As the year 2012, comes to an end, it comes time to reflect over what all we have accomplished as individuals, groups, a community and a nation. Specifically in Bamberg County, there were many changes--we took part in another year of change by electing President Obama for a second term, our hospital closed and we opened a new school. We have a new city administrator and we have lost many loved ones who have meant so much to us all.

However, throughout the ups and downs of this rollercoaster ride we call life, we have made it through another year together as Bamberg County citizens. Instead of our world ending last week, or our community becoming another empty town of old buildings, we continue to move forward and succeed at our goals. And as the new year comes in, we can begin again on our rollercoaster ride with our hands in the air and the courage to overcome any curves we're thrown into, to spread encouragement to all we meet, and to help one another be the best we can be.

As the headlines from each month guide each one of you through 2012, remember what we have achieved and reflect on our challenges, but also remember together we can make anything happen. Happy New Year to Bamberg County from the staff of The Advertizer- Herald, and remember to never give up hope.

In January: BPW & City of Bamberg honor Bruce Ellis after 30 years of service with company. Will Martin replaced Ellis as General Manager of BPW; Elderly woman found dead - Vernell Jeter, 91 year old woman was found within 100 yards of home on Cox Avenue dead; Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce Spotlights Tobul Accumulator for month of January; Regional Hospital Site Selected. Ehrhardt not buying into County Rural Water System.

In February: Hospital board members briefed on new hospital - to be built in Denmark off Highway 78 and Construction cost 'on budget'; Governor Haley speaks to BEMS Students - 'Cool kids don't bully'; Red Raider Wrestling Team back to back State Champions; County has a $627,000 budget deficit; Stolen Pit Bulls located in Denmark - from Columbia Animal Shelter; Hospital bankruptcy case moves forward; 3rd Annual Julius Daniels Memorial Blues Festival.

In March: Hospital could be rural health clinic; Hospital auxiliary disbands after 58 years; Sandifer sworn in on City Council; Jamison resigns seat on Denmark City Council; Ehrhardt Rescue Squad truck moved due to call volume.

In April: Copeland named 2011 Cooperator of the year; Bamberg Hospital employees to get 'fair shot' at new hospital jobs; Bamberg Hospital will close April 30th; Ehrhardt man charged with attempted murder; Fire claims life of Bamberg woman - Dianne Nelms; Stoddard honored by Governor as economic ambassador.

In May: Bamberg County Hospital Closes!!!; County Considers Capital Sales Tax; Bamberg (Franklin) named Deputy of the Year; Denmark fined an additional $9,000; County implements close to $296,000 in budget cuts.

In June: County EMS plans for future storms ' County Airport is an asset'; Bamberg man arrested in Denmark Bank and Trust Burglary; County residents voice concerns about high taxes; Board of Public Works to Raise Rates.

In July: Urgent care facility closes, hospital deal no deal; County Council gives first reading approval to Capital Sales Tax Projects; Regional Medical Center Administrator: Urgent care a 'viable option' for Bamberg; Failure of hospital deal leaves board in limbo; Legendary Coach Leon Maxwell 'A life of value'; Memory Garden Cemetery operator license revoked.

In August: Bamberg man drowns at Bobcat Landing; School District One renovation and construction projects 'A Facility our students deserve'; Biering joins newspaper staff 'Ink in my blood'; Missing teen found; New officers sworn into Bamberg PD; Richard Carroll Elementary School Dedication Ceremony 'Ordinary people have accomplished something extraordinary; BPW commissioners vote unanimously to increase rates; Hope for healthcare in Bamberg; Capital One Cent Sales Tax Projects receives third reading approval.

In September: Ehrhardt Town Council gets heated over ambulance service; Bamberg & Denmark Fire Departments hold 9-11 Anniversary Parades; County to enforce 911 address ordinance; County enters discussions with HCA over healthcare; 911...It is all about time.

In October: Every county can be a winner...'Just invest in a plan'; Firefighters say county needs to do more 'Where is the money going'; County selects new administrator; County experiences $285,000 shortfall first quarter of fiscal year; 2011 Citizen of the Year; Two candidates vie for Probate Judge; BPW finances improve over last year.

In November: Voters exercise right to vote; Financial reporting and communication cited for breakdown between fire service & council; City of Denmark Wastewater Treatment Plant gets upgrade; City of Denmark receives 'unqualified opinion' on 2012 Audit.

In December: Bamberg County Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting; Bamberg County Day 'It's a great day in South Carolina'; Bamberg County Family & Community Leaders hold Banquet; Cheeze and Cracker Box holds Christmas Food Drive.