Homers -- What's going right

STUDENTS SHARE, HELP: A group of 16 Mount Mercy University students in the MBA program, led by two professors at the Cedar Rapids school, took their knowledge of business practices to Belize, a country on the northeast coast of Central America, last month. They partnered with several small entrepreneurs and helped them improve their sales.

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FIREFIGHTER NETWORK: The Cedar Rapids Fire Department will improve its communications network thanks to qualifying for a $397,144 federal grant. The new network will connect the city's new Central Fire Station with the city's eight district fire stations, improving efficiency and cutting training expenses while enabling firefighters in district stations to stay in their districts for some training and meetings without having to come to a central location.

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EXCEPTIONAL:The Linn County Sheriff's Office has had a commendation program for two decades, recognizing law officers and other staff for exceptional actions and service. It's a good way to inform the public about the many remarkable people who serve and protect us. See stories about the latest nine people to be recognized at www.thegazette.com.