As I look forward to the year of 2012 with high expectations, hopes and dreams, this is a good time to reflect back on some selected personal memories from the rapidly ending year of 2011. Here are my top memories:

An amazing collection of the 45 most powerful images of 2011. You have to see it to believe it.

A couple of wild horse photos I shot here in Carson City.

Rumors that the Carson City school calendar and the daily start time for classes are changing is false, according to Superintendent Richard Stokes. While there are studies showing that teens perform better when they don't have to wake up early, Stokes said the district is not ready to change their start times without seeking input from all parties. He also said the school calendar will likely be similar to this year, with classes starting the third week of August.

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St. Paul's Lutheran Church will be participating in the Compassionate Friends nationwide candlelight vigil on Sunday honoring children "gone too soon." Participants plan to gather at 6:30 p.m. at the church at the corner of Saliman and Highway 50, with the vigil beginning at 7 p.m.

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Health inspectors found 22 critical food safety violation at Nevada prisons this year, including spoiled food, insects and rodents. All violations were corrected.