Biggest Local News of 2012

Posted on: 12:59 pm, December 31, 2012, by Alicia Agent, updated on: 10:48am, January 1, 2013

We asked you to vote for the news stories that you thought were most memorable or had the biggest impact on the area in 2012.

Here are the top 5 results:

1. Bobby Petrino Fired – After a serious motorcycle accident and news of an inappropriate relationship with a Razorback staff member, the University of Arkansas fired Petrino as head football coach.

2. Whirlpool Closes – After 45 years of business in Fort Smith, the plant closed putting hundreds out of work in June.

3. Bentonville Kindergartner Murdered – In November, Zachary Holly was arrested and charged with the rape and murder of his neighbor 6-year-old Jersey Bridgeman.

4. Record Breaking Drought – 2012 was the second driest year on record for the area.

5. 188th Fight – City and state leaders fight to keep the 188th and their A-10 Mission in Fort Smith.