This time of year, with only a few days left in 2012 and only a few days before we begin 2013, always lends itself to reflection and anticipation.

Reflection of what we have done and anticipation of what we are about to do.

In Wednesday’s edition of The Post-Searchlight, we will present the annual top 10 stories of the prior year.

There were lots of positives in Bainbridge and Decatur County over the past year. And there were some events that I would just as soon forget about.

The behavior of our county government early in the year is near the top of my list of stories that we could have done without.

From the marathon illegal closed session on a Friday night that ultimately led to the forced resignation of the then county administrator Tom Patton, to the dismissal of two upper-level employees during an open meeting — against the advice of the interim county administrator, Gary Breedlove — the Decatur County Commission could have had a better year.
Individually, our commissioners are smart men who have the best interests of the Decatur County at heart. But, as a group, they didn’t accomplish much and remained in a state of turmoil much of the year.

I certainly hope and expect for better days ahead for this group. We, as a community, deserve a more functional county government and a functional county government is the commissioners’ duty and responsibility to the community.

On a positive note, the growth at Bainbridge College continued during 2012 and 2013 looks to be an historic year.

In October, Dr. Richard Carvajal, president of Bainbridge College, announced that the school would begin the process of offering four-year baccalaureate degrees in management. Along the way, the possibility of a name change for the college was discussed and, hopefully, plans for major facility upgrades will be announced.

Already, the campus library is undergoing a major renovation, but I certainly hope that the state can find a way to provide the much-needed academic building on the campus in the coming year.

These are just two of the stories that I expect will make the top 10 from 2012 in next Wednesday’s edition.

Personally, I want to thank all of our advertising partners for their business and having the confidence in us to help market their goods and services. I want to thank our subscribers and readers for allowing us to tell the stories of their friends and neighbors. Thanks also to the group of dedicated employees of The Post-Searchlight, each of who are professional and dedicated in what they do.

Please have a safe and peaceful New Year’s Day. And here’s to a prosperous and fulfilling 2013.