Today we launch our annual progress edition — six special sections published over the course of three days that take a look at various aspects of life in the Ohio Valley.

This effort is a joint project that we worked on with our sister publications The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. It is something I have had the opportunity to do about 20 times, yet each time I am still amazed by the people I encounter as part of this big-picture look at how things in our region are changing.

This year was no exception. I was happy to help out as part of the pool of people reporting these stories for our readers to enjoy. Along the way, I spoke with individuals from many walks of life — from a contractor to municipal leaders and even a coroner, I got the chance to interview several inspiring and impressive people.

Included in today’s newspaper you will find the Manufacturing & Technology section, along with the Finance section. On Monday, you can read supplements about Education and Health Care. And on Tuesday, we conclude the series with sections about our Communities and about Professional Services.

I think that you will find reading these reports just as enjoyable as I found helping to create them. We really do have some fascinating characters living among us. And the best part about this year’s edition is that it focuses on the future — the younger people who are driving our area forward. We made it a point to feature individuals who are age 45 and younger, including some of the talent that we are proud to employ here, such as Times Leader Sports Editor Seth Staskey.

For many people, Sunday is the perfect day to sit back and relax with some extra reading to do. But, if you aren’t a daily subscriber, don’t forget to pick up copies of the Monday and Tuesday editions, because you won’t want to miss reading the rest of the story to get a well-rounded picture of who our region’s up-an-comers are and how they mimght shape our future.

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Speaking of the future, have you noticed the signs of spring that are popping up all around us?

We have bee fortunate to experience a couple of warm and sunny days over the past couple of weeks, but it’s more than the temperature that is pointing toward spring.

One of my favorite signs of the season has already appeared. My hometown of Belmont is an old village, filled with old houses and lawns that reflect the gardening habits of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along Main Street between Jefferson and Market streets are several homes where former owners planted crocuses in their lawns. Over the decades, those flowers have multiplied and spread to the point that they completely cover those yards with delicate, soft purple blossoms. It’s a sight that always makes me happy, and it did just that as those flowers bloomed over the past week.

In addition, I have seen daffodils poking up out of the soil with buds that look like they will open soon. Other ornamental plants, such as tulips and lillies are also making their debuts.

If you have a case of the winter blues, I hope this news will lift your spirits. We have been lucky enough to have a pretty mild winter, so put on some shoes and a jacket and head outdoors to look for more signs of spring if you like.

Just remember that nothing lasts forever, including winter weather. Spring — and all its pleasantries — will be here before we know it.