The New Year is here and with it comes the myriad of traditions surrounding Jan. 1, including resolutions.

Resolutions look forward. They are goals that have yet to be achieved. Sometimes they succeed, other times ... not so much.

We’ve all been there, standing on the cusp of another year with starry eyes and big dreams for the future.

While we applaud efforts at self-improvement and forward motion, we at the Independent-Reporter wanted to pause in January to look back. We crafted several stories as a “Year in Review” to take measure of where we’ve been. This is truly the only way we can see where we’re going.

Last week, we reviewed municipal changes in Wilson. The community of about 800 residents continues to forge ahead and make improvements. It revitalized paintings that have adorned windows for five decades. It added a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty to continue efforts to draw tourists from I-70. Wilson, as a town, has made many steps forward.

This week, you’ll read about changes of leadership in Ellsworth. Our community experienced significant leadership changes in 2022, from our school district to city administrator to the newspaper publisher. While our hospital’s CEO technically arrived in 2021, we opted to include him because of the significant forward strides at the hospital this year.

A lot has changed. Yet, the new faces on the scene remain committed to growing Ellsworth.

After a slight pause to look back, we are ready to enthusiastically look forward to 2023.

Karen Bonar Publisher