-- Robert A. "Bob" Arnold got things done that helped this community grow and prosper.
Whether or not you liked him, agreed with his politics or admired his business philosophy, the late Robert A. "Bob" Arnold was a difference-maker in the Hillsboro community. Beyond his longtime service as general manager of the old Tip Top Credit Union, Mr. Arnold gave countless volunteer hours to the growth and development of his hometown. He was "thinking out of the box" before the concept was invented.
Ever wonder how such a thickly Republican town got two streets named after Democratic presidents (Wilson, Kennedy)? Mr. Arnold was a partner in those developments. A committed Democrat, he served for a time as chairman of the Fourth District, a prestigious assignment with a constituency that included Wichita.
As a novice reporter, I remember covering a public meeting where Mr. Arnold was proposing to move the former Ramona State Bank to Hillsboro-at a time when this was a one-bank community. Despite strong resistance, he broke the monopoly. Today, his bank, which we know as Hillsboro State, is one of five financial institutions serving us here.
These are but two examples of the ways Mr. Arnold changed our community for the better. For those good things we tip our hat at his unexpected passing on Dec. 7, and extend sincere condolences to his family. -DR
