We’re tough here in Wapello County. Even while we’re battling rising river levels and literally trying to keep our heads above water, we hold to tradition and strive to find the rainbow after the storms.

Here is a big accolade for the folks in Eldon who were sandbagging and evacuating areas one day and finding the time to celebrate the annual Gothic Days on June 14. We’re sure it was a tricky decision to make, but it looks like you made the right one. It turned out to be a lovely day and the folks who could attend the festival, did.

Sometimes even in the worst of times, we need to take time to remember our blessings. By holding the festival, you showed Eldon’s spirit of perseverance.

The same goes for this week’s Wapello County Regional Fair.

That, too, was a tough decision; whether to hold the fair despite the Des Moines River covering part of Water Street in Eldon and blocking the front entrance to the fairgrounds.

As one fair-goer said, well, what’s the problem — you just use the back entrance off Highway 16.

The carnival moved a ways to drier ground, and all the events were planned to go on as scheduled.

We hope there is a good crowd for Lonestar tonight. The fair always has great grandstand entertainment.

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We’re hearing from several people how much they appreciated National Guard members coming to Ottumwa to help with the flood efforts.

It is a feeling of security knowing that Guard members are around and know what to do in emergencies.

If anything else the last few years have brought, it is a renewed feeling of patriotism of most Americans. It doesn’t matter if we are anti-Iraq war or think it should be completed, we all remain proud of our service men and women who so valiantly risk their lives for those of us who stay at home.

And another big thanks for all the volunteers who have worked hard these past couple weeks. We commend your efforts.