Despite problems, our assets remain

The national economy has had local residents on pins and needles for over a year now. Gas prices are high, food prices are escalating, and every utility bill is growing.

It's even become a hassle to buy a gallon of gas as every station now wants pre-pay due to the repeated thefts they have encountered. In the area, we've seen more break-ins and thefts.

In order to compete in a world economy, employers want more production for the same pay. It's become hard to live in the middle class, let alone below that.

Add to that stress the investigation of the local school superintendent for "irregular" vendor payments, which amounts to an investigation of alleged embezzlement of tax dollars. No matter the outcome, residents now feel betrayed. All the frustration has started to boil over with complaints, and even fights. The sad thing is that none of the issues that are pushing this community to the edge of reason as well as the nation can be repaired quickly.

This may seem overwhelming, but we know this community has endured through far worse times and situations. Those old enough need to think back to the bleak job markets of the '80s, gas lines of the '70s, and riots of the '60s. Locally, this is not the first time the school district has suffered a blemish.

This community has become and has been a great place to raise a family in any economy. That is because of the people here, which remains the town's greatest asset.