As Powell's centennial year winds down with New Year's Eve, a time capsule commemorating 2009 will be placed in the soil at Washington Park. It holds odds and ends of Powell memorabilia — everyday objects that seem completely ordinary in 2009 but will be antiques by 2059, when the capsule is unearthed.The time capsule enters the ground today (Thursday), signifying the end of 2009 — a year of local centennial celebrations, national economic turmoil and new beginnings as 2010 arrives.For the city of Powell, 2009 brought new structures that will serve the community for decades to come. The fiber-optic network Powellink was completed in January, providing fiber to the home through a municipally-owned infrastructure. Throughout 2009, construction progressed on the Powell Aquatic Center, which is slated to open in early 2010. In August, the newly renovated Plaza Diane Community Center for the Arts opened to the public, offering a variety of classes and art. Park County also celebrated the renovation of another gem, the Sleeping Giant Ski Area, which opened this month after several dormant years.For many local growers, the year was more bitter than sweet. A highly anticipated sugar beet crop fell victim to a devastating October freeze, prompting the governor to declare it a disaster. Though the ground will thaw in the spring to welcome new crops, the local market took a crippling hit that may take years from which to recover.For veterans of World War II, 2009 brought honor and remembrance. Seventeen Park County WWII veterans participated in the Honor Flight, flying to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II memorial. Locally, veterans also were honored with the Wyoming World War II Veterans Memorial, dedicated in August.For local residents, 2009 exhibited Powell's continued devotion to a quality community. There's a long list of ways residents have helped one another. Northwest College students raised thousands of dollars for Loaves and Fishes with the Empty Bowls fundraiser. The Heart Mountain Volunteer Clinic celebrated its one-year anniversary. The second Weekend of Hope encouraged cancer survivors. Hundreds of Christmas baskets were distributed. The list could go on and on.Over the course of 2009, residents organized various events and lectures to celebrate Powell's 100 years. As 2009 ends, these 12 months reiterate that Powell is a community worth celebrating.

As Powell's centennial year winds down with New Year's Eve, a time capsule commemorating 2009 will be placed in the soil at Washington Park. It holds odds and ends of Powell memorabilia — everyday objects that seem completely ordinary in 2009 but will be antiques by 2059, when the capsule is unearthed.

The time capsule enters the ground today (Thursday), signifying the end of 2009 — a year of local centennial celebrations, national economic turmoil and new beginnings as 2010 arrives.

For the city of Powell, 2009 brought new structures that will serve the community for decades to come. The fiber-optic network Powellink was completed in January, providing fiber to the home through a municipally-owned infrastructure. Throughout 2009, construction progressed on the Powell Aquatic Center, which is slated to open in early 2010. In August, the newly renovated Plaza Diane Community Center for the Arts opened to the public, offering a variety of classes and art.

Park County also celebrated the renovation of another gem, the Sleeping Giant Ski Area, which opened this month after several dormant years.

For many local growers, the year was more bitter than sweet. A highly anticipated sugar beet crop fell victim to a devastating October freeze, prompting the governor to declare it a disaster. Though the ground will thaw in the spring to welcome new crops, the local market took a crippling hit that may take years from which to recover.

For veterans of World War II, 2009 brought honor and remembrance. Seventeen Park County WWII veterans participated in the Honor Flight, flying to Washington, D.C., to see the National World War II memorial. Locally, veterans also were honored with the Wyoming World War II Veterans Memorial, dedicated in August.

For local residents, 2009 exhibited Powell's continued devotion to a quality community. There's a long list of ways residents have helped one another. Northwest College students raised thousands of dollars for Loaves and Fishes with the Empty Bowls fundraiser. The Heart Mountain Volunteer Clinic celebrated its one-year anniversary. The second Weekend of Hope encouraged cancer survivors. Hundreds of Christmas baskets were distributed. The list could go on and on.

Over the course of 2009, residents organized various events and lectures to celebrate Powell's 100 years. As 2009 ends, these 12 months reiterate that Powell is a community worth celebrating.