Opinion

For some, the ending of the old year and the beginning of the new is an opportunity to take stock, make intentions and send good wishes to others. In the spirit of those well wishes, here are some forward-thinking messages from the staff at The River Reporter.

Some have lofty thoughts.

Claire Cohen-Norris has lived in Glen Spey, NY, since 2006. She is a biology teacher and former attorney and has volunteered with Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL) for almost five years.

First of all, dear reader, let me say: congratulate yourself. This wasn’t an easy year to get through, and you’ve (just about) gotten through it. Next year, well, that will have its own challenges—and we’ll deal with those as best we can, as we did this year.

LIBERTY, NY — Sullivan West hoopsters Elizabeth Reeves and Brandon Haass won in their divisions in the first stage of the national free-throw program at Liberty High School recently.

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on December 12 to pass the $867 billion Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, a bipartisan effort that benefits farmers.

Who will really pay for the wall?

When he wanted our vote, President Trump told us, over and over, that he’d make Mexico pay for a wall. Why is he now asking us to pay for it?

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

115 West Ninety Fifth Street

Last week toward the end of the nightly TV newscast, spliced in with reports of wildfires, the Mueller investigation and President George H.W. Bush’s funeral, there was a story of great optimism and progress. Easily overlooked in the chatter of the day, we heard a new sound. We heard the wind on Mars.