Cities all over the region could take some tips from the officials of Valley Grande.

Last year, bandits held up a couple of stores and frightened citizens. City officials saw the problem and reacted by paying for more law enforcement

from the Dallas County Sheriff&8217;s Department.

A walking trail has become a haven for families because the city council worked together to procure equipment for the trail.

Now, the city will take another step by advertising for bids to construct a pavilion in what once was just &8220;the walking trail.&8221;

Some citizens in an area near Perry County lack fire protection. The city council has pushed to construct a fire department substation to serve those people and to help out in the 5-mile radius that includes a piece of neighboring Perry County.

Cooperation and forward thinking of the city council and Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee make this area an attractive one for families and businesses.

We all could learn from the &8220;can-do&8221; spirit of this community.