View Point - Editorial

A year ago we lamented here on the lack of progress on the proposed addition to the Traill County Courthouse.

Nothing was said or done in 2006 to move the project, estimated to cost $4.5 million at the time, from the architect’s drawing board into the hands of contractors via the voter.

We should note that sometime in 2006 it was suggested that that jail be built to house 22 prisoners, not 44, as was originally proposed.  (more…)

Newspapers aren’t allowed vacations, per se.

At least, that’s what we tell friends and family, anyway.

They feign understanding.

People on the street, regular readers, subscribers are a different cat; they expect their weekly paper to be there every week, much like they expect their daily newspaper to be there every day.

So, we oblige.   (more…)

Weighing all the facts.

Hillsboro city commissioners are presently confronted with a pair of on-going problems — an aging water treatment plant that needs attention and the search for yet another police officer.

First, the water plant issue — We encourage the commissioners to take the time and effort to fully investigate a partnership with Traill Rural Water Users. On the surface, it appears a no-brainer. Grants for municipal water systems are nonexistent while money is readily available to “regional” systems like TRW.  (more…)

Making a good impression.

Hillsboro’s Plummer House has a reputation. Over this past weekend (five days to be exact), the 14th annual Christmas Extravaganza again served nearly 250 people from all parts of the Red River Valley — from Gardar to Fargo from Cooperstown to Minnesota Lake Country.

The first — and lasting — impression was “Wow, what a wonderful place!”

Hosted by the Traill County Historical Society and the Hillsboro Women’s Club, the dinners were delicious, the house was spectacular and the hospitality warmed even the guests who weathered a snowstorm to dine on the best prime rib around.

What makes the annual fundraiser so special is how far-flung the guest list has become. We checked the guestbook and the secret is out. Many guests have a Hillsboro connection — long time residents or a native back home for a visit. Others come because a special invitation was extended or a parent dragged them along. Others gambled on the recommendation of a friend. Whatever the impetus, guests marvel at how a small town can pull off a four-course meal for 50 people every night. The staff — about 25 per night — is strictly volunteer. They keep coming back year after year, night after night — both to eat and to serve.

“Just how do you do it?” one Fargo woman asked.

“Simple,” came the reply. We live in a small town and people here understand the need to volunteer, to help when they’re asked. For some working is more fun than being a guest. Some will do both ­— dine one night and work the next.

It’s being a good neighbor. That’s what we’re all about.

It’s only neighborly.Winter weather has a way of bringing out the best — and the worst in people.

The best — You come home from work and find that someone has already cleared your driveway of snow. A pleasant surprise, something a kind neighbor will do without expecting so much as a thank you.

The worst — Someone who thinks they own the road and drives without care or caution when the weather makes travel a hazardous adventure in and of itself.  (more…)

Seems like yesterday when we were unabashedly promoting the courthouse addition, complete with a new 22-bed jail and enough room to adequately accommodate our growing Social Service agency.

Time is of essence, we professed.

We envisioned what the architect suggested: a large two-story building fashioned after the county’s first jail, complete with modern conveniences, thank you. We welcomed the suggestion that the addition’s brick exterior would match the color of the brick of the county’s 110-year-old majestic courthouse.  (more…)

We can also thank the veteran for keeping the doors open to the Vets Club in Hillsboro, where — the Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise, providin’ the bread dough rises and the buns arrive on time — lunch will be served following the Veterans Day program Sunday.

While changes and improvements are subtle, but hardly abstruse, since the board of directors took over management of the business, friends of the club will be impressed while being customarily welcomed, made comfortable and accommodated when they visit Sunday. For years, decades even, the club has opened its doors after every Veterans Day and Memorial Day program in Hillsboro.

The noontime meal is far from seven course, yet it’s a time-honored tradition that members of the VFW and Legion  and their auxiliaries salute and embrace with pride.  (more…)

The county will take time this weekend to thank its veterans.

And well it should.

Veterans Day is Sunday. Although some communities will celebrate Saturday or wait until Monday before they acknowledge the veteran, let the record show that Sunday is Veterans Day.

Monday, meanwhile, will be a day off for some. Good for them.

Hillsboro will find time Sunday morning to show its appreciation in thanking its many veterans.

Like our Memorial Day, Veterans Day in Hillsboro carries a special meaning for everyone, from the veteran to his or her family to the resident of the community who knows no veteran but who recognizes the significance of the day. (more…)

Unlike most teams in the area that have fallen along the wayside in the statewide football playoffs, the Hillsboro Burros are still in the mix.
Ditched, dropped or discarded along the Road to the Dome are the likes of MayPort, Hatton-Northwood, Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page and Central Valley. Nothing against the Patriots, Thunder and Spartans, all respectable teams who were eliminated last weekend or the Valiants who were denied a shot at the postseason this year, but it is the Hillsboro Burros — once again for the record — who is the last team standing in the Red River Valley.
The Burros, who depart the RRV for Napoleon Saturday in the quarterfinal round of the 9-man playoffs, are not only one of a handful teams still playing, but just one of a few unbeaten teams in the state. Undefeated and still playing for all the marbles are Napoleon, Mott-Regent, Divide County, St. John and North Border, in addition to Hillsboro, in 9-man; Harvey in Class A; Minot Ryan in Class AA; and Fargo South and Minot in Class AAA. (more…)

Traill County commissioners this week had an inkling they could somehow discharge their economic development director.
The inference was: They would explore the waters, most certainly.
With depth charges manned and ready, the county’s commissioned frigate sank quicker than a deflated inner tube Tuesday morning when the county commission met with the Traill County Economic Development board.
Sure, arguments were made, points raised, issues noted.
Meanwhile, director Rick Forsgren still has his job.
Not that it was in jeopardy; his ranking with his own Traill County Economic Development board is sound; his quarters ship-shape; sailing strategy true to course. (more…)