FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
List of interesting people continues to grow

The weekly feature of Friends and Neighbors has become a tradition at the Tri County Leader. The towns of Troup and Whitehouse and the communities that make up everything in between are made great by the folks highlighted in these stories each week.

Briefly, here are the friends and neighbors who were featured in 2007:

Amanda Margraves - This high school beauty took the title of Miss City of Roses in the 2006 Miss Tyler Teen USA competition.

Nancy Duress - Received an award that marked 25 years of outstanding commitment, dedication and loyalty to the Century 21 System.

Katie Preast - In her third year as executive director of curriculum and instruction for the district, Preast's skills serve her well as she pilots the school through a sea of educational mandates and plays "cruise director" for campus celebrations and office events.

Marshall Neill - He is one who could be considered a real "jack-of-all-trades." From bus driver to superintendent of schools, he's done it all in WISD.

Gail Shaw and Yoko Mikami - Long before the Internet made meeting people from around the world as simple as a mouse click, high school students Gail Shaw and Yoko Mikami were bridging the distance from Troup, Texas to Furano, Japan the old-fashioned way.

Jerry McFadden - Every kid in town knows the path to Poppa Jerry's door as well as the way to his heart.

Troup's Food Pantry - First UMC opens its basement doors to house the new food pantry for those in need.

Mike Peterson - From 20 years of service in military intelligence to the office of community development for the City of Whitehouse.

Lisa Sandoval - The former Sabine coach joined the Tiger staff as head softball coach.

Mike and Benae Hickman - Open New Life Massage Therapy and Rose City Sound and Production.

Charlotte Smith, Suzanne Loudamy and Jessica Matlock - The Tri County Leader takes on a new look with new faces behind the desks.

Claud and Lee Ella Obar - No puzzle as to why these two fit in with the crowd in Troup.

Michael Ogg - A well known face and name in Whitehouse is that of Michael Ogg. Most of the time you'll find him at Austin Bank looking out for the capital interests of his customers.

Karla McCormack - Stay-athome mom busy all around Troup.

Ranger Riders Motorcycle Club - Whitehouse club for all ages, ready to have fun and serve the community.

Renne Medford - Troup ISD has a key ingredient in the recipe for success in their department head for child nutrition.

Eula Mae Cameron Soape - Troup resident turns 100.

LaToss Carpenter - Honored for her dedication to the Whitehouse baseball and softball leagues.

Giving Hope Ministr y - Single moms were treated to a special Mother's Day evening.

Officer Lanny Becker - Takes on the role of School Resource Officer for Troup ISD.

David Bell - This retired United States Air Force colonel is at the head of the class with the seniors taking American History, AP Government and dual level Government at Whitehouse High School.

Kasime Davenport - New pastor at the Church of Christ in Troup.

Troy and Mary Moser - Bring joy to life in Whitehouse over the years.

Tom Nance - New administrator for the Westwood Nursing Home in Troup.

Angie Smith - Teaching her tune at Tyler Junior College.

Aunt Lillie's Antiques and Gifts - Holding its eighth Annual Quilt Show.

Brown Family - Sons, grandsons, granddaughters and other members of the Georgia Brown family have served and continue to serve this country in the armed forces.

Austin Anderson - Troup son hits it big in equine entertainment.

Ray and Nancy Baldwin - Celebrate serving the Tyler Metro Church and the community for 20 years.

Josh and Molly Mills - Serving in lands far from home.

Harold L. Higgins - After serving his country for the past 38 years, has retired as the Texas Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant.

Muriel Rogers - Has graced many of Troup's buisinesses through the years, though the journey started long ago in a one-room school building.

Kathleen McElroy - Quietly makes her way through life, loving Troup and its people.

Doug Cummins - Moves on up the career ladder with Brookshire Grocery Company.

David LaMotte - Public works director for the city of Troup.

William Seal - Professional bull rider and high school champion follows his dream.

Bobbie Shafer - Troup resident retires to life of writing.

Ted Fontenot - Makes more of Laptops For Less in Whitehouse.

Nolan and Juanece Smith - Key elements in the solid educational foundation of Troup.

Sarah Stone - Makes learning fun at the Children's Learning Center in Whitehouse.

Scott and Lorinda Fields - New owners of the landmark Farmer's Café in Troup.

Charles Brooks - Captures the image of rugged terrain and weathered skin in dramatic detail on canvas and in wood.

Willie Lacy Jr. and Willie Jean Lacy - Founders of the Lighthouse Church of Prayer celebrate the church's 10th anniversary.

Ashley Rice - Whitehouse girl returns home to train young dancers.

Chassey Nicolls - Troup teen races through life on the back of her horses.

Felecity Spark - This golden treasure dances her way to happiness never missing a stitch.

Mozelle Massey - Serves happiness and good food for 16 years to Troup school kids.

Maghan Bridges - Dancer kicks up dust in Kilgore as Rangerette Captain.

Troup Cares and Project Joy - Communities come together to ensure a happy Christmas plentiful new year for all.

Kamryn York - Did her part and more to make this a recordbreaking year when it came to the canned food collection for Project Joy at Higgins.

Valerie York - Welds her way to a crown as Cherokee County Livestock Show Queen hopeful.