The criminal proceedings regarding Grace Boyer were extensive, exhausting and emotional. Anytime a person’s home is destroyed due to the actions of another is a lot to handle. It could have gotten vindictive and nasty quickly.

It is with exceptional pride and admiration that this community should look at the attorneys and staff in the 93rd District Court for their abilities and discretion to handle such destruction with class and professionalism. From Prosecutor Rob Steinhoff’s diligence in breaking down each potential charge and seeing how they fit the facts to Indigent Defense Attorney Jana Mathieu’s awareness of mental and physical health issues in the legal system, the proceedings were balanced so the truth could be weighed. Under District Court Judge Charlie Nebel and the court staff, the rights of all involved were protected.

Boyer’s acknowledgement of her actions and desire to get better mentally and physically also should be noted. The cases involving bad people with horrific crimes get the largest headlines, but those fighting to improve themselves and attempt to fix the harm they cause often are left without recognition. For the court to consistently provide these opportunities as a part of the justice system is a benefit to the community.

But most of all, we need to honor Nancy Prunick, the matriarch left without a home. While insurance can fix the monetary loss, it was her resilience, class and compassion that stands out the most in this entire scenario. Nebel called her “as tough as a boiled owl” for her strength in calamity, but it’s her humility and love that needs to be heralded. With her calming influence and stance as the victim in this case, paired with the support of her friends and family around her, Prunick provided the first step in the right direction. How lucky we all are to have a neighbor like that.