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Popular stories in 2024 were a mixed bag with celebrations and local events to elections and crime.

Here’s a summary of some of the top news:

• The first half of the year began with excitement over the opening of Cajun Food 88. The eatery, located on North 16th Street in Orange, is located where Jack-in-the-Box used to be located.
• A number of massage parlors in the county were linked to human trafficking, promotion of prostitution, prostitution and organized criminal activity.
• The much anticipated Christus Hospital-Orange opened its doors to the public.
• A mother from Orange and a couple reportedly hatched a scheme to buy/sell a baby. 

Harley Dee Matthews, 28, of Orange and Jerrica Elee Jeane, 34, and husband Mitchell Leigh Jeane, 34, came in from Ohio were arrested.

• Bobby Smith, a veteran of nearly three decades in law enforcement, won the Republican Primary to land the seat of Orange County Sheriff in January.
• Jennifer Dickinson was named executive director of Stark Art and History, which includes the Stark Museum of Art and the Eunice R. Benckenstein Library and Archive.
• West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District’s $72 million bond passes.

The bond includes a new North Early Learning Center campus, district-wide safety upgrades, restroom and HVAC upgrades, technology enhancements and acquiring new buses.

• Orange Councilwoman Terrie Turner Salter addressed residents in an opinion column detailing why she voted against reappointing Paul Burch as Mayor Pro Tem. 
• ‘A Great Honor’: WWII vet Ray Tweedel receives French Legion of Honor. 

Tweedel also received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in honor of his induction into the French Legion of Honor.

• The body of a 4-year-old child was found in a body of water near the Vinton Welcome Center. The child had last been seen with his mother Aaliyah N. Jack, 25, of Louisiana and his 1-year-old sibling. 

The toddler was found alive two days later by a trucker nearly eight miles from the visitors center. The child, who had insect bites and had survived the remnants of Hurricane Beryl on the side of the highway, was called “our miracle baby” by law enforcement.

The children’s mother was arrested in Mississippi. 

The second half of the year was just as eventful.

• August brought a unique hot air balloon glo festival to Bridge City.

The first of its kind of festival featured live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, kids activities and hot air balloons. Upwards of 1,000 were in attendance. 

• Bridge City City Manager Christopher Baker, who took over the position in January, rendered his resignation. 
• Enterprise Products bringing near billion-dollar development to Orange County. 

The project is set to create 29 permanent jobs and a projected economic impact of $680 million over 20 years.

• K-Dan’s owner Luther Daniel “Danny” Brack passes away. He is remembered for his determination and impact.
• Aleigh Lewis, 15, and her unborn child were killed in a shooting at Fox Run Apartments. A gofundme account was set up to help with funeral costs. 
• Voters in Vidor Independent School District approved a $98.4 million bond for campus improvements, consolidations. 
• Bridge City City Council approved the hiring of a new city manager, Bart Bartkowiak.

Bartkowiak will take office Jan. 6. He was formerly director of public works for the city of Beaumont.

• Councilmembers in Bridge City held a workshop to discuss a local optional liquor election. 

This would allow local businesses to serve mixed drinks and avoid the complications of private membership clubs. No decision was made at the workshop.