Though the Chippewa Valley is a beautiful slice of Wisconsin, we nonetheless face social issues that need attention. Among these is helping the homeless. A growing homeless population may be due to a lack of affordable housing and a shortage of shelter space. Awareness of drug abuse and addiction is rising around the country, and the Valley is no exception. In order to thrive as a community, regional substance abuse services must be supported and utilized. Finally, readers say we’ve falling short on fixing roads, but if our roads were smooth would we really be living in Wisconsin? — Tori Johnson