Letters (Jan. 25, 2012)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 24 January 2012 15:21

Hillsboro became ‘home’ for family

When moving to Hillsboro in August 2002, we did not know what to expect. Hillsboro was a rural town; we had lived in metropolitan and international settings. Marion County was agricultural; my pocket knife is about the extent of my toolbox!

Enrollment at the local high school was about 250; we came from a city in Indiana with a high school of 2,500. Many had told us Hillsboro and Marion County were difficult places in which to be accepted; we were actively engaged in community service in Huntington.

The Mennonite faith was predominant in Hillsboro; we had little understanding of Anabap­tism. Tabor College’s constituen­cy was located throughout the Great Plains and in California; we had never...

Read more: Letters (Jan. 25, 2012)

Letters (Jan. 18, 2012)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 17 January 2012 15:43

Time to end death penalty for good

Recently, the Death Penalty Information Center released its year-end report showing that the death penalty is on the decline around the country. The report found there were fewer than 100 death sentences nationwide, and only one in Kansas over the past year.

Four states in four years have repealed their death-penalty laws as the public continues to lose confidence in the system. This year, the Gallup Poll reported the lowest level of support for the death penalty in nearly 40 years.

A more detailed CNN poll showed that more people preferred a sentence of life without parole over the death penalty for those convicted of capital murder.

This year’s execution of Troy Davis in Georgia, despite serious...

Read more: Letters (Jan. 18, 2012)

Letters (Jan. 4, 2012)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 03 January 2012 15:05

Senior center is

worthy of support

Hillsboro is a great place to live, and has a great senior center that serves great meals. The center is the lifeblood of the city. It’s a great place to fellowship, play games like bingo and cards, or work together on a puzzle.

We have fundraisers to keep the place going and pay bills. Unlike the other communities in the area, the city of Hillsboro does not give the senior center free utilities. The city would rather give to the golf course, city park and swimming pool.

Apparently the mayor and city council believe the senior center should be of no concern to them, but there are lots of people for whom the senior center meal is the only one of the day.

We invite the mayor and council to have...

Read more: Letters (Jan. 4, 2012)

Letters (Nov. 23, 2011)

Written by Hillsboro Free Press Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:52

Hillsboro resident Don Dahl, wearing the uniform he wore as commodore in the U.S. Navy during the Nov. 11 Veterans Day assembly at Hillsboro Elementary School, holds up the Free Press list of 2,175 names to illustrate to students the impact of veterans from Marion County. Grateful for first HES Veterans Day salute

On Friday, Nov. 11, we were humbled and honored to be a part of a historic event. Hillsboro Elementary School and staff held an assembly honoring veterans and recognized Veterans Day.

The assembly began with uniformed Hillsboro Cub Scouts and their leaders as color-guards, presenting the American and Kansas State Flags and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Veterans from The Hillsboro American Legion Post 366 were introduced to the students. Veterans honored were Andy Krause, Harvey Ray, Mel Ratz­laff, Dick Carr, Pete Richert and Don Dahl.

Veteran Pete Klassen was in attendance in the audience.

Principal Evan Yoder dressed in the Navy blues his father wore while in service of the...

Read more: Letters (Nov. 23, 2011)