Local News
Related Photos
Tools
2007 marked with tragedy, triumph
By Ashley Sanders
The Orange Leader
They were on local lips and some even made national headlines. Stories for 2007 provoked anger, sorrow and many times joy.
As we close one year and prepare for the start of 2008 it is important to look back on lessons learned and remember those we lost to tragedy.
At the start of 2007, we celebrated the contract agreement between Ameristeel and local steelworkers following a two year dispute.
Just as that argument was coming to a close, however, our focus was shifted to a battle brewing between the City of Orange and some residents of Little Cypress. While one side fought for a reconciliation of growing pains, the other battled for individuality.
In the end, both groups came to an agreement and the annexation of Little Cypress’ 951 acres was upheld.
We watched as elections reshaped our communities and state this year. In West Orange-Cove a school board was riddled with new change and residents in Pinehurst were allowed to drink alcohol at restaurants for the first time.
Residents were shocked when they discovered that some locals were drinking stronger “cocktails” than the ones being offered in Pinehurst, however.
Pain management clinics across the county and surrounding region were shut down as law enforcement officials began to crack down on doctors writing unnecessary prescriptions.
By late summer and early fall our hearts would fill with sorrow for families who lost loved ones to tragedy — one victim at the hands of an attacker.
Gulf Coast residents between Louisiana and Galveston were horrified to hear of Bridgette Gearen’s tragic murder on Crystal Beach.
One month later condolences would pour out for a Vidor family who lost their American Hero. Kamisha Block, the first female war fatality from Southeast Texas, died in Baghdad in August.
Sadly, our sorrow only grew this fall as the Sabine River claimed the lives of an Orange teen and a good Samaritan who volunteered to search for the dead boy’s body.
It has been a trying year for Orange County, however, promised growth and development is already proving that 2008 could be a banner year for the area.
As we celebrate a new year of life, celebration and joy, The Orange Leader wishes a very Happy New Year to all.
- Local News
-
-
Ship captain describes day of oil spill
The captain of the Eagle Otome told of the events leading up to a Jan. 23 collision that closed the Sabine-Neches Waterway and spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil into the channel in the worst Texas oil spill in 15 years during a formal hearing on Tuesday.
- Laughlin appointed DuPont SRW manager
- Orange CC amends definition of trash
-
Ship captain describes day of oil spill
The captain of the Eagle Otome told of the events leading up to a Jan. 23 collision that closed the Sabine-Neches Waterway and spilling hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil into the channel in the worst Texas oil spill in 15 years during a formal hearing on Tuesday.
-
Coast Guard begins hearing on Texas oil spill
In the minutes before an 800-foot tanker collided with a tugboat pushing two barges off the Gulf Coast in January, causing the worst oil spill in Texas in 15 years, the pilots of the vessels tell dispatchers they are aware of one another, and one tries to slow down upon entering a narrow waterway.
-
Laughlin appointed DuPont Sabine River Works plant manager
John R. Bobby Laughlin has been appointed Plant Manager of the DuPont Sabine River Works Site, effective March 15, 2010.
-
Man receives 8 years probation for robbery
An Orange man was sentenced Friday to 8 years probation and a $3,000 fine after pleading guilty in December 2009 on robbery charges.
-
Thibodeaux to attend meetings for Ike Dike
Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux said in the Orange County Commissioners Court meeting Monday that he will attend a meeting on March 19 with 6 county judges from the area to get more information on the proposed “Gulf Coast Community Protection and Recovery District, Inc.”
-
Candidates file for elections
Monday was the day for residents to get their names in for the May general elections.
-
OCS readies for annual food fundraiser
Orange Christian Services’ (OCS) ministry program provides food, clothing, and some financial assistance with rent, utilities, prescriptions, and medical and dental visits to Orange County indigent families. OCS has continued to see increases in the number of families requiring assistance since Hurricane Ike and during 2009 due to the current economic hardships. Forty-three member churches along with individuals and organizations provide donations to help fund these needs.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Ship captain describes day of oil spill
