Sometimes when you climb to the top of the mountain, you realize what lies ahead is another mountain.

The next mountain isn’t bad; it only presents another challenge, another opportunity.

As U.S. Sen. Trent Lott prepares to leave his Washington, D.C., office, Adams County knows the news is not a particularly good thing for the area.

Lott’s storied — though controversial — history in the nation’s capitol means he knows his state well. He’s had years to learn about every portion of Mississippi, including Southwest Mississippi.

He’d had an ear for Adams County projects, and he’s helped make a few things happen around these parts.

Lott has made sure funding was available or been a part of the bluff stabilization, the airport, the port, the federal courthouse and Rentech.

But now, Adams County leaders may have to start at square one explaining our area and projects like Rentech.

But, Adams County is already at the top of the first mountain. Leaders shouldn’t look back.

If there’s another mountain ahead, so be it.

Local leaders have learned to climb, the ropes are in place and only the next summit remains.