What Defines a "Community"?

 A friend of mine dropped off a wonderful gift the other day. It is a 1971 edition of Webster's New American Dictionary. I love to look up definitions of words and see how they evolved in today's society. I looked up the word " Community" recently. Community in the 1971 edition means "A body of people having common interests or living in one locality". In the new edition the definition reads "A body of persons or nations having a common history or common social, economic and political interests". Not much has changed in the definition but a few additions to better define the word. This is common amongst most definitions but most communities have changed to some degree. As time goes on things like internet access, improved roads, water access and modern conveniences make up the focal points of a community. I find it is what draws attention for people looking to relocate into an area. 
Jackson County has earned the definition of a small town. A lot of times it's not the number alone that gives that definition to a locality but the lifestyles and traditions that many hold near and dear to them defines it as well. This past week's "Trick or Treat" is a great example of that. I saw so many families and children smiling and laughing, so many households, businesses, organizations and Churches participating by passing out candy and other treats as well as many people just being out in great weather enjoying the place we call home. The Fair, cruise in's, trail rides etc. are also other great examples of small town life at it's best. Our community really seems to enjoy and participate in such events which, to me, is an awesome definition of a small town. 
Development can be a great challenge in a small town. We are limited in resources, therefore we depend on grants and state funded programs to help us with development efforts. It would be a great boost for our local economy if we had a large employer or manufacturer get interested and build on the old Mid South Electrics property. It would be a great blessing for our small community to see such a development. We are working with state and local development authorities to gain the interest of potential developers. The only thing I know to do is keep working until something good comes through. 
Have a blessed week.