It’s no secret the editorial view of The News-Herald has been dim ever since Iowa Valley Community College District took over the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Marshalltown.

Dumping between some $3-4 million in Iowa Valley money funded through a bond issue into renovations of the theatre was simply not acceptable then, nor is the continuing operation without an apparent educational focus now.

From the Iowa Valley Board supplied story appearing on Page 3 of today’s News-Herald it certainly appears the present Orpheum director has good intentions.

But you don’t have to read between the lines – the Orpheum’s purpose is to benefit Marshalltown and there’s not much there for the rest of the entire Iowa Valley District.

Remember, Iowa Valley took over the theatre after Marshalltown efforts to sustain it appeared stalled or were dead in the water.

And then, through a grand plan to incorporate Marshalltown Community College’s theatre classes with a former Grinnell College professor at the helm, operations ended with questions to say the least.

Along with the ongoing attempts to compete with private business with a coffee shop – cafe in the theatre, providing Marshalltown with another movie venue and occasional productions which are geared to Marshalltown, tell us where’s the educational benefit?

And now, we are told in this latest Iowa Valley Board of directors news release, “The Orpheum is especially committed to strengthening community partnerships,” says manager Bob Untiedt. “Staff here are active on several community boards and planning committees, plus, with community volunteers, we are engaged in a strategic plan update and fund-raising. We are looking for program partnerships with non-profits and area businesses to benefit from our services, we want to offer learning experiences to kids, and we plan to provide cultural opportunities that celebrate diversity while reducing overall costs and conducting assertive fund-raising.”

The article tells us “Untiedt commended staffer Tammy Losing for her outreach to Marshalltown Community College students, which the Orpheum plans to expand over time.”

“Outreach” or “outrageous?”

Given the history of the Iowa Valley Orpheum operation, is it not now time to call upon the Iowa Valley Board to direct the Orpheum be made into a schoolhouse?

-J. Speer