No news is good news.

Although that rule doesn't necessarily apply to the practical end of journalism, when a certain amount of newsworthy material is required to fill our pages, it does apply to the human end. We may have to scramble for stories, but we also breathe a sigh of relief - a holiday weekend without terrible disasters, alcohol-related deaths, or homes destroyed by fires is a good holiday weekend.

We have to give a lot of credit to the local first responders, from the emergency rescue services to the law enforcement, from fire fighters to emergency room personnel. Acting on the theory that an ounce of prevention is a worth a pound of cure, these agencies were eager and willing to share with the public information that could prevent or lessen potential disaster.

Communication is the key.

We also have to give credit to a mature and responsible public, the citizens of this town who saw the wisdom in not driving after drinking. They followed precautions that kept their homes free of fire and their families free of pain.

Of course, not everyone emerged from the holidays unscathed. We are sure there were accidents, some serious, some not. We know there were domestic disputes, fights, and other disturbances. But the potential was there for much more, combining the stresses of the holidays with alcohol, financial concerns and pre-occupation.

But while most of us had off at least one or two of those holidays, the first responders did not. In fact, many worked overtime to protect us from ourselves, postponing or forgoing their own celebrations. While we at the paper may have to search a little harder for stories, it's an effort we truly don't mind at all.