From an election to the struggling economy to the Tigers? run to the World Series, there were many big stories across the state this year, but what made the biggest headlines here in Orion?
Over the next two weeks, The Review will look back at the biggest 12 stories of the year.
For a look back at every issue from January through June, with photos, see our print edition (July through December will run next week).
Without further ado, here are stories 12 through seven and some headlines that just missed out on our list. Can you figure out our top six? Come back next week to check your guesses…

12. The Pine Island Marina
This ongoing story first made Review headlines in 2005, but reached its peak at a June public hearing, where two MDEQ workers stormed out of the meeting at township hall.
A final MDEQ decision on the proposed marina from Mat Dunaskiss never came, but the former state senator withdrew his application in October.
The township took action against Dunaskiss, but has since withdrawn their claim (for more on this, see this web edition).

11. Teacher goes to court
An assault case against Pine Tree fifth-grade teacher Janis Peacock was dismissed from Judge Lisa Asadoorian’s 52-3 District courtroom in August, when both sides came to a last minute resolution that called for the teacher’s retirement.
Peacock, who had been teaching for 36 years (and at Pine Tree for nearly 30 years), was planning on retiring regardless of the case’s outcome.
Friends of the teacher packed the courtroom and were pleased when the issue had been put to rest.

10. Melanoma victim tells her story
Eleven-year-old Alexa Atkins (inset) shared her story of a three-year battle with skin cancer with The Review in June.
The odds of someone under the age of 10 being diagnosed with melanoma is somewhere around one in a million.
In May, Atkins spoke at Lake Orion’s Relay For Life event at Waldon Middle school. She is also a member on the Relay For Life committee.
‘I have learned about melanoma and I’m helping others by educating them about the warning signs of skin cancer,? she told the relay participants.
9. Gingell defeats Wilson
As expected, the winner of the August primary went on to win the November general election and a seat on the County’s Board of Commissioners.
What was a slight surprise, however, was that Orion Township Trustee Mike Gingell took the primary from incumbent Eric Wilson.
Gingell’s term begins in January, while Wilson is likely to join the road commission in 2007 (more details on that appointment to come).

8. Tragic car accidents
Two of the brighter faces to walk the halls at Lake Orion High School in recent years were involved in separate, but fatal, car accidents early in the year.
In January, 2003 graduate Natalie Nance was involved in an accident while traveling to Boyne Mountain with her boyfriend. A scholarship fund has since been started in honor of the former cheerleading captain.
In April, Manrique Salinas, a 2004 graduate, was driving a truck for Lonnie’s Tree Service with two other employees in West Bloomfield when it hit a bus. An up-and-coming boxer, Salinas was a Michigan Golden Gloves Champion.

7. Businesses flock to Orion
Elements, Little Monsters and Royal Radio were among 12 new downtown shops and eateries to open in 2006.
Elsewhere, The Scoop and Oscar’s, both on Baldwin Road, were among many new places in the township to get a tasty treat.
All news was not positive, however, as some longtime businesses such as Campbell Jewelers on Broadway and Karl’s Place in Gingellville, among others, closed their doors for the last time in 2006.

Other stories that were considered:
The LOHS Marching Band places third at state championship (Oct), A fire on M-24 claims Canterbury valuables (Jan), Accident leads to drug bust, $8,000 cash seizure (Sept), Veteran’s Memorial continues to grow, Leaders look at ways to improve M-24, Township Library turns 80.