Ferndale Patch's 10 Most Popular Stories of 2012

Ferndale had a busy 2012.

Several new businesses opened, voters passed a $22.8 million school bond in February and four new school board members were elected in November.

Downtown Ferndale got several new public art sculptures, council members voted to take on a $1.1 million West Nine Mile Road improvement project, and the community enjoyed several special events.

Local students shined in school plays, competitions and events like Roosevelt's annual Peace Walk, and residents, organizations and businesses showed they care through a wide range of volunteer and fundraising efforts around town.

We also covered news from Ferndale police and fire departments, including a massive fire at Van Industries in May and an incident in July when a man with a semi-automatic rifle fired several shots outside of a 7-Eleven.

Of course, that doesn't begin to cover everything. For now, here's a look back at what our numbers showed were the 10 most-read stories of 2012:

1. Diablo's Closes; One-Eyed Betty's Will Feature Craft Beers

Slow business at Ferndale location leads owner to consider new concepts; One-Eyed Betty's will open soon, specializing in craft beer.

2. A Look Inside the Soon-to-Open Woodward Imperial in Ferndale

Managing partner Jeff King said Ferndale is the ideal spot for new California-style taco bar.

3. Man with Semi-Automatic Rifle Fires Shots Outside Ferndale 7-Eleven

Police said two people were targeted but not injured by a masked man with a semi-automatic rifle.

4. Former Emily's Chef to Open Local Kitchen and Bar in Ferndale

Rick Halberg says he'll feature 'familiar food done extremely well' in the casual restaurant in the former Via Nove space.

5. Pete's Place in Ferndale Closes Its Doors

The restaurant announced on its web site that it closed Nov. 25 after four and a half years in business.

6. Did You Hear That Boom? Residents Report Saturday Night Sounds that Shook Homes

Police said they searched the area but couldn't confirm the cause of the noises, which were heard on April 1. They said fireworks are a possibility.

7.

TV Fitness, located at 23440 Woodward in Ferndale, had its grand opening and ribbon-cutting.

8. Community Mourns Death of Retired Hazel Park Teacher

Clyde Baker, 62, of Howell, died after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Burns Twp.

9.

The Kulick Center was open 24/7 for cooling during the early July outages.

10. Ferndale Elections 2012: Voters Elect 'BOLD' Slate to School Board

Residents in Ferndale went to the polls to choose representatives who will serve on the Ferndale Board of Education, Oakland County Board of Commissioners and in the Michigan House.