Homers -- What's going right

JUDGES PITCH IN: Cheers to several female judges in Linn and other counties across the state who are raising funds among themselves to provide books and toys for children visiting their mothers or other relatives at the state prison for women in Mitchellville. Judges noted the importance of inmates who are mothers to be able to see their children and interact with them through play.

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GRAND SCHOOL: Parents, students and other residents in the Independence Community School District celebrated the grand opening of their new junior/senior high school on Sunday. The $27.5 million project added 170,000 square feet for state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs and offices, along with a gymnasium and 700-seat auditorium. It features a skylight system that provides natural daylight. Voters signaled their support and confidence in the future by approving a bond issue in 2011 to fund the project.

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NATION'S LOWEST DEBT: Iowans' credit card debt per capita was the lowest in the nation for the second quarter of this year. The average per Iowan was $3,885. Alaska was highest at $6,910.

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