While it may be taboo for me to say in a newsroom, I am impressed by what the city of Burlington has done in my absence. There are communities out there that are struggling for their very existence, losing more spirit and pride with each passing day and each unsuccessful venture. There are towns throughout this country which have repeatedly failed to take the initiative when faced with an opportunity. Fewer and fewer people want to live there. Young people are leaving in droves.
Old folks retire and move closer to their children, who moved away years ago.
I've seen it. I've written about it. I've tried to provide a bit of vision and hard truths to readers. It was a tough road, but I'm really not that surprised it led back to the banks of the Mississippi. Ron Fields is The Hawk Eye's weekend slot editor.