It’s the end of another year. What started so bright and shiny and new, now no longer is. It’s worn and soiled and no longer sparkling in anticipation. The old year is tired and it’s time for the new year to start with a clean slate. 

The old year had its moments - good things and bad, sadness and celebration. 

Funny, I sort of feel like that year. I am tired too, but I am looking forward to a bright new year and all it may bring.

I thank my editor at the paper for extraordinary experiences. I've been blessed with many people and events to cover for our paper. I’m thankful we seem to have more good news than bad, more smiles than frowns.

Stories don't always come easy. They aren't just words and facts and research. Sometimes it’s a real struggle to say the things you need to say, and you can only hope to get them right. Sometimes I cry, and I feel for the person or event I’m covering. It's a problem. I think of the pain, the strength, the endurance — something that doesn’t happen overnight. It becomes a part of me.

If it is an event, I think of how many people are involved, how much time and money and emotion went into perfecting the project, the people involved putting so much time and effort and thought into doing the right thing. That too doesn't happen overnight. The thought and planning can be year-round. They deserve more than a thank-you. But God says that is enough, and they accept that.

I admit to sharing the pride and happiness of things accomplished and well done. When I see names pop out in the paper or in the news there is a feeling that they are a part of me. 

Great things don’t happen overnight. The dedication and work that go into being an outstanding student, the expertise that wins, or doesn't win, a game, a trophy, or a voice, a performance, a song, doesn't just happen. It all involves hours of knowhow and time behind the scenes. 

The people who are successful seem to be those who are busiest, glad to work those extra hours and confident enough to give ideas and make decisions.

Some people can always find time to volunteer, lend a helping hand, do whatever they can do to make life better for others.

I've found stories in places least expected, and they always involve people. That is one of the pluses of working for our paper. I've met people I never would have known or been able to appreciate.

My wish for you in 2014 is that all the news will be good news, and if not, that there will be strength and kindness and love enough to make the news bearable.

I wish for peace in your heart, in your thoughts and in your world. I wish you happiness, joy and extra special moments. Let there be a song in your heart, beautiful warm memories, friends and family to greet you and the feel of sunshine even on a cloudy day.

I want to relay the thanks I have gotten from so many people we have helped in some way. Many have shared their gratitude for that boost that got them through a hard time by making it a little easier.

Life is never perfect. We all need a little help now and then, and it is nice to know help is appreciated. The readers and the subjects of columns say “thank you” over and over again and I hope you know how it made them feel.

Perhaps, years from now, we will look back on this year, and like an old car, it may go from being a "clunker" to a "classic" when viewed in the rearview mirror of passing time.

Happy New Year! May 2014 be a special year for you. Thank you!

Some of our Star Eagle readers have commented they like to read about events such as family and school reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, and birth and wedding announcements. In order to read about these important things we need our faithful readers to pass along the information to us. 

If you have birthdays and anniversaries you would like include, or news to share please contact me via e-mail, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; by postal mail, P. O. Box 192, Geneva, MN 56035 or telephone, 507-256-4405.

This week’s birthdays and anniversaries include:

• Thursday, Jan. 2: Grace Jolie Wangen, Brian Bedney, Jay Crabtree, Mark Dobberstein, David Lageson, Brenda Wayne, Aaron Nelson, John & Lorraine Lent, Kelsey (Wayne) & Matt Duncomb

• Friday, Jan. 3: Jerret Utpadel, Andrea Avery, Stan Nelson

• Saturday, Jan. 4: Sophie Elizabeth Stork, Kelsey Christensen, Delphine Pence, Jeff Cornelius, Dennis Hill, Monty Mrotz, Jeremy Nelson, Corey Johnson, John Butler

• Sunday, Jan. 5: Olivia Pauline Christopherson, Devon Mark Born, Pat Simon King, Warren Kelly, Randy Paulson, Jay Neitzel, Amy Kasper, Nash Petranek, Melinda & Ray Talamantes

• Monday, Jan. 6: Mallory Anna Schlinger, Marianne Christensen, Kevin Jensen, Tammy Busho, Todd Nelson

• Tuesday, Jan. 7: Rodney Peterson, Gary Ayers, Stacy Jensen Pirkl, Karina Thompson

• Wednesday, Jan. 8: (Elvis Presley) Cameron Schember, Mike Marcus, Terry Pelzl, Dan Reese, David Jensen, Ryan Benning, Jennifer Rechtzigel, Brandon Borchert, John & Melissa Marlin

• Thursday, Jan. 9: Melinda Hanson Talamantes, Lisa Dunn Wayne, Mark Lee, Adam Deml, Jay Wangsness, Steve Vanden Heuvel, Becky Wayne Clark, Larry Jensen, Allen Dobberstein, Allan Swearingen, Dan & Lavonne Nelson

• Friday, Jan. 10: Sue Hunnicutt, Martha Jacobson, Gary Nelson, Eldert & Avis DeRaad, Robert & Eleanor Leiser

• Saturday, Jan. 11: Melissa Farr, Rick Hanson, Nanko DeRaad, Deb Robertson Hare, Brad Nelson, Kelly Reichl, Alvin & Ardys Nelson, Dennis & Barb Grunwald

With each passing year, grow stronger, grow wiser, grow richer in spirit. May the year ahead be filled with new discoveries!