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| Paola experienced a variety of surprises in 2008 |
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| Opinion - Editorials | |||
| Written by Brian McCauley | |||
| Wednesday, 31 December 2008 08:00 | |||
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Much like the lives of many of its residents, the city of Paola went through the full gamut of emotions during 2008. It was a year filled with unexpected surprises, some of which were fun-filled, while others were more heart wrenching. Several residents jumped at the chance to get a few moments on the big screen over the summer when a production company chose Paola to be the site of a holiday movie. Several local landmarks, including the Paola Community Center and Miami County Courthouse became sets for the film “Last Ounce of Courage,” which stars Jennifer O’Neill and Marshall Teague. The Ursuline Sisters also surprised the community, but with news of a more sad nature, when they announced they no longer have enough sisters to maintain the 36.5-acre convent and grounds fronting Wea and Miami streets. The sisters are currently seeking a buyer for the property, and when they leave to merge with an Ursuline community in Kentucky, a large part of what helped make Paola what it is today will leave with them. Still, many of the changes that took place in Paola throughout the year were positive. Progress could be seen throughout the city, despite the poor economy. The Community Center was completely renovated and the Paola Justice Center took shape on North Pearl Street. New businesses popped up around the Square and throughout the rest of the city, and a new water-treatment plant that will provide water for years into the future continued to be built southeast of town. The Park Square gazebo even got a new look thanks to a $200,000 donation from the Goss family. Hopefully, the signs of progress will continue into 2009 and beyond. There is still work that needs to be done to renovate City Hall, and the Paola Free Library also needs new facilities. Both projects are to be funded with sales tax money. A focus on hometown shopping and donations have kept local businesses and charities afloat during these difficult economic times, and that need will not dissipate when the calendar changes to a new year. I can’t wait to see what 2009 has in store for Paola.
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