On this New Year's Eve holiday, let's look back at the stories that caught the most attention. The stories are rated according to dewittdailynews.com.

>>Clinton To Investigate Missing Ordinance - From August 13

A local resident is disturbed by Clinton's handling of water bills.

Clinton resident Robert Kreitler addressed the Clinton City Council [at their August 6th] meeting to express an issue he was having with his water bill. Kreitler says he was fined a 50 dollar late fee, but wasn't aware it existed until he received a letter from the city. When he went to check out the ordinance to make sure everything lined up, he says the section the city referred him to didn't exist.

[audio:81012bill1.mp3] [/audio]

The City Council acknowledged they need to work on how they get information about new ordinances out. John Wise of the council says he didn't want to implement the new late fee, but he had noticed a massive decline in homes that had their water shut off. Wise apologized for any confusion on the new ordinances concerning how the water bills work.

Mayor Carolyn Peters is pleased Kreitler brought the issue to the council's attention. She said they would research the issue and make sure the right section will be listed on the warning documents.

>>Drug Arrests Made - From October 25

As a result of a Task Force 6 (TF6) investigation initiated in DeWitt County, two subjects have been arrested in Clinton. Arrested were John D. Smith, age 54, and Mary F. Smith, age 52, both of Clinton. Both were arrested for commission of the offenses of Criminal Drug Conspiracy, a class X felony; Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams, a class X felony; Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, more than 15 grams but less than 100 grams, Class X felony; and Money Laundering, a class 3 felony. Offenses were enhanced due to being less than 1,000 feet from a school. Both subjects are incarcerated in the DeWitt County jail pending a bond hearing. If convicted, a class X felony carries a possible sentence of not less than 6 years and not more than 30 years and the class 3 felony carries a possible sentence from probation up to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.

>>Former Daycare Worker Makes Plea Deal - From October 31

A former worker at the Clinton day care, Kid Konnection, made a plea deal to giving sleep supplements to kids in her care.

Carron Hospelhorn, 40, pleaded guilty to endangering the health of two children. She received a 500 dollar fine and is on two years probation. While working at Kid Konnection, a police investigation indicates Hospelhorn gave a melatonin pill to a 15 month old and a seven month old without the parents' knowledge or consent.

As a part of the sentencing, Hospelhorn is now banned from working or volunteering at any daycare center.

>>DeWitt County Board Member Arrested - From December 13

Terry K. Hoffman, 55, of Maroa was arrested by DeWitt County Sheriff’s Deputies at approximately 7:30 P.M. on December 12 at the Sheriff’s Office. Hoffman was charged with 2 counts of felony aggravated battery and lodged in the DeWitt County Jail.

[On December 14], 6th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Flannel reviewed probable cause affidavits submitted to the court and ruled that probable cause did exist for Hoffman’s arrest. Bond was set at $10,000.00. Hoffman posted 10% of the bond and was released. He is scheduled to appear in DeWitt County Court on January 16, 2013 at 9:00 A.M.

>>3-Vehicle Accident Claims Life of Elderly Clinton Woman - From January 25

[January 24] around 5:30 pm the DeWitt County Sheriff's Department, the Clinton Fire Department, and the DeWitt County Emergency Management Agency were called to the scene of an accident about 3 miles south of Clinton on US Highway 51, where a 3 vehicle crash had occured involving 2 cars and a sport utility vehicle. DeWitt County Sheriff's Deputies were called to the scene to stabalize the situation before Illinois State Police arrived. The DeWitt County Sheriff's Department [said] 4 people were treated for injuries but were not transported. One victim, 87-year old Imogene Blue of Clinton, was extricated from the vehicle and transported from the scene by emergency crews to Decatur Memorial Hospital where the Macon County Coroner's office confirmed she passed away shortly after her arrival.