School will help area employers

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.

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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...

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Some cost cuts come at a price

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...

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Ever had a 'fall down' day before?

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 02 September 2008 14:11

Have you ever had a falling-down day? Some days for me are just like that.

In the book-printing business, I usually deliver the local orders for books just because I like to do it, and I think I can give better customer service when I personally make the delivery. And it’s always rewarding to see the look on the faces of my customers who can finally see the results of all of their hard work.

The falling down part came when I was delivering two orders on the same day recently.

First, I didn’t see a television that was hanging out into a walkway and was knocked down because I did not see it in time. After I picked myself up off of the floor, I was told they were going to get that thing moved for that very reason.

Later that day, I...

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Wedding was a treat for family

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 26 August 2008 14:21

Twenty hours in the car, 20 hours at the hotel and 20 hours at the wedding and reception with family describes this past weekend.

Weddings are a great time to get together and we are very happy for my sister Elaine and her entire family on the wedding of our niece, Jeanette, in St. Paul, Minn., this past Saturday afternoon.

The weather couldn’t have been better for the reception that followed in a nearby park. If they even come close to following what the priest said to them at the ceremony they will be fine.

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Our other niece, Gloria, sang in a trio with a few friends at the reception and put on a great medley of tunes from the ’60s. The food was catered by the new boyfriend of one of the singers who is a chef at one of...

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