The Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa

A bit of everything on Thursday's stage of RAGBRAI
INDEPENDENCE _ Hills and flats, urban areas and country roads.
RAGBRAI a chance to hook up with family members and friends
CEDAR FALLS _ More than halfway done!
A much easier day on RAGBRAI
HAMPTON _ While Monday's RAGBRAI route was challenging, Tuesday's proved to be rather easy.
A long, but bearable, day at RAGBRAI
HUMBOLDT _ Monday's 77.4 mile ride to Humboldt is the longest of 2007 RAGBRAI, and it certainly felt like it considering the headwind the riders faced whenever traveling south.
Cigarette tax can achieve only one goal
From 2000 to 2006, only twice did a state legislature opt to raise its cigarette tax by $1 per pack — Maine in 2001 and Montana in 2005. This information is brought to us by the Federation of Tax Administrators, which also tells us that, as of Jan. 1, 2006, Iowa’s 36 cents per pack ranks 42nd in the country, tied with Louisiana.
Many issues roll into district calendar discussion
There is a debate brewing in the Clinton School District between administrators and educators, and it all boils down to one simple item: the district calendar and, specifically, inservice days set aside for mandatory staff development.
Not a pretty city budget picture
Welcome to the job, Gary Boden. On your first day as Clinton City Administrator Monday, you had the unpleasant task of telling the City Council its general fund balance is in dire condition and called for a tight budget for at least the next two years.
Fair Share capable of derailing entire legislative session
Perhaps the words Fair Share don’t scare you yet — but they should. Not because of what the bill floating around the Iowa Statehouse could mean to non-union workers covered by union contracts, but because of what Fair Share could do to the entire legislative session.
Time, price are right for jail study
One of the most common criticisms of government bodies is that they aren’t run like a private business or a single-family household. But those criticisms tend to be levied when it comes to spending money. When the issues are open meetings or accountability, we rightfully demand much more from elected officials than private businessmen.
Price to be paid for seeking personal gain
When the main building at the Deer Ridge Apartments burned to the ground in early December, the days and weeks that followed were filled with stories of people coming to the aid of residents, offering food, money, clothing and shelter to more than 60 people who lost everything in a matter of hours.
Welcome to Clinton, Mr. Campbell
Dear Kent Campbell,
Welcome to Clinton. We’re sure you’re excited to be hired as the new president of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and, although you don’t officially start work until Monday, assume you’re anxious to hit the ground running.
Time to have the statewide local option sales tax debate
Here’s a little government 101 lesson for those who may be interested. Although it may seem terribly basic — fundamental, even — it remains an important thing for people to understand.
Why have odor complaints declined?
There has been a fair amount of discussion since we printed a story about Clinton’s odor hotline under the banner headline “Odor complaints decrease.” All of it has centered around a very important question: Why?
Proceeding with caution is best possible plan
When it comes to the ongoing investigation of alleged employee wrongdoing at the Clinton County 911 call center, there are only two facts worth knowing:
Cost of hospital care is very, very confusing
Monday’s front page featured three stories about the cost of medical care, centered around a new Web site produced by the Iowa Hospital Association that aims to allow comparison shopping for hospital treatments.
There really is room for improvement
When we ran a five-column, front page headline about the downtown and Lyons business districts Saturday that read “Room for improvement,” we anticipated some negative response from the people whose life work is to promote those two parts of Clinton.
Time to take action on new garbage system
It has been 13 months since we called for the Clinton City Council to begin the process of converting to an automated waste collection system as a way to save homeowners time and money.
Many sides to complex issue
The Clinton City Council’s Internal Operations Committee meets on an as-needed basis, meaning it sits idle for months, if not years, at a time.
Making the community better
The 14th Clinton Citizen Police Academy class has its first meeting Feb. 8, and the CPA Alumni group has elected its officers for the coming year.
Time for answers in South Clinton
Of all the things that were made abundantly clear at Tuesday’s Clinton City Council meeting, the most alarming is simply how much is unknown by both the city and its residents in the South Clinton neighborhood.
Welcome to Clinton, Mr. Boden
Dear Gary W. Boden,
Welcome to Clinton.
A good chance for the public to be heard
There is a public hearing at the beginning of tonight’s Clinton City Council agenda and, unlike in most cases, we expect the public to be present and heard.
A significant moment in Iowa’s history
Amidst the flurry of activity at the Iowa Statehouse on Jan. 8 — the first day of the new legislative session with a horde of freshly elected Senators and Representatives — a few moments were set aside to be spent on a significant moment in Iowa’s history.
Many questions about future of county landfill
It’s been a wild 10 months for the Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency, with two pressing questions about its future and many taxpayers wondering what hangs in the balance.

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