By now many of you have read or heard about an incident on our campus on Monday evening, Nov. 29. As is usually the case, rumors accompany such incidents leading to misinformation.
In the interests of open and accurate communication, I want to clarify for you what the college is doing to address this situation.
An altercation between students did occur. The police were called and served effectively in discharging their duties. We appreciate the help local authorities have been to us on this and other matters.
While it is unfortunate that incidents like this occur, the important thing is that we deal with those incidents in a timely and appropriate manner. That means we will hold people accountable, seek to respond in a way which is restorative, and serve the best interests of the campus and broader community. That has happened in this instance.
I have talked to some parents of students involved in this incident. I have also discussed this matter with several of our faculty, staff and students. It grieves everyone when young men and women, so full of promise, make decisions that are detrimental to themselves and those around them.
We can only hope that something may yet be learned from this experience. Certainly we have all benefited from the "gospel of the second chance." I invite you to pray with us for the students and families involved, as well as for the entire Tabor family.
The mission of Tabor College is "preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom." Even in the midst of these trying times, the evidence that this mission is being fulfilled is all around us. Be assured that our faculty and staff are passionate about this purposeful mission.
I want to thank the people of Hillsboro and the surrounding area for your support. We renew our pledge to you that we will deal with incidents like these in a way which reflects our values as a Christ-centered community and in such a way that you can be proud of Tabor College.
Larry W. Nikkel, president
Tabor College
Grateful for support during procedure
Once again I find myself the recipient of God's goodness through his grace and the prayers of his people.
As you may know, after experiencing some unusual headaches, the results of an MRI/MRA test showed what might be an aneurism in one of my blood vessels.
A more invasive test called an angiogram was done last week to make a conclusive determination, and I am happy to report that it went flawlessly and the test came back clear with absolutely no aneurism found.
Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts on behalf of me and my family.
Chief Ben Steketee
Hillsboro Fire Department
Old building holds many memories
In response to the Hillsboro City Council's decision not to allow the old barbershop/shoe repair building to be razed for a bank drive-through at this time, I personally felt relieved.
I know it's "just a building," but to me it's part of my childhood. That was my dad's barbershop (Vern Bartel).
Every season there was a display in the front window. For Christmas, he had a decorated cardboard fireplace with stockings hung from the angle-hair-topped mantle. Electric logs gave the illusion of a fire. Standing in the corner was a lighted and decorated tree.
Summer was acknowledged with a makeshift fishing hole complete with a "can of worms" and a bamboo fishing pole.
Fourth of July was patriotic, right down to the mounted bald eagle.
No holiday went unnoticed in his front window. On Saturdays I had the job of sweeping up the hair he cut. In return, he paid me 10 cents, which was immediately spent around the corner at The Sundries for a Green River, or Schultz's Grocery for a pair of wax lips.
In between haircuts, there was always the outside mirror to wash, or visit with Joel Franz at the carpet store or Carl Walters Shoe Repair next door. Carl did everything in that shop next to making shoes from a pattern. The smell of leather was everywhere the moment I walked in his front door.
When dad and my brother Bill had the chickenpox together, the Hillsboro Star-Journal had their picture featured as the explanation as to why the sign "Closed due to Chickenpox" had been posted on the shop's front door.
I realize there is always change. However, for me that old building is something special. It is part of something warm, silly, comforting and secure.
Thanks, council, for letting me visit that old building just a little while longer.
