Letters to the Editor: Kiwanis gives thanks

HyNoon Kiwanis Club of Storm Lake says thank you For helping to make the 12th Annual “Storm the Lake” Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon a success!

We wish to extend a big “thanks” to our sponsors! 

Gold Sponsors: Central Bank, Citizens First National Bank, Security Trust and Savings Bank, Tyson Turkey Division, Lakeshore Cyclery, Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, Northwest Iowa Bone, Joint and Sports Surgeon, Guarantee Gutter, VT Industries and United Bank of Iowa.

Silver Sponsors: DeAnda Auto Sales, Hamilton Law Firm, Members Mutual Insurance, State Farm Insurance, Sugar Bowl, Brown’s Shoe Fit,  Storm Lake Candy Company, Wind and Solar Specialist.

Bronze Sponsors: American Family Insurance, Smokin’ Hereford BBQ, Zone Home Entertainment, Al’s Liquors, Anytime Fitness, Al’s Liquors, Hy-Vee Food Store, Marcus Lumber, Paxton’s Jewelry, Meridian Mfg., Super 8, Zimmy’s Bar and Grille, Reding’s Gravel and Excavating, Rent-All,Inc., ISG, BV Glass and Paint, Dan Connell-Attorney at Law, Malarky’s Bar and Grill, McNaughton Wealth Management, Merrill Manufacturing.

Special thanks to: City park staff, city street department, county road department, King’s Pointe Resort, Iowa DNR, Storm Lake Police Department, Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Department and BVRMC EMT staff, members of Buena Vista University soccer team, Storm Lake Bakery, Grand Central East, Bomgaars, Fareway, Dunham’s Sports, Hibbett Sprots, Russ Chrischilles-physical therapist, KAYL Radio, Storm Lake Times Pilot, Sophia Gonzalez for singing the National Anthem and the many volunteers and to the 90 athletes who participated.

We are grateful to everyone who helped us with this Storm Lake HyNoon Kiwanis project of building a new children’s park at Fifth and Russell Street, and to help support children and youth programs in Storm Lake.

Duane Queen, Director

Reynolds hostile to families

There’s Iowa nice, and there’s Iowa stubborn.  When it comes to making sure that Iowa kids can play and learn without hunger pains, Governor Reynolds is clearly in the latter camp.

First she rejected federal money for SNAP benefits. Then she instituted a bureaucratic grant program for a tiny fraction of that money.  Then she proposed a nanny-state scheme to deliver uniform boxes of food to qualifying families without regard to religious, cultural, or health restrictions for food allergies or intolerances. What a waste of our tax dollars to create and transport pre-packaged boxes, and what a distrust of Iowans to shop according to their individual needs. Reynolds’ hostility to families who need a hand is breathtaking.

According to The Gazette, more than 3,500 Iowans signed a petition urging the governor to direct state agencies to apply for participation next year in a federal food assistance program for low-income children.  Iowa Senate Democrats last year introduced legislation requiring the state of Iowa to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s summer free and reduced lunch program. Food pantries across Iowa are reporting increased demand and decreased donations.

Summer is over, but it’s not too late to contribute whatever you can afford to CommUnity Food Bank or other pantries in your neighborhood. And ask the governor to be less stubborn when it comes to the well-being of Iowa kids.

Dave Leshtz, Iowa City