The year just ending had two notable stories that will have impacts well beyond 2007.

The economy and education share the lead news spotlight this year.

The biggest economic story was the Westinghouse Electric Co.'s decision to build its new headquarters in Cranberry Township. That will bring about 3,000 jobs to the county. This was followed by announcements of other job-creating decisions for commercial and health care projects.

The other major story was in education. A teacher strike in the Seneca Valley School District caused a significant disruption in the communities in the school district. And the issues that caused the strike still are not resolved.

Also in education, four school districts and the Butler County Community College got new leaders this year.