Homers & Gomers

HOMERS - What's going right

FAREWELL, SALLY:

Congratulations to Sally Mason, president of the University of Iowa, who announced her retirement last week.

Mason, who was hired as the university's 20th president in 2007, will hang up her hat on Aug. 1. Her legacy includes a new UI Children's Hospital, a Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery building, a fine arts campus and a new residence hall.

' ' '

QUALITY WATER:

Cedar Rapids has secured a $2 million federal grant for watershed conservation. The funds will be used to make improvements to watersheds above the city with the goal of lowering the risk of future flooding in the city and improving water quality in Cedar Rapids.

' ' '

300 WINS:

Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids has reason to celebrate as basketball coach Tom Lilly picked up the 300th girls' basketball victory in the school's 17-year history. Lilly has been on the bench for each win. He acknowledged the staff, students and parents for the program's overall success.

' ' ' ' '

GOMERS - What's going wrong

YOU CAN'T WIN:

The director of security for Multi-State Lottery, Eddie R. Tipton of Norwalk, was arrested and charged with two counts of fraud. Tipton allegedly bought a winning Hot Lotto ticket valued at $16.5 million in 2010 and tried to claim the prize through fraud or deception. He was prohibited from playing Iowa Lottery games as an employee of a lottery vendor.

' ' '

TAKE THE CAKE:

The Iowa City Community School District seeks to change its policy on how birthdays are celebrated at its schools. Under one of the proposed policies, no treats would be allowed, but students could celebrate their special day by bringing a book to read to class.

' ' '

MENTAL HEALTH:

Gov. Terry Branstad announced his proposal to phase out services for the mentally ill at the Mount Pleasant and Clarinda institutions. He favors taking advantage of community providers, a mental health redesign and utilizing the two remaining accredited mental health institutions.

' Comments: (319) 398-8262 or editorial@thegazette.com