The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

Every year, as the new year approaches, we scour newspapers to see how each approaches its top list of articles. Some break it down by category. Others separate local from national news. Some choose not to report a list.

We see merits in all of those approaches.

While the top 10 stories listed below are based strictly on the number of unique visitors to that story's dedicated web Page, we, as publishers, feel a number of important - and a few fun - articles didn't make the cut.

One of our favorite stories we shared this year was the life and untimely death of Katherine Nan Koinzan, daughter of Greg and Courtney Koinzan. It tugged on our heartstrings and highlighted how grief can be turned into goodness. It's one of our most-read stories via social media. (Find story online at https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/10/13/news/sharing-sunshine-through-katherines-light/3838.html )

We survived semi-chilly conditions to cover the 39th annual Royal Ice Fishing Tourney and discovered its origins. (Find story at https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/02/03/news/the-jigs-up-ice-fishing-tourney-draws-41-teams/2960.html )

We learned about CO2 pipelines, voter redistricting, a sixth-grade entrepreneur project, and SkillsUSA.

We watched athletes compete and set records, viewed a kiss the pig contest, saw neighbors and friends volunteer and attend community celebrations.

We covered a lot of meetings because without journalists serving as watchdogs, government overreach can and does happen.

Through it all, our goal remains clear: We believe in the power of community and will bring responsible, trustworthy stories to our readers in rural America.

1. Clearwater man dies in crash near Page, April 21 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/04/21/news/clearwater-man-dies-in-crash-near-page/3247.html

2. NSP investigates Neligh PD officer-involved shooting, May 5

https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/05/05/news/nsp-investigating-neligh-police-department-officer-involved-shooting/3295.html

3. No injuries reported in Elkhorn River Bridge accident, January 27 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/01/27/news/no-injuries-reported-in-elkhorn-river-bridge-accident/2958.html

4. Royal man's project earns first-place open class award at county fair, August 25 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/08/25/news/project-earns-first-place-at-county-fair-for-royal-man/3678.html

5. Totally pettable: Pampered paws and happy tails prevail at pet-grooming business, March 25 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/03/31/news/totally-pettable/3151.html

6. Burwell man fined $1,600 for alcohol offenses, April 21 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/04/21/news/burwell-man-fined-1600-for-alcohol-offenses/3232.html

7. Superintendent reports threat made against school, September 8 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/09/08/school/superintendent-reports-threat-made-against-school/3734.html

8. Who's making the decisions?, September 15 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/09/15/news/whos-making-the-decisions/3737.html

9. Changes in store for Catholic churches, April 21 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/10/13/news/changes-in-store-for-catholic-churches/3836.html

10. With Airbnb growing in popularity, Royal retreat offers spot for relaxation, July 7 https://www.summerlandadvocate.com/story/2022/07/07/news/with-airbnb-stays-growing-in-popularity-royal-retreat-offers-spot-for-relaxation/3497.html