Suwanee Patch: Top Stories From Year Two

In a few days, Suwanee Patch will add another tree ring. It first went online on December 23, 2010.

And the past 12 months were just as eventful as the first year, as Suwanee and Gwinnett produced many memorable moments.

Again, the Jury Of One -- Suwanee Patch Editor Steve Burns -- has compiled a list of the 10 most memorable news stories from the past year. The list was based on user views, but also on viewer feedback and overall impact on the community.

Check the list to see who has been naughty and nice, and add your comments.

10. Atlanta Braves Visit Coolray Field: The Gwinnett Braves got the ultimate visitor in April, when the parent club from Atlanta came calling. And an all-star team of minor leaguers, managed by former Atlanta boss Bobby Cox, did themselves proud, forcing the big club to come from behind for a rain-shortened victory.

9. The controversy over same-sex marriage, which is legal in several states, came to Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A. But it also led to record sales for the company in a consumer show of support.

8. Gingrich Loses Straw Poll: The former U.S. House speaker from Georgia brought his presidential campaign to Collins Hill High in February. However, he did not prevail in a straw poll conducted at a Gwinnett GOP meeting before his speech.

7. Movie Tavern Opens: Suwanee's first movie theater is also its largest restaurant. The buzz was intense when the Movie Tavern opened in the spring, and business has been strong.

6. Police Substation Opens: A new $1.9 million facility at Exit 111 on I-85 became a reality in September. Its chief purposes are training for officers and to provide a police presence in the Gateway area, which has become a chief redevelopment target by the city.

5. SDS Settlement Reached: Years of legal wrangling came to an end in February when Gwinnett County and its cities reached a new agreement on a Service Delivery Strategy. The cities received one-time and ongoing financial settlements, and police were able to resume using radar to issue citations for speeding violations.

4. City Holds 20/20 Event at Everett's Music Barn: Suwanee's City Hall, which opened in 2009, and Everett's Music Barn are just a few miles apart. Yet they are symbolic of different eras. But in April, city officials rolled out their 20/20 Vision strategy plan at the historic music facility. It was the first official city event held at the property; the barn was built in the 1970s.

3. Lasseter Resignation: The Gwinnett District 1 commissioner became the latest symbol of public corruption in Gwinnett when she resigned in May and pleaded guilty to federal bribery charges. Her cooperation already has led to a related guilty plea -- developer Mark Gary of Duluth.

2. Lake Lanier Deaths: Atlanta's aquatic playground turned deadly in the summer of 2012. Brothers Griffin and Jake Prince of Buford were killed in June when a boat crashed into the pontoon boat piloted by their father. Also in the summer, Atlanta youth Kile Glover died from injuries in an accident that was caused by a member of his own party on the lake. One commenter referred to Lake Lanier as a "death trap."

1. Kyle Maynard Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro: His slogan is "no excuses." And Kyle Maynard, a congenital quadriplegic who graduated from Collins Hill High, made none as he and his team scaled Africa's tallest peak in January.

-- What were some of your favorite news stories, videos and photos from 2012? Share them in the comments below.

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