Retired for a while, now not

Written by Joel Klaassen Wednesday, 16 January 2008 16:38

It finally happened to me as it has to countless others before me. I am now old enough to take early retirement.

So on Saturday I decided to retire, but by Monday morning I came out of retirement and went back to work.We used to give “Did Something” awards here in Hillsboro. I think Orville Koehn of Canton, and the group of investors who backed him, should get a big “Did Something” plaque for keeping the grocery store open there.

Can you imagine what it would be like to have to drive 15 miles anytime you needed to buy groceries?The Biggest Loser contest launched last week in Hillsboro by Greenhaw Wellness Center and Anna Woods must be what people are interested in these days. Nearly 160 people have signed up for this event, which...

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New page should add relevance

Written by Joel Klaassen Wednesday, 09 January 2008 20:49

We are always looking for ways to make our content more relevant to our readers either in print or on the Web. We’re hoping we did that with our school calendar page that debuted last week.

In the last issue of each month, our sponsors are bringing you the next month’s activities calendar for the six school districts in our coverage area. The information is also posted on our Web site in the “Schools” section. You can download and print a pdf of your school’s calendar if you wish.

We’re always open to feedback from our readers about what they’d like to see in print and on the Web.

A couple of weeks ago I attended a meeting about agri-tourism. The featured speaker was Jan Jantzen, who owns a ranch near Emporia.

He...

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Hearing is not always knowing

Written by Joel Klaassen Thursday, 03 January 2008 05:03

After 40-plus years of marriage, one would think a guy would have a clue about what the woman in the house means when she talks. I might fall in the category of having not much of a clue.

I no longer get direct instructions, but rather clues about what I’m supposed to be doing.

Here’s an example. The other night I’m sitting at my computer trying to get some work done before I head to a meeting. She walks by and says, “I’ll see you when you get back.” Translated, it means it’s time for you to get up and go to your meeting.

When she thought I had forgotten to take a pill, I heard something like “maybe we should get you one of those pill containers that have the days of the week on them.”

I’m not complaining. I have a...

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Year end is closing fast upon us

Written by Joel Klaassen Thursday, 27 December 2007 05:58

Year end is fast closing in on us and I have to say it has been a good one for the most part. Life can always be better, but it sure can be a lot worse.

At this time we reflect on the past and look to the future. Year 2008 promises to be busy and exciting and maybe a little scary, too.

I have five out-of-state trips planned for the first four months—four business and one pleasure. Tabor College will celebrate its centennial in 2008. The Hillsboro High School annual all-class reunion is set for May 24. The Free Press will complete 10 years in August. I have a grandson who will be 10 years old. I am eligible to retire and collect Social Security, but won’t. A county-wide vote is planned to determine if the citizenry want to make our...

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