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. 2, 3 and 4 stories on our top 10 list:

There is something about a new year that brings with it the feeling of a fresh start. Maybe that’s why many of us make resolutions each year.

The previous year was no different as many things in our community proved to be new, fresh and exciting. Such an example would be the election of Selma native Terri Sewell to Congress, the beginning of a new Selma High School and the continued discussion of an expansion of Interstate 85 through the Black Belt.

These stories added to the excitement of 2010 and the potential that comes with the new year, 2011.

No. 2: Interstate 85 expansion

A new interstate could be valuable for the city of Selma.

The extension of Interstate 85 already links Alabama to Georgia and when completed, it will connect Montgomery to the Alabama-Mississippi state line and pass just south of Selma, potentially creating more jobs.

“This would create a boom in the area,” said Wayne Vardaman, head of Selma-Dallas County Economic Development. “More jobs would be available for almost everyone in the Black Belt.”

The route, which will span 126 miles, will cost up to $2.5 billion to expand. Gov. Bob Riley contributed $16 million to the project and the city of Selma will use $3 million of government funds towards its construction.

Alabama Department of Transportation, director Joe McInnes said the work has to be done.

“If we don’t start it,” McInnes said. “We won’t finish it.”

In addition to jobs, Vardaman said there will be more shops and entertainment.

A public hearing was held in early July to discuss future plans of expanding the highway.

No. 3: New Selma High School under way

The Saints will soon be marching into a new facility.

A newly renovated Selma High School is in the works, and since community leaders broke ground on the project Dec. 18, Selma City School’s superintendent Donald Jefferson, said the project is well over due.

“We’re getting everything organized as we speak,” Jefferson said. “We want to be fully functioning in the building by 2014.”

The project will cost $21.5 million in renovations and a total of $27 million for fees and labor.

The new school will extend its main office and make additional renovations to the vocational buildings—like drafting, welding and auto mechanic classrooms and athletic field house. The school will run more north and south instead of its current East to West position.

“We’ll have more classrooms and offices,” Jefferson said. “This new facility will definitely improve education here and make a difference.”

Selma High School has been a staple in the community for more than 70 years. Jefferson and members of the community are hopeful for the future.

“I think this (project) will be pretty intriguing,” Jefferson said. “We are extremely excited about this opportunity because it will be a new day in Selma. It will be interesting to see what will come of it.”

Representatives from Volkert & Associates Inc., and Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc (architecture group) presented interior floor plans for the new school in February. A total of $20 million in federal funds helped make the project a reality.

No. 4: Terri Sewell elected to Congress

A landmark decision was made when voters elected Terri A. Sewell as the Democratic candidate for the 7th U.S. Representative congressional district seat.

Sewell, a Selma native and former attorney, defeated Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Smoot in July’s primary race. Sewell went on to defeat republican Don Chamberlain with more than 70 percent of the vote in the general election.

Sewell, 45, is inspired by her Selma upbringing.

“It’s an honor to carry a torch that so many women have paved the way for,” Sewell said.

Nancy Sewell, Sewell’s mother and former Selma city council member, is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments.

“This,” Sewell said, “is a historic moment.”

Sewell promises to do her best while in Congress.

“I will represent the 7th District to the best of my ability,” Sewell added.

Sewell announced in February her plans to run for the congressional seat. Her primary mission was to create jobs for Selma-Dallas County and the Black Belt region.

Sewell becomes the first African-American woman to represent Alabama in Congress.