116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Homers & Gomers
Staff Editorial
HOMERS - What's going right
FORECAST CLEARS:
A Creighton University forecast of Iowa's economy anticipates gains following five months of decline. Iowa's Business Conditions Index, a report measure, rose to 53.4 in December. When the Index figure is above 50, the economy is expected to grow during the following three- to six-month period.
' ' '
SAVING CHRISTMAS:
A Chicago couple had bad luck with a 'check engine” light, but good timing. Their car trouble happened as they were passing the Marion Police Department and, upon seeking help inside, the two received a hand from Officer Brian Davis, who has a mechanical background. They soon learned the light was warning about a spark plug coil and they'd be OK to continue driving into Illinois for Christmas dinner with family. ' ' '
TAX-FREE SENIORS:
After an eight-year phase-in, Iowa seniors finally have seen the last of income taxes against Social Security income. Returns for 2014 will be the first year that the tax is not applied to the earnings.
*****-*****-*****
GOMERS - What's going wrong
STINKING JUNK MAIL:
An Iowa woman is facing harassment charges after using a website that promised to anonymously ship cow dung on her behalf. The shipment was sent to neighbors with whom the woman had been quarreling, and she was quickly identified by local law enforcement.
' ' '
CUTTING THE CHEESE:
Although the Kalona Cheese Factory shut down a few months ago, retailer Cheese House remained in business through the end of 2014. The owner chose to close the business after more than 50 years in the community instead of complying with safety and environmental regulations. The closure could be a blow for tourism and, between the store and the factory, will end 75 jobs.
' ' '
NO FUNDS:
About 2,400 University of Northern Iowa employees have had a delay in their direct deposits. The university is delivering paper checks to the employees' financial institutions and many weren't expected to receive their pay until at least Friday, Jan. 2. The mishap, according to UNI officials, was a computer glitch that still is being investigated.
' Comments: editorial@thegazette.com or (319) 398-8262.
The Kalona Cheese Shop is shown on its last day of business in Kalona on Wednesday, December 31, 2014. Ankeny-based Proliant Dairy Ingredients, which shares ownership with owners John and Joanne Roetlin of Kalona, decided to close the shop, John Roetlin said. 'It isn't closing because we didn't have the business.' The shop had been operating since 1954. The Kalona Cheese Factory closed its doors in September. (Adam Wesley/The Gazette)
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com
Daily Newsletters