If you have not driven by the Neosho National Fish Hatchery lately, you need to do so. There is an amazing transformation going on. You will see a wonderful thing rising there that will mean so much to our community.
The new visitor center / headquarters building has really taken shape, and I cannot say enough about the laborers who done great work even in the miserable weather we have had since Christmas.
In every community there are nay-sayers no matter what is talked about, and I am sure there are people who turn up their noses at what is happening at the hatchery. But most of us are extremely proud of what’s going on and I, personally, cannot say enough good things about the work being done and about those who have a hand in making it happen.
At the risk of offending some, I will say I believe this new structure is being created because of the local hatchery staff and because of the work of many ordinary people. This project, as far as I know, was not a product of local politicians or “development” people.
This is the people’s house and it is a very bright spot in our community.
To begin with, this would not be possible if the hard working hatchery employees had not earned the right to have this building. Because they work long, long hours in sometimes hard conditions doing great work, their superiors allowed this building to be built.
Add to that the many people who have, in large and small ways, gone after the funding and the approval to get this done. Many people who contributed to this effort would be surprised if you mentioned it to them. They were just doing what they consider the right thing. Even those people who come to the hatchery every day to take their “health walk” are contributing. They are proving how important the hatchery is to this community. They deserve our thanks.
And we must add the strong support this project got from Sen. Kit Bond and Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt who shepherded it through Congress.
As this building continues to grow, and when the happy day comes for a ribbon cutting, I hope the entire town turns out to celebrate. I have a feeling there will be a true celebration as people want to be part of something exciting in Neosho. Over the past few months I have talked with many people who once in Neosho and many who once worked at the hatchery. Most are just waiting for that big day to come so they can come back.
So, citizens of Neosho, when the opening day is announced, put it on your calendar in bright red ink and join the party. And while you’re at the celebration, if you happen to run into a visitor who has come to town for the day, make them feel really, really welcome.
It seems that some of that old “Neosho Proud” and that “Neosho Spirit” has been dragging lately. So those of us who remember these characteristics must to reach down deep and show that spirit — at least on that day.
Kay Hively is editor of the Neosho Post and writes a column for the Daily News.
Neosho, Mo. —
