New Year’s Day is a chance to look back on from where we’ve come and plan for new beginnings.

The past year has been a sometimes trying one in Northeast Michigan, with battles over taxes and budgets, the closure of Decorative Panels International, an exceptionally contentious election, and controversial books at the Alpena County Library.

But it also has been one of many joys, with new stores coming to town, a settlement to Alpena and Alpena Township’s decade-old court battle over water rates, and, as always, your amazing generosity lifting up many important causes in our community.

The year ahead is one filled with promise for our community.

With the groundwork laid by the settlement to a 2014 lawsuit, Alpena and Alpena Township may move quickly through the remaining negotiations over water and sewer rates and get themselves out of court for good.

Several development projects are in the works.

A remodeled Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan will open soon.

We have high hopes for Northeast Michigan in the new year.

From everyone here at The News to every reader, we wish you a very happy New Year. May your 2025 be filled with peace and prosperity.