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It
was this bucket with 3:59 remaining in the first half of the Lady
Patriots game with Mississinawa
Valley Thursday that propelled Patriot senior Kayla Linkous onto a list
that until now had been
occupied by just two other people. Linkous joined the 2,000 point
scored, 1,000 rebound club in
the state of Ohio. No. 7. Linkous steps into immortality.
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County News Online
Top 100 Stories of 2012
By Bob Robinson
One of the great things about Internet publishing is you know exactly
what stories were read the most and what stories generated little or no
interest. Over the holidays, I decided to see what attracted CNO
readers in 2012. While most results were expected, one was surprising…
Top story of the year? My April opinion piece on two State employees
being told to leave Darke County Jobs & Family Services by its
local director, Gracie Ratliff. Entitled “How did it get to this
point?” it was “hit” 4,475 times by CNO readers.
To the best of my knowledge (I could be wrong) County News Online was
the only information service to report on the conflict, so if anyone
was interested in what was happening in the agency, they had to come
here. Evidently a few were.
A second story broke the 4,000 mark. It was “Celebrating 156 Years of
Greatness” in August with 4,005 page views. Big surprise. It
highlighted the special events of the coming Great Darke County Fair
and included pdf files detailing each of the nine days of events.
Out of approximately 4,500 articles published in 2012, I started with a
search for the Top 10 or 25. As I was checking the links, content and
numbers, I realized there were too many other stories that also
deserved notice. As those who know me are well aware, I’m stubborn and
sometimes meticulous to a fault. Before I was done, I had catalogued
the top 100 for 2012. They are noted below with links to the actual
stories.
Overall, there were three stories – two in news and one in sports –
that generated the most continued interest in the community: First… the
Melody Lucas lawsuit against the Darke County Commissioners; Second…
Kayla Linkous achieving “immortality” by becoming only the third player
in Ohio history to score 2,000 points and pick up 1,000 rebounds, in
conjunction with Tri-Village Lady Basketball run for the playoffs in
Columbus; and Third… Greenville Schools Supt. Susie Riegle’s surprise
retirement.
There were many others that deserved honorable mention: articles and
features on events at the Darke County Fair, Annie Oakley Days and
Gathering at Garst, community events such as the Independence Day
fireworks and local parades and festivals, the debate on Issue Two and
a tax for capitol improvements that was considered by the Commissioners
earlier this year.
As a side note, I got a pleasant surprise in one area. I asked a
Greenville High School freshman, Kalista King, to write about her faith
in Christ following a presentation at Kiwanis of Greenville. She agreed
to write them as something “positive” for CNO readers every Sunday. Her
views have been embraced by many readers, as three of her columns ended
up in the top 100! This is a strong positive, not only for our young
people, but also for those who have chosen to follow her journey.
The complete list of the Top 100 stories published on County News Online in 2012:
1. How did it get to this point? April, 4475 page views. Opinion piece
by Bob Robinson on the Jobs & Family Services employee issue. Click
here to read.
2. “Celebrating 156 Years of Greatness” August, 4005 page views. The
2012 Great Darke County Fair. Click here to read.
3. Susie Riegle resigns, effective July 30 – April, 3585 page views.
Susie Riegle makes surprise announcement regarding her retirement.
Click here to read.
4. Obama’s Green Policy Accomplishments – October, 3554 page views. A
Blog by Al Bliss regarding the Green Energy policies of President
Obama. Click here to read.
5. SSSF presents scholarships to six Darke County students – May, 3524
page views. Six Darke County students representing four local school
districts receive college scholarships from the Senior Scribes
Scholarship Fund. Click here to read.
6. Wave A.D. T.J. Powers resigns – April, 3393 page views. Click here
to read.
7. Linkous steps into immortality – February, 3308 page views. Kayla
Linkous joins only two others in Ohio prep sports history to score
2,000 points and collect 1,000 rebounds. Click here to read.
8. David & Goliath (or Rabid Dog) – March, 3230 page views. Melody
Lucas tells her story regarding her lawsuit with the Darke County
Commissioners. Click here to read.
9. As we all sit here watching the County Administration implode before
our eyes – March, 3179 page views. Bob Rhoades weighs in on the Melody
Lucas lawsuit. Click here to read.
10. Everyone loves a parade – July, 3131 page views. The Annie Oakley
Parade, 2012. Click here to read.
11. Communication requires two – June, 3025 page views. Bob Robinson
asks questions regarding the events leading up to and following the
Melody Lucas lawsuite. Click here to read.
12. Packed house hears pros and cons on Issue 2 – October, 2698 page
views. Click here to read.
13. Iwo Jima awesome highlight of Grand Parade – June, 2642 page views.
Poultry Days 2012. Click here to read.
14. 2012 Annie Oakley Parade, Greenville, Ohio – August, 2284 page
views. Click here to read.
15. And the Vicious Cycle begins – August, 2268 page views. Bob Rhoades
addresses the possibility of a Greenville City layoff involving city
firefighters. Click here to read.
16. Whistleblower claim costs Darke County over $60,000 – March, 2239
page views. Melody Lucas lawsuit with the Commissioners. Click here to
read.
17. Two day pulling event in the fair’s future – August, 2106 page
views. Exclusive George Starks interview about tractor pulls at the
Darke County Fair. Click here to read.
18. How do we fix the idiot at the park? April, 2082 page views. Bob
Rhoades addresses the mentality that causes ‘good people’ to leave
Greenville. Click here to read.
19. Memorial Day 2012 Versailles – May, 2062 page views. Click here to
read.
20. Schedule of Events; and Memories – July, 1982 page views. The Great
Darke County Fair. Click here to read.
21. Driving in the Romney Motorcade – October, 1851 page views. Lyn
Bliss talks about her memorable journey down Mitt Romney’s campaign
trail. Click here to read.
22. Slack ready for Eldora challenge – February, 1811 page views. Click
here to read.
23. Proposed Sales Tax Hike – February, 1808 page views. An anonymous
reader writes about the sales tax hike for capitol improvements under
consideration by the Darke County Commissioners in February. Click here
to read.
24. A Teen Revival in Darke County – April, 1754 page views. Since
Kalista King started writing about her path with Jesus, her readership
and popularity among County News Online readers continues to grow.
Click here to read.
25. Tailgate accident ends in fatality – July, 1732 page views. Click here to read.
26. “I cried all the way home that first day” – April, 1650 page views.
Susie Riegle discusses her decision to retire. Click here to read.
27. Lady Patriots enjoy some house painting – March, 1659 page views.
Tri-Village celebrates the Lady Patriots’ journey to State. Click here
to read.
28. Two-vehicle injury accident at 127 and Kruckeburg – June, 1633 page
views. Click here to read.
29. Favorite Daughter celebration packed with excitement – July, 1597
page views. A Bob Robinson overview of Annie Oakley Days weekend. Click
here to read.
30. Letters to Santa Claus – December, 1583 page views. Mrs.
Ruhenkamp’s first grade students write their letters to Santa. Click here to read.
31. Delaplane: “No, I will not be resigning” – March, 1575 page views.
Melody Lucas lawsuit. Click here to read.
32. O'Donnell blazing the way for Lady Trojans – January, 1523 page
views. The Lady Patriots journey to State. Click here to read.
33. Don Wright is always Wright; this time he’s Right! May, 1497 page
views. Melody Lucas lawsuit. Click here to read.
34. Welcome Trilogy with Open Arms – June, 1477 page views. Trilogy
Healthcare’s campaign to get zoning changed for a health care facility.
Click here to read.
35. Santa visits Mississinawa Valley Preschool – December, 1461 page
views. Click here to read.
36. Enjoy your new adventure, Susie – April, 1410 page views. Robinson
opinion on retirement decision of Susie Riegle. Click here to read.
37. To my fellow taxpayers – May, 1367 page views. Melody Lucas
lawsuit. Click here to read.
38. New Madison fireworks entertains 3,000-5,000 – July, 1355 page
views. Independence Day celebration. Click here to read.
39. It was brutal in the end – February, 1333 page views. George Starks
on Kayla Linkous taking an elbow in the face in a basketball playoff
game. Click here to read.
40. The Community Independence Day Parade – July, 1329 page views.
Ansonia’s Independence Day Parade. Click here to read.
41. Kaptain Kosmo treats Wulber family to a win – August, 1328 page
views. Elaine Bailey on Kaptain Kosmo at the Darke County Fair. Click here to read.
42. A Miracle We Never Saw Coming – December, 1317 page views. Teen
Revival by Kalista King. Click here to read.
43. Greenville Wavaires invade The Big Apple – June, 1304 page views.
Click here to read.
44. Arcanum Old Fashioned Days kicks off the season – May, 1297 page
views. Click here to read.
45. It takes a community to support its “mint” – August, 1297 page
views. Elaine Bailey on Garst Gathering during the Annie Oakley Days
weekend. Click here to read.
46. The Winners – March, 1280 page views. Winning candidates in the
Darke County Primary Election. Click here to read.
47. Eldora hails 2011 champions – February, 1275 page views. Click here
to read.
48. Most Wanted site adds four new fugitives – April, 1263 page views.
Click here to read.
49. Halloween Parade and Beggar’s Night Offered to Kids – October, 1249
page views. Click here to read.
50. Greenville gets big win over Sidney – January, 1246 page views.
Greenville boys basketball. Click here to read.
51. Greenville seniors get diplomas early – June, 1240 page views. Lady
Softball seniors get their diplomas while playing for “The Gold” in the
State finals. Click here to read.
52. 21st Annual Great Darke County Fair Cheerleading Competition –
August, 1221 page views. Click here to read.
53. Missing Person: Melissa Bergman – March 1210 page views. Click here
to read.
54. You Just Can’t Make this Stuff Up – July, 1208 page views. V&B
on messed up headlines in newspapers. Click here to read.
55. 5 Arrested in Methamphetamine Lab Bust – January, 1196 page views.
Click here to read.
56. Decorating a Freak Vegetable – August, 1193 page views. Lyn Bliss
on Darke County Fair event. Click here to read.
57. What’s Not to Like? August, 1187 page views. Bob Robinson on Annie
Oakley Parade. Click here to read.
58. Independence Day Blowout at Eagles Shade Road – July, 1176 page
views. Click here to read.
59. VFW hosts annual Americanism Banquet – April, 1174 page views.
Click here to read.
60. 100 Years of History Celebrated – May, 1174 page views. Henry St.
Clair Memorial Hall 100 years old this year. Click here to read.
61. Living the Dream, Days 1 & 2 – August, 1169 page views. Lyn
Bliss on her journey with Romney during his presidential run. Click here to read.
62. The Trip of a Lifetime – October, 1169 page views. 90-year-old
Delbert Blickenstaff celebrates birthday by going White Water Rafting.
Click here to read.
63. Matt Light joins forces with Ohio National Guard – August, 1167
page views. Click here to read.
64. Lady Patriots punch ticket – March, 1161 page views. Lady Patriots
get their ticket to State. Click here to read.
65. Ready for the FBI server shutdown? July, 1152 page views. Click here to read.
66. The Downstairs at the Fair – September, 1146 page views. Naiesha
Thobe at the Darke County Fair. Click here to read.
67. Former Lady Wave goes to MV – May, 1145 page views. Macie Blinn
takes coaching position at Mississinawa Valley. Click here to read.
68. I’m mad as hell – May, 1141 page views. Bob Robinson on Darke
County Commissioners lack of answers on Lucas lawsuit. Click here to
read.
69. Public Meeting Minutes on Lucas settlement posted – March, 1141
page views. Click here to read.
70. 2012 OHSAA girls basketball parings released – February, 1099 page
views. Click here to read.
71. Response to John Q. Public – February, 1088 page views.
Commissioner Mike Stegall responds to taxpayer concerns on possible tax
hike. Click here to read.
72. Time and Hard Work go into Parade Preparations – November, 1087
page views. Elaine Bailey on the Holiday Horse Parade. Click here to
read.
73. Zoning legislation to be prepared for vote Aug. 7 – July, 1086 page
views. Trinity Health Care zoning request. Click here to read.
74. Passing the torch: Tom and Chris Hope – July, 1077 page views.
George Starks on Harness Horse Racing. Click here to read.
75. Lady Pats leave for Columbus – March, 1076 page views. Lady
Patriots head for playoffs in Columbus. Click here to read.
76. Jets win big on homecoming night – December, 1067 page views. Click
here to read.
77. David McCowan, Jr., and Stacey Denham – July, 1065 page views. Most
Wanted new additions. Click here to read.
78. Powers leaves Greenville for Arcanum – April, 1064 page views.
Click here to read.
79. Can you hear Him calling? December, 1061 page views. Teen Revival
by Kalista King. Click here to read.
80. The dog-eat-dog world of corporate life – June, 1058 page views.
Humorous V&B on dogs in the corporate world. Click here to read.
81. Community forum results in dozens of “wants” – June, 1057 page
views. Greenville Schools search for a new Superintendent. Click here
to read.
82. Darke County Crime Stoppers Update – January, 1052 page views.
Click here to read.
83. Early farm equipment “told” stories of the past – July, 1049 page
views. Farm Power of the Past. Click here to read.
84. BPW Scholarship Winners Announced – March, 1045 page views. Click here to read.
85. Fireworks erupt at Wednesday’s Commissioners Session – March, 1042
page views. The Melody Lucas lawsuit. Click here to read.
86. Good turnout for introduction of Primary Candidates – February,
1038 page views. Click here to read.
87. “It’s not me,” says Don Wright – February, 1034 page views. Wright
denies posting on a local anonymous blog site. Click here to read.
88. Packed house hears pros and cons on Issue 2 – November, 1019 page
views. Click here to read.
89. Swisher named new AD at Greenville – May, 1009 page views. Click here to read.
90. I Rode a Bike 60 Miles on my 60th Birthday – July, 1000 page views.
Senior Scribe Beverly Hughes celebrates 60 with a 60-mile ride. Click here to read.
91. Fatal Head-On Collision near Arcanum – June, 998 page views. Click here to read.
92. Linkous: Heads above the rest – February, 989 page views. Click here to read.
93. Fatality in multiple vehicle injury accident – October, 989 page
views. Click here to read.
94. Two-vehicle fatal accident near Arcanum on Hwy 49 – April, 982 page
views. Click here to read.
95. Memorial Day 2012 Greenville – May, 982 page views. Click here to
read.
96. Dowler, Barger awarded for Academic & Athletic Excellence –
July, 979 page views. Dave Knapp Ford sponsors two Senior Scribes
scholarships. Click here to read.
97. Response: Owning up to a wrong or two – March, 978 page views.
Commissioner Stegall on the considered tax hike. Click here to read.
98. 2012: the year that was and wasn’t – June, 964 page views. George
Starks on Darke County sports. Click here to read.
http://www.countynewsonline.org/sports/2012/jun/darke-sports-year.html
99 County teams shine in district prelims – May, 957 page views. Click here to read.
100 Response: Not Always Right but Never Wrong – February, 943 page
views. Commissioner Stegall responds to a Robinson column on
perception. Click here to read.
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The
Great Darke County Fair... No. 2. “Celebrating 156 Years
of Greatness”
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Susie
Riegle reads a letter from a student during an interview on her
retirement and the beginning
of her teaching career 31 years earlier. No.
26. “I cried all the way home that first day.”
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Tri-Village
Lady Patriot Kayla Linkous takes an elbow in the face in a Regionals
basketball
playoff game. No. 39. It was brutal in the end.
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John
and Karen Burkett portray Henry and Ella St. Clair during the 100 Year
Celebration of
St. Clair Memorial Hall. No. 60. 100 Years of History Celebrated.
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Kayla
Linkous reacts following their regional win as the Lady Patriots get
their ticket
to the State finals. No. 64. Lady Patriots punch ticket.
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Melody
Lucas settlement costs the Darke County taxpayer over $60,000. No. 69.
Public Meeting Minutes on Lucas settlement posted.
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Iwo
Jima awesome highlight of Grand Parade at Versailles Poultry Days. No.
13.
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