It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get involved

Editorial

Hartington may be a small town, but it has a big heart.

We show that heart every summer at community celebrations, at the Candlelight Christmas celebration in downtown, and whenever we rally behind a cause or a neighbor in need.

But here’s the hard truth — those good things don’t just happen. They take planning, work, and people who care enough to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Right now, the Hartington Chamber of Commerce is running out of sleeves.

After years of declining participation, the Chamber is at a crossroads. Its president, Ray Sukovaty, isn’t asking for all 1,514 residents of Hartington to show up and sign up. He’s asking for a couple dozen. That’s it. A few more people willing to share the load so the same small group of exhausted volunteers doesn’t get burned out. Secretary Lisa Dendinger put it plainly: “We use the same volunteers all the time and we’re getting tired. The way we’re doing things now — it’s just not working.” If that doesn’t sound like a warning bell, it should. Because without more help, the Chamber’s ability to promote Hartington, advocate for our businesses, and host the events that make this town shine will dwindle.

The good news? There’s a chance to do something about it — tonight at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall meeting. All it takes is showing up, listening, and deciding you care enough about Hartington’s future to pitch in.

We talk a lot about small-town pride, about what makes Hartington special. This is where that talk meets action.

The Chamber doesn’t just need cheerleaders — it needs teammates. So grab your neighbor, head to tonight’s meeting, and let’s make sure this community group — and Hartington itself — keeps thriving.