The year 2017 was nothing if not memorable for area residents.

The year came in like a lion, a criminal lion, with a rash of shootings and robberies across the area.

The rash of crime led to an uprising of sorts among City of Natchez residents and officials. In the end, the police chief was pressured to resign and a new chief was hired, bringing with him new ideas and new hope for a safer Natchez.

New Natchez Police Chief Walter Armstrong has taken a much more firm approach to the area’s crime, having charged a dozen people in connection to a shooting spree and murder earlier this year.

His “we’re not going to stand for this here” approach to crime fighting is refreshing in the city. Voters just over a year ago elected Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten on the same hope, and the sheriff and his staff have more than fulfilled their promises to voters.

In May and over the summer, residents and public school board members disagreed on how to approach the need for new public school buildings in the area. Hopefully, as plans proceed in the next year, all sides will listen to each other and find common ground on which to build.

Adams County also was put on the national map briefly again in November when a large suspected dogfighting ring was uncovered in the county. It was not exactly the kind of notoriety we wish for the community, but the horrible situation has prompted residents to lobby for tougher dogfighting laws, so perhaps a silver lining can be found in an otherwise sad situation.

As we reflect on 2017, let’s learn from our mistakes and go into 2018 with a renewed, community-focused attitude, one that builds not on our differences, but on our similarities.