WHERE IS THIS GOING?

     Honestly, I don't have a clue. Don't know where this is headed.
     Lots of things rolling around in this old noggin and no set plan in place.
     In this edition, the Kornerman is a "ramblin' man."
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     For many years, I've thought how very fortunate we sports fans are to be able to sit in the comfort of our living room, beverage in hand and enjoying the greatest sports events ever on huge television screens.....at no cost, except what we paid, monthly, to various TV outlets.
     Then, my amazement at this "gift" increased substantially as I read of the tremendous upsurge in salaries being paid to big time athletes and coaches.
     How in the world can this "free lunch" continue.?
     Well, I think we're starting to see significant signs that it will NOT continue. Pay TV, separate payment for each individual event you want to see, seems closer and closer each day.
     My Chicago Cubs situation is a good example. For years, its been as simple as turning a TV knob to watch the cubbies in action from any location.......for no charge above normal monthly cable fees.
     But, as predicted, someone in the Cubs organization finally decided a new revenue source was needed to pay the exorbitant players/managers/etc salaries.
     Thus, a year or so ago, the Cubs threw longtime TV/radio partner, WGN, "under the bus" and began their own Marquee Television Network. Some cable companies have agreed to pay new and higher required fees and jump on board to continue to receive Cubs games. Direct TV is probably the most prominent.
     HOWEVER, Comcast, which had also served the Cubs for many years, AND happens to boast of, by far, the most available viewers in the Chicagoland area, has stalled. They've said, "hey, wait a minute. We don't know if we favor paying the huge fees Marquee is asking for the right to carry the Cubs games." Dish TV subscribers, including the Kelley's, depend on Comcast as part of our cable package.
     The word out of Chicago is that BOTH Marquee and Comcast NEED an agreement to keep "peace" in the Chicagoland area and that there will probably be an agreement, but not until just before the first pitch of the new season is thrown. But, as of today, there is no such agreement and many Cub fans are getting "antsy" about the situation.
     Look, increased fees are coming.....one way or another. There may not be a time when you pay $15 directly to watch a certain event but if forced to rely on Direct, Comcast or Dish to see such events, those outlets are going to have to increase our monthly fees to override what Marquee is charging them.
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     What do you mean there's no Pufferbilly......no Pufferbilly parade.?
     In the midst of this pandemic "shutdown," the Kornerman, watching Jerry Manriquez web site, accidentally noted the availability of a full viewing of the 1987 Pufferbilly parade. I watched all 28 minutes and 29 seconds of it. It brought a smile, even a chuckle.
     Oh, it was great to see. It was a beautiful day, lots of entries, including many very nice floats, FIVE bands, the famed Steperettes marching group and lots of horses.
     The late Ray Pugh was the Grand Marshall and the Boone Mayor was Elmer Ohlmann. The usual bands were there but United Community still had one at that time and the famous West Des Moines Valley Marchmasters were featured. I bet the late Jerry Kinney, a friend of many Boone County residents, was their director at that time.
     It was fun to watch.
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     Regarding normally planned community summertime events, because of the pandemic, it seems all is almost lost.
     Not true. At least as of this morning.
     At Monday's city council meeting, a top representative of the IMCA, the sponsor of the event, indicated to the council that plans have not changed regarding the annual Super National racing event.
     The Boone Speedway will be the host, September 14-19.
     Then too, the Boone County Fair is "hanging on." It is set for July 16-19.
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     Glenda McCambridge Camelin, BHS-59, is the latest to indicate she finally figured out who sent her those infamous clippings from the Bumble B about her Boone High School days.
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     BOONE CONNECTED DEATHS: Ron Lawson, 80, Boone. Grew up on a farm in the Jefferson area. Married Diana Kafer in 1963. Served in the Iowa Air National Guard. Worked for Western Electric, Northwestern Bell and AT&T until starting his own communications business. He retired in 2015. Survivors include his wife, Diana, daughters Lynn Johnson and Susan Lawson, all of Boone and two brothers.........Dan McMullan, 70, Boone. Was a wrestler at BHS-68 and Buena Vista. A Marine vet, he served in Viet Nam. Worked for the Los Angeles Times for seven years and earned his pilot's license during that time. Returned to Boone in 1981 to join the family business, Caffrey Wholesale. He retired in 2015. Survivors include brothers, Kelly McMullan, John Caffrey and Jim Caffrey, a sister/cousin, and various nieces and nephews.........Bradley Allen, 69, Boone. Grew up in the Perry area. Married Kathy Porter in Ogden in 1969. An Army vet, the couple moved to Perry where he worked for the railroad and then the Woodward Resource Center for 30 years prior to retirement. Survivors include his wife, Kathy, of Boone, a son and daughter.........Patsy Kruse, 71, Ogden. Married John Kruse in 1973 and the couple lived in Ogden. Worked at Rolfes and the Doran Law Firm in Boone. Survivors include her husband, her son, Scott, and a brother...........Christine Stumbo Miller, 65, Boone. Born and raised in Boone. Married Richard Miller in 1974. Worked at Westhaven until 2010 and then the Boone County Hospital until retirement in 2019. Survivors include her husband and daughter Tracy Castaneda of Boone, another daughter, three sisters and two brothers..........Joanne Trent, 67, Boone.........Jerry Gipple, 76, Des Moines. Had a great love for trains and may be remembered for riding the rails on the Boone and Scenic Valley on his self-built railcar.
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