As we prepare for yet another new year here in Shelby County, it’s time to take a look back on what has been a very eventful year in Alabama’s fastest-growing county.

We wrote stories that chronicled positive events, such as when local students kicked off the year by witnessing history in Barack Obama’s inauguration. Our schools continued their tradition of excellence by meeting progress goals and garnering a very positive accreditation recommendation, and a former Pelham High School student, Liz Cochran, captured the title of Miss Alabama 2009 and will represent Shelby County and Alabama in the Miss America pageant Jan. 30.

We also had to write the tough stories, like that of Philip Davis, who just this month became the first Pelham police officer to die in the line of duty. Those stories affect us just as much as everyone else, but it’s our job to share them with you.

The landscape of the county is quickly changing, too, with plans to build elevated lanes on U.S. 280, the first burials at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo and Shelby Baptist opening a new South Tower.

We can only hope next year will bring more positive growth to Shelby County – and, based on how fast the county is changing, that seems to be a safe bet.

For us here at the Shelby County Reporter, it’s been a pleasure to spend our time documenting the everyday happenings of this county. Our days fly by just trying to keep up with everything that’s going on, but we enjoy our jobs immensely.

Thank you for giving us the chance to be your local newspaper. We appreciate the trust that you put in us, and we believe 2010 will be our best year yet.