Reading only world and national headlines, one could be forgiven for thinking 2016 a 12-month train wreck of epic proportions. Strife across the globe persisted, notably in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq. The refugee crisis continued, Russia interfered with the U.S. election and there’s been trouble in the South China Sea. In the U.S., the major political parties gave to voters two very unpopular choices for president, with the eminently corruptible Donald J. Trump winning the electoral college, despite losing the popular vote by 3 million.

If you want hope, you have to look local.

In Brunswick, rumors of the death of Merrymeeting Plaza were greatly exaggerated, thanks to the addition of a Bed Bath and Beyond and PetSmart, though we were saddened that Pet Quarters left. We’re hopeful that the new owner of Cook’s Corner Shopping Mall — Katz Properties — can likewise breath new life into that center.

The Coast Guard’s decision not to go with Bath Iron Works for a new cutter contract was disappointing, which makes our Congressional delegation’s continued support for the shipyard all the more important in 2017. Despite a few hiccups as it crossed the Panama Canal, the first Zumwalt-class destroyer made its way safely to its new home port in San Diego, thanks in no small part to the workmanship of BIW.

We were heartened by the news that employers — such as Wayfair and SaviLinx — continue to come to Brunswick Landing, breathing new life into the old Naval base. The air show is set to return in 2017 with the potential economic benefit of tens of thousands of visitors.

Local boards continue to make progress on new school buildings, even if that progress, at times, moves at a snail’s pace. Regional School Unit 1 is designing a new Morse High School while Maine School Administrative District 75 looks at a future Mt. Ararat High School.

In Brunswick, progress is slow but a hearing next month could prove to be a big step toward finally replacing the 1950s-era Coffin Elementary School. Additionally, the prospect of a full-time vocational tech school at Brunswick Landing seems less like a pipe dream and more like an exciting prospect grounded in reality.

Freeport and the Midcoast will have strong representation with Maine’s newest House Speaker, Sara Gideon. We’re also hopeful that the Legislature will show continued cooperation in the face of the tantrums and vendettas of one Gov. Paul LePage.

In Maine, many workers will get a much-needed shot in the arm in 2017, thanks to a minimum wage increase approved by voters in November. Schools may also get badly needed funding, thanks to a top-tier income tax increase also approved at the ballot box.

So you see, there are reasons to hope. You just have to know where to look.

Happy New Year.