Patch Picks: Top Stories So Far in 2012

We’ve reached the halfway point of 2012 and what a busy six months in news it’s been.

Our most popular stories so far this year run the gamut, from an alleged bus bullying incident to debate over the Eagle Point refinery to a dress code upheaval.

Here are the 10 most-read stories on West Deptford Patch for the first half of 2012:

10. Debate Continues Over RiverWinds Summer Concert Series

Whether West Deptford should continue to rock became the subject of a public email debate between committee members. The back-and-forth was fast and furious, and readers joined the debate in the comments: Keep the concerts or save the cash? Originally published March 13

9. Dress Code Debate Dominates West Deptford School Board Meeting

Some West Deptford parents decried what they saw as the school district’s attempt to take over parental responsibilities. The dress code overshadowed several meetings, but was ultimately scrapped after a lack of public support. Originally published March 13

8. Auditors Cite Numerous Problems in West Deptford's Annual Audit

Issues ranged from the serious to silly, but came down to one point: “You should all be concerned,” auditor Keith Ingling said. “Your township funds can be stolen.” Readers expressed their anger in the comments. Originally published June 17

7. Cianfarini Standing by ‘Heroin High’ Comments

Committeeman Sam Cianfarini said he was repeating a reference and that people were politicizing his words after he used “Herioin High” to describe West Deptford High School. Cianfarini said he meant to highlight that the term was unacceptable; school officials called the remarks unfortunate. Originally published Feb. 10

6. West Deptford Pics & Clips

Our sixth most-read item isn’t a story at all, but our standing West Deptford Pics & Clip Gallery, a place where readers can upload pictures and videos from around town at any time. Shameless plug: We love seeing your pics and clips, so keep on uploading them to share your shots with your neighbors. Originally published Dec. 13, 2011

5. Prayers and the Promise

Columnist Mary Lebeau was already a self-proclaimed Huge Fan of Bruce Springsteen, but it was this touching column on The Boss meeting her sick brother that drew in readers. Class act, that Bruce Springsteen. Originally published April 1

4. Sunoco Demolishing Eagle Point Refinery

News that West Deptford’s refinery, a familiar site along I-295, would come down drew readers’ attention. The matter certainly didn't end there, though, with a slew of news on Sunoco’s tax appeals and settlement.

3. DeHart Bus Driver Allegedly Bullied 7-Year-Old Oakview Student

A school bus driver’s alleged bullying of a young student went on over three weeks, a township parent said earlier this year. The boy was reportedly subjected to taunting from the driver. Originally published May 3

2.

After 6.6 million gallons of oil spilled at a nearby refinery, residents were somewhat relieved to learn the spill was contained to the facility. Less of a relief was the awful odor, which eventually reached Maryland, that hung in the air post-spill. Originally published Feb. 23

1. Dewaine Thornton Arrested in 1992 Unsolved Rape

A 20-year cold case was finally solved, police say, thanks to DNA evidence. The suspect didn’t go down without a fight, but was ultimately arrested and jailed on rape charges. AOL, our parent company, picked up this story, helping to push it to our most-read piece by far in the first half of 2012. Originally published April 18

Thanks for reading West Deptford Patch and here’s to a newsy second half of 2012. If you ever have any story ideas or tips, please contact local editor Bryan Littel at bryan.littel@patch.com—it might be the next big story on Patch.