Off the record

End of one era, the beginning of another?

When I went to Duckwall’s Friday, there was a lonely echo in the building. Even though the store was crowded with shoppers, it was eerie because most of the visitors were quiet.

Empty shelves and chained areas reminded us that the Duckwall’s era in Marion was coming to an end.

Sunday was the last day the Marion store was open — it is one of 43 nationwide and 22 in the state to be closed by the powers that be at ALCO.

It goes to show that we don’t know what the future may bring, so we better do everything we can to keep what we have. Support our local businesses. We can’t afford to lose any more.

*****

Marion City Council and the city administration have a chance to turn over a new leaf.

A new administrator with local ties and the ability to lead is at the helm.

A seasoned city clerk has returned to her post.

Now all we need is for some of the council to have some direction and purpose besides micromanaging city employees.

A retreat is planned and I hope it works out for them. A consultant wants to charge $1,200. We know that’s a lot of money for a four-hour consultation but I think it’s worth the investment.

This community is worth $1,200. Isn’t it?

*****

The same goes for the county commission. A new commissioner now represents the Hillsboro area.

The commission discussed agenda items for the coming year with the jail at the top of the list.

County residents know what we need to do, so let’s do it. Let’s give the commission our ideas and support for resolving the jail issue.

I don’t want to see my tax dollars going out of the county. I believe we should take care of our own but need to do it responsibly.

We don’t need to build a Holiday Inn for inmates but a practical jail to accommodate the number of inmates we have today and will have in the future.

Let’s get this figured out and move on.

*****

Winter has finally arrived — 4 to 6 inches of snow with wind chills below 0. Yep, it’s officially winter in Kansas.

Despite the cold temperatures, most of us appreciate the beauty of the seasons.

We’ll keep that in mind as we dig out and bundle up.

— susan berg