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Hello Hillsboro: Star still lights the way for all
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Last week we fell victim to a situation that worries every member of the print media as each publication date nears.

Shortly before the Sentry-Enterprise deadline, we received word the popular Hillsboro Christmas Star that shines brightly every year was apparently a victim of the Grinch!

As the traditional night of the Christ Child’s birth neared, our star was found to be on life support at the very least, and the possibility of its absence this season was becoming a very real possibility.

The Hillsboro Lions Club has been sponsoring the star for decades and Lion Joe Nusse has been its personal caretaker, with the help of other members. However, it is reaching the point of no return, and Joe reported it may have been hit by lightning and was nearly extinguished for good.

With much sadness, the Sentry-Enterprise reported that depressing news on the front page of last week’s edition.

On the same day, Mayor Greg Kubarski and his brother, Randy, from the Community Antenna System cable television company, asked Joe if they could take a look at the patient, hoping to find at least a stop-gap measure to allow its appearance for one more Christmas season.

“Dr. Kubarski”, who has obviously dealt with plenty of wiring issues, pronounced the patient in serious condition, but not quite critical…yet!

As a result, the star was lit up again on the very night that it’s tentative obituary was printed in the Sentry. After thanking Greg for his help the next day, I also pointed out that a number of newspaper readers must have seen the lighted star and thought I had enjoyed some bottled holiday cheer a bit too early in the office when the story was  written.

Regardless of that, it looks like our wonderfully bright sign of Christmas is back in the sky looking over our town from a hill across the lake, as always.

But, we have been told that it’s temporary at best, and will need some updating before it becomes our lighted cross at Easter.

I guess that sometimes it takes a mini-crisis like this to show the importance of a few local residents working together for the betterment of all of us.

Isn’t that what small town life is all about?

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Speaking of the Lions Club, who are in the busiest part of their year, please remember to support another great Hillsboro tradition, the Empty Stocking Fund project. You can still donate new and good condition used toys for Santa to deliver to those in need by bringing them to Farmers State Bank, Royal Bank-Hillsboro, or County Market.

Monetary donations to the project can also be sent to the Hillsboro Lions Club Empty Stocking Fund,  P.O. Box 13, Hillsboro, WI, 54634-0013.

The monetary donations are much needed for the purchase of extra toys, clothing, and food for Santa’s delivery.

Your contributions will not only help some of your struggling neighbors but also bring you the true spirit of Christmas by doing exactly what that little Bethlehem baby has asked you to do.

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If your children, like many others, are still working on their Christmas lists, keep in mind that it’s nearing the mailing deadline to assure they will get to the North Pole on time.

Never fear, however, because they can still be delivered to the “Main Man” in person this Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1-3 p.m. in the Community Center.

Now, doesn’t that thought make you feel better about the whole mailing thing?