Signs of growth

We'd just like to call attention to several recent items of good news for the county. At a time when the closing of the Cummins Filtration facility resulted in the loss of jobs for several hundred local citizens, it's important that we also focus on good news, both economic and otherwise, to keep a proper perspective on the community's long term outlook.

• Walgreens wants to come here. Certainly not everyone is excited about the prospect of a new "super" drug store. There are, after all, a number of existing pharmacies whose business would be impacted by the arrival of the national chain. There are also the concerns of residential neighbors as well as historic preservation issues which still have to be addressed. But, overall, it's good to know that big business sees opportunities for growth in our local economy. Like Wal-Mart, new retail activity almost always draws shoppers from surrounding counties as well as creating new jobs.

• Funding has been approved by Congress for the teen center in Davis Park. Communities in Schools executive director Deena Sams said this week that the restoration of the $83,000 in annual funding for the center will guarantee the badly needed facility will provide needed services to approximately 250 local teens. She acknowledged the support of Congressmen John Barrow and Sanford Bishop for getting the funding back on track. We believe the activity center will provide a badly needed outlet for young people who might otherwise be drawn into unhealthy or illegal activities.

• Suddenly, it was there. For anyone who has taken U.S. Highway 25 north to Augusta, over the past several days, you know what we mean. A substantial portion of the two northbound lanes are open for business, and the ride is quite a pleasure. Without fanfare, late last week drivers were diverted onto the new surface a few miles outside of Waynesboro. Work remaining includes resurfacing of the old southbound lanes and resumption of much of the Burke County portion of the project which was halted last year by the financial collapse of the primary contractor.

Clearly, the positive things that are going on in this community don't happen by themselves. People make things happen, and we applaud those who have worked on the projects mentioned here and on the many others who may never be recognized for their efforts.