Opinion

Whew!

My first few weeks as editor of your hometown newspaper have gone by in a flash. I certainly anticipated working through some growing pains and having daily drinks from a firehose, but the days have sped by.

Now that Congress has sent the “big, beautiful bill” to the president’s desk, our focus needs to turn to how we handle the aftermath of its implementation.

     We already know that in Iowa, at least 20 rural hospitals are seriously threatened with closing and six are almost certainly gone. The problem is greater than hospitals closing or individuals being denied immediate, necessary medical care. The impact is going to be felt by the communities that are home to those medical care centers.

Several dozen people gathered June 21 in Monticello for a citizen workshop the Grassroots Iowa Network organized to get more everyday Iowans engaged in the political process.

They spent the day listening to speakers and exchanging ideas and observations, without fear or reprisal. They lunched and learned.

Former officeholders and current office-seekers were there, too. So were people who have spent countless hours working on issues or on behalf of candidates.

To the Editor:

     “The only constant in life is change.”

     Three of my favorite Monticello people have some life changes coming up!

     Some may think Fr. Paul Baldwin is retiring as Sacred Heart’s priest – far from it! He’s been serving us for 12 years and in a few weeks will be transitioning to be the new pastor at the Emmaus Pastorate which includes five parishes: (Elkader, Colesburg, Volga, Edgewood, Strawberry Point). Whew!