The waning days of December are often a time for reflecting on the year past and for looking forward to what lies ahead in the new year.

     For Brookhaven, Lincoln County and the rest of Southwest Mississippi, 2012 was no exception. What also was no exception was that this community saw its share of highs and lows in 2012.

     Economic development activities covered the spectrum of good and not so good this year.

     While not directly impacting Brookhaven and Lincoln County, the prospect of renewed oil exploration activities in other parts of Southwest Mississippi and in Louisiana created a buzz across the region. It remains to be seen what will come to fruition, but there is reason for optimism on the oil exploration front.

     Lincoln County continued to feel the impact of the national economic doldrums in the form of unemployment, which hovered around 9 percent and even hit 10 percent during the year. On the bright side, with the Linbrook Business Park, this community stands ready to welcome prospective employers when economic conditions warrant.

     On another positive note, Brookhaven registered good-to-strong sales tax collections for much of the year. The growth was not as robust in years past, but the growth is a welcome sign of a slowly rebounding local economy.

     Among developments, Region 8 celebrated the opening of its mental health facility on Highway 51 and a long-stalled hotel project on Brookway Boulevard resumed work. That activity joined with continued renovation efforts across downtown and multiple ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new and relocated businesses during the year.

     Brookhaven’s leaders have kept things interesting with their discussions about ward-line redistricting, which remains unresolved; recycling; and other topics. The addition of curbside recycling to our Homeseekers Paradise is a welcome highlight of the year and one that should produce positive results for years to come.

     Across Lincoln County, voters went to the polls several times in 2012 to participate in federal and local elections. A special election in November saw Lincoln County welcome a new circuit clerk into office.

     Activities at West Lincoln Attendance Center generated their share of headlines this year.

     On the educational front, the school was honored as a National Blue Ribbon School and was designated as one of only a handful of “A,” or “Star,” schools in Mississippi. While celebrating those accomplishments, supporters also rallied to the school’s defense in the wake of a challenge by the ACLU over prayer-related activities there.

     Crime and weather again took on the role of newsmakers for a while in 2012.

     A Copiah County woman who went missing in April was located in Texas several months later and returned to Mississippi to face embezzlement charges.

     In late August, as Hurricane Isaac approached, Lincoln Countians feared a bad repeat around the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Isaac unleashed his fury on the area, but, thankfully, it did not come anywhere close to Katrina seven years earlier.

     Sports and recreational activities provided their share of the year’s highlights.

     Children in Brookhaven were able to enjoy a new playground at City Park. And school-related achievements offered reason for celebration as Co-Lin Wolves and Brookhaven Academy Cougars won state championships in football and the Bogue Chitto Bobcats enjoyed an undefeated regular season before bowing out in the state playoffs.

     Every year has its share of ups and downs.

     When it comes to their own personal life activities, we hope Lincoln Countians can look back on 2012 as one with more positives than negatives.

     Happy New Year!