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Congratulations to the Mifflin County High School Huskies Marching Band. They brought home another state championship for their bulging trophy case and made us all very proud once again.
As a former "band geek" from the late 1980s and early 1990s myself (that's what we were affectionately called where I grew up in Maine), music has a special place in my heart. We should admire -- and thank -- the dedication that Mifflin County Director of Bands Art Belfiore, who I call "Mr. Marching Band," music boosters and other supporters have shown in building up the program into a beacon that shines very brightly.
What struck me after watching their trophy presentation -- other than the thrill and excitement of the moment -- was the number of supporters at the event for all of the high school bands. It made me think that the new Husky Multi-Purpose Sports Complex could bring events like this to Mifflin County.
Not only would it be great to have a home-field advantage for the band and athletic teams but think of all of the out-of-town fans who would flock to Mifflin County and eat at our restaurants, grab snacks and gas at our convenience stores, lodge at our hotels and more.
I remember frequenting hotspots out of town when I traveled the tournament trail in the 1990s as a sports writer for The Sentinel.
Yes, the sports complex carries an $18 million price tag. But look at all of the revenue that is lost because it isn't here. Additionally, having better facilities will mean that families who don't want to live in Mifflin County because of the current condition of these facilities, might actually settle down and stay. So, their sons and daughters will attend Mifflin County public schools instead of Harrisburg
or State College.
Some people have suggested the complex can't be built without raising taxes. The financial plans don't include tax increases for funding. School officials tell us that won't be the case.
Over the past 24 years, Mifflin County has had seven tax increases. That's a pretty good track record. Kudos to the Mifflin County School District Administration and School Board for that.
If you've never met Superintendent of Schools Vance Varner then you are missing out. He has one of the most infectious personalities I have ever met. Kudos to the six board members who voted in favor of the stadium proposal.
Let's look at the proverbial glass as being half full instead of the negative side where it's half empty.
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Greg Williams is a reporter and Sunday night editor for The Sentinel. A Mifflin County native, he has been writing for The Sentinel since 1991. His column, "Virtually Home," appears regularly.