Community Corner

Editor's Picks: Favorite Stories of 2012

These are your Patch editor's favorite stories from throughout the year.

Throughout 2012, I’ve had the privilege of covering Menomonee Falls through good and bad. Every day is a new challenge in this community, but it’s a rewarding challenge all the same.  

These are my favorite stories that I’ve written over the year. Some are funny, others are shocking, and others will warm your heart. If you had a different favorite story this year, let me know in the comments.

The following are in no particular order – it’d be like picking your favorite child or something.  

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Proof of the Paranormal on Main Street?  

Sometimes you only need to look as far as your own back yard for adventure. I was quite skeptical about the ghost hunt, and the hunt itself didn’t do much to soften my skepticism. Most of the night, we sat in pitch-black darkness talking to “ghosts”. However, as it turns out, we caught a few mysterious voices on recordings. A skeptic turned spooked.  

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Dylan Smith Coverage  

I couldn’t wrap this up in just one story. From Ryan Anderson’s fundraiser to the unfortunate passing of Dylan Smith, readers and myself sure learned a lot about the light that shines in Menomonee Falls. We saw how a community can selflessly rally around someone in need. We also saw how one young life can touch so many others. It was an honor to tell their story in 2012.

  • North Students Rally for Their Classmate
  • Students' T-shirt Campaign Expands Beyond North Middle School
  • Smith Family Benefit is Sunday
  • Dylan Smith's Love For Life Inspired Community

RAW VIDEO: Shoplifter Apprehended Outside Pick'n Save

Menomonee Falls is a relatively quiet and peaceful community. It’s rare that news breaks right before your eyes while stuffing your groceries in the trunk of the car at Pick’n Save. The story won’t win any awards, but the workout I got chasing this guy with my camera was worth it.

Local Political Humorist Causes a Stir...Again

I’ll have to say, Falls is home to some very creative young people. Reuben’s one of those. He was behind the faux “Kirk for Clerk” campaign, and got his feet wet in ‘nonsensicalism’ during the election. He accumulated more than 10,000 friends on Facebook and appeared in national media. He retired his little project once the election results were final.

I wrote plenty of stories on the local campaign trail, and it was nice to do something a little lighthearted. Moreover, the young satirist is a loyal worker at Falls Cable Access, and has also landed a gig at The Onion.

Hard Work and Harvey Moy's 'Golden Spirit'

Sometimes journalists write stories to satisfy their own selfish curiosity. I’ve walked passed Harvey Moy’s countless times, and every time I passed behind the restaurant I wanted to know the story behind that extravagant vehicle. Well, I found my answer, learned a little more about a local legend, and got a lesson in hard work.


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