Editor’s Note: The year 2010 is quickly approaching completion. And with the vision of 2011 just ahead this weekend, The Selma Times-Journal wanted to first glance back at the local stories believed to have made the most impact in 2010. Today we unveil the No. 1 story of 2010:

When Selma voters overwhelmingly approved a $12 million bond issue in October 2009, little did they know they would be approving a measure that proved to be the biggest story of 2010.

The $12 million bond issue, which was passed with just over 80 percent of vote, has gone to provide money to renovate, reconstruction and and improve local streets, buildings and sanitary sewage systems.

The Selma Police Department and four Selma Fire Department stations have since received interior makeovers, new cars, motorcycles and trucks. In addition, Memorial Stadium and Bloch Park, Selma-Dallas County Public Library, Selma City Hall, Larry D. Striplin Performing Arts Center, Red Cross building, Vaughan-Smitherman Museum, Carl C. Morgan Convention Center, White Force Cottage, Selma Animal Shelter and public works are receiving — or already received — much-need work. Many buildings will have new roofing, fixtures and carpeting, just to name a few. In addition, technology upgrades are also in place.

Selma Mayor George Evans said the renovations are definitely changing Selma’s image.

“People have more hope for the city,” Evans said. “These changes help the entire city.”

Though some may be skeptical of where the bond is actually going, Evans assured residents the bond helps the areas most in need.

“I felt the people should have options — opportunities to vote on each individual issue,” Evans said. “We spread the $12 million out. The performing arts and convention centers needed renovations, the animal shelter needed a new roof, Memorial Stadium needed upgrades, etc.”

Evans believed the changes were much needed in the area of recreation.

“There are new dressing rooms at Bloch Park,” Evans said. “There is a new press box, a concession stand, bleachers, new lighting, and even a new track at the stadium.”

Familiar streets like Marie Foster, Water Avenue, Franklin Street, First Avenue, Lapsley Street, Mabry Street and Old Marion Junction Road will be reconstructed.

Evans said working together is necessary for continued growth.

“By working together, the job and challenge is not as hard,” Evans said. “It’s much better to work as a team than individually, and it’s amazing to see what a little teamwork can do.”

One last project in the works is a new Riverfront Park and Amphitheater, which Evans hopes will be completed by next year.

“The park will have benches where people can just sit and watch the river, and there will be a (interactive) water fountain for children,” Evans said. “In addition, we plan to have a ‘Selma city fest,’ which would do so much for the city. It would increase tourism”.

Evans renovations to the marina is the only project not yet under way.