One of the things I really love about Appleton is the tradition of integrity and honesty among its residents. Theft does occur, but it's rare, and the vast majority of people are remarkably decent and honest folks, in my opinion.

The exceptions, though are painful. Tonight's local headline story is the conviction of an ex-principal from West High School in Appleton. Chad Welch faces probation and jail time for theft of almost $25,000 from the Appleton School District while he was principal. How sad! After all the years of school and work it took to reach that position, he has thrown away years of good income in a respected position for a small handful of cash.

I hope we will all be reminded of the importance of constant honesty in our work, and the need to resist temptations to take advantage of employers or others. A small amount of greed can do a lifetime of harm (or even more harm than that, depending on your religious views).