Homers

HELPING STUDENTS: The 12th annual back-to-school event by the Henry Davison Youth Center's provided 1,050 book bags stuffed with school supplies - up from 776 last year. The increase in demand was more than expected but organizers said more than 50 corporate and community sponsors dug deep to make sure families hit hard by the flood and layoffs could be helped.

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TIMELY GRADUATION: Iowa's three public universities have improved their graduation rates - how many first-time students graduate within six years of their start - from 3 to 5 percent over the past 15 years. Our schools rank well above the national average of 46.3 percent. We're also glad to see that Iowa school officials and regents aren't satisfied with 60-plus percentages and are working to improve rates.

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PRODUCTIVE FARMERS: Recent census data shows that one of every six Iowans is employed by agriculture or an ag-related industry. Agriculture accounts for more than one-fourth of our state's economy and often buffers us against the severe end of recessions. Our farmers are remarkably efficient and that's good for Iowans. Environmental legislation is increasingly important but legislators should not overly burden farmers.