Homers: What's going right

CLINIC STEPS UP: Health professionals and other volunteers at the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids came through for another of our neighbors in need. The eye clinic division. established in January 2008, restored Larry Benters' vision after his years of declining health and financial problems. About 800 patients have been helped at the eye clinic.

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FAST-TRACK HEAT: After the latest fire erupted at the former Sinclair packinghouse in Cedar Rapids, the city sent an urgent request and it was heard. Federal Emergency Management Agency and state officials fast-tracked approval, including financing, of demolition of most buildings at the site. Takes a fire to light a fire, it seems. In this case, the air-polluting, hard-to-snuff blaze likely advanced the demolition schedule by years.

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LEADERSHIP: Lane Plugge must still grapple with big challenges such as budget cuts and redistricting before leaving the Iowa City school district June 30 to head up the Area Education Agency in the Council Bluffs area. For now, credit Plugge for providing calm leadership, accessibility and guidance for the district through a period of rapid growth during his 11 years as superintendent.