Tea Party, Child Porn & Recalls on Top 5 Stories of 2012

If nothing else, we can look back at 2012 and call it interesting. From historic recall elections to Walmart to outrageous crime and expanding businesses, this past year certainly provided more than enough news to report to Patch readers.

So, what were the most read stories of the year? It should probably come as no surprise to most of you that politics and crime top the list, but we understand there's a difference between local news from the Villages of Mount Pleasant and Sturtevant and more regional or state news that captured our attention.

We've broken out the top five stories of the year into categories: local stories from the villages and regional/state stories. The Top 5 in each category has been determined by how many of you gave them a read.

Top 5 Local Stories

Update: Nails in Lot at Tea Party Event Cause Flat Tires

Lehman Takes 21st Senate District; Wanggaard Recount Decision Due Friday

Racine Man Accused of Creating Child Porn in His Apartment

Suicide Victim Found in Mount Pleasant

Sexting Not Sexy for Suspected Burglar

Top 5 Regional/State Stories 

State Democrats Want GOP 'Protest' Candidates Off Recall Ballot

State Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Voter ID Cases

Rep. Paul Ryan on Recalls: 'Courage is on the Ballot'