Sometimes journalists are credited with awesome, omniscient powers that allow us to know all that happens in a community at every moment of the day.

In reality, there are no wizards in this Oz. We rely on relationships in the community to produce news and information and share it through our newspaper, website, magazine and social media outlets.

Sometimes we witness an event. Sometimes we receive tips from readers. Many times we rely on routine sources, such as Meridian Police Sgt. Dareall Thompson or Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun to explain and fill in the blanks.

You will find examples of all of the above on any given day.

In the Christmas day sports section, there’s a good example of sources and staff working together. Our sports staff, photographer and correspondents covered more than 30 high school football games this season. We solicited nominations for our Premier Preps football teams from coaches and our sports staff used their observations to select an all-star team. We needed help from the coaches, parents and players to get them all in one place to make that honor complete.

On page 1A, you will find a report by Ida Brown about Five Gifts of Meridian – our attempt to remind readers of at least five positive aspects of living in this region. That’s our Christmas gift to you.

The seeds for that story were planted soon after my arrival in Meridian. Randy Pope of Mississippi Land and Lakes called to welcome me and give me a tour of the area’s rich natural resources. He is an unabashed fan of what he calls the Mississippi Foothills.

Likewise, Kathy Brookshire, Barbara Jones and Lauren Pratt of Meridian Community College made me aware right away of the educational and philanthropic opportunities in the area.

Throughout this week, MCC’s Scott Elliott, Meridian Public Schools’ Amy Carter, MSU-Meridian’s Terry Dale Cruse, Lauderdale County Schools’ Randy Hodges and the Riley Center’s Dennis Sankovich provided columns to outline their priorities for 2017. Look for more of those in the week ahead.

We are preparing our own plans at The Star for 2017, with Profile 2017 sections scheduled early in the year. As with our daily efforts, we’re counting on your help as we plan and produce these sections that will focus on the region’s successes.

Here are some specific areas where we ask for your help:

• Citizen of the Year: In 2016 we recognized Rev. Frank Cosgrove, who was completing more than 50 years of service, much of it to Meridian and the Catholic community. Who would you nominate in 2017 as a citizen who has served this community well? Please send us your recommendation and supporting reasons.

• Unsung Heroes: Who are the people who make things happen, but are seldom recognized – a scout leader, a parent in a classroom, the church landscaper, the neighbor who lends a hand in time of need, the medical assistant who takes the time to know you … You get the idea. Please send us a nomination letter and provide supporting reasons.

• Business/Agency/School profiles: This year’s Profiles sections will feature fact boxes about the region’s businesses, agencies and schools. We’re asking for:

Business/Agency/School name:

Location:

Employees/volunteers:

About (100 words about what you do or make):

Leadership (top officers):

Website:

Contact information:

• Our Volunteers: This is similar to Unsung Heroes, but appears ever other week and focuses on volunteers who give their time to make the community better. Please send your nominations throughout the year.

Beyond the Profiles section, we appreciate your engagement with us each day, whether you provide a news tip, tell us what you like or dislike about The Star or that you spend time with us as a reader.

Please reply for any of the requests for help to editor@themeridianstar.com.

Finally, take some time to read Ida Brown’s feature and celebrate our gifts. Wishing you peace on Christmas or any holiday that you celebrate at this time of year.

Dave Bohrer is editor of The Meridian Star. Email him dbohrer@themeridianstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @DA_Bohrer.