Thanks, Dale

Editorials

Written by Don Ratzlaff Wednesday, 04 June 2008 10:44

For nearly 61⁄2 years Dale Suderman has been gracing our Opinion section with his personal column, View From Afar. First monthly, then twice a month, our Chicago-based writer with deep Marion County roots focused his droll humor and keen insight on myriad topics, from Washington politics to the farmers’ coffee klatsch in Hillsboro. Dale connected the urban and rural worlds he knew and loved in a way that occasionally irritated, often enlightened and always entertained.

In April, Dale suffered a severe stroke. Although he continues to make progress, his rehabilitation will be long and challenging. We have been advised that his return as a columnist is tenuous. So, we sadly retire View From Afar for now, even as we hold Dale close...

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President's night was impressive

Partly Nonsense

Written by Joel Klaassen Wednesday, 14 May 2008 09:42

I haven’t been to many college president inaugurations in my time—in fact, I don’t recall attending any until this past Friday night.

The inauguration of Tabor College’s 13th president, Jules Glanzer, was a most impressive evening and it didn’t seem at all like it took an hour and 40 minutes.

Lyndon Vix, chairman of the Tabor College board, did an excellent job of leading this spiritual and landmark event with humor mixed in at the right places throughout the evening. The music provided by the Tabor music department, including the soloists, was equally outstanding.

Judy Harder and her planning committee are to be commended for a job well done.

From the keynote speaker, Leonard Sweet, to the many other notables...

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Marking the path

Editorials

Written by Don Ratzlaff Wednesday, 28 May 2008 08:18

With the graduation season now ended, we add one last word of congratulations to the high school and college students who have earned their respective diplomas and are beginning the next stage of their life journey.

We have no sage advice or insight to offer that they haven’t heard, thought or read over the past few weeks. But most of us, whether we were there 10, 30 or 50 years ago, can recall that mix of excitement and dread as one very familiar stage ends and the next one is looms before us with no clear understanding or defined expectations.

If we look too deeply into the future, the outlook can be foreboding because even the familiar earth beneath our feet shifts from week to week with the undulating tremors of change. Graduates...

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Deadline approaches for reunion

Partly Nonsense

Written by Joel Klaassen Thursday, 08 May 2008 03:38

The deadline for making a reservation for the Hills­boro High School All School Reunion Banquet on Saturday night, May 24, is just around the bend. May 16 to be exact.

The Alumni Association committee is pleased with the re­sponse it has been getting from all over the country.

What we’ve noticed is that the numbers from alumni nearby are a little light at this point. Maybe everyone is waiting for the last minute. I’ll have to admit that I’ve not made our reservations yet but will do so this week.

Here’s our opportunity to show up in force and give a big welcome back and show our hospitality to those living at a distance.

In the past we’ve allowed tickets to be sold even the day before the event, but it got us in trouble as...

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