Homers

BIG RAISE FOR HOIBERG: After a terrific season that ended with a run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA basketball tournament, Iowa State University wasted no time in rewarding men's Head Coach Fred Hoiberg with a raise. We can debate the merits of paying millions to college coaches, but that's the reality of big time sports. And we can't blame ISU for wanting to keep the 'The Mayor” in office for as long as possible.

lll

RADON TESTING IN SCHOOLS: State lawmakers put the finishing touches on legislation that encourages Iowa's school districts to create and report their plans to test for and mitigate radon gas, a known cause of lung cancer. The bill, which is on its way to Gov. Terry Branstad's desk, doesn't go as far as the original bill, which would have required schools to test. But it's a good step, and we hope all districts follow the recommendation.

lll

CLOBBER THE AUDITOR: Most elected officials aren't exactly keen to take shots from the public, but Johnson County Auditor Travis Weipert is an exception. He allowed himself to be bombarded by water balloons last week as part of a nationwide effort to raise money for Landon Shaw, a five-moth old Tarkio, MO., boy diagnosed with cancer. Weipert's soaking raised a swift $105. Now, he can challenge someone else to get soaked.

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