That was one long and sometimes unusual presidential election season that ended a few months ago, from a change in the Democratic ticket to an assassination attempt on a former president seeking to return. However you voted, if you voted, you as a news consumer and an American may have needed a breather after.

But get back up off the bench; you have had your rest and it is time to think local elections and town meetings. They are headed this way fast. 

Stay up on our reporting and we will as always do our best to keep up with draft proposals and completed proposals on municipal and school budgets; nominations for seats; absentee ballots' availability; candidate Q & A's; and proposed ordinance changes and whatever else each town faces this spring.

Maybe do your elections reading on breaks from shoveling, as by now many of us can use a breather from that. Is snow heavier, or am I just older?

Week's positive parting thought: Spring, a season of color, hope, slightly warmer temperatures and sometimes less bitter wind, is closing in on a month away! We've almost made it. Stay the course.