In this edition, there is a recap of the news highlights of the past 10 years.

There is always a danger in doing a review of events — whether it’s for 10 years or just one year — that someone will think something should have been included that wasn’t.

It’s difficult to compile what we consider to be the top news stories of the decade. What was important to us may not have been as important to you and vice versa.

The rule of thumb that determined whether a news story made it to the list was the impact or potential impact the event had or will have on our communities.

As with any review, we were reminded of what we have lost and what we have gained.

This past decade has shown us a time nearly forgotten by those born and raised in the Great Depression. Although no one has given this era a specific name, it will be known as a time of struggling and challenges.

For the first time in many of our lifetimes, we saw mass unemployment, too many of our neighbors losing their homes to foreclosures, and those we know and love struggling to pay their bills and put food on their dinner tables.

Hopefully the review will cause us to look forward to the next 10 years and make strides toward goals.

And speaking of goals, we asked area residents their opinions on what were the most remarkable events in the past 10 years and their goals for the future. (See the results elsewhere in this newspaper.)

What was interesting and refreshing was people didn’t want riches and power for themselves. They wanted jobs for the unemployed and peace on earth, which reinforces the idea that when other people are successful, we are happy for them.

As we begin a new year and a new decade, what are our goals and aspirations for this community? If we want to see changes, we’re going to have to get involved.

So, what are the goals? How are we going to achieve them?

The days of being an armchair planner are over. No one wants to hear anyone complain about the problems and offer no solutions or be unwilling to roll up their sleeves and get their hands a little dirty from working toward a common goal.

In the coming weeks, this newspaper is going to ask for your opinions about the future of this community.

Please get involved.

The success of this community is not up to city officials. Each one of us has to take a share of the responsibility.

When success is achieved, we can also rightfully share in the joy as a community.

— susan berg