Oh, what a year!

It’s hard to believe that another year is behind us.

As we say goodbye to 2015, I like to reflect on what events shaped and moved our community. 

To say the least, our community had outstanding donations and support for its festivals (Kolacky Days and Torchlight Parade and Fireworks). I don’t remember two festivals with more people than we had in the summer and winter months. It was amazing to see so many people visit our small community that put its best foot forward for these fun events.

The community also lived through the Fifth Street Project. Although I didn’t have as hard a time as those who live on the street of the construction project, it nevertheless affected everyone in Montgomery, some way, because of the detours and road blocks. While I loved the way the street looked before with its arching and old trees, I prefer the newer, “refurbished” version, with sidewalks on both sides of the well-lit streets.

Our schools continued to grow last year as more and more parents chose the Tri-City United School District to educate their children. In fact, enrollment has grown to the point of the district asking its taxpayers for money to build more classrooms and a much-needed auditorium. If you attended any concert in the district’s auditorium in 2015, you are well aware how much the district needs this.The auditorium’s lack of space often forces people to stand in the aisles, against walls or in the stairwells. It is not safe for anyone should an emergency occur. 

In 2015, I had the joy of telling so many people’s stories. I think of the special Lukas Worm, his health struggles, and how the family of the Roman Barten Memorial Breakfast in New Prague chose to honor Lukas and his family at their breakfast in March. 

I also think about Julia Drobnik, her friend Elijah Brown, and the other fifth grade boys who chose to sit next to her at lunch.

A lot of people said “hello” to new members of their families through births, marriages or adoptions. 

Of course, news isn’t always positive. We published a lot of obituaries in 2015. Those are always sad to write because it means a loved one is gone for somebody.

We also told stories of people who made poor decisions and are paying the price because of them (Bryton Kraft, Jonas Nelson). These are never fun to tell, but in the name of journalism and informing the public, they need to be told.

Now that 2015 is officially over with this edition, we can all look forward to a peaceful, prosperous and Happy New Year!