Published August 07, 2009 10:16 pm -
Job Corps, Hall of Fame big news for us
Letter from the editor
By Judy Krieger, Courier Editor
Sunday is a big day in Ottumwa. It’s not often that a member of the President’s Cabinet comes to town. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will accompany our own Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin to help with groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Job Corps.
The event starts at noon at the site near the Indian Hills Community College buildings at Ottumwa Regional Airport.
Just look for all the activity.
The public is invited, and we hope that a lot of Ottumwa area people will show up to enjoy the occasion and to demonstrate our support for the new Job Corps.
It will be a fine addition to our community and give over 500 students training opportunities for skilled jobs.
Many of those students will live on campus, and the project also means over 100 instructors will be required.
The facility should be open some time next year.
Again, we congratulate all the county and city leaders and Indian Hills officials for their diligence in bringing a Job Corps to Ottumwa.
On a not so pleasant note, we are dismayed that gizzard shad have been found in Lake Wapello, especially since it may have been done intentionally.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources drained the lake near Drakesville last year in an effort to eliminate invasive fish such as the shad.
This year, the lake was refilling, but unfortunately, DNR officials found evidence of the shad. Therefore, they’ve had to lower the level of the lake to wipe out the new shad population.
That makes it hard on fishermen and women who enjoy fishing at the lake and for everyone who enjoys the lake’s amenities.
If someone or more than one intentionally put the shad into the lake, shame on you. Not only is it illegal, it’s a mean thing to do and hurts many people who enjoy the state park and its lake.
On Friday, an anonymous donor added $500 to the $1,000 the DNR is offering for information to catch the culprit, if there is one. The donation is to be commended. Many people want the problem solved, and we’re glad people are working on it.