558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
We at the Central Oregonian would like to wish all of you a happy new year.
In many respects, 2011 was a difficult year for Crook County.
The economy has been stagnant for nearly three years now, and for many in Crook County times are hard.
Still, there are positive things happening in Crook County. Although times have been tight, the citizens of Crook County have once again shown their generosity and spirit of giving. As Christmas neared, the number of individuals requesting assistance from the Holiday Partnership had never been larger. Yet, the community responded and met the need.
After three years of cut backs and belt tightening, the Crook County School District has cut spending significantly. Now for the first time in several years, it looks like the school district has been able to start refunding programs that have recently gone unfunded. For example, the School Board was able to put $75,000 back into the sports program.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened to sue over the City nativity scene. In response, private citizens rented the plaza and this year there were three displays instead of only one. Perhaps next year we will be able to fill the plaza with displays of holiday cheer.
City and County officials have been working hard to bring new industry and jobs to the county. With recent economic forecasts predicting an expanding job market in 2012, perhaps that groundwork will now begin to pay off as businesses look to expand or relocate into Crook County.
As we ring in the New Year, it is a time of optimism and new beginnings. We set New Year’s resolutions. We look forward with hope to the future. We set big goals and plans for the future.
2012 is an important year for Crook County and the nation. We once again have the opportunity to vote and choose our national leaders. With growing national debt, and rising concerns from both the right and the left about the direction our country is taking, it is a time of choice.
As we swing into 2012, we hope that each of you can move forward with a sense of optimism and hope. We look for leaders with vision and increased opportunities for all. However, more than that we hope and pray for health, happiness, and freedom for each of you in the year ahead. May 2012 be a great year, and may each of you have a happy New Year.
