This past year is one I won’t soon forget. It started with an unusually cold January and February, covered the ground with an 11-inch snow, and ended with spring-like temperatures and tornado threats.

Internationally, wars and rumors of wars became a way of life in the Middle East, ISIS ran roughshod in Syria and Iraq, slaughtering anyone who got in their path. Iran continued to pursue a nuclear bomb and a delivery system that would enable them to strike countries halfway around the world and North Korea posed a threat to its neighbors with its ability to launch nuclear warheads.

Nationally, elected leaders in the House and Senate continued to demonstrate their unwillingness to work together to solve serious problems such as $18 trillion dollar debt, a declining military force and homegrown acts of terror. On top of that, no less than 18 candidates launched campaigns for the Republican nomination for President while Hillary Clinton soared to the front as the Democrat challenger.

Statewide, Governor Robert Bentley and state senators and representatives clashed swords over who’s going to pay how much to fund education and the state’s general fund. The state continued to drag its tail on Medicaid funding and a long overdue pay increase for teachers.

Countywide, all but one of Morgan County’s incumbent Republican officeholders made it past a March 1, 2015, nomination deadline without opposition. They’re automatically reelected in the November General Election unless opposed by a write-in candidate. ˇThat’s good news since all of the officials are serious-minded about the duties of their offices and being accountable to their constituency.

Citywide, The accountability of city government was compromised in August when Mayor Don Hall was forced to resign because of a poor choice he made with respect to his personal behavior. A shakeup of the city council ensued with council chairman Bill Smelser stepping up as mayor pro tem and councilman Kenny Thompson assuming Smelser’s position. Later, the council selected Billy Buckelew to fill the vacancy on the council.

Personally, I’m happy to see 2015 end. I learned a lesson about climbing down ladders the hard way. From four feet off the ground, I fell and broke my left hip, underwent two surgeries and lost four and one-half months of work during recovery. How well I remember now that ladders are off limits for me.

Happy New Year everyone!

Clif Knight is a staff writer for the Hartselle Enquirer.