Minnesotans have much to be thankful for — and much to be mindful of — this Thanksgiving. As we approach the end of another year in the news, the Star Tribune Editorial Board offers this partial list, in the spirit of giving thanks.

Be thankful for an improved, postrecession economy that finds more Minnesotans at work — some at a higher minimum wage. Be mindful that the recovery has yet to reach all state residents, with some in positions that pay less than their previous jobs and others who have to work two or more jobs to make ends meet.

Be thankful that despite a late, very wet spring, Minnesota farmers produced a bountiful harvest, including near-record yields of corn and soybeans. Be mindful that prices for those commodities have plummeted, pinching incomes in a key sector of the state's economy and putting a new economic cloud over southern and western Minnesota.

Be thankful that years of effort by many people of goodwill to end chronic homelessness in Minnesota are making strides toward that goal, particularly for veterans. Be mindful that homelessness remains a problem and that, particularly as temperatures drop, emergency shelter space remains inadequate in the state's larger cities.

Be thankful for historic health insurance coverage gains in Minnesota this year after the Affordable Care Act's full rollout. Be mindful that there's still work to do to improve care, access, quality and affordability.

Be thankful for the Minnesota public health system's preparedness to handle an outbreak of a dangerous disease such as Ebola. Be mindful that there are other, more common infectious diseases that threaten the health of you and your loved ones; get your flu shot and get your kids vaccinated.

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Be thankful for the Minnesota National Guard, which will soon add fighting Ebola in West Africa among the many missions its members have taken on. Be mindful of the extreme stresses such deployments can have on families.

Be thankful for those willing to throw their hat in the ring as candidates in an era of expensive and sometimes negative campaigns. Be mindful that the time, cost and toll on personal lives make it increasingly unattractive to seek elected office.

Be thankful for the skill and sacrifice of police officers, the vast majority of whom safeguard public safety with professionalism and courage, and pause to honor the memory of Mendota Heights officer Scott Patrick, killed in the line of duty in July. Be mindful that from Ferguson, Mo., to north Minneapolis and beyond, reforms and improved communication are needed to heal strained relations between police and minority communities.

Be thankful for the stunning, continuing, long-term decline in crime nationwide, confirmed by a recent FBI report that America's violent crime rate has dropped by half in the past 20 years. Be mindful that in some neighborhoods and some communities, crime continues to take a tragic toll.

Be thankful for the progress made in educating Minnesota's younger learners, with all-day kindergarten and expanded preschool education. Be mindful that more must be done to expand preschool opportunities to additional 3- and 4-year-olds.

Be thankful that the Minnesota Orchestra is making beautiful music again at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, performing at a high level after the bitter silence of a 16-month lockout. Be mindful that the fine arts are important contributors to Minnesota's economic vitality and quality of life and that they should not be an afterthought among this state's assets.

Be thankful for Kailee Kiminski and Tierney Winter, Minnesota cross-country runners who were disqualified from the state Class 1A meet for helping a competitor who fell. Be mindful that a win-at-all-costs attitude remains prevalent at all levels of sports, detracting from their value to players and fans.

We are grateful for the loyal readers and advertisers who support the Star Tribune. We are mindful that providing this region with quality news coverage, thoughtful commentary and illuminating features is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.