EDITORIAL: Looking toward the future

Posted 12/29/11

On the positive side, for example, it was a good year for agriculture in the Powell Valley, despite a cool, wet spring that lingered a bit longer than usual, and the long-awaited dedication of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center brought …

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EDITORIAL: Looking toward the future

Posted

Here at the Powell Tribune, we’ve been looking backward in recent days to produce this issue’s review of 2011 events.

The year, like most years, provided some ups and downs for those of us who live here.

On the positive side, for example, it was a good year for agriculture in the Powell Valley, despite a cool, wet spring that lingered a bit longer than usual, and the long-awaited dedication of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center brought a big crowd to Powell for a weekend.

Among the negative features of the year were a lawsuit against the Powell Police Department and the unfortunate difficulty the hospital board has had in filling its top management positions.

After years of economic development effort, Target Powell Valley dissolved, and efforts began to form a new economic development group. The year ended with the retirement of Police Chief Tim Feathers and the promotion of Roy Eckerdt to fill his shoes, and with the completion of the new Westside Elementary School.

As Powell enters the new year, there are a number of issues that will be on center stage. The landfill problem and city of Powell’s desire to build a transfer station still are to be resolved, and the financial viability of Powell’s golf course is up in the air as well. Powell Valley Healthcare will again be looking for a new executive director and for a new chief financial officer as well.

Most importantly, Powell faces the continuing challenge of maintaining its economic health, and all elements of the community — city government, business and agriculture interests and Northwest College — need to be part of that effort.

Powell has many advantages, but none is more important than its sense of community. There are many people of goodwill in Powell who are willing to invest their time and effort into the town they live in. We hope that sense of community continues to serve as a catalyst for resolving the issues we face and keeping Powell a healthy and prosperous place to live.

If we, as a community, can do that, it surely will be a happy new year for everyone.

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