Community SaluteA few weeks have passed since the opening of the Martha Parsons Family Activities Complex/Armstrong Family Field. All of Mount Vernon has been walking or driving past the site north of the high school for the past year watching in amazement while it was being built and now it is completed. What a great weekend for Mount Vernon! Who didn’t enjoy the parade with the new route? And the opening ceremony on Thursday night recognized the great accomplishment of having this new facility, but also paid tribute to the people and the space that preceded this one. How moving were the stories of the alumni speakers at the high school assembly Friday morning?
You could feel the energy in the air before the first game Friday night. For fans-making the decision from where to watch the game-what area of the stadium seating are you establishing for your family or what spot along the fence. The first cheer, the first National Anthem, the first fight song-the list goes on and on. There on the field, the excitement of a new competition against a talented opponent and getting all those “first” time events memorialized. Plus, all this on a beautiful evening with a beautiful moon. There was much to celebrate that weekend and everyone probably has their own “best experience.”
While all these were great to be a part of for that first weekend of activities, my personal favorite is a little different. What struck me most was on the donor wall to the left of the entrance. In the story of what got the Mount Vernon School District to this point was the statement that “just under $3 million” was raised on this $7 million project. That level of private donation-over 40%- is phenomenal. Not going to a bond election and still getting such a facility is a tribute to the philanthropic spirit in our community. From the 2006 High School opening, to the Performing Arts Center to the Lester Buresh Wellness Center to this Mustang Activities Complex-what a track record!
A very wise mayor told me several decades ago, “there is no more fundamental form of economic development in a small community than investment in public infrastructure”. Congratulations and thank you Mount Vernon.
Tom Wiseler
Mount Vernon

Thanks to all for Lincoln Highway Arts Festival

The September 23 Lincoln Highway Arts Festival happened because lots of local folks volunteered their time, talent and treasure! From the volunteers on the Mount Vernon Area Arts Council board of directors (and their friends & neighbors) to the Cornell wrestlers and cheerleaders, this event is a labor of love. I can probably say that about the participating artists as well–many of whom return year after year more for the camaraderie and community than for the sales! Thank you all.
Marie Devries
Mount Vernon

Support locally endorsed candidates for school board

There should be a concern that our local community and school board is losing control of our public school system.
As everyone knows, the Iowa State Legislature has passed legislation to allow public funds to be used by students attending private schools, thus reducing the amount of state funds available for public schools.
In addition, a candidate is running for the Mount Vernon School Board that is being endorsed by a Linn County chapter of a national organization, Moms for Liberty. Local, public school boards should consist of only locally endorsed members.
For the upcoming election, please support candidates that are running on their own or with any endorsements that are from within the local community.
Ed Bjork
Mount Vernon