2010 Year in Review-January

The Enterprise Ledger presents the Year in Review for 2010. This year, we’ve seen the effects of an economic downturn and the beginning of recovery at the end of 2010. The city has experienced growth, and the Enterprise City School System achieved the dream of a new high school and elementary school constructed to stand against the fierce winds of nature that destroyed the high school and an elementary school in 2007.

 We’ve seen leaders in our community lost and some working with a diligence to succeed no matter whatever the odds.

 A memorial was dedicated to the eight students who died in the 2007 tornado, leaving a lasting tribute and reminder that life is fragile.

We’ve celebrated this year. We’ve had much to celebrate in sprite of the disappointments. For 2010, we leave you with memories of the events and activities that helped shape Enterprise and Coffee County in the past year.

 The city saw an increase in new businesses spring up even through the economy slowed and then rose again around the nation. House sales continued to be down as economists predicted, but sales grew more toward the end of the year.

     Downtown Enterprise changed its face as new sidewalks and lights were added and completed by the end of the year.

 Both Enterprise City Schools Superintendent Jim Reese and Coffee County Schools Superintendent Linda Ingram chose 2010 to announce their retirement, and new superintendents were selected toward the end of 2010 to take their place for 2011.

 Other retirements included Coffee County’s Emergency Management Agency Director John Tallas. All of these retiring leaders will leave an everlasting imprint in the lives of those they’ve touched.

Jan. 1, 2010

Five buildings were destroyed by fire or damaged by smoke early on New Year’s Eve morning, when a fire erupted on South Main Street in Enterprise. One man who lived in the back of Lanny’s Gym where the fire apparently began, was unaccounted for at press time. Several families who lived in apartments in the row of buildings on South Main Street were left homeless by the fire.

Enterprise Fire Chief Bryon Herring said he was notified of the fire shortly before 7 a.m. Firefighters were on the scene before 7 a.m. and began fighting the flames and heavy smoke pouring from Lanny’s Gym.

Jan. 3, 2010

There is hardly any good news on the job front these days. Unemployment numbers keep going up. Some economists predict a lot of the jobs going away will never return, and that many people will eventually have to take jobs that pay less than what they are used to earning.

When coupled with home values and retirement funds that have dropped precipitously in the past year, it is a sobering reality. Those not used to such uncertainty or struggles are having a hard time coping.

Jan. 6, 2010

Fire causes damage to a house on Coffee County Private Road 1609. Five people were inside the home, but no one was reported injured.

Jan. 7, 2010

The city of Enterprise receives a $500,000 sewer system upgrade federal appropriation. Congressman Bobby Bright presented the appropriation check to Mayor Kenneth Boswell and city officials.

Jan. 8, 2010

Congressman Bright addressed Enterprise Rotarians about his positions on health care, fuel and partisan politics.

Jan. 13, 2010

The driver of a vehicle apparently lost control of the vehicle and it  ran into the front window of Pop’s Oyster Bar in Enterprise. No one was injured, since the incident took place just after midnight.

Jan. 14, 2010

The first baby of the year was born in Enterprise Jan. 1, 2010, at 12:30 a.m. The New Year’s baby weighed in at 7 pounds and measured 21.5 inches. The baby is the son of Marissa Bludsworth and Ricky Wilson.

Jan. 15, 2010

The American Red Cross Chapter in Enterprise announced plans for the third annual Red and White Chocolate Night fundraiser. The event was scheduled in February.

Jan. 17, 2010

Completion of the new Enterprise High School continues on schedule as the main entrance and interiors of the three story academic building are constructed. Other phases of the project include a new stadium and two gyms.

Jan. 20, 2010

The Daleville High School Pride of the South Marching Band came home with two first-place honors earned during a trip to the Cotton Bowl football game.

The Rawls Ball was announced to raise funds for the S.O.S. Animal Shelter.