Is zoning no longer a four-letter word?

Once upon a time, the word “zoning” was akin to a curse in this part of the world – but that doesn’t seem to be the case any more.

To make sure this is more than an illusion, the county commissioners will include public forums in the process of researching possible new zoning rules.

Last month, the commission kicked off the process of developing a possible zoning plan for the county by inviting a community planning and zoning consultant to do the necessary groundwork of figuring out exactly what the county wants and needs.

As Jayna Watson returned to share her progress, conversation...