Opinion
February 19, 2026

Opinion – Pulling the plug is never easy

 

I have reported on Richwood Council for the last two years. During that time I have seen many efforts to save the Opera House fall short while we all hear the metaphorical death rattle of the 136-year-old building.

There was a general sense, especially at the tail-end of the revitalization efforts, that the building was gone. The whole experience could be an allegory for having an elderly relative on life support. There were a lot of good ideas, false breakthroughs and moments where it seemed like it was time to accept reality and pull the plug; but in a room full of people with so much love in their hearts for this thing, no one wanted to be the one to end it.

That is why I stand by Mayor Scott Jerew’s vote to demolish th…

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