Writer “forfeits” her previous view

of wrestling-Observations of an amateur spectator

By Ellen Johnson

I have been to five wrestling meets in my life. I attended one while in college as I had a short-term crush on one of the wrestlers. The other was a few years ago in Monona, as I wanted to see some of my former third graders perform. A few weeks ago, I drove to Garnavillo to watch a junior high gathering. My most recent experiences occurred last week.

I will admit wrestling makes me uncomfortable. My bottom lip was even sore after last week from biting it with tension. I get nervous about all the grabbing, grunting, twisting, pushing and pulling. I keep thinking that one of the boy’s necks will break or a leg or arm will snap in two. Read what changes this writer's attitude toward wrestling in this week's Press.

Iowa Make-A-Wish Dubuque Committee

creates life-changing experiences for area children

By Ellen Johnson

For most people, wishes are made upon stars, by breaking the wishbone from the Thanksgiving turkey or by blowing out the candles on their birthday cake. However, these wishes have little chance of becoming a reality.

Donna (Ludovissy) Kuhlman of Colesburg, does all she can to make wishes come true for children of northeastern Iowa. She is a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Iowa, working with the Dubuque Committee.  Read the rest of the story in this week's Press.

Auditor's  office now offering passports

By Pat McTaggart

Freelance Journalist

Due to changes in federal regulations, the Clayton County Auditor's Office is now accepting passport applications. 

The County Recorder's Office had been issuing the applications, but it had to terminate that service in May of last year.  About 350-400 applications went through the office during the course of a year.

"The new regulations would not let the same person that has access to birth records issue the applications," Recorder Sue Meyer said.  "Because of the configuration of our office, there was no way we could comply with those regulations. Therefore, we had to send applicants to neighboring counties that could comply."

Issuance of passport applications from the Auditor's Office began in late December.  Members of the office had to go through an online training program to get certified to issue the forms.

"Persons wanting an application should either bring their checkbook or have a money order that is made out to the Department of State," said Peggy Lane, who works in the office.  "It should also be remembered that it takes 4-6 weeks to receive a passport once the application is made unless you pay additional expedite fees."

Passports are $110 for adults and $80 for minors 17 or under.  There is also an additional $25 fee for each application.  The expedite fee is $60.  The applicant can also pay a $12.72 overnight fee.  Persons 16 and under must be accompanied by parents when applying.

Persons planning to travel outside the U.S. can apply for passports at the Auditor's Office, located in the Clayton County Courthouse, from 8:00 a.m.- 4:40 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Questions regarding the application process can be answered by calling 563-245-1106 or emailing dfreitag@claytoncountyia.gov.  For online international travel information regarding the passport process go to: www.travel.state.gov.

Feb. 18 reception for Molly Moser

Works by artist Molly Moser of Des Moines are currently on display at the Shepherd Gallery in the Creativity Center in Guttenberg. The artist will be there for a closing reception on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The public is invited to meet her and view the display.

Moser, a native of Guttenberg, is a graduate of Clayton Ridge High School and the  University of Iowa. She now works in the education department at the Des Moines Art Center.

The Shepherd Gallery is located on the first floor of the Creativity Center in the historic Albertus building across from the school.

More information about the artist will appear in next week's issue.