As we head into 2021, let’s take a moment to consider what the goals and resolutions of our area should be. Our area has so much to offer. However, we talk with readers every day about issues and opportunities that face our area: from flooding and groundwater issues, to a rural brain drain, to attracting and retaining young people, creating jobs in our community, ensuring we have workforce housing, creating recreation and leisure opportunities, to properly and adequately fostering the arts and much, much more — all currently in the face of COVID-19.

Later this week Valley Sentinel will be sending out short questionnaires to the villages and their elected officials in the River Valley area. These questions will seek to inspire forward-thinking actions that can be taken to help our area not only thrive, but survive. We would encourage the surrounding municipalities, townships and even residents to engage as well.