Dexter was a hotspot for news in 2011, which ranged from the serious to the whimsical with stories about its quest to become a city to the continuing adventures of the infamous “Dexter Bear.”

Officials also are part of a regional effort to combine the Dexter Area Fire Department and the Scio Township Fire Department and a meeting of all the players is expected in mid-January.

But there were a lot of other important issues that faced the Village Council and Planning Commission from debates about medical marijuana dispensaries to the addition of public art in the village as well as adding fluoride into the water system.

Major steps forward were made on the village’s newest park, Mill Creek Park while at the other end of town LaFontaine Chevrolet demolished buildings at its dealership and is in the process of rebuilding using green practices.

The village bought and demolished several homes to make way for downtown redevelopment.

What’s in store for 2012 in the village? Residents might be writing utility checks to the City of Dexter, playing in a new park and enjoying the traditions of its annual Dexter Daze and Apple Daze festivals.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Dexter stories, visit our Dexter page.