If you’ve not already been overwhelmed with year-in-review lists, we hope you’ll enjoy one more, on today’s front page.

The close of one year and the start of the new one inevitably bring a time of reflection on nearly every level. After all, learning from our past is the best way to ensure a better future.

When we posed a list of the stories to members of our community last week, one tragic bad news event immediately climbed to the top of nearly everyone’s rankings. And we don’t argue that that riot at the Adams County Correctional Center was the biggest local news story of the year.

But as you think back on 2012 and prepare for 2013, realize that it’s not the one-time events that mold us.

Yes, the loss of prison guard Catlin Carithers is a blow to our community, and his life will never be replaced.

But, other events in 2012 will define us all for years and decades to come. Many of those stories tend to be more positive, more uplifting.

The success of Natchez Inc., a good handful of economic development announcements, the return of the American Queen, new political leadership in Natchez and a new direction for the schools will be 2012 happenings that continue to develop in 2013 and beyond.

We’ll always remember the bad, but please don’t forget the good. It’s usually those stories that have the greatest long-term impact.

When you look at it that way, 2012 was a year worth celebrating.