Shenandoah Iowa City Hall Renovation

I've heard many residents of Shenandoah bewildered at the use of funds to renovate the City Hall approach. With other uses that tax payer money is going to it can be difficult for some to realize the purposes of some projects.

I advocate this use of funds. The end result of the plan is to have the City Hall more cosmetically coordinated with the downtown area. More importantly though it makes the City Hall entrance safer and more inviting for the Shenandoah residents and visitors.

The sidewalk has always been an eyesore and a safety hazard in my opinion. It's nothing short of a miracle that legal action hasn't been taken. At least none to my knowledge. The City Hall represents a communal ediface in which all who reside in it's jurisdiction should have equal opportunity and ease for entering therein.

I'm glad the city government took this action.

Community Service Initiative Builds America

Serving our fellow citizens is part of purpose and joy. We have so many people in our community willing to help when the call is given. Passing this great ethic and virtue on to the rising generation is an important responsibility for all adults. I've found that many of our youth who seek opportunities of community service lack the knowledge as to where to ask or find it.

I advocate an ongoingly publicized central initiative for youth, whether individually or as an organized group, to go to and receive ideas and projects to help the community. We have a few Boy Scout troops in the area. We can offer them ideas of what we feel the community needs most by way of service. Service helps them learn and to fulfill advancement requirements.

In addition, it's at my attention that a certain amount of documented community service hours are required to be rendered by our High School Seniors. It would be an excellent idea to give them a place to look for these opportunities.

Community service builds character and teaches lessons of selfless service toward others. This benefits the community in countless ways. From a budget perspective community service can help in that area as well. Most of these opportunities are accepted without monetary compensation yet are often recognized in the media. Given that coupled with a group of youth beautifying or benefitting the community is nothing short of a “win win” situation for everyone.

Again, I advocate the idea of a centralized portal where people can go to swiftly and effectively serve their community. There are few better ways to truly connect the community to those whom the community elected as their leaders and councils.   

Military Service of Aaron Green

Veterans Day is a very special day of the year. It is has a grounded place in my heart as well. My military service is vague to most people who know me. This article will serve as a clarification or history of my own brief military service.

My friend, Chris, and I left our homes when we were seventeen. Both disturbed by the pressures of the world and youth in general. We got ourselves an apartment and barely survived our Senior year of High School there. I admired Chris because he was more grounded and much more sure of his future. He wanted to be a doctor and I all but gave up on any kind of a future for myself.

I remember approaching Sergeant Trumble in our High School commons area. She was a recruiter representing the United States Army. Knowing my own personal plight it didn't take me long to put the pen to the paper. “Officially” the buddy program no longer existed but the option was there to get an automatic promotion to E2 status if we get another signed up. Chris wanted to be a doctor yet neither one of us had any money. Allured by the prospect of having paid education through military service Chris saw the wisdom in the decision and signed up as well.

Both of us officially entered the military under DEP on October 25, 1990. DEP stands for Delayed Enlistment Program. Both of us mid-termed our Senior year and shipped off to Basic Training at Fort Benning, Georgia on January 18, 1991.

At this time Iraq had already invaded Kuwait and tensions were high. While at boot camp we met occasion when our platoon was brought together. It was announced to us that we were now at war with Iraq. I remember watching the missiles light up the skies over Baghdad on CNN. I remember Drill Sergeant Davies telling us that we will be going over there. I was actually grateful for that news.

Anyhow, I never made it there. Not only did Desert Storm offer brief headlines but I also suffered a medical problem during training. Outside of what's commonly known as the “gas chamber” I fell down into an epileptic seizure. A condition unbeknownst to me I was completely bewildered when I briefly became conscious on the medivac helicopter. Drill Sergeant Raleigh said the epic words that would help define my future. “Son, you had a seizure.” All went fade to black after that until I awoke in the base hospital.

I was medically discharged March 5, 1991 from the United States Army. The entire incident left a big hole in my life and soul for many years. It took quite some time to realize the direction what Higher Power had in store for me. I left the base with $900 in my pocket and no firm direction. I could've gone anywhere and just disappeared. I'm grateful that the stronger power brought me back to the Midwest.

There are those who consider me a part of the brotherhood of military who have served. I do not and cannot since I didn't serve in the capacity I intended to serve originally. Back in 2007 or so I did inquire at the Shenandoah National Guard Armory about reenlisting. However, knowing what my discharge status was from 1991 I knew that I was ineligible for such an honor. Even today just as in Desert Storm I watch servicemen come and go to active tour and a part of my heart goes with them. Though not enough I hope it will serve as much for the time being.

To this day I remain a patriot loyal and true. Though unable to serve militarily I have helped in other capacities. In the past I have helped organize efforts to assemble and ship school kits for Iraqi children. Perhaps to serve here at home and abroad in other capacities is the direction I was intended to take. I believe that America and those who defend it have a divine protection and foundation that qualifies them for greatness if worthy. I believe this country and it's military have a high standard to uphold. To be an example of liberty and personal conviction is an inherent duty and responsibility of a service member. The fruits of freedom in the eyes of those who don't have it demonstrate the potential of man. This is the example that propels them to greatness. It's the heart of a volunteer! It's that same heart that triumphed the first responders at 9/11 and it's the same heart that sets men free of tyrant leaders around the globe.

We are America!

Missouri River Flood and Super Wal-Mart Construction

At the 9-13 Shenandoah City Council the Iowa Department of Transportation unveiled plans to increase a third lane for traffic northbound turning into the Walmart construction sight.  Plans are moving ahead and the equipment is running.

This segment of the meeting turned lengthy as it led into discussion of dangerous traffic on Highway 59 especially due to the Interstate 29 closure.  The Iowa DOT admitted that they haven't done a traffic count along 59 since probably 2008.  Shenandoah Police Chief announced that traffic has increased three-fold since the detour took affect.  The DOT may utilize resources to check the traffic count north and southbound on 59, but they are firm that the third lane will be built.

A suggestion came up during the meeting that we need to investigate into the possibility of installing traffic cameras in a couple locations on Highway 59 within the Shenandoah city limits.  Though becoming unpopular in places such as California these cameras may benefit the cause of safety for the effected stretch of road.

I am for this idea of traffic cameras.  The pressures on truck drivers is understandable.  They are squeezed for time on an already tight schedule.  The detour doesn't help any.  However, safety must and should always prevail especially within city limits.  I don't mean to focus on truck drivers but rather local resident drivers as well.  This matters to not only fellow drivers but also to the safety of pedestrians.  There are a great many Shenandoah residents who's occupation is located at Orchard Corners or the several businesses along Highway 59.  Walking this stretch of road is extremely dangerous and hazardous.

The entire stretch of road is a disaster waiting to happen.  In order to control the situation steps must be taken to tone down the speed and and level of aggressive driving currently taking place.  It's not just "through" traffic. Because of the detour many of the businesses have prospered under single to double digit percentage increase in business.  We've got through traffic as well as increased traffic turning onto 59 that must be considered.

All our fears up to this point have been aimed at the recent history of the detour affects.  Now compound on that the fact that we are fast approaching the snow and ice season.

I advocate an extra stoplight at the intersection of 59 and the south entrance to Orchard Corners and/or the installation of traffic cameras both there and also at the current stoplight by Mondo's.  I'd strongly suggest that from now into the foreseeable future and beyond we all take extra care in our surroundings while driving the new "Interstate 59."

9/11 Terrorist Attacks Felt in the Midwest Heartland of Iowa

September 11, 2001 – 9/11 – 911, or whatever else it may be called. Few epic moments define our modern world and the United States of America. Arbitrarily, the Republic was shaken to the core in downtown New York City. I remember that day though it was a couple thousand miles away in the Midwest. As I reflect may I offer a few observations for the future.

I was working in a warehouse in the small community of Riverton, Iowa. Riverton has always jokingly and seriously been known as the town that floods when it sprinkles. Situated squarely between Shenandoah and Hamburg, Riverton resides right on the Nishnabotna River. The setting is given when we heard that the north tower had been struck. That was a pivotal moment in the American psyche, that was to define the following course of this country. During those moments we didn't know if it was an accident or an act of terrorism. We wanted to believe in an accident. Why? Because the thought of terrorism was too large, too coordinated and quite frankly too Hollywood to be real. We've lived so long in a “comfort zone” and just survived the bloated “dot com” boom that our own pride prevented the consideration of the worst.

There was no television in the warehouse so we intently and quietly listened to the radio for developments. Constantly the media projected numbers. Numbers, numbers, a ceaseless string of numbers! “Up to 60,000 may be dead!” Though physically we were not in the center of the circus of vertigo in New York City, emotionally we were connected as one nation in peril. THAT - was the bonding glue that will survive the United States of America now and in the future as it did at that moment.

I remember my supervisor coming in a while later and with a degree of fear and anger.  She said that another plane struck the tower. She, herself, a long time military patriot hearkened the innate call of danger. At that moment we didn't know that it was the other tower that had been struck. We continued to listen intently for confirmation of the second plane. The resolve was all but complete – the United States of America had been attacked. Whether we liked it or not we were now at war with an army most vague to identify.

Andrew Card informs President Bush the U.S. is under attack.

The confident heart fell as if in a refiner's fire when the news came that the towers crumbled to the ground. The towers came down but the curtains opened up to a future unknown. So vulnerable we felt. So open and helpless became the individual American. So unprepared was this people as we lingered in disbelief.

After work I hurried home to view the constant updates and rehash on the news channel. Time and time again like so many I watched the reruns of the falling towers. For days the numbers varied and finally settled to a number.

Not long after the symbol of the world financial institution fell I strongly noticed how still the sky was. Following protocol the President of the United States was taken to a safe military bunker. Yet, soon thereafter orders manifest that all aircraft were to be grounded.

Those white streams in the sky from the wake of a plane's exhaust disappeared altogether. Especially for a person out in the rural country those planes represent civilization and the surety that America is vibrant and moving. In other words “business as usual.” Suddenly in just a few minutes of epic event, American skies were just thrown back to the 18^th century when all that occupied therein were the birds. Yet, even the birds seemed more somber and reserved. It was as if a divine power which blanket this great nation called upon all life to mourn.

The rest is history but that is where I was. No wonderful activity or spectacular place that I was. Yet, equally important as all other American stories mine will live in infamy as a chapter in my life to be shared with my own children and grandchildren.

I will not discuss religious doctrines or political thoughts. I will share, however, what my life has taught me of this great nation. For current society and posterity sake may it serve to expand wider fields to view.

We are a wealthy nation. Yes, we do have pride here as well perhaps even to a dangerous level. We are also the most charitable and helpful nation on earth. Whether we are liked as a nation or not, we are still indisputably sought out and looked toward for leadership and example. We have a mighty military commissioned to protect our own as well as allied nations. We have massive social deficiencies but the foundation, though weakening, principles of this nation remain in the hearts of so many.

Should this not be so? In such a whirlwind world should we not count it as an inspired gift that we have a country constructed in such a way as to encourage and foster leadership and worthy attributes? The basic heart of man is good and true. If that heart is given the opportunity to thrive it will change it's world. This is what liberty has profited us. Our country has been outlined to provide man liberty and freedom. That liberty and freedom enables happiness. Happiness derives from personal initiative in the progress of work and family. Liberty naturally wants to expand because that happiness in the heart compels the host to share it and testify of it.

We as Americans wear the robes of liberty. How we exercise it determines their colors. Liberty thrives only when connected from one heart to the next – and the next. When we as a nation are bonded as one - liberty cannot be conquered. After the attack a decade ago we were “one” for a time. That oneness is what gave us resolution of heart. It's what gave us the will to stand on our borders, arms locked, till death if the need were to arise for the preservation of our country and spirit of liberty.

We have a duty attached to the expensive liberty which we are to cherish. We have the duty to preserve order by participating in local, state and even federal government and policy making. We have a duty to be willing to protect and preserve this nation and it's tenets. We have a duty to raise our families to the best of our abilities with our posterity's interest at heart. It is the rising generation that will carry the banners of family and liberty forth into the future.

I love this country! I love what it has provided me and my family. I love the responsibility placed upon me even by the cries of our Founding Fathers from the grave. I love that we are able to clasp hands in fellowship even though we may have differing faiths. I love the liberty-inspired free enterprise and free market degree that we have. It's what helps to foster personal growth, expansion and happiness.

I hereby testify that we are a truly inspired nation. That inspiration put to pen so many years ago is born into the hearts of every true American whether domestic born or immigrant. With this liberty we can rise above the political turmoil which we now suffer. Life doesn't have to be complicated. The principles of liberty and freedom are not difficult to understand. Any institution, organization or branch of society that pins it's will against it's own people in a direction of misdirection and confusion is not born of liberty.

We of strong hearts and compassionate minds have the commission, ourselves, to make the difference in this world. Let us all get out there and serve our fellow citizens with love and concern. As our conviction toward our neighbor strengthens our flag will indeed blind all those powers who wish to bring our banner to it's knees. Long may the flag wave pure and happy!

New Stop Signs in Shenandoah Iowa

This post is concerning my views on the new stop signs erected throughout the city afforded on behalf of the school district. There are many grumblings of the inconvenience surrounding this action. Claims are made that it even presents danger instead of preventing accidents. On the other side, voice is heard that it makes for a welcome addition to the overall safety and awareness of not only the students but also pedestrians in general.

This post will be short, sweet and to the point. It is true, and I do admit, that it was an incovenience to me to remember to stop at these signs. Especially meeting Nishna off of Center and also eastbound on Nishna. The many years of common driving has dulled the need to be watchful of signs and warnings. In fact i've noticed that more people watch for vacinity police than they do proper heeding to the signs at hand.

We are not only Americans, residents of Iowa and contributors to the community of Shenandoah we are coexisting human beings. Being such we are the most adaptable yet most complacent life forms on earth. Part of our growth physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and academically is the willingness to learn and adapt. When the economy is in dark times we eventually learn to cut down on our expenses and resort to food storage techniques and more disciplined spending. When storms come, many of us tend to come out of our shells to help clean up a neighbor's property. The learning process, especially when it involves inconvenience, should be a joy and a challenge to anyone who wants to grow and further develop.

In my own experience over the past few weeks of the new stop signs i've entered a change. Being compelled to slow down has offered less tension while driving. In fact the slower pace has offered a more enjoyable ride. I now welcome these new signs to the city of Shenandoah. Yes, for the benefit of all pedestrians but mostly for the compelling need to change from within.

As an added note, the Shenandoah Police Department has been very lenient and understanding during this time of transition. They do continue to ask that all drivers exercise increased caution and awareness of all city signs.