Westboro Protest, Andy Cohen, New Restaurants Among Top 12 Stories of 2012

To close out 2012, we at Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch dug through our web analytics to identify the top 12 non-crime stories on the site, as determined by number of visitors to each story (the top 12 crime stories are available here). 

The stories are listed below, starting with the article that received the most readership in 2012. If you're interested in receiving more local news like this, please follow Patch on Facebook and sign up for our daily news alert.

1) Powerball Jackpot Hits All Time High

In November, a record-breaking jackpot for the Powerball was on the line as people across the country lined up for their chances at millions of dollars. Several people flooded to this brief story as they were hunting for the numbers. Alas, this editor did not win. 

2) Jail Death in Richmond Heights: City Attorney Talks Police Protocol

The death of a 29-year-old woman in Richmond Heights jail cell drew local and national attention. In this article from March, an attorney representing the city talked about the city's protocol when it comes to these types of situations. 

3) Clayton's Andy Cohen To Host Miss Universe

Andy Cohen, a graduate from Clayton High School who has gained fame as host of Bravo's live talk show Watch What Happens Live, co-hosted the Miss Universe pageant on NBC in December. 

4) 

This October article first introduced Patch readers to the pending opening of Crushed Red, a new restaurant in the city.

5) Brazikat Brazilian Steakhouse to Open in Clayton

The opening of another new Clayton restaurant drew attention from Patch readers, as well. 

6) VIDEO: Westboro Baptist Church Protests at Clayton High School

In February, a handful of Westboro Baptist Church members staged a protest at Clayton High School. It targeted the school's Gay Straight Alliance.

7) 

A veteran Richmond Heights Police Department officer assigned to the Saint Louis Galleria from the day it opened is remembered as a dedicated and hard-working man. 

8) Dr. Louise Losos on Leave of Absence from Clayton High School

This April article documents Dr. Louise Losos's initial leave of absence from her role as principal of Clayton High School.

9) Elections 2012: August 7 Missouri Primary Results

In August, voters in Clayton and Richmond Heights weighed in on races, including the Democratic Party contest for the 1st Congressional District and the Republican Party contest for U.S. Senate.

10) Neighbor Says "KKK" Painting Not the Full Story in Richmond Heights

After homes in Richmond Heights were spray-painted with the letters "KKK" in November, one neighbor stepped forward to say that it was an isolated incident within his neighborhood.

11) Meet Clayton's (Unofficial) Parking-Meter Guardian

This August story is a profile of Joe Glik, an 86-year-old Clayton resident who makes a point of greeting everyone who goes past his favorite downtown cafe.

12) Mt. Zion's 100th Year Might Be Its Last in Richmond Heights

This June article documents a story about Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Some members were worried that they'd lose their house of worship, which is located in Hadley Township.