Hypes and Gripes

Local weatherpeople, friendly tire shops, a surly CU and Kim Crosby.

• Hypes to all the local news media, particularly the meteorologists, who helped keep us safe and informed during the January 7–8 tornado outbreak. It was a tragic, frightening night (even by Midwest standards), but we were constantly being armed with information. And knowing, as we all know, is half the battle.

• Hypes to the staff of the Mitchem Tire store on South Campbell, just south of Battlefield. They opened their doors after closing to a damsel in distress on the Saturday before Christmas, and gave service with a smile (and a good price) the day after Christmas. Buying tires sucks, but you made it bearable.

• Gripes to City Utilities for its semi-insolent response to a state auditor’s report on finances at the public utility. We griped the City last issue for ham-handed practices revealed in its own, separate audit, but the City’s measured response to criticism made CU look paranoid and ignorant. CU is allowed to disagree with the audit’s findings, but an ounce of humility might also be in order, especially from a firm that the public depends on… and owns.

• Hypes to the Missouri State Pride marching band, which led off the Tournament of Roses parade on New Year’s Day, and did the Midwest proud. Music is an underappreciated tradition at Missouri State, and it’s nice to see the musicians get their due on national TV.

• Hypes to Kim Crosby, Springfield’s hometown opera and stage star who will perform with the Springfield Regional Opera as they showcase Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music January 18–20. The musical (which includes the song “Send In the Clowns”, if you need a reference point) is a beautiful showcase for the Gillioz and for Crosby. Check out our Agenda (p. 23) for more details.