As we get set to ring in the new year, let's take a look back today at some of the most viewed and talked about stories from 2015.
Regional Radio News will use data from DeWittDailyNews.com as a measurement for the most influential stories from this year.
Story 10: Clinton Police Make Arrests in Recent Vechicle Burglaries
The Clinton Police Department dealt with a series of unusual crimes this past weekend back in early February.
After a series of vehicle burglaries, the Clinton Police have apprehended a pair of suspects in a rash of crimes. According to Clinton Police Chief Ben Lowers, their night patrol officers caught the thieves in the act this weekend and notes the crimes are unusual given the time of year.
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Anthony F. Collins, 19, Clinton, was arrested for criminal trespass to vehicle, burglary, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 17-year juvenile old was also taken into custody and released to corrections pending a court appearance.
Story 9: Roger Cyrulik Wins Mayoral Race; Election Results
In a commanding margin, Roger Cyrulik defeated incumbent Mayor Carolyn Peters in the April elections.
Receiving 830 votes, good for 71% of the vote, Roger Cyrulik returned to his post as Mayor of the City of Clinton. Mayor Carolyn Peters received 336 votes for 29% of the vote. There was only a 23% turnout for this year's election.
Cyrulik says he ran because he wanted to serve the people again and has some unfinished business he wants to see through.
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The City Council in the last few months has advanced funding to begin renovations to several community parks.
Other notable happenings from the April election:
Commissioner Danny Ballenger was voted in, replacing incumbent Jerry Milton. Ballenger's first order of business was to replace the fire chief, which is our next story in line.
Incumbents Tom Edmunds, John Wise and Nan Crang all won their respective races, with only Crang's being contested.
The Clinton Board of Education also had changes from the spring election.
Mike Walker, Ron Conner, and Rodney Rogers were all welcomed to the board. John Blythe would later be appointed School Board President with the baord shuffling.
Story 8: Clinton Fire Chief Resigns
Our next story stems off the previous one.
Among the sweeping changes made in June at the first installment of the new Clinton City Council, the biggest surprise perhaps was the resignation of Clinton Fire Chief Shawn Milton.
The former Chief indicated Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, Dan Ballenger, asked the Chief for his resignation. Milton says he obliged the Commissioner's request and stepped down.
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Milton felt he had been able to stabalize the numbers of the force. He added their work in the emergency medical services have been positive as they have saved a number of lives. The former-Chief believes he is leaving the department in a good situation.
Story 7: Fire Destroys Clinton Home
Business Highway 51 was shut down mid-day Thursday due to a house fire on the south side of Clinton.
Stone Drive was the site of the fire where a family's home was discovered to have open flames visible upon arrival. According to assistant Fire Chief Jason Karr, there was heavy fire on the north side of the house.
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There are no reported injuries. Karr indicates the residents were not home at the time the fire happened and the home was a total loss.
Multiple fire departments were on scene including Argenta-Oreana, Maroa, Hickory Point, Kenney and Wapella. It took crews approximately an hour to get things under control.
Story 6: Clinton Sav A Lot Announces New Store
One of Clinton's most popular businesses will be building a new storefront downtown.
Clinton Save A Lot, currently located off Center Street off the downtown Clinton Square, will be building a new store just across the street, east from their current location, bordered by Madison, Washington and Monroe Streets. He made the announcement in June.
Owner Dave Jackson indicates the move has become a necessity for their long term viability. He explains their sales have continued to increase in recent years. The plans have taken nearly four years to become final, and in a 100 year old building, they are in great need for a bigger facility.
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Jackson had hoped the store would be open last year at this around the time of the announcement, but delays caused that initial plan to be put on hold.
Further delays have put the projected opening to the fall of 2016.
Stay tuned to Regional Radio News tomorrow for the top 5 stories of 2015.
