Fast away the old year passes,

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses.

While many people may hate to see the year’s end, among us are many others who will be pleased to tell 2012 goodbye. Continuing economic uncertainty, a bitterly-fought, rancorous election (starting early with the Republican primaries), and shocking massacres more than once during the year cast a pall upon the national scene. The opening of a new calendar with blank pages full of promise is enough to create a little optimism.

May the optimism prove to be justified.

This is the final issue of the Gazette-Journal for 2012. Our own highlight was celebration of the paper’s 75th anniversary during November. That longevity is a testament to the support we have received from the community during good times and bad. We cannot say often enough how much it is appreciated.

As the final moments of 2012 wind down, we join most of the nation in hoping for a happier and more prosperous 2013. It’s ab...