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Opinion
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Written by Editorial Board
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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 09:00 |
Without question, the Downtown Streetscape Project is one of the largest and most anticipated community renovation projects Osawatomie has undertaken in recent years. While the prospect of tearing up parts of downtown Main Street are understandably nerve-wracking for some folks, the benefits and overall upgrade the project will bring with it are exciting and can only help Osawatomie continue to grow and improve its image.
It is because of things like this that it is an exciting time to live in Osawatomie. The community is changing and evolving, adapting to the advantages and struggles it has faced over the years, ultimately producing what he have today. The Streetscape Project is a catalyst for further change, and future pride in the community.
Still, just because something has good intentions doesn’t mean it’s going in the absolute perfect direction. Because of this possibility, and to ease concerns for area business owners and residents, the city will hold an open discussion between project contractors Orr Construction Management, city officials and concerned residents to answer any lingering questions or to bring up any pressing issues. From the time line of the project, to how it will affect each individual business, this is without a doubt the right offering on the part of the city, and an opportunity that must be capitalized on by residents.
At this point, practically everyone has a stake in the outcome of the project. From the downtown business owner to their customers, and even those who pass through the area on their way to other parts of the community, the effect of the Streetscape Project, while under construction and once completed, will be felt by nearly everyone. If you have concerns, issues, questions or congratulations, the time to voice them is 6 p.m. March 25 at Memorial Hall before the city council meeting. Be there to make your voice heard or simply stay up to snuff on what’s going on. The more informed everyone is on the progress of the situation, the smoother everything will go.
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Opinion
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Written by Editorial Board
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Wednesday, 10 March 2010 09:00 |
Last week, students at Swenson Early Childhood Education Center dove into the works of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as the famous Dr. Seuss.
Touching on such classics as “Horton Hears a Who,” “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” and, of course, “Green Eggs and Ham,” teachers at Swenson helped foster the joy of reading in young students. For most, this will be a memory they can look back on with joy; for some, it hopefully will be the beginning of a long love affair with the printed word and the artful crafting of the perfect story.
Whether it be a swashbuckling adventure tale on the high seas or a mystery novel delving into the depths of the human mind, the worlds brought before young minds are indeed vast. The actions taken by many members of the community speak for themselves in regard to the importance of the written word in Osawatomie. From helping form the minds and passions of impressionable youth to guiding the expansion and growth of Osawatomie Public Library, there are indeed those who understand the value of a good book and the kind of information that can be contained within.
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Opinion
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Written by Editorial Board
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Wednesday, 03 March 2010 09:00 |
It’s nice to see that still, even 150 years after it was built, a historic structure like the Old Stone Church is still important in the lives and minds of so many.
That importance was shown yet again Saturday evening as residents gathered in the Old Stone Church for an evening of praise, worship and fellowship at the third-annual Gospel Concert. While the event itself has spiritual goals, it’s no coincidence that it, as well as countless other activities, often finds refuge in the storied building.
Simply put, it’s a matter of drawing attention to an aging landmark in need of repairs, and showing off the work that has already been completed. And if you ask Grady Atwater, John Brown Historic Site Administrator, it works.
It’s one thing for local residents and history buffs to hear about the kind of work needed to restore the building, but it’s another to see it; people are generally more willing to open themselves for donations when a problem is set right before them. Months ago, Atwater eagerly paraded people into the Old Stone Church to show the cracks in the walls, the state of the floors and the general disrepair of the Osawatomie site. Now, the steeple and cupola have been taken down, repaired and await good weather to be remounted, the floors have been repainted, the cracks in the walls have been patched and in general, the building is in much better shape.
The work being done at the Old Stone Church is moving along at a good clip, but Atwater was right when he said the process of restoration is neverending. As time goes on, it will wear and chip away at even the most recent changes and updates made; the importance of sites like the Old Stone Church must not be lost on future generations. Anymore, it is not simply about preserving the physical structure, but preserving its relevance in the minds of residents. As long as that can be achieved, the Old Stone Church and other Osawatomie historic sites will stay standing for quite a while.
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Opinion
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Written by Editorial Board
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Wednesday, 24 February 2010 09:00 |
Without a doubt, Osawatomie is in a state of transition and change.
From the obvious (such as the planned downtown streetscape and Public Library expansion projects) to the subtle (including business openings, closings and expansions), the next six months look to be interesting times to call Osawatomie home.
It is perhaps fitting that it is during this period of change that City Councilman Larry Ratley is seeking to toss another thought onto the pile in the form of potential renovations to the Osawatomie Municipal Swimming Pool. On the whole, council members seem open to the proposition, and considering the relatively low cost of an estimate to let them know where the city stands with the aged aquatic facility, it certainly doesn’t hurt much to at least look into the matter.
It is also possibly more important than ever that officials look into “paying community rent,” as Ratley so aptly put it. In times of economic turmoil, it is important for governments to continue to invest in their communities rather than staying in a perpetual holding pattern. Any improvements to the city pool would be welcomed by many residents and would bolster one of the few recreational and entertainment venues the city has.
It’s no secret that Osawatomie is not in the position many residents want it to be in, but it is through persistence and projects like this that it can be put back on track. We applaud Ratley for his foresight on an issue that will directly benefit residents.
Specifically, he should be commended for focusing on an issue that so strongly affects the youths of Osawatomie.
Although everyone must keep a tighter eye on expenses in times like these, this is one cost that will provide countless returns on the initial investment for years to come. As the city moves forward on this issue, residents would do well to show up at council meetings to toss in their thoughts on a project that would have multiple obvious benefits for the public.
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Opinion
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Written by Staff
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Tuesday, 16 February 2010 22:49 |
Last week, the Osawatomie Police Force demonstrated yet again their level of dedication to keeping Osawatomie safe and clearing crime from the city.
Following on the heels of a report detailing their impressive clearance rate for 2009, Osawatomie Police officers arrested a man who they say has been one of the major sources of drug activity in the community. After a routine traffic stop turned into a major arrest for the department, it’s quite clear that, barring any unforeseen outcomes, 53-year-old Edward Mays should expect to be behind bars for a long, long time.
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