In the history books, 2008 will likely be remembered for a historic election and a rapid decline of the country's financial system.

In Hopkins, many residents, businesses and organizations unfortunately had to deal with the repercussions of the sour economy.

However, the year wasn't all bleak. A few of the city's best-known entities celebrated historic anniversaries, a couple educators received high honors and the Raspberry Festival got community members to come together and celebrate in Hopkins, as it always does.

Following are the people, places and events - by category - that defined Hopkins this past year.

Block 64 - Developer GPS Development informed the City Council in January that it couldn't secure enough financing to proceed with a condo project at Fifth Avenue and Mainstreet, also known as Block 64. Doran Companies and Pratt Homes took over the project and plans to build luxury apartments on the site that can be converted into condos.

Creek restoration - The City Council lent its support in August to a restoration project of Nine Mile Creek, which runs through Hopkins. The project is designed to reduce contamination in the creek and improve its natural habitat and eco-system.

Crime rate drops - The Hopkins Police Department announced in March that the city's crime rate dropped in 2007. Part I offenses such as rape, robbery and assault were down 5.4 percent and Part II crimes such as theft and vandalism were down 24.7 percent.

Dogs allowed - The City Council approved an ordinance in June that allowed leashed dogs in designated areas in the city's four largest parks. In a Hopkins Park Board survey conducted in early 2008, many residents complained that dogs were not allowed in any of the city's parks.

Election results - Rep. Steve Simon, DFL-St. Louis Park - who represents Hopkins - won re-election to his seat in the General Election Nov. 4. Other representatives of Hopkins who were victorious include U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, DFL-Minneapolis, and U.S. Representative-Elect Erik Paulsen, R-Eden Prairie.

Eminent domain - In June, the Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority voted to use eminent domain to buy land for its Block 64 condo project. In order to proceed with the project, the city needs to acquire Hopkins Park Plaza apartments. The city and the complex's owners failed to reach a purchase agreement for the site. The eminent domain case is still pending.

Excelsior Crossings - The city of Hopkins cut the ribbon on the first of Excelsior Crossings' three buildings in October. The second building in the 750,000-foot Cargill office complex is scheduled to open next summer, with the third to follow in late 2009 or early 2010.

"Hannah Montana" bill - Sen. Ron Latz, who represents Hopkins, authored a bill in this year's legislative session that prohibits ticket brokers from using software to cut in line while buying event tickets online. The bill was authored in response to many people losing out on buying tickets to a Hannah Montana concert to professional ticket brokers.

High caucus turnout - More than 1,000 Hopkins residents turned out to cast presidential-preference ballots in the caucuses held in February - a significantly higher number than past caucuses.

Human rights award - The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions presented Hopkins Police Chief Craig Reid with its Human Rights Award in October for his department's efforts to improve the quality of life in the city's Blake Road Corridor.

LRT station plan -The Hopkins City Council approved a plan in February for three stations to be located in Hopkins along the planned Southwest Transitway light-rail line. The three locations are Blake Road, Eighth Avenue South and Shady Oak Road.

Ramstad retires - The City of Hopkins proclaimed Oct. 21 "Congressman Jim Ramstad Day" in honor of the U.S. Representative who retired from Congress this year after 18 years in service. Ramstad's district includes portions of Hopkins.

Transit Fair?- Residents from around the metro turned out for a public hearing held in July at the Hopkins Center for the Arts to voice disapproval with proposed fare increases to the Metropolitan Council's public transit services. The increases, which were later approved, were needed to make up for a budget shortfall of $15 million in 2009, according to the council.

Victim-compensation bill - Latz introduced a bill in the Senate in January that was designed to fairly compensate victims of the I-35W bridge collapse. The Legislature ended up passing a compensation bill that was a compromise between Latz' proposal and another bill proposed in the House.

Centennial for HHS - Hopkins High School celebrated its 100th anniversary with two days of celebration in December. Hundreds of current and former students, staff and parents turned for the event, which included school tours and displays of past memorabilia.

Culinary whizzes - Hopkins High School's Culinary ProStart team won the state's ProStart Competition in March. The team's winning menu included salmon fritter, Szechwan duck and raspberry caviar.

Depot anniversary - The Depot Coffee House in Hopkins celebrated its 10th anniversary with a banquet in September. The facility, which hosts high school bands and is a popular stop for users of the nearby regional trail, is a partnership between the city of Hopkins and the Hopkins School District.

Empty Bowls - Hopkins Public Schools' annual fundraiser to fight local hunger, Empty Bowls, celebrated its 10th anniversary in March. The project has raised more than $340,000 in its decade-long history.

Full-day kindergarten - All six of Hopkins School District's elementary schools began offering a section of full-day kindergarten for the first time this fall.

Gun at school - Minnetonka Police arrested a student at Hopkins North Junior High in November for having a gun at school. Police said there was no indication the student had intended it for school. The student was expelled from North and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Healthy fund balance - The Hopkins School Board announced in May that it would begin the 2008-09 fiscal year with an estimated fund balance of $6 million. The balance is about 7.5 percent of the district's expenses. After sliding into statutory operating debt in 2005, the board set a goal of maintaining at least a 6-percent fund balance.

Legacy Day - The Blake School held its third annual Legacy Day in September as part of its Convocation. More than 2,000 people gathered at Blake's to participate in community service activities.

Principal of the Year - The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals named Pat Schmidt of Hopkins North Junior High the Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year in January. In July, Schmidt found out she was one of three finalists for the national award. In October, she was named runner-up to the National Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Supreme Court visits - The Minnesota Supreme Court visited Hopkins High School in May, where it heard oral arguments in an actual case in the school's auditorium. The visit was part of a program aimed at teaching students about the work of the state's highest court.

Teacher of the Year - Carleen Gulstad, a language-arts teacher at Hopkins North Junior High, was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in May. She resigned her title in June, citing personal reasons.

Teen clinic - Hopkins Public Schools' administration postponed indefinitely in September a decision to open a West Suburban Teen Clinic branch at Hopkins High School. Some community members spoke out this fall against the clinic, which would provide mental-health and health-education services and counseling to students once a week.

Fire at Nelson's - A fire damaged the smoke house May 14 at Nelson's Meat Market & Bakery, one of Hopkins' oldest restaurants. The restaurant had to replace the smoke house, but no one was injured in the fire and the business was able to open the next morning.

Bribery acquittal - Kesha Green, a Hopkins resident and former Hennepin County Attorney's Office employee, was acquitted of bribery, but found guilty of misconduct of a public official in April. Green was charged with her crimes after allegedly providing information to criminals about witnesses and victims in open investigations.

Hoops star arrested - Anthony Di Loreto, a former Hopkins High School basketball player, was charged in August with being a party to an armed robbery and possession of a shotgun in connection to an incident that allegedly occurred at Bremer Bank in Danbury, Wis.

Horror in Hopkins - Corey Posley-Wells, 27, of St. Paul was charged in the stabbing murder of Irene Kunze, 90, at Hopkins Plaza Apartments in July. Police say the killing was random and occurred after the suspect saw Kunze taking out her garbage on July 7 and decided to rob her. The homicide was Hopkins' first in nine years.

L.A. Fitness - L.A. Fitness opened a health club this fall at the corner of Highway 7 and 17th Avenue. The two-story facility includes a pool, racquetball courts, a basketball court and aerobics area.

New royalty - Abby Masse was crowned queen and Heather Sahr and Staci Lee Smith were crowned princesses July 17 at the Hopkins Raspberry Royalty Coronation. The trio's first event as royalty was the Raspberry Festival's Grande Day Parade July 20 in Hopkins.

Open Circle - Open Circle Adult Day Program celebrated its 25th anniversary in February of service to area seniors. Its programs include meals, health and wellness activities, entertainment and community outings.

Pastor retires - Howie Krienke, pastor for Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, retired from his post in August after serving the congregation for 29 years.

Stages celebrates 25- Hopkins' Stages Theatre Company kicked off its 25th anniversary season in September with a production of "How I Became a Pirate" at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Stages used to perform shows at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins and the Burwell House in Minnetonka before moving to the HCA in 1997.

Walker pleads guilty - Sabrina Walker, a former Hopkins High School staffer charged in 2007 with spending some of the $2.5 million the state accidentally sent her in a check, pled guilty in July to failure to pay over state funds. Walker worked as an equity and integration specialist at Hopkins High School at the time she was charged.

Hopkins Women's Club - The club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special luncheon in September. The club has more than 100 members ranging in age from 40s to 90s.

Year of the car - The Hopkins Center for the Arts held a summer-long special exhibition in 2008, "Velocity: The Art of Motion." The event included car art exhibitions, vintage car-shows and an automobile toy, book and literature fair.

High caucus turnout - More than 1,000 Hopkins residents turned out to cast presidential-preference ballots in the caucuses held in February - a significantly higher number than past caucuses.

Human rights award - The League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions presented Hopkins Police Chief Craig Reid with its Human Rights Award in October for his department's efforts to improve the quality of life in the city's Blake Road Corridor.

LRT station plan -The Hopkins City Council approved a plan in February for three stations to be located in Hopkins along the planned Southwest Transitway light-rail line. The three locations are Blake Road, Eighth Avenue South and Shady Oak Road.

Ramstad retires - The City of Hopkins proclaimed Oct. 21 "Congressman Jim Ramstad Day" in honor of the U.S. Representative who retired from Congress this year after 18 years in service. Ramstad's district includes portions of Hopkins.

Transit Fair?- Residents from around the metro turned out for a public hearing held in July at the Hopkins Center for the Arts to voice disapproval with proposed fare increases to the Metropolitan Council's public transit services. The increases, which were later approved, were needed to make up for a budget shortfall of $15 million in 2009, according to the council.

Victim-compensation bill - Latz introduced a bill in the Senate in January that was designed to fairly compensate victims of the I-35W bridge collapse. The Legislature ended up passing a compensation bill that was a compromise between Latz' proposal and another bill proposed in the House.

Centennial for HHS - Hopkins High School celebrated its 100th anniversary with two days of celebration in December. Hundreds of current and former students, staff and parents turned for the event, which included school tours and displays of past memorabilia.

Culinary whizzes - Hopkins High School's Culinary ProStart team won the state's ProStart Competition in March. The team's winning menu included salmon fritter, Szechwan duck and raspberry caviar.

Depot anniversary - The Depot Coffee House in Hopkins celebrated its 10th anniversary with a banquet in September. The facility, which hosts high school bands and is a popular stop for users of the nearby regional trail, is a partnership between the city of Hopkins and the Hopkins School District.

Empty Bowls - Hopkins Public Schools' annual fundraiser to fight local hunger, Empty Bowls, celebrated its 10th anniversary in March. The project has raised more than $340,000 in its decade-long history.

Full-day kindergarten - All six of Hopkins School District's elementary schools began offering a section of full-day kindergarten for the first time this fall.

Gun at school - Minnetonka Police arrested a student at Hopkins North Junior High in November for having a gun at school. Police said there was no indication the student had intended it for school. The student was expelled from North and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Healthy fund balance - The Hopkins School Board announced in May that it would begin the 2008-09 fiscal year with an estimated fund balance of $6 million. The balance is about 7.5 percent of the district's expenses. After sliding into statutory operating debt in 2005, the board set a goal of maintaining at least a 6-percent fund balance.

Legacy Day - The Blake School held its third annual Legacy Day in September as part of its Convocation. More than 2,000 people gathered at Blake's to participate in community service activities.

Principal of the Year - The Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals named Pat Schmidt of Hopkins North Junior High the Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year in January. In July, Schmidt found out she was one of three finalists for the national award. In October, she was named runner-up to the National Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Supreme Court visits - The Minnesota Supreme Court visited Hopkins High School in May, where it heard oral arguments in an actual case in the school's auditorium. The visit was part of a program aimed at teaching students about the work of the state's highest court.

Teacher of the Year - Carleen Gulstad, a language-arts teacher at Hopkins North Junior High, was named Minnesota Teacher of the Year in May. She resigned her title in June, citing personal reasons.

Teen clinic - Hopkins Public Schools' administration postponed indefinitely in September a decision to open a West Suburban Teen Clinic branch at Hopkins High School. Some community members spoke out this fall against the clinic, which would provide mental-health and health-education services and counseling to students once a week.

Fire at Nelson's - A fire damaged the smoke house May 14 at Nelson's Meat Market & Bakery, one of Hopkins' oldest restaurants. The restaurant had to replace the smoke house, but no one was injured in the fire and the business was able to open the next morning.

Bribery acquittal - Kesha Green, a Hopkins resident and former Hennepin County Attorney's Office employee, was acquitted of bribery, but found guilty of misconduct of a public official in April. Green was charged with her crimes after allegedly providing information to criminals about witnesses and victims in open investigations.

Hoops star arrested - Anthony Di Loreto, a former Hopkins High School basketball player, was charged in August with being a party to an armed robbery and possession of a shotgun in connection to an incident that allegedly occurred at Bremer Bank in Danbury, Wis.

Horror in Hopkins - Corey Posley-Wells, 27, of St. Paul was charged in the stabbing murder of Irene Kunze, 90, at Hopkins Plaza Apartments in July. Police say the killing was random and occurred after the suspect saw Kunze taking out her garbage on July 7 and decided to rob her. The homicide was Hopkins' first in nine years.

L.A. Fitness - L.A. Fitness opened a health club this fall at the corner of Highway 7 and 17th Avenue. The two-story facility includes a pool, racquetball courts, a basketball court and aerobics area.

New royalty - Abby Masse was crowned queen and Heather Sahr and Staci Lee Smith were crowned princesses July 17 at the Hopkins Raspberry Royalty Coronation. The trio's first event as royalty was the Raspberry Festival's Grande Day Parade July 20 in Hopkins.

Open Circle - Open Circle Adult Day Program celebrated its 25th anniversary in February of service to area seniors. Its programs include meals, health and wellness activities, entertainment and community outings.

Pastor retires - Howie Krienke, pastor for Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, retired from his post in August after serving the congregation for 29 years.

Stages celebrates 25- Hopkins' Stages Theatre Company kicked off its 25th anniversary season in September with a production of "How I Became a Pirate" at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Stages used to perform shows at the Eisenhower Community Center in Hopkins and the Burwell House in Minnetonka before moving to the HCA in 1997.

Walker pleads guilty - Sabrina Walker, a former Hopkins High School staffer charged in 2007 with spending some of the $2.5 million the state accidentally sent her in a check, pled guilty in July to failure to pay over state funds. Walker worked as an equity and integration specialist at Hopkins High School at the time she was charged.

Hopkins Women's Club - The club celebrated its 100th anniversary with a special luncheon in September. The club has more than 100 members ranging in age from 40s to 90s.

Year of the car - The Hopkins Center for the Arts held a summer-long special exhibition in 2008, "Velocity: The Art of Motion." The event included car art exhibitions, vintage car-shows and an automobile toy, book and literature fair.