2011 in Review: Most-Viewed Stories on St. Charles Patch

St. Charles Patch is counting down the top viewed stories of 2011. Stay tuned for Nos. 1-5 tomorrow.

No. 10:

What Happened: St. Charles High School was evacuated Sept. 20 after a letter threatening students and staff was discovered. Police searched the building after students were sent to the football field, but found nothing.

Why it Matters: After this incident, several other schools in St. Charles County had similar bomb threats called in which meant those schools were also evacuated. Parents and students were relieved to hear police found nothing and were pleased with the response from Police.

No. 9: Sarah Palin Criticizes Obama, Media in St. Charles Event

What Happened: Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck spoke to a large group at the Family Arena in St. Charles in early October, just days after Palin announced she would not run for president.

Why it Matters: Many people hoped Palin would announce plans to run at the event, and in the wake of her announcement, attendees weren't sure who the right Republican candidate might be. The Palin/Beck event drew people from around the region to St. Charles.

No. 8 St. Charles Election Results, April 5

What Happened: The mayor, several council seats and municipal judge were on the ballot in April and with many candidates, the races were unclear until the very end.

Why it Matters: Mayor Patti York was unseated and former State Rep. Sally Faith won the race. This meant Gov. Jay Nixon called a special election to fill her empty seat, which Republican . In Ward 1, former councilman Rory Riddler failed in his comeback bid as the seat was won by newcomer Mary Ann Ohms, an attorney. Councilman Bob Kneemiller was re-elected to Ward 4, but

St. Charles Fourth of July Events Scaled Back for 2011

What Happened: St. Charles cut funding for the annual Fourth of July festival due to budget limitations, and so the event had just one night of fireworks.

Why it Matters: Festivals are an important part of the city's identity and serve to attract many people to the city. Some people were concerned the cutbacks would mean the event would be diminished.

No. 6:

Local officials prepared for the possible flooding in St. Charles after water from reservoirs in North Dakota was released.The timing of the release was thought to possibly impact the city's Fourth of July celebrations in Frontier Park.

Why it Matters: Although the flooding didn't happen this year, the city wanted to be prepared. In the past, flooding on the Missouri and Mississippi has meant evacuations were necessary.