EMLENTON FIRE — The 140-year-old landmark Emlenton Mill was destroyed by fire in February. In recent years it had served as a bunkhouse, ice cream shop, hostel and museum. No one was hurt in the blaze.

TORNADO DAMAGE — A youngster holds an old picture of the gas station and property on Route 308 that was hit by a tornado in August. The damage was confined to an area about three-quarters of a mile south of West Sunbury. A tornado also struck Cranberry Township on June 28 downing trees and power lines and damaging a roof.

JEEP INVASION — Owner Jason Papas drives along Main Street during the Jeep Invasion on June 12. The Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, which was held downtown and at Cooper's Lake, was under the direction of the Butler County Tourism Bureau but is now under the auspices of the Friends of the Bantam Jeep Association.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP— Knoch High School graduates Saige Robertson, left, and Kyrstin Relihan pose before graduation June 5. They were among students of the Class of 2015 from across Butler County ready follow their dreams.

NOMINATED — Butler County Judge Marilyn Horan takes part in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in December, part of the procedure for assuming a federal judicial seat.

WELCOME HOME — Air Force Tech. Sgt. Gerry Taylor prepares to hug his son, Jason, a sixth-grader, after returning from a overseas Asian deployment. Taylor surprised Jason at Haine Middle School in the Seneca Valley School District in October. He was not expected home for another month.

EARTH TO MARS — Tyler Byers of Saxonburg was entered in the costume contest at Mars' New Year celebrations in June. NASA sent representatives to the midyear festival.

BIG SPLASH — From left, Max Mayo, Miles Smith and Willie Parker, all of Butler, enjoy the newly remodeled Alameda Waterpark in June. The waterpark underwent a $1.1 million renovation with more than 1,000 square feet of concrete being replaced along with a major pipe. Splash pads and other amenities were added.