Congratulations, Class of 2020.

I have watched many of you grow and learn over the last 18 years. With everything on my plate day to day, I still have spent plenty of time thinking about the senior year you have had. Keep your heads high and look to the future because it is yours to make.

Before we dive into the future, let’s take a look at what the past held and even how it can lead to the future.

Many years ago, Mayor Craig Luedeman started the process of capturing tax increment financing, or TIF, dollars here in Seymour. One of the requirements was to create the redevelopment commission.

At the recent redevelopment commission meeting, we accepted the resignation of coach Jeff Richey and appointed Bonnye Good as his replacement. Thank you, Coach, for the years you spent helping shape the future of our area. I would also like to welcome Bonnye to the team. I believe her life experience in areas like tourism and public works will make her a good addition to an already wonderful redevelopment commission.

During a recent visit with the Department of Public Works, I had a chance to join the mowing crew. We often only notice when something needs mowed and don’t pay it much attention when it is maintained. The crew has roughly two pages of areas that they do their best to mow on a weekly basis.

Now doing their best is sometimes easier than others with things like rain or double trash days that might keep them from accomplishing this. In the event of a day off, it leads to all hands on deck to pick up two days worth of trash in one day.

With all of the major construction projects this year, we also have some areas that have become the responsibility of the construction company to maintain. I am sure some of you have noticed them like I have, and I have reminded them that it needs taken care of.

I have also noticed some yards past the 10-inch point that need to be taken care of, as well. Feel free to call or message an address if you see one that is higher than 10 feet. We will get our ordinance administrator to take a look and send a letter.

Radio was a recurring theme recently as I did a visit with Robert Becker at 96.3 to update everyone on what happened at the council meeting and beyond. We also went Facebook Live with it if you want to check out my Facebook page for the video.

The other visit was with 92.7 to proclaim May 29 Bud Shippee Day. After 44 years, Bud has now retired. Thank you, Kelly Trask, Jay Hubbard, Curt Nichols and especially Bud, for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I believe the first time I was on air was with Bud, and he definitely made it more comfortable.

Class of 2020, you are still on my mind, mostly because of my senior daughter, Jozie. I want to leave you with a quote that has been on my desk since January and will stay there until my time as mayor is done. Mark Twain said, “Always do what is right. It will gratify half of mankind and astound the other.”

Doing what is right oftentimes is not the easiest path. It is, however, the path that you will look back on and appreciate most in life. Congratulations again. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish in life and how you make the world around you a better place for all along the way.

Matt Nicholson is the mayor of Seymour. Send comments to [email protected].