The gifts that Santa Claus forgot

We've looked behind the tree. We've lifted the couch cushions. We've even peeked under the fruitcake.

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But the search has been, well, fruitless. It seems that Kris Kringle forgot to bring a few badly needed items on Christmas morning. These unfortunate omissions provide the list for our annual recitation of The Gifts That Santa Forgot:

Completed widening of Washington Road in front of Goodwill. The only construction equipment in Santa's bag was made by Tonka, so we'll have to rely on contractors to take care of this job.

Space for Champions Made from Adversity. This new organization is dedicated to expanding athletic and leisure activities for the disabled, and needs office and storage space. Perhaps a local philanthropist or the county will be able to help.

Ample sunshine and favorable tee-times for departing Grovetown Mayor Dennis Trudeau. It is hard to overstate the stability and improvement that Trudeau brought to the city during his 20 years in office, and he has earned a comfortable retirement. Santa didn't deliver it, but we hope it comes just the same.

A second school semester free from scandal. Frankly, after the athletic-department problems at Lakeside and Greenbrier, we've had enough. Santa didn't bring a scandal-free semester, so we'll have to see to it ourselves.

Speaking of schools, an on-time finish to construction of the new Stallings Island Middle School, smooth construction for the county's new high school and an early start for work on the next elementary school would have been nice. With 500 additional students projected to arrive next year, we need all the room we can get. Santa didn't drop any off, but the workers seem to be scurrying to get the job done.

It also would have been nice if Santa had brought the state Legislature the courage to approve impact fees for schools.

One thing we're glad arrived even before Santa: Water. No, the weekend rains were no substitute for a white Christmas, and it wasn't enough to fill the lake.

But just like the last little gift under the tree: Every little bit helps make us happy.