In review: Water, wounded son, state champs share highlights
Staff reporter
In 2007, Hillsboro residents experienced their share of highs and lows.
Countywide, residents were alarmed when it appeared that three dogs died after drinking water from Marion Reservoir. Officials scrambled to figure out the cause of the dogs' deaths and water treatment plant operators continued to monitor water quality.
It was clear that treated water posed no danger to consumers.
In the end it appeared that an algae bloom in the area where the dogs drank probably caused their deaths.
Local headlines included:
— McDonald's restaurant closed its doors in January after 10 years in the Hillsboro business community.
The building was auctioned to an undisclosed buyer.
— The Hillsboro community got a little closer to the war in the Middle East when one of its own, Peter Richert, was seriously wounded while serving his country. Following several months of recovery after losing a leg, Richert returned to a hero's welcome in August.
— It was a winning year for the Lady Trojans basketball and track teams when both went on to win state titles.
The girls' basketball team finished a 23-3 season and won its first title in 11 years.
Two months later, eight Hillsboro High School girls qualified for the Class 3A State Track and Field Championships. When the races were run and the points tallied, the Lady Trojans collected enough points to win the team championship.
— City administrator Steve Garrett was relieved of his duties by Hillsboro City Council after serving more than six years.
Irreconcilable differences of the political and governmental kind were noted.
— Hillsboro Ventures Inc. was established as a partner agency with Hillsboro Development Corporation in retaining and recruiting new businesses.
— After decades of being located in Marion, Prairie View Mental Health Services moved its Marion County office to Hillsboro Heights.
— Easter attire this year was winter coats and stocking hats following a spring snowfall.
— Spring weather also made way for torrential rains which caused some flooding.
— Tabor College completed construction of two new townhouse dormitories on the campus.
— Enrollment continues to decline in all five school districts, partly due to an aging and declining population in the county.
