Well, the weather outside isn’t frightful yet and hopefully the inside is proving delightful for you and yours as we travel through that eventful time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. For certain, it’s been quite a year leading up to the election that has seen Donald Trump rise from the ashes to become our next president — again.

As someone who keeps informed, it’s amazing how quickly people all over the world have suddenly gravitated toward a different way of thinking about geopolitics. Not that things will change dramatically, but they might. It’s the season of hope and while many were satisfied with a managed slide into mediocrity, others are excited that America will lead in ways that will inspire both Americans, and those around the world.

Closer to home we are in a holding pattern as our state government finds ways to transition our tax base from heavily dependent on Tri-State and the coal companies to something that will fit their perception of clean, sustainable, dependable power. It’s safe to say that we are getting attention and anyone traveling to Meeker or Steamboat will see solar arrays proudly displayed along the highway ensuring that the virtue signalling of clean energy is apparent to all who travel down the road. Hopefully the new year will bring about some concrete plans that can give us hope that they have our best interests and the interests of serving reason and common sense.

Locally, we have been in the midst of some tough issues surrounding the highways and health of our residents. Highway 40 to Steamboat has become something of a nightmare with rock falls and fatalities which have claimed too many people in our community and robbed us of important and precious contributors to our way of life. We miss them and our hearts ache for families who have to endure the grief of losing loved ones to traffic fatalities or mental health issues. We must act together to combat unsafe roads by demanding action on increased safety and stick together to stay involved enough to recognize patterns of mental health circumstances that might lead to harm.

As we wrap up another year, it is important that we remember how much our city has been an important part of our way of life. For me, it has been my home for 27 years and the place where I raised my family and spent more than a few years doing everything in my power to be value-added to our community in the form of teaching, coaching, writing and celebrating what Moffat County means to so many people. I’m hopeful that next year will continue to be an exciting time for residents of northwestern Colorado as we make our way into the future with a renewed sense of who we are, what we have here to celebrate, and how much our way of life captures an attractive aspect of the American spirit!

Sure, it’s easy to find the things that lead to a, “I’m getting out of here” kind of mentality but what is the coolest thing about living right here is that so many people exude the, “I think this place is pretty special and worth protecting and celebrating” kid of thinking that is infectious to those who spend any amount of time in this part of the state.

I hope you will get a chance to take a break over the next few weeks, reflect on what has been good, get reinvigorated to take on the inevitable challenges, but make it a point to spend some quality time with the ones you love, remember and celebrate those who we have lost and move forward confidently, knowing that there are thousands of people right here in our area who truly care about our health and the well-being of our very Moffat County.

Lance Scranton is a career educator and has made his home in Moffat County for the past 26 years. He offers his views and opinions as part of the ongoing conversation about our community, country and world. Reach him at lance.scranton@consultant.com.