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We are still dealing with the fallout of the tumultuous election of 2024. Some are hopeful, others fear what a Trump presidency may bring. For sure, it will be different, and we can expect controversy, and possibly some good things.

Perhaps we should be used to this by now. American politics has been growing more rancorous with each passing election cycle going back decades. Much of the problem has roots in the cultural upheaval of the 1960s. Anyone who ever watched an episode of the 1970s sitcom “All in the Family” knows that our nation didn’t just discover bitter political discourse. The recent death of that show’s creator, Norman Lear, offered a reminder of just how nasty things could get a half-century ago. And of course sharp divisions have been part of American life from the beginning of our history.

Once again we urge readers to keep their cool and encourage those around them to do the same. It’s not going to be easy. There are a lot of strong feelings around these days, and plenty of people eager to capitalize on political passions to suit their own needs. But no one has to give in to this. Certainly people should follow the news. But constant attention to national headlines throughout one’s waking hours is not healthy.

Locally, we are still dealing with the aftermath of the destruction of Hurricane Helene – an event, which resulted in the loss of numerous homes, roads, and a high school. Homes were flooded and damaged as were some businesses. But, the good news is that the flood brought the community together with Carter Countians joining hands with folks from near and far to help those in need…and they’re still doing it. It will take a long time to repair the damage done by Hurricane Helene.

One of the biggest casualties locally was the Broad Street Bridge, on which work is now being done to repair one of the piers. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has indicated the repairs will be made and the bridge re-opened in 2026.

Because of increased traffic on E. Elk Avenue around the Monument because of the closed Broad Street Bridge, the Elizabethton Christmas Parade was re-located to G Street, and the Fraser fir lighting was held in the Covered Bridge Park.

Hampton High School students have been forced to re-locate to the Keenburg School as the flood heavily damaged the school and its property. It remains to be seen what next school year will bring for Hampton students.

Carter County begins the new year with a new state representative – Renea Jones of Erwin, who defeated former Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander. 

And, Elizabethton has a new mayor, as Alexander chose not to seek a new term as mayor after holding the office from 2006 to 2024. Thus, Elizabethton begins the year 2025 with a new mayor – Bill Carter – and a new mayor Pro Tem, Michael Simerly.

There will be plenty of challenges in the coming year from the national level on down to the local. On this last weekend of 2024, we call on everyone to do their part to deal with them in a constructive manner. That’s the first step toward making 2025 a truly happy and successful new year.

We don’t know what is going to happen, and we don’t have control over it. What we do have control over is how we respond. 

When moving forward through difficult times, it is critical that we practice and recognize compassion. Give what you can provide and what those around you need. Compassion is not just about grand gestures. It’s also holding a door open, handing someone a box of tissues when they sneeze, or offering a kind compliment when it wasn’t expected. It’s waiting for your friend to finish collecting their thoughts before you jump in. It’s providing extensions and flexibility for peers who are struggling to finish assignments. It’s being a shoulder to cry on or just being physically present when someone needs you.

Compassion reminds people that they exist, that they are heard, and that people care about them. In tumultuous times like these, not all of these feel like a given, even if we think they are. We must also be mindful that, at the end of the day, we are all human. And as members of this community, we have many shared experiences, responsibilities, and thoughts about the world around us, despite our many differences.