From the editor’s desk
My backyard, my deck, my front yard, my driveways and my sidewalks all look like somebody laid down a carpet of gold, orange, red, crimson, green and brown leaves. If I didn’t know I’d have to rake, blow, burn and get rid of all them, they’d be absolutely beautiful!
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I’ve received lots of comments and had even more conversations this last week about stories the Bureau County Republican is covering. I just want everyone to know I appreciate your comments, your concern, your private words and your understanding more than you know. Thank you for calling, e-mailing or stopping me when you see me out and about. Also know I respect your confidentiality tremendously. Thank you.
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It’s difficult to believe it’s already Halloween this Saturday. Please accompany your youngsters on their treks through the streets of your hometown, and as always, check their treats before they eat any of them. While chances are the wet weather will douse any plans of leaf burning, make sure all burn piles are extinguished completely before the trick-or-treaters begin making their rounds. Also, if you would, please slow down and watch out for these young and enthusiastic children as they dart back and forth from house to house. Have a great and safe Halloween.
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Wow! What about those Princeton High School tennis players! Congratulations, ladies!
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In the past week, I’ve had the opportunity to chat with some pretty frustrated farmers. Weather has been an issue all year for them, and the upcoming forecast doesn’t look much better. At note to the public: When you’re on the highways, please be on the lookout for farmers and their slow-moving machinery. A note to farmers: Be safe and make sure you get enough rest. A tired farmer sets the stage for disaster.
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Customer Service Kudos: This week, I’m heading outside Bureau County to applaud one of the best customer service-oriented businesses I know ... Monari’s 101 in LaSalle. From the minute you walk in the door, customers are made to feel like they’re one of the crowd. Besides fabulous food, Earl, his family and his staff serves up a heaping helping of customer service to everyone in the place. Impressive!
Do you know a person or business who delivers great customer service? If so, send me an e-mail to tsimon@bcrnews.com. Following are the Customer Service Kudos I received this week:
Amy said, “This Kudos goes to The Michlig AgriCenter in Manlius. I, like some people, have our gas delivered to our home for heat. Well silly me, forgot to call. I called the AgriCenter, and they were there within half an hour. Mike Dykstra made sure all my pilot lights were lit and things were whipped back into shape. I really applaud these guys with it being a busy time of the year for them with harvest. Michlig AgriCenter and Mike, you are the cream of the crop!”
Mary Jo said, “Lanuti’s (in Ladd) always gives great customer service. Waitresses check on you all the time during your meal, and if something isn’t just quite right — which doesn’t happen often — they always go the extra mile to make it right. Now, that’s customer service!”
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Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday. Don’t forget to turn back your clocks one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. While we’ll get an extra hour of sleep Saturday night/Sunday morning, the end of Daylight Saving Time also means it will be getting dark much earlier every day. Ugh! In light (or lack thereof) of the change, why not use those darkened hours to get close to your friends, family and those you love. Make a call, invite someone over for dinner, e-mail a long lost friend or family member — life is short, so stay in touch. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.
