Despite events of 2001, area had progress

It could have been a horrible year.

On Wall Street, the bulls turned to bears in 2001. And then there were the evil acts of Sept. 11, when terrorists ripped our world apart.

So, to an outsider, it might seem odd to even think about a Progress Edition.

But people who live in Southeast Missouri know there was plenty to pack into the Southeast Missourian's annual special project.

We saw a billion-dollar retail sales year in Cape Girardeau County. New homes were built, and new jobs were created. Road improvements began. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge kept rising. Both Cape Girardeau hospitals had expansions.

We saw a new Central High School emerging from the cleared ground. A new career and technology center opened. Southeast Missouri State University opened a new polytechnic center.

Yes, it was a tough year, but it was progressive.

And people who know this area would expect nothing less.