Taking initiative

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 16 October 2012 14:02

It’s no secret the Hillsboro Public Library is undersized for the level of use it generates from week to week. With the city facing numerous funding priorities in a tight economy, library expansion probably isn’t a feasible public works project anytime soon. Unless, of course, the public rises to the occasion and steps in with private initiative.

That seems to be the intention of Russell and Jeanne Groves, whose idea of selling quality art by opening a local gallery to raise money for the library building fund (featured on Page 1 of this issue) is both ambitious and creative. The couple lived for much of their lives in the McPherson area. Russell continues to manage a real-estate business there and Jeanne works as a special delivery...

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Game-time decision

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 09 October 2012 14:21

We understand the decision to cancel the Oct. 20 football game between Tabor College and McPherson College given the difficulty of the past couple of weeks following the beating death of Tabor student-athlete Brandon Brown and the eventual arrest of two former McPherson College students alleged to be involved in the crime.

We assume the decision was difficult. Playing the game could have sent a strong message of reconciliation, that the senseless and violent actions of a few don’t characterize the whole, and that both student bodies are committed to turn the page on an ugly and tragic chapter in their relationship.

At the same time, a football game may not be the best environment for rebuilding healthy connections. The nature of the...

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Learn by example

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 02 October 2012 14:23

In the Tampa business renovation project we have a terrific example of how cooperation and a shared vision can make an impact for good in a very small community. (See our story, Page 6A.) David Mueller and his team should be congratulated for pursuing a project that has breathed new life into a disappearing downtown economic base while meeting the real needs of residents—for good and services as well as new jobs for young families.

In a new way, the Tampa community realizes the importance of supporting their local businesses. It’s hometown initiative and patronage that provides the base for economic stability, not attracting out-of-town shoppers.

Other communities in Marion County can learn from Tampa’s experience. We can renew...

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Power of choice

Written by Don Ratzlaff Tuesday, 25 September 2012 14:06

The consequential power of personal choice played out tragically last week with the passing of Tabor College student Brandon Brown, who was beaten and left in critical condition in the wee hours of Sept. 16.

The details of that terrible night have not been released, and may not be fully known. It has been widely circulated that Brown and two other Tabor students traveled to McPher­son for a party, that some McPherson College students were there, that alcohol was involved and that an altercation broke out.

It’s not of much value at this point to speculate what might be different today if one of the Tabor students had talked his friends out of making that trip. Or, once there, had declined—or at least limited—the consumption of...

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