Today we look forward to 2018 — 365 days full of promise and opportunity for our community. But before we begin to look ahead, let us take a look as a few of the good things that happened during the last week of 2017:

• On a holiday weekend that can suddenly turn tragic because of accidents related to drunk driving, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office had no arrests over the Christmas weekend. Sheriff Travis Patten said he increases patrols each holiday season to help keep drivers safe. Patten said extra patrols will also be out in force for through the New Year’s Day weekend and hopes his office’s tough stance on the issue will deter individuals who might consider driving after a few too many drinks. Patten said past such efforts have greatly reduced the number of DUI citations in the county. Thanks to Patten for his continued focus on this important issue.
• Trinity Episcopal Day School student Seth Blattner plans to work in government and his first chance to dip his toes in political waters comes when Blattner serves as a page to Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8. The senior says he has been interested in politics for a long time, but has become especially interested because of the recent political climate in the country. Blattner said he hopes to run for political office, perhaps even for President of the United States, if the opportunity comes his way. The opportunity to work in Reeves’ office is a good start. We wish Blattner well on the beginning of his political journey.

Let us remember thank those who continue to make our community great.