An end, a beginning

Editorials

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 14 October 2008 14:14

Word that USD 410 had settled the lawsuit filed by patron Raymond Brandt brought to mind the words of President Gerald Ford when he pardoned his predecessor, Richard Nixon: “Our national nightmare is over.”

The comparison is exaggerated, but also appropriate on at least two counts. First, the lawsuit may not have been a “nightmare” because one could argue that clarifying the law was helpful—but it has had a negative impact on district finances and programs, which in turn affects the educa­­tional experience of our students. It also put in jeopardy a common-sense approach of community cooperation and partnership when it comes to developing mutually beneficial facilities.

The other parallel is that sometimes a decision that...

Read more: An end, a beginning

School will help area employers

Partly Nonsense

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 16 September 2008 14:45

What do you do when you need workers and have trouble finding them if you are a local trailer manufacturer? You grow your own.

I am impressed with the new welding program that is being launched right here in Hillsboro to train the work force of welders that our trailer manufacturers will be needing in the foreseeable future.

Circle D and Hillsboro Industries have partnered with Butler Community College to begin a welding program in cooperation with the city of Hillsboro in the former DFA plant. Looks like a win, win situation for everyone.

•

Brett Reber, president of McPherson Industrial Develop­ment Co., who spoke at the annual Hillsboro Development Corp. meeting last Tuesday night, underscored one of the challenges that will be...

Read more: School will help area employers

Buyer beware!

Editorials

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 07 October 2008 14:01

One of the first admonitions in Consumerism 101 is if a salesman is pushing for a quick decision on a major purchase, just walk away. If that same salesman is at the same time strangely nebulous about the financial validity of his deal and evasive about answering your questions, then don’t just walk away—run! That’s our advice following last week’s public meetings regarding the commissioners’ proposal for an $8.5 million pay-to-stay jail in Marion County.

It is alarming to us the lack of information the commissioners are putting before the people before asking us to take on an enormous economic investment. These public meetings should have been held a minimum of six months earlier, not a mere month before the public is...

Read more: Buyer beware!

Some cost cuts come at a price

Partly Nonsense

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 09 September 2008 14:23

We see cost-cutting and money-stretching moves in almost every part of our fabric these days. I don’t remember a time when it has been more prevalent than it is right now.

Some items are now sold in smaller packages to keep the price the same—which, in effect, is an increase.

In order to save $3,000 per year, the University of Kansas recently decided to quit blowing the steam whistle that could be heard across campus to signal the time for classes to change.

That maneuver created a huge outcry from alums from all over who felt it was one tradition that just couldn’t be ended like that. So, based on the feedback, the chancellor reinstated the traditional whistle.

About a month ago I wrote that I hadn’t yet spoken with anyone...

Read more: Some cost cuts come at a price