As the world counts down the days until the start of 2010, many people like to take time and reflect and remember. The Jacksonville News is doing just that with our list of the top stories of 2009. This year brought us fresh faces and new places. We also said goodbye to some close friends. The Fire Department found a new chief in Wade Buckner. Residents can go and relax out at the city's new Pocket Park. While we had many different stories to choose from, The News picked these five stories to highlight because of their impact on Jacksonville and its citizens.

5. Re-Repaving Greenleaf Street

The 'completion' of Greenleaf Street starts out our list. Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith said that the road is the primary way for traffic to come in from the southwest part of town. By having it repaved, the mayor hoped the street would be safer for citizens and students of the university. It would also encourage business and shoppers to come to the area.

That impact alone would make it a big story, but how the project turned out made it one of our top stories. The mayor said that while the street was bigger and safer, it was far too bumpy.

"It's a little rough. It's not bad, and we could probably get by with that, but do you want to just get by with that after spending $1.8 million? It's not what I expect after a $1.8 million job," said the mayor.

The Alabama Department of Transportation agreed and the contactor will be repaving the street. According to Smith, the contractor will dig up and repave around an inch of the concrete. Currently, the team is set to start as soon as the weather can stay clear of rain. Once started, the project should be completed in around three days.

4. A new chapter for the Public Library

The new addition to the Jacksonville Public Library is almost complete. According to Barbara Rowell, library director, the contract on the project set a November completion date, but bad weather and other extraneous factors will push that date back to around the end of January 2010.

Rowell said that many people have been asking what the new area will be used for.

"It is not going to be a new children's department or an extension for our collection of books," said Rowell. "It is going to be a new program facility."

For those who thought the library just dealt with books, Rowell invites you to check out one of their programs. JPL has been doing a children's summer reading program that has grown every year for the past 10 years. This year's program topped out at 250 kids. The library also puts on programs for teens, adults, and seniors and hopes that with the new facility, those events can grow as well.

Coming up early next year, JPL will be inviting area residents of all ages to come together in a statewide program called 'The Big Read.' The book for this year's Big Read is The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and the new facility will host month long events involving the book.

The library hopes to continue to serve the community without being a burden on the city's budget. Rowell said that she as seen donations come in from community, and they have really helped the library out. If you would like to help, please call Barbara Rowell at 435-6332.

3. Hampton Inn checks in to Jacksonville

On August 21st, Hampton Inn-Jacksonville opened its doors to the city and its visitors. The reason it made our top stories list is the potential economic impact on the city. Mayor Johnny Smith attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the hotel. There, he talked about how Hampton is good for the city, and the city would be good for Hampton.

"It's really great for Jacksonville, not only for the additional tax it will bring in, but hopefully it will bring in other businesses. I think this whole area will develop now that we have this nice hotel here. It is really a win-win situation," said Smith.

Now, four months after opening, Hampton Inn is still going strong. The hotel hoped Jacksonville State athletics would help give them a jump-start in their opening months.

"The football season went really well for us," said Hampton Inn's Assistant General Manager Casey Sandel. "The OVC Volleyball Tournament also gave us a lot of business."

Sandel said that many different groups and businesses are making good use of the hotel and after the completion of a direct entrance from Highway 21, business should get even better.

According to Sandel, the city has made their first months enjoyable.

"They city has welcomed us with open arms," said Sandel. "I think us being here gives citizens a sense of pride. We have citizens come in just to see how we are doing and to check the place out. So, in return, we want to take good care of the families of Jacksonville residents when they come visit."

In 2010, Sandel says to expect some great packages, including a Valentine's package for couples.

2. The loss of a hero: Megan Brittain

June 2nd, 2009, we said goodbye to Megan Brittain, the amazing 12-year-old girl whose fight with cancer galvanized the community of Jacksonville over the last two years. In July of 2007, Megan was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer found in muscle tissue. That came on the heels of another tragedy, the death of Megan's mother Sharon in early 2007 from cancer.

The great thing about Megan Brittain's story is, that when you remember her, you do not focus on the sadness or the tragedy. Those who knew Megan look back and can't help but smile and remember the jokes she told and the pranks she pulled.

"Her sense of humor stayed with her," said Robin Boyles, a close friend of the family and Megan's "adopted mom." "She always had a joke to crack or a prank to play."

Megan became a hero for those because of her fighting spirit when it came to her disease and her unwillingness to let it bring her down, she became a rallying symbol for those who knew her personally or through her family.

Joyce Scantland has worked at the Baptist Campus Ministries with Megan's dad, Gary Brittain, for 17 years. She got to watch Megan grow up.

"She never gave up," said Scantland. "I think that was part of why so many people looked up to her. She never let her illness get her down. She was very courageous with it."

Megan encouraged those in similar situations, reminded people to live everyday to its fullest, and helped the American Red Cross collect blood for those who need it.

Last week, Gary got married. Scantland believes the Lord planned it all. Gary and Donna Brittain met while giving blood in memory of Megan.

1. The loss of a friend: Lea Fite

It seemed as if the whole area was shocked and speechless the morning of Lea Fite's unexpected death. The Jacksonville News went to get the thoughts and some stories of Fite's friends, and with every interview, the same basic thought came though: Fite was a good friend.

Fite, 54, died October 26 from a heart attack. He represented District 40 for two terms, was a co-owner of the Food Outlet grocery chain with Mike Sanders, and was elected a member of the Calhoun County Commission in 1998.

"I lost a great friend and our community lost a person who really loved this community and did everything he could to help it," said County Commissioner Rudy Abbott.

"We were on different parties. We might not vote together and have different opinions on things, but we were still best friends," said Randy Wood of the 36th District (R) (Calhoun and St. Clair) "Lea was a great individual. I think one of the things that he did that he was most proud of was when he passed the legislation requiring insurance companies to fund screening for breast cancer. I think that really tickled him to death to know that he could do something to make life better for other individuals."

Now, candidates are preparing for the special election to fill the vacant seat. Last week, candidates met for a forum. Lawson Veasey, who acted as moderator, asked the audience to remember Fite.

"With the holidays and the New Year, we need to keep Lea Fite and what he did for us during his time in the legislature us, and his family in our mind and in our prayers," said Veasey. It's a terrible thing to have to fill his position but it is also a great thing having the quality of candidates we have. I am sure he is looking down on us today, and I think Lea would be thrilled knowing the range and quality of candidates that may represent you in the not to distant future."