Highlights of 2011, if made into a PowerPoint presentation, might include the following bullet points: weather events that included a tornado, floods, drought and snow; a seeminly never-ending cycle of elections; a local teenager gaining idol status and the nation witnessing a local family's extreme home makeover; a judge judged unfit to serve; Cloud Springs Road reopening after years of construction; construction of a college campus delayed; and the local hospital entering a new partnership with Erlanger.
This week, two local leaders reflect on the year just past and look to the potential offered by a new year.
Catoosa County Manager Mike Helton replied to a request for comments concerning what has been and what might be with the following.
"In considering the events of the past year there is no doubt that the events you mention have all had an impact on our community and it is interesting to consider how they differ.
"Several of the events mentioned have brought Catoosa County and its citizens into the spotlight.
"We consider Lauren Alaina and her 'American Idol' experience and the Sharrock family with the 'Extreme Home Makeover' as very exciting times for the entire county. These events provided us the opportunity to rally behind our own.
"But our weather events really revealed the community spirit within the people of Catoosa County.
"In the past year Catoosa County experienced a serious snow [over a week long] and ice event, stormwater flooding and, of course, a tornado.
"The tornado captured everyone's attention the most, of course. This was the most life altering event that most in our area can remember.
"I have heard the voices of our citizens say over and over again how they couldn't believe the visual impact the tornado had on our community when they first saw the damage. We all will have the visual and emotional reminders of this storm for a long time to come.
"It was amazing to watch the people of Catoosa County respond when it came down to what really matters the most to all of us."
Catoosa County Schools Superintendent Denia Reese offered her thoughts and meditations on events of the year just past.
"As I reflect on 2011, three words come to mind: delight, devastation and determination.
"On March 15, the citizens of Catoosa County overwhelmingly passed ESPLOST IV. The Board of Education had identified four priorities for ESPLOST IV projects which included improving student achievement, enhancing student safety, maintaining facility equitability and preparing for growth.
"I was delighted when the referendum passed and we began preparing for ESPLOST IV projects.
"Everyone in Catoosa County will remember April 27 as the day an EF4 tornado devastated our community. Nothing can prepare you for this kind of disaster.
"With two of our schools substantially damaged, we had to develop plans quickly to return to school. I was so proud of our students and employees for their great attitudes during this time.
"I was also very appreciative of the support we received from the community.
"In the weeks and months that followed the tornado, I witnessed the determination of a community that is filled with pride. Friends and neighbors have worked together to survive devastation and to move forward even stronger than before.
"I look forward to an exciting year for our schools in 2012.
"The community will see disaster recovery construction and ESPLOST construction.
"Ringgold students began this school year on their home campus. Rebuilding Ringgold's athletic facilities will be completed for spring sports and construction or a new eighth-grade wing at Ringgold Middle School will begin after the first of the year.
"We are finalizing plans for the revitalization at LFO High School and building an auditorium on the Ringgold High School campus.
"Construction on these ESPLOST IV projects should begin in 2012 and when students and teachers return next fall, our schools will have modern computers and 21st century technology.
"I appreciate the support we receive in Catoosa County public schools and look forward to a great year for our children."
The county that celebrated with pride and joy its homegrown heroes and idols, likewise shared the pain and loss left by an ill wind that shredded a swath across Ringgold and Cherokee Valley.
And like T-shirts proclaiming "You Can't Keep a Good Town Down" that appeared within days of the storm, the consensus is that Catoosa and Catoosans were annealed by the storm and will be stronger in the coming years.
Helton said, "As I am reminded daily by the remnants of the storm still around us, I am likewise reminded of all that the people in this community are capable of when called upon and how much they shine when it is their time."
A sentiment echoed by Reese, who said, "I am delighted to work with a community that can survive devastation with determination and pride."