A few gifts that Santa forgot to bring

It is a tradition for The News-Times to look back at Christmas, look ahead to the coming new year, and with tongue planted firmly in cheek to make note of the useful gifts that Santa forgot to bring.

Here, then, are some of those missing presents:

For Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross: A new map. Cross is leading the charge for the county's incorporation and consolidation, in part to put the county "on the map." The one he's using must be really old, since Columbia County has been on all the maps since the county was formed in 1790.

For North Columbia Fire and Rescue: A party. In the takeover of the fire department's territory by Martinez-Columbia Fire Rescue, someone forgot to properly thank North Columbia's volunteers for protecting their end of the county for the past 30 years.

For Columbia County Planning and Zoning: A "NO" stamp. This will be useful the next time they're asked to allow rezoning for high-density housing.

For Reeves Construction Co.: Clear weather. Maybe that will help the state contractor finish the Furys Ferry Road project.

For Evans: A highly visible new home for the arch and pillars.

For all of Columbia County: Patience. The county's growth, and community leaders' efforts to manage it, will occasionally hit raw nerves. We're all in this together, and would get along better if we'd listen more and yell less.

Merry Christmas, and here's to a happy new year!