Community Corner

11 Stories That Got Your Attention in 2012

We look back at stories from the past year about ghost riding, grief shared through, Twitter, recovery, community images, a demon, pizza, murder and others.

Two-and-a-half years, 5,100 articles, 2,650 events, 800 Local Voices posts and we are just getting started.

First, thanks to everyone who helped get us to this point. Your faith, participation, enthusiasm and yes, criticism, has made this crazy thing a labor of love, ever since I first got a weird look from someone when trying to describe the listing directory that didn’t yet exist.

We have big plans for 2013 at Orland Park Patch, and across the Patch network.

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But before we get to all of that, here’s a walk through a few interesting stories and posts that came about in the last year (in no particular order).

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The tale of Justin Jachimiec, a 22-year-old accused of riding a dirt bike back and forth on Wheeler Avenue while dodging police and videoing the exploits, still raises eyebrows and remains our most-read story of 2012.

If there is a moral to the story, it’s that the world is a little smaller with the digital realm. When we post our day to day online, it’s wise to make sure said activities are legal and safe.

Thousands Turn to Twitter in Support of Fallen Sandburg Student

Speaking of how the Internet has changed aspects of our lives, those grieving at the sudden death of Sandburg student and baseball player Ryan Nash consoled each other through Twitter. They arranged memorial efforts and vented their feelings when needed through the relatively new mode of expression.

Airbags Credited for Saving Life in Rollover Accident on 159th St.

Some stories have happy endings as I recently found out for a couple and their young daughter who were in a serious accident in June. The couple has since gotten married, and the woman walked down the aisle on her own, after going through extensive rehabilitation following the accident.

And while comments can take a turn for the uncivil, in this case, support for the family dominated the forum.

Orland Park Pics & Clips

Believe it or not, our simple Community Gallery was our 11th most read piece of content on the site for the year. There are many events and happenings we unfortunately can’t make it to, but if you took pictures at a special occasion, use this feature. Please continue to add any and all slices of life in Orland Park you’d like to share with the village.

Cheesecake Factory Opening in Orland Park

This was a surprise. Our third most read article of the year was about the coming of this massive-menued restaurant. It has since arrived, and has kept a pretty sizable crowd within its walls since on the west end of Orland Square Mall.

78-Year-Old Father Says He Was Strangled by 'Demon' in Son

In one of the more disturbing court testimonies on record, George Williamson described being attacked by his son Mark Williamson, and while doing so he said it wasn’t his son who hurt him. He said it was a demon.

“It was not my son that came at me. It had slanted eyes and a blue-green face, a pointed face.”

Motorcyclist Seriously Injured in Crash That Closed Down Intersection (Update)

Another case of an outpouring of support coming from comments along with this article about a serious accident between a motorcycle rider named Joe Vanek and a car.

Update: Pizza Pete Wins First Round of the Patch Pizza Playoff

The Pizza Playoffs is one of our first shots at using our medium to remind people about the great locally owned businesses in the area. Lack of restrictions on voting also raised a few eyebrows and concerns, but we have since beefed up that aspect of our sites. We’re growing and improving all the time, and your feedback helps us do so.

It doesn’t matter who wins such contests. What matters is that we remember the great resources we have here in town.

Kustok Murder Investigation Moves from State to Defendant

The murder case of Allan Kustok, accused of shooting his wife with a gun bought as an anniversary present, has been slowly moving through court almost as long as the site has been live. Judge John Hynes did recently say he wants the case to get moving, but only time will tell.

Police: Mob Attacked Specific Group of People Inside Tinley Park Restaurant

The sudden attack at Ashford House was a major shock, especially for those familiar with the longtime family-owned restaurant. A plea is on the table for the main five people accused of committing the attack though they have yet to accept.

33 Orland Park (and Nearby) Facebook Pages Worth Liking

Long after Small Business Saturday, people are still making suggestions of favorite Facebook pages for businesses, people and services in the Orland Park area. In a down economy, we have to be creative. Please continue to add your suggestions.

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