We have survived the year 2012. According to numerous “prophecies,” we never should be where we are today.

The Mayans predicted the end of the world. Even the fiscal cliff was supposed to end our civilization.

We didn’t even know the ball in New York City’s Times Square would drop once legendary TV host Dick Clark passed away this year. Fortunately, it did and we are beginning a new year.

But before we look forward, let’s take a minute to look back to 2012. It was a year of transition for Hartselle.

We had the end of an era when the former Hartselle Medical Center was closed by Capella Healthcare at the end of January. We had reason for optimism about the old hospital when Huntsville Hospital, which also absorbed Parkway Medical Center and Decatur General Hospital during the last 13 months, purchased the old hospital building.

HH officials still want to do something in Hartselle, but the plan for the old hospital is still unclear.

We also lost a number of great men and women over the last year, folks like Dr. “Big Bob” Sittason who left a tremendous impact on our community that will be felt for many years to come.

We also experienced a long year of debate as our community had another wet-dry vote. I think this may have been one of the most passionate debates we’ve ever seen on this issue – one that will undoubtedly surface again possibly as early as late this year or in 2014, as fellow Morgan County municipality, Priceville, chose to go wet.

Staying on the voting front, we saw a year of transition as well. Two-term Mayor Dwight Tankersley said he would not seek a third term in 2012. That opened the door for newcomers to run for office. When the smoke cleared, Don Hall became our new mayor and will serve for at least the next four years.

We wish Hall all of our support as he tries to lead the city over the next four years.

But there were many new beginnings. Busche purchased the old Copeland plan, which was currently under ownership of CR Compressors. They are bringing 200 skilled laborers to our economy.

We hope to see more of these types of business locate to our area after the Morgan Center Business Park opened in November. We also saw a new attraction, the Hartselle Aquatic Center, open to rave reviews. I’m sure we’ll have an even bigger year next year.

We also found out that all three Hartselle elementary schools now have Blue Ribbon Lighthouse status, an honor we should all be proud of.

Overall, 2012 was a good year for Hartselle and we hope our community continues to have success in whatever it does.

Brent Maze is the managing editor of the Hartselle Enquirer.