As the first of January nears, it’s a time to both look in the rearview mirror and peek up ahead toward the months to come.

Inside this edition you’ll find our top 10 stories of 2009, which range from the devastating to the joyful. Our two favorites highlight the strength of our school’s sports program: the Lady Vikings bringing home our first state championship, and Coach Dennis Dahl’s impact on the island’s football players over his 20-year career.

Inside this paper you can also read forecasts for 2010 from the chairman of the county council, the executive director of the San Juan County Economic Development Council, and the director of the Northwest Workforce Development Council. In the first edition of the new year, look for additional forecast columns by Senator Kevin Ranker on the state budget, Barbara Rosenkotter on salmon recovery, and Brian Rader on pollution.

We’re enthusiastic about two projects in 2010. The newly formed Orcas Parks and Rec commission will be canvassing the community and setting goals for sustaining our island’s recreation opportunities. We hope they are industrious and put a levy before the voters this year. The Orcas Recreation Program is drowning, and the rec district can save it.

We want to see our school district thrive, so we fully support the upcoming bond and levy measures on the Feb. 2010 ballot. If approved, we’ll still have one of the lowest tax rates in the state. And in return, we’ll have new school buildings, a CTE facility, a track, and more. We’re excited by the potential of this $35 million dollar project to invigorate our county’s economy.

We’re also going to keep our eye on the Critical Areas Ordinance process. It’s a complex and emotional issue that is sure to keep our attention in the coming year.

We wish you all serenity and health for the new year. We’re looking forward to the incredible stories of 2010 that will grace our pages.