Year in Review: 2012's Top Stories

Here's a look at some of the most popular stories on Great Neck Patch this past year. 

Coverage of Superstorm Sandy dominated the Top 10 most popular as power outages, school closings and damage control were on the minds of many in Great Neck.

During a year which included a presidential election and the Great Neck Patch launch in July, village news, tragedies and trends were most poplular among local readers. 

Superstorm Sandy

Thousands of residents lost power or struggled to get around their neighborhoods as Sandy brought down trees and debris, some of which still remains piled alongside roads. The storm quickly led to a gas shortage, forcing residents to line up at gas stations where frustrations mounted. A week after the superstorm hit, some lost power again when a nor’easter came through a week later, adding cold to the misery of residents — even on Black Friday. The Great Neck school district was forced to remain closed for days as many roads were impassable for school buses.

Village of Great Neck Bans Front Yard Clotheslines

By unanimous vote Dec. 4., the Great Neck Village Board of Trustees agreed that front lawns are no place for undergarments to be blowing in the wind. By a 5-0 vote, the board limited clothesline use at neighborhood homes. Full Story

Parkville School Bans Halloween Costumes

Angry parents reacted sharply following a December decision by the Parkville School to ban Halloween costumes this year. At a Board of Education meeting at Great Neck South High School, administrators heard complaints from parents regarding the decision by Parkville Principal Debra Shalom to change school policy regarding the celebration of Halloween. Full Story

Great Neck Shopkeeper Murdered in Brooklyn

Vahidipour Rahmatollah, a Brooklyn shopkeeper from Great Neck was the victim latest victim in a series of suspected serial killings in November. Rahmatollah died after being shot twice to the head and once to the torso at the She She Boutique at 834 Flatbush Ave. Full Story

Great Neck North Coach Dies Suddenly

Chris Deeks had a teaching career that spanned 36 years, both on and off the field, spanning four school districts. He passed away on Aug. 30 of a heart attack, days before the start of the new season. On opening day, the Blazers honored their former coach with an emotional win. 

Merchant Marines Gangham Style Craze

The "Gangnam Style" college craze made famous by a Korean rapper Psy has made its way to Kings Point in October as Midshipmen from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy took up the "Gangnam Style" challenge with a posted YouTube video. Full Story

11 Charged in Public Assistance Fraud

Two Great Neck residents are among 11 people facing up to 15 years in prison after police in December said the group stole mor than $400,000 in public assistance benefits, according to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice's office. Full Story

Great Neck Man Charged in Fatal DWI

 Christian Ludlow of Great Neck was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated in the death of a Jericho man in December along the Long Island Expressway, according to the NYPD. Full Story

Patch Launches July 26

It seems like just yesterday, but Patch made its debut in Great Neck July 26. Our orientation story drew lots of attention on our first day of operation.