Janet A.

We all have goals that we strive for. My son, as usual, has taught me yet another lesson in life - this time about goals.

Many times on my way to work past my neighbors' houses, I have startled a gray rabbit that roams the neighborhood. He most likely lives under the neighbor's bushes. Once or twice it has startled me. I would jump out of my thoughts of what I had to do that day. The rabbit would be gone in a jerky flash and I would go on with planning my day.

A report came in around 6:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16, and the Philip fire whistle blew. While going to one fire near the Ottumwa Road east of Philip near Glen Hostutler's place, the Philip Volunteer Fire Department received a call of another fire near Milesville.

Two Philip trucks were diverted to join with the Milesville volunteers. Later, trucks from the Ottumwa Fire joined in the effort - an effort that demanded firefighters and equipment from 12 departments until after 3:30 a.m.

The Kelly Blair Fire "still has a lot of hot spots.

Last Tuesday's July 11th Haakon County Commissioner's meeting was highlighted by unexpected claims, a resignation and a proposed new campground.

During the reading of the claims that were payable were two submitted by Auditor Shirley Dennis. Dennis was seeking restitution of $100 for damage to her car. On June 6, election day, Dennis was posting notices on local businesses reminding residents that the polling place at the fire hall had been moved to the courthouse. A deer hit the car, damaging the car's windshield and body.

I was rooked into joining the Philip Volunteer Fire Department. I was rooked by myself. I did it. I blame myself, but I thank the other guys in the department. I now can't understand why more people don't volunteer.

As a reporter, I attended the monthly meetings of the Philip-area volunteers. I had gotten to know some of the people, especially Chief Marty Hansen and Assistant Chief Roger Williams.

Suddenly, I found myself eligible to become a member. I had attended three consecutive meeting, was in fair-to-average health, and had shown interest.

I was rooked into joining the Philip Volunteer Fire Department. I was rooked by myself. I did it. I blame myself, but I thank the other guys in the department. I now can't understand why more people don't volunteer.

As a reporter, I attended the monthly meetings of the Philip-area volunteers. I had gotten to know some of the people, especially Chief Marty Hansen and Assistant Chief Roger Williams.

Suddenly, I found myself eligible to become a member. I had attended three consecutive meeting, was in fair-to-average health, and had shown interest.

Dear Editor,

We, as concerned citizens of Haakon County, feel that the County Commissioners should represent the entire county, not just a few people with an agenda, no matter how worthy that agenda may be.

We commend the Friends of the Library for trying to improve the existing facility. We are opposed to the plan that was presented to us due to the location, size and cost.

During a recent meeting of the commissioners, the subject came up of when the library was officially accepted from a woman’s organization to Haakon County.

The surest way to know that you are old is to listen to your children.

My young son was watching pedestrians as we slowly drove through town. A distinguished senior on a conversational walk showed a careful gate, grey hair, and a braggable number of laugh lines. My son loudly noted, “Wow, he’s older than old.” I quickly drove away.

Decades ago, I was first called “old” when a girl caught me looking at a magazine cover displaying Rachel Welch (boy, I am old). The kid called me a dirty old man.

Marty Hansen, an all around great guy, is one of the most valuable assets to our community. Marty was raised in the Philip area. He pursued his career of taxidermy at the James Reinhart School of Taxidermy in Iowa. Following school, he returned to his hometown, and in 1976 opened Hansen’s Taxidermy. His work can be viewed in area homes and businesses, as well as across the nation.

Marty is known for wearing many hats in the community. As the Chief of the Philip Volunteer Fire Dept. since 1999, he has done an outstanding job.

During its meeting on Monday, July 10, the Philip Chamber of Commerce worked on finalizing the activities for Festival Days, August 3-6.

Philip might borrow parade ideas from other communities of lining up parade entries in reverse order so that the first float riders can see the rest of parade as it goes by, and the other float riders can see them.