Hlas has local value to Eastern Iowa

What sad news to hear there will be no more sports columns from Mike Hlas in The Gazette.

Although there have been times when I did not agree with Mike's opinion, I always valued his honesty and integrity. Mike reported on sports but never took sports too seriously. Whatever Mike said in one of his columns always deserved consideration.

Mike is the local boy who made good and is someone who, if he chose to do so, could have gone on to a larger audience and probably a more lucrative journalistic career. But he remained in his hometown and reported on local sports events as well as those on the national and international level.

It is truly sad that the new owners of The Gazette cannot see Mike's value to the Eastern Iowa community and journalism in particular. He will be very difficult to replace if that is even possible or if even desired by the new ownership.

Thank you for your service, Mike.

Mick Erdman

Cedar Rapids