2008 Woodie Awards
Small Town Charm Fades As Big City Business Slowly Emerges
Jared Walters/For the Muleskinner
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
In the past decade, Warrensburg has been growing, both in population and in new businesses coming to the area.
There are some people who feel these changes are not for the better because they fear Warrensburg is in danger of losing its small town appeal.
We would argue that the growth is a good thing for economic and practical reasons. We would also argue that the spirit of this community remains unharmed, despite the physical changes that have occurred.
It seems as though every time the seasons change, a new chain store or restaurant is opening in Warrensburg.
Two years ago, it was Parker's buying the old IGA store. Then Family Video opened a branch here; Monnetti's, Lowe's and Quiznos followed.
With the increase in business, more people have been moving to Warrensburg, increasing by 250 people in the past year.
Along with the permanent population increase, UCM's student body is also growing larger, jumping from 8,500 to 9,500 in the past four years.
It is understandable for people to fear change in their town. Warrensburg has a coziness that most people wouldn't trade for anything.
The people are friendly and welcoming, and it is great to have everything anyone needs within a stone's throw from home.
The people of Warrensburg are very proud and protective of their town and their neighbors and rightfully so.
However, we believe these changes will bring many good things to this community.
The new businesses that have opened lately, such as Lowe's, though not locally owned, are a great boost for the economy.
When it opened, Lowe's added 120 jobs to the city, not to mention the tax revenue taken from the store.
Wal-Mart is also a target for many people clinging to their small town.
However, the Supercenter employs 440 people, as well as generating more than $300,000 in annual sales tax.
The increasing number of businesses also provides more employment for students.
Many students look for part-time work while attending school to earn spending money.
Others rely on their paycheck to pay for school and housing.
Additional employment opportunities are a great help to students living in Warrensburg.
It is important to preserve the Warrensburg we all know and love, but we shouldn't be so quick to rule change as a bad thing, especially when that change has not caused any adverse effects.
New stores and restaurants bring more money into the community and make it a more enjoyable place to live, without damaging the underlying nature of our quiet little town.
There are some people who feel these changes are not for the better because they fear Warrensburg is in danger of losing its small town appeal.
We would argue that the growth is a good thing for economic and practical reasons. We would also argue that the spirit of this community remains unharmed, despite the physical changes that have occurred.
It seems as though every time the seasons change, a new chain store or restaurant is opening in Warrensburg.
Two years ago, it was Parker's buying the old IGA store. Then Family Video opened a branch here; Monnetti's, Lowe's and Quiznos followed.
With the increase in business, more people have been moving to Warrensburg, increasing by 250 people in the past year.
Along with the permanent population increase, UCM's student body is also growing larger, jumping from 8,500 to 9,500 in the past four years.
It is understandable for people to fear change in their town. Warrensburg has a coziness that most people wouldn't trade for anything.
The people are friendly and welcoming, and it is great to have everything anyone needs within a stone's throw from home.
The people of Warrensburg are very proud and protective of their town and their neighbors and rightfully so.
However, we believe these changes will bring many good things to this community.
The new businesses that have opened lately, such as Lowe's, though not locally owned, are a great boost for the economy.
When it opened, Lowe's added 120 jobs to the city, not to mention the tax revenue taken from the store.
Wal-Mart is also a target for many people clinging to their small town.
However, the Supercenter employs 440 people, as well as generating more than $300,000 in annual sales tax.
The increasing number of businesses also provides more employment for students.
Many students look for part-time work while attending school to earn spending money.
Others rely on their paycheck to pay for school and housing.
Additional employment opportunities are a great help to students living in Warrensburg.
It is important to preserve the Warrensburg we all know and love, but we shouldn't be so quick to rule change as a bad thing, especially when that change has not caused any adverse effects.
New stores and restaurants bring more money into the community and make it a more enjoyable place to live, without damaging the underlying nature of our quiet little town.
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