Published: December 30, 2007 09:44 pm      

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.