reconsider.
Think about this over the past several years now, many small privately owned papers that were the lifeblood of the community they served were closed because subscribers and advertisers no longer supported the paper! So now those communities have to rely on a publication in larger communities of what is going on in their community, and how do you think that is working? To choose not to support the Times because you don’t like the editorials then you don’t have to read them and there is a lot more in the paper to read.
I would hate to have to rely on a paper, say in Carroll, for the things happening in Buena Vista County!
John Nordstrom, Alta
As an Alta resident since 1968, I’ve watched our community grow and change over the years, and one thing I’ve witnessed over the years is how vital the library is to our community. While I understand that big projects like this take time, I can’t help but feel disappointed that we haven’t yet been able to move forward with a new space for our library.
I want to take a moment to recognize the hard work of the library board and Gigi Nelson, our dedicated library director. These individuals have poured countless hours into this project. They’ve given it their all — more than 150% —working tirelessly on each new plan and reworking strategies after every setback. Every time they face a challenge, you can see their frustration, but they don’t give up. They keep coming together to try again, and their dedication is truly commendable.
The old hospital building was once a promising option for the new library. While it would have required a lot of work, it was an ideal location with ample space. Unfortunately, that plan didn’t move forward. The same is true for the old grocery store and the empty lot on Main Street. Those options are no longer available. Now we’re considering the Alta Park, and the library board is working with the park to explore this possibility. It’s encouraging that we’re exploring new options, so let’s move forward and see where this path takes us.
I also want to mention that the VFW building is only a temporary solution for the library, and it’s not fair to either the VFW or the library to remain there for another 3-4 years. I truly believe the old south end of the high school could be a wonderful library space, but I think we can all agree that waiting another two years just to secure the building, followed by another 1-2 years to convert it, is not ideal.
I fully understand that this is a significant project, and there are many factors to consider, including taxpayer dollars and the various regulations we need to follow. However, securing a location should be our first priority. Once we have that we can focus on securing grants, donations and the resources needed to bring this dream to life. Perhaps there’s a family in our community who might consider making a generous donation to help make it a reality.
Alta may be a small town, with a population of around 2,000, but did you know the library was used over 5,000 times in 2024 alone? That’s a testament to how much our community values the library. From story time for children, to yoga classes, crocheting sessions, puppet shows, visits from Santa and more, the library is an important gathering place for all ages. It’s a warm and welcoming space, offering everything from computers to coffee and tea. The library is truly the heart of our community.
If you’re someone who thinks, “I just look things up on my phone,” I’d encourage you to visit the library and see all the wonderful things you’re missing out on. The library is so much more than a place to check out books. It’s a hub of activity and a source of joy and connection for many of us.
Let’s come together as a community and decide soon. By 2026, we could have a new library that everyone in Alta can be proud of, a space that will serve our town for generations to come.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Lorinda Peterson, Alta
Nice to see John Cullen's column on meeting Jimmy Carter when the ex-president made his way to Iowa. Like most of my political heroes and people of interest, Carter was a complex man, who learned some lessons from his presidency, and made himself a better elder statesman, propagating his message of human rights across the globe, along with his altruism with Habitat For Humanity.
Even though he was hampered by a slagging economy, oil embargo and being somewhat of a visionary (he was the first to install solar panels on the roof of the White House, which Ronald Reagan promptly took down when he was elected into office), Carter moved forward with his agenda, even as his outlier status with the Washington elite barricaded some of his efforts.
Unfortunately, two glaring and polarizing events occurred under Carter’s watch which are still being debated today — giving Panama control of the canal through a ratified treaty, and providing military aid to the Salvadoran junta, which resulted in archbishop Oscar Romero’s assassination.
There’s a picture of Carter standing with presidents Obama, both Bushes and Clinton. Glaring into the camera, standing a good five feet away from that group of powerful men, well, that spoke volumes on Carter's willingness to speak out on the agendas of those folks whenever he felt the need (and of course, he had a few things to say to Trump during his first term).
A born-again Christian who strongly advocated for the separation of church and state, Carter was a deep thinker and moral debater who questioned everything he had done, or did do in the future, for the advancement and betterment of humanity. It takes tremendous ego, and a certain bull-headedness to run for one of the greatest offices on the planet. Jimmy Carter certainly had that, but those qualities were tempered by an ongoing self-awareness and self check throughout his 100 years to try to do the right thing.
Thanks again, John, for the memories.
Mick Polich, Storm Lake
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