Happy 2012!

We've got a lot to look forward to this year, Mayan apocalypse notwithstanding. But first, let's take a look back at the year that was.

Here's a list of the articles in our "Faces of 2011" series, in which we reporters pick the local people who made news -- or best illustrated what made news -- in the past year. Read on, then vote in our poll below for the biggest local news story of 2011. Ready... set...

Read...

• Marengo resident Amanda Schulten carries conjoined twins


• New District 300 Superintendent Michael Bregy battles teacher layoffs, Sears legislation


• Allen Pollack breathes life into new community radio station in Huntley


• Mary Lake takes volunteering in Burlington to new level


• Joe Follrath and Suzanne Pfaff close downtown Elgin Quiznos in another tough year to be in business


• Killing of 5-year-old Eric Galarza Jr. brings horror of Elgin shootings home


• Pingree Grove Police Chief Carol Lussky and dog ready to help after Joplin tornado


• Mayor Dave Kaptain takes the helm in Elgin


• Cancer deaths of Pat Keeney, Steve Munson and Victor Gonzalez made year difficult for Elgin downtowners

And vote!

-- Emily McFarlan, Readers' Reporter