We look forward to the full tide of Tabor College students returning to Hillsboro beginning this weekend. The town never seems as vibrant during their summer absence. In addition to their physical presence, their return marks the start of the public events that enliven our community spirit, whether they be athletic, musical, dramatic or academic in nature.
Unfortunately, the college’s student-housing project is not fully complete in time for their arrival, as had been planned. Even so, students will enjoy the new look to the campus, even as local residents have taken a liking to it this summer.
With the start of the fall term, President Larry Nikkel will preside over his final semester of activities as his retirement approaches. Sources report that a potential successor has been invited to candidate here in the coming weeks.
It appears we can all look forward to what promises to be another eventful year. —DR
We believe Larry Paine is off to a good start as the new city administrator for Hillsboro. His plan to visit with each business and industry owner in the city is a bridge-building initiative that sets a tone for accessibility and communicates a desire for partnership in making the city a better and more prosperous place to live.
Teamwork is key in a small town, whether it be between local institutions and organizations or between the management and staff who labor within them. With Paine’s arrival, with Doug Huxman stepping in as interim superintendent at Unified School District 410, and with Larry Nikkel looking to complete his term as Tabor College president at the end of December, this is a transitional season in leadership at three key institutions.
So far, it seems the spirit of cooperation we’ve seen in the past will be continued, and perhaps even strengthened. This is one more reason to anticipate a hopeful future. —DR
Through these nine years that we’ve been publishing the Free Press, we’ve been blessed to have more than our fair share of good people serving as members of our team. Some of them have been young, fresh out of college, while others have had significant years of professional and life experience. By “good people” we mean folks who not only possess creative talent and a good work ethic—which has been true. We mean people who also possess good hearts and a caring and positive outlook on life, and are committed to affirming and contributing more of same in our little corner of the universe.
The tradition continues with the addition of Malinda Just to our editorial team as of Aug. 1. A 2005 graduate of Tabor College, she comes to us with journalistic training and experience in writing and editing. Her contributions will make the Free Press a better newspaper than what it would be without her. Above all, she’ll fit in perfectly with the high caliber of people we’ve almost come to take for granted around here.
We say this to welcome Malinda on board, but also to let you know that for whatever successes we’ve experienced during our relatively brief run, we’re well aware they would not have happened without a great team. We are indebted to those who work beside us day after day, issue after issue. With their help, we’ve accomplished a lot in nine years. With they’re help, we have an odds-on chance of accomplishing a lot more. —DR
The Unified School District 410 Board of Education thought the biggest challenge in hiring an interim superintendent to succeed outgoing chief Gordon Mohn was finding someone with construction experience on his resume. But now that those bond-issue projects are floating in limbo because of a patron lawsuit, the issues facing the board’s interim pick, Doug Huxman, are all the more complex. Beyond the lawsuit, the April fire at the former AMPI building has given the board some pause about proceeding with that portion of the project as orginally planned.
As a result, Huxman has more on his administrative plate than anyone bargained for two months ago. We wish him well as he officially takes the reigns today. At the very least, we owe him and the board our support and patience as they wade through these unchartered waters. —DR
We’re glad to hear that Pete Richert has made it back to Hillsboro following months of rehabilitation after he was severely wounded while serving in Iraq with his Kansas National Guard unit. Richert will be spending several days of well-earned leave time with family and the many friends he has in the Hillsboro area.
Pete, you have earned the gratitude of a community and nation for carrying through with the commitments you made to serve your country in a difficult situation that most of us here cannot fully comprehend. You paid a severe price for your faithful service, but you have inspired us with your good humor, commitment and servant heart as you not only work toward physical rehabilitation but continue to mature as a man of faith.
We’re glad to have you home for this visit, and be assured your hometown will continue to cheer for you and your family as you gain strength and confidence in this new chapter of your life. —DR
A showcase for youth
The Marion County Fair is the capstone event of the 4-H year. The fair schedule includes a variety of entertainment events designed to entice a local crowd, but we encourage you to take in some the competitive efforts of our 4-H youth. You’ll notice some outstanding work on the part of some outstanding youth. Your presence will encourage the kids to keep working at their skills, and it will encourage you to see how bright the future looks with kids like these at the helm. —DR
