A fun way to aid local recovery

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 01 November 2011 15:36

We thought it was time for our company to do everything possible to lead in the economic recovery in a way that doesn’t raise taxes and would be a good thing for everyone in our county.

We’re going to call it the “Holiday Local Rewards Program” and it works this way:

For every $100 you spend in the local economy (Marion County), from Nov. 2 through Dec. 16, you will be eligible to receive a ticket that will go into a drawing that makes you eligible to win a portion of $1,000 in prizes ($500 first, $300 second, $200 third) in the form of “Free Press Bucks” that can be spent with local merchants who advertise in our newspaper—which will be an additional boost to the local economy and our local businesses.

You don’t have...

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Native son on cable TV show

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 25 October 2011 17:45

I like to watch “Myth Busters” on occasion. The most recent episode I watched involved someone who has a Hillsboro connection.

This past week it featured James Wiebe, the son of Katie Funk Wiebe and a brother to Joanna Wiebe, whom I knew from Hillsboro High School and the Wichita Sun newspaper.

James is an entrepenuer who has invented a host of computer devices, such as the WiebeTech RTX storage system, which we use at the Free Press. He also owns the Belite Ultra­light Airplane Co. and one of the models was used on the show to prove or disprove a myth.

The premise of the myth was that if the skin of an airplane was mauled by a bear in the woods, could it be fixed with duct tape and flown out to safety.

The answer can be seen...

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Technically, it’s not a true ‘J’ turn

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 18 October 2011 15:32

In my view there really is no such thing as a J-turn. If you look at a J and then swing a left turn to park on the other side of the street it is more like a backward J. The only way you can do a true J turn is to back across the street, but then your car wouldn’t line up with the diagonal lines that are painted there. But then you could just drive away without backing out first.

Last week I did the first backward J-turn of my life. I don’t know what go into me. It was totally on impulse and I never thought what I was doing—only saving a bit of time to talk with someone who was across the street. I guess I was in a big hurry. Then I was told there would be a big fine for it soon with the new ordinance passed earlier this month.

I...

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We’ll miss Bud’s smile and heart

Written by Joel Klaassen Tuesday, 11 October 2011 14:35

The city of Marion has lost one of its favorite sons with the passing of Roger “Bud” Hannaford. He was a special person and probably the most pleasant and accommodating guy I have ever met.

I believe I first met him through the many Kiwanis pancake feeds in Marion and Hillsboro beginning in the late ’70s. Later, through Hannaford Abstract and Title Co.

He always had a big smile, a friendly word and a big heart for family, friends and Marion. I know I will miss seeing him at the many familiar events we experienced through the years.

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Internet TV is something no one should ignore. With big advances in flash media it is possible to watch movies and lots of football games from all over the country.

I mentioned firstrowsports.tv...

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