Community Corner

The Most Popular Stories of 2013

Crime, controversy, business and black bears were among the most-read headlines on Moorestown Patch in 2013.

As the year comes to a close, we're taking a look back at the stories that captivated our readers the most and had them clicking and talking in droves.

A quick glance at the top 10 most-read stories reveals an eclectic mix of news: from the quirky and kind of cute (a bear casually makes his way through the area) to the tragic (an off-duty Moorestown police officer killed in an accident). There were also new business stories, controversies and crime.

Here are the most-read stories on Moorestown Patch in 2013:

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Find out what's happening in Moorestownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

10. Moorestown CEO Plans French Bistro for Vacant Friendly's

We said it was a good year for foodies. While most of the action took place at the mall, Moorestown construction CEO Bill Burris announced plans to purchase and convert the shuttered Main Street Friendly’s into a French bistro. The $1.5 million project will resemble a “great Parisian sidewalk cafe,” according to Burris, who estimated the restaurant would open late spring 2014.

9. Police Investigate Pair of Daytime Burglary Incidents

While residential crime is always of interest to Moorestonians, this story about a pair of burglary incidents—one successful, one not—in October was one of the year’s most widely read posts, and got several readers somehow embroiled in a gun control debate in the comments. Two 17-year-olds were eventually arrested and charged in connection with the crimes.

8. Delran Man Wanted in Burlington County

We regularly run articles featuring individuals wanted by the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department. This one—about a 19-year-old from Delran wanted for possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone with intent to distribute—got a lot of traction.

7. Regal Theater at Moorestown Mall Marks Opening with Charity Events

The mall was a hotbed of activity in 2013, and the opening of the new Regal Premium Experience theater was one of the most anticipated debuts. Readers were particularly interested when Regal announced it would be hosting three days of preview events: $2 tickets, popcorn and soda, with all the proceeds benefiting local charities.

6. Farewell, Bear: Burlington County Bear Tranquilized

Remember this guy? After spending the better part of a week roaming through Burlington County, this 364-pound black bear climbed up a tree in Delran—where, ironically enough, the athletic teams are called the Bears—attracting hundreds of onlookers, before finally being brought down courtesy of a tranquilizer dart and hauled off to a nearby state forest.

5. School Cop Replacement Upsets Residents

We mentioned controversy, right? Moorestown parents were fired up earlier this year after learning of the police department’s plans to replace longtime School Resource Officer (SRO) Bryan Wright with a new officer. One parent went so far as to start an online petition, which collected nearly 1,500 signatures, to keep Wright as SRO. The popular officer ultimately stayed put, and township, police and school officials pledged to work together to come up with a long-term plan for the SRO position.

4. Moorestown Superintendent Resigns 1 Year After Hire

Speaking of school controversies, Moorestonians were again upset after Superintendent Brian Betze abruptly resigned a little more than a year after he was hired. School officials were unable to specifically answer why Betze stepped down (for legal reasons), though board president Don Mishler said, "He wants to pursue other opportunities." The district is presently in the midst of searching for its next superintendent.

3. 9 Most Violent School Districts in New Jersey; Burlington Districts On List

One of our most-read stories of the year was also one of our most controversial. Some readers took exception to our list of the most violent school districts in the state—which ranked districts based on a ratio of violent incidents to number of students—believing the formula to be unfair. Four Burlington County school districts, including Palmyra, ended up on the list.

2. Moorestown Police Officer Dies in Off-Duty Accident

Moorestown Police Ptlm. Craig Berner, a 26-year-veteran of the force, died in July in an off-duty motorcycle accident. Readers and township officials expressed their grief at the beloved officer’s passing. A former Marine and 1979 graduate of Moorestown High School, Berner was described by a fellow officer as “a humorous guy ... who could make light of a serious situation.”

1. Bear Continues to Move Through South Jersey

No story captivated readers more in 2013 than our coverage of the adventures of the Burlington County bear. The black bear was first spotted roaming through the area Memorial Day weekend, making stops in Maple Shade, Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Cinnaminson and Delran—where his journey came to an abrupt end (see above). He even paused along the way to take a dip in Strawbridge Lake. Who knows what kind of odd wildlife 2014 might bring ...

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