This edition of Yorktown Independent didn’t set out to be about capital improvements, but it has turned out that way, as that is a common thread in several of our stories this time around.

We have a story about traffic improvements on Route 17 that seem to have improved traffic congestion on that main thoroughfare. There are more improvements coming, too, that will help walkers, runners and bikers who are trying to get somewhere, getting some exercise or just getting some fresh air.

Our story about the Greater Hampton Roads Regional Crime Lines’ Top Cop honorees mentions the ongoing project to get a new building for the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office by way of Maj. Ron Montgomery, who hopes to see that project through before his eventual retirement. Don’t let that make you think he has any plans to slow down, though — Montgomery has 45 years logged with the office and still doesn’t have his retirement date set. That should tell you why he recently was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Crime Lines.

And finally, we have a story about the Oct. 29 dedication of the county’s newest fire station, the new Station 1 on Dare Road. This new, modern facility will be a great boost to the fire and rescue service to York County’s residents, businesses and visitors, and we were privileged to be able to be there when the hose was uncoupled — a great fire department alternative to a ribbon-cutting.

Like many growing localities across the nation, York County is working to ensure improvements, expansions and additions to its public facilities keep pace with the additions and expansions to housing and businesses. It can be like chasing a moving target, because there is no way to do everything all at once. But we feel the multiple ways capital improvements came up in this edition show that the county is keeping on track.

We hope you are enjoying the Yorktown Independent, and I encourage you to contact me at news@yorktownindependent.com with story ideas, photo submissions, calendar event submissions and more.