Some pundits have proclaimed 2016 as one of the worst years ever.
They attribute their claim to the seemingly never-ending bad News that dominated headlines this year, as well as to the large number of icons, notably in the entertainment world, who died in 2016.
We certainly understand the sentiment, and visitors to the Advertiser’s website at www.wellingtonadvertiser.com did appear to view “bad News” items more often than they have in the past.
But it definitely wasn’t all negative in 2016, especially in and around Wellington County, where, even in the face of devastating News, residents rallied to salvage some good.
Local responses to the wildfires in Fort McMurray and to the Syrian refugee crisis are perhaps the best examples of that optimism and generosity – but they’re not the only ones.
Overall, 2016 was no doubt a Newsworthy year, but not necessarily a bad one.
The following is a summary of the articles that received the most page views on the Advertiser’s website over the past 12 months.
Top five stories of 2016
1. Two people found dead in Fergus home, (Dec. 21).
Residents reacted with shock and sadness after two people were found dead in a home just four days prior to Christmas. They were identified as residents Kimberly Nicklasson, 46, and Dwayne Nicklasson, 48. Many details of the investigation were still unclear as this issue of the Advertiser went to press.
2. Fergus man faces child porn charges (Jan. 25).
Many local residents were shocked early in the year when they heard Paul Curry, 71, faced with four child pornography charges. He later pled guilty to possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 21 months in jail.
3. OPP looking for clues after teen approached by man, woman (Jan. 19).
Readers were understandably concerned to learn about a 16-year-old boy who was approached by a man and woman in a beige SUV while he was walking on George Street in Fergus. There was no update from police about this incident.
4. REVIEW: Marathon of Hope an instant classic, fitting tribute to Terry Fox (Oct. 8).
The world premiere in St. Jacobs of Marathon of Hope: The Musical, which tells the story of Terry Fox, was a remarkable success for Drayton Entertainment, in terms of both box office numbers (10,365 theatregoers) and money raised ($60,760) for The Terry Fox Foundation and cancer research.
5. Syrian family of four makes new home in Fergus (Feb. 5).
Communities throughout Wellington responded to the call to help refugees from war-torn Syria. Among the first families to arrive here were the Zain Al Abedeens, whose story is updated in this week’s Advertiser, one year after their arrival.
Top stories by category
The following is a list of the Advertiser’s top online stories for each category on our website. They can be viewed in full by searching the article title at wellingtonadvertiser.com.
News: Two people found dead in Fergus home, (Dec. 21).
Sports: Hoelscher selected by 67’s in OHL draft (April 15).
Arts: REVIEW: Marathon of Hope an instant classic, fitting tribute to Terry Fox (Oct. 8).
Rural: Connells receive Farm Family Award (Sept. 30).
Top stories by month
The following is a list of the Advertiser’s top online stories for each month.
January: OPP looking for clues after teen approached by man, woman.
February: Syrian family of four makes new home in Fergus.
March: Charges laid in connection with suspicious house fire.
April: Strike looming for children’s aid workers.
May: Former Arthur resident thankful for hometown donations to help Fort McMurray.
June: Man’s throat cut during large street fight.
July: Black bear put down after being hit by vehicle.
August: REVIEW: Family drama, perfect timing make It Runs in the Family a must-see.
September: Hundreds attend grand opening of Emmanuel Christian High School.
October: REVIEW: Marathon of Hope an instant classic, fitting tribute to Terry Fox.
November: Darcy Culp named Arthur’s Most Outstanding Citizen.
December: Two people found dead in Fergus home, Dec. 21.
For more information or to view the full articles, search the titles at www.wellingtonadvertiser.com.
