A new tax, an unsolved murder, an accidental police shooting, a new auto parts manufacturer in town, goodbye to an armory, prominent and untimely deaths, a consistent drop in unemployment, a long-awaited license issuance and an improved Vets’ home all were among the top news stories in the area in 2015.

It was a tumultuous news year that brought hope to jobseekers, tragedy to the communities of Dadeville and Goodwater and tears to the families of some of our finest citizens and public servants.