A lot happened in 2011, around the world and close to home. Some of it was good, some wasn’t. Here in Bryan County, there were stories of heartbreak and gladness, triumph and tragedy — but when the chips were down, there were stories that showed our community to be a resilient, caring place.
2011 is not quite over, but it’s worth going ahead and taking some time to look back. Here’s the first in a two-part look back at the year we’re leaving behind.

Ogeechee River Fish Kill
It was certainly a rough year for the Ogeechee River, having suffered a massive kill of an estimated 33,000-38,000 fish in May due to a bacterial disease caused by environmental distress as a result of discharge from King America Finishing Co. in Screven County.

Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival
October 2011 just wouldn’t have been the same without the crowds, the excitement, the music and, of course, the food of the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival.
In its 13th year, the festival drew upwards of 35,000 people from Oct. 14-16 to J.F. Gregory Park in Richmond Hill, a myriad of seafood, carnival rides, games and activities for children and adults, vendor booths and live entertainment by recording artists Orleans, We The Kings and 38 Special.

Read more top stories from 2011 in the Dec. 28 edition of the News.