As the calendar page turns today, we mark the passing of one year and the dawn of a new one.

We all know how 2012 went. While crime stories such as the deadly prison riot in Adams County garnered much attention, two things that happened last year will also prove to be equally important in 2013 as well.

In 2012, exactly one year after record high levels, the Mississippi River dipped to near-record lows for much of 2012. As we’ve often said, our community and the Mississippi River are inseparable. None of us would be here without the river.

The river scared the heck out of us in 2011 when she threatened to top the levees.

But last year, the river aggravated us all with ever-lower levels and in the process, put the City of Vidalia into a pickle when the river stayed at levels too low for the hydroelectric power plant to operate.

The financial hurt put onto Vidalia by the river will ultimately make the city leaner and meaner in the year to come.

The second series of events last year that will shape 2013 are the changes in government and school leadership. Natchez has a new mayor, and the Natchez-Adams School District has a new superintendent.

Both men have new visions for how their respective roles will benefit the community as a whole, and both seem determined to make a difference.

With all of 2012’s highlights and lowlights behind us, we’re poised to see newer and greater things in 2013. We’re excited for what the year has in store for our community.

We offer a “Happy New Year!” to each of you.