The year has been one of surprises and heartache, triumph and defeat.

So, what stories in 2006 would reach your top 10 list?

The Lawrence Journal-World staff is asking readers to vote on the top stories that happened in Lawrence and Kansas in 2006.

Is the top story the microburst last spring? Or is it the Legislature approving a school finance plan? Maybe it’s the return last month of the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry unit of the Kansas Army National Guard after serving in Iraq.

There also are ballots for local arts and entertainment stories and sports stories.

The deadline for voting is 5 p.m. Friday.