This has been an eventful year for Shelby County.

Shelby County has adopted a new comprehensive plan which will, officials hope, somewhat control the level of growth.

Community services which meet the needs of the residents must keep up with the growth, officials have realized.

Saginaw residents have fought off a methadone clinic (Alabaster residents may soon fight this same fight).

The plight of many Shelby County animals has been brought to the forefront after charges of a &uot;puppy mill&uot; and several local cases of dog attacks as well as incidents of rabies.

Commercial growth in Alabaster continues, thanks to the threat of eminent domain. And, of course, Highway 280 growth continues steadily.

And Columbiana’s new look is being enjoyed by everyone who comes to town. The Main Street renovation project had its tough times but once completed, has created a great look and feel to the county seat.

There have even been changes this year to the Reporter.

The building renovation was completed, creating a whole new look for the county’s newspaper.

And then there have been changes to the content of your county paper with the addition of the Columbiana city newsletter once a month and records including land transactions, marriages, divorces and sheriff’s reports each week.

We certainly have a lot to look back on and be proud of. And we also have a lot to look forward to during the next year.

Here, at the Reporter, we can’t wait