As the seconds tick away at the end of 2023, it is a good time to pause and reflect on what was a noteworthy, and newsworthy, year.

The very face of Downtown Wheeling began a massive change this year, as the Downtown Streetscape Project started in earnest. Streets narrowed or completely closed as crews tore out and replaced sidewalks, sewer systems and traffic lights, all in the quest to make Downtown Wheeling a brighter, more beautiful and more inviting place to visit, shop, dine and live.

Yet, with each example of growth comes the growing pains associated with it. Motorists found fewer places to park on city streets. Pedestrians found it tougher to traverse the sidewalks and sidestep the construction. Businesses had to resort to posting maps on social media so consumers could navigate the closed streets to reach their doorsteps. The impact of the disruption led Wheeling City Council to start work on a relief program to help those business owners who are struggling through the project’s duration.

Wheeling’s homelessness issue also moved to the forefront in 2023. Community leaders came together to find a physical home for the Life Hub, which they hope will be a one-stop location for the city’s homeless population to find shelter and other services to help them get back on their feet. The Life Hub’s winter shelter already is up and running.

Meanwhile, city council voted to ban camping on city-owned property beginning Jan. 1. Homeless advocates pushed back against the ban, saying its consequences would make homeless people’s situations worse and lead to even more people being displaced. A managed camp was allowed in that ordinance, but that camp has yet to be set up. The situation put the city in a position where it had to balance empathy for those less fortunate with the safety and quality of life for those living and paying taxes in Wheeling.

Throughout 2023, we celebrated the triumphs of those who have and still do call the Friendly City home. Warwood native and Dallas Cowboy legend Chuck Howley reached rarefied air that few in his profession experience, being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and having his number retired at his alma mater, West Virginia University. Meanwhile, Ritchie Elementary School earned the distinction of being named a National Blue Ribbon School, an honor bestowed upon just 353 of the thousands of schools in the United States. It was the first time since 2014 that an Ohio County School achieved that lofty goal.

As we remember the significant events of the year gone by, it’s important to use the lessons learned from them as a springboard into the future. Communication is key. Patience is, too. It’s important to see all sides of an issue and make sure no one is left struggling. The people of the Ohio Valley, when given the opportunity, are capable of great things. May 2024 be a year where great things continue to happen.