Saturday night, Oct. 31, the cities of Kalona, Wellman and Riverside are encouraging youngsters to Trick or Treat responsibly between the hours of 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children are encouraged to social distance and wear masks.  They should allow other children to leave a home before approaching.

Residents of all three towns are asked to turn on their porch or front door lights if they have candy or other safe treats for the children wishing to Trick or Treat. The treats should be safely prepackaged.

Th Kalona Optimists, out of concerns for the coronavirus or COVID-19, have decided NOT to have a halloween party and costume contest this year. Plans are underway for the party at the Kalona YMCA in 2021.

Instead the Kalona Optimists have sponsored a coloring contest among the Mid-Prairie elementary students. Those posters are now being judged and the winners will be announced in The News in two weeks. Prizes for the students will be given to the Elementary principals for distribution. Winning posters will be printed for each grade level.

• • •

Everyone who is eligible to vote is encouraged to do so on Tuesday, Nov. 3. No matter who you support, we encourage you to vote. There is a clear choice and the future of our country is now up to the voters casting their ballot. Please make sure you take the time to exercise your right to vote.

• • •

Each year the negative advertising is getting worse. I have just about worn out the mute button every time a commercial for a political candidate comes on. We used to enjoy watching the nightly news, but there is little news and no real need to turn the television on. Or we watch shows without commercials. I don’t know why the politicians spend so much money on television advertising, as most people ignore and dislike all the negative ads.

First, politicians should only be allowed to advertise their qualifications and intentions when they get in office instead to blast negative ads about their opponents. Second, there needs to be some limit on the amount of advertising, especially by out-of-state political groups, and funds that can be spent on advertising. Just think about how much social good could be done to feed and clothe the down and out if those billions of dollars were donated to help people instead of trashing the other candidate. It is a big waste of money. Especially since the politicians can’t agree on positive legislation to help this country.

• • •

Next week The News will publish its annual edition with photos of area veterans. We want to thank the families who submitted photos of the veterans as well as all the area businesses and organizations who are sponsoring this popular special section.

We and our sponsoring advertisers very much appreciate the dedicated service of these and all other veterans to help protect and preserve our nation.

• • •

The staff of The News has been working hard to provide our communities with the news of Kalona, Wellman, Riverside and Lone Tree. We have been covering schools, city councils and sports as well as other news and features that we can find.

We would appreciate it if you would continue to inform us about special events and other special news concerning you. Please help keep us informed with news and photo tips.

• • •

Our congratulations to the Mid-Prairie High School Girls Cross Country team for winning the conference and district championships. They qualified all seven runners to the state meet. The Mid-Prairie Boys Cross Country team placed second and also qualified seven harriers to run in the state run. We wish all fourteen runners who qualified for the state meet in Fort Dodge on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The News will be publishing a special recognition edition for the cross country teams and those who worked so hard to produce the Mid-Prairie High School Drama Departments fall play on Nov. 11. Those wishing to congratulate dedicated athletes and accomplished drama students, please contact The News.