Spartans Make it to State, Fuchs Leaves & Baseball Lights: Schools Year in Review

A look back at what happened in the world of Richfield schools in 2012.

Best of 2012

Cold Case Solved, Officer-Involved Shooting & a New Chief: Richfield Police Year in Review

A look back at the crime and police happenings in 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. As far as local law enforcement went, there was plenty that happened in the last year: After 36 years of service, Barry Fritz handed the Richfield Public Safety reigns to Todd Sandell in late March. Fritz held nearly every rank as a Richfield officer. Our coverage: In possibly one of the most disturbing tales in recent Richfield history, an elderly couple was attacked in their home Feb. 28 by a man who had done odd jobs around the house. The husband was killed and the wife badly wounded. Leon Henry Anderson, who was officially charged with murder …

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Best of 2012

Pillsbury Commons Fails, LA Fitness Opens & Lyndale Gardens Moves Ahead: Richfield Revelopment Year in Review

The major redevelopment happenings from 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. As far as local redevelopment went, there was plenty that happened in the last year: The affordable housing complex, which was in the works for more than two years, was officially laid to rest in July after months of back and forth between the city and the developer, Ron Clark Construction & Design—and the city and residents. Our coverage: The first of many new businesses on the site of the former Kmart site opened its doors nearly a full month ahead of schedule on Oct. 3. LA Fitness is a full-service athletic facility and will soon be joined by …

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Best of 2012

Joshua Fuchs' Resignation, Wenschlag's Return: No. 1 Story of the Year

The most read and one of the most talked about stories of 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the top story of the year. *** Four principals in four years. This was the reality for the students, parents, faculty and staff at Richfield High School in recent history. After Dr. Stephen West left for an opportunity in Eden Prairie at the end of the 2010-11 school year, first-time principal Joshua Fuchs stepped in and offered reassurance to those hurt by West's unexpected departure. "I’m not going anywhere—I can promise that. I will be here as long as Richfield wants me here," Fuchs told Richfield Patch in August 2011. "The only…

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Best of 2012

Pillsbury Commons Trips Before the Finish Line: No. 2 Story of the Year

One of the most read and talked about topics in Richfield's recent history.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 2 story of the year. *** Pillsbury Commons. While it's a project that's long over, the mere mention of it can still evoke passionate discussions, sighs and grumbles among Richfield residents. The affordable housing complex, which was in the works for more than two years, was officially laid to rest in July after months of back and forth between the city and the developer, Ron Clark Construction & Design—and the city and residents. The most outspoken residents opposed the development, citing increases in traffic, …

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Best of 2012

KFC Shutters Doors; Popeyes on the Rise: No. 4 Story of the Year

One of the most read stories of the year.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 4 story of the year. *** While news of Popeyes plans to take over a number of KFC locations didn't hit until late October, fried chicken fans flocked to Richfield Patch to get the details on the deal. Fourteen bankrupt Twin Cities KFC locations, including the one in Richfield, will likely be taken over by Popeyes. KFC's parent, Yum Brands Inc., wasn't exactly pleased with the Popeyes deal. The company said it "intends to make every effort to see that as many restaurants as possible continue to operate as KFC restaurants …

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Caitlin Burgess

11:26 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

It's official. Popeye's is coming. Latest story here: http://patch.com/A-0VqM   more ›

Best of 2012

Proposed Amendments Draw Huge Community Response: No. 5 Story of the Year

One of the most followed stories of the year.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 5 story of the year. *** Election Day 2012 was no doubt a very important day for every Minnesotan. Not only was every Minnesota state legislator up for re-election, but voters were faced with two major constitutional amendments. The marriage amendment would've defined marriage as between one man and one woman, while the photo voter ID measure would've required all to present a valid state ID in order to cast a ballot. Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter While …

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Best of 2012

Police Shoot and Kill Richfield Man: No. 6 Story of the Year

One of the most read stories of 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 6 story of the year. *** After responding to a report of an emotionally disturbed man and a possible hostage situation on the morning of Oct. 5, Richfield police shot and killed Jeffery Michael O'Connor. O'Connor, 25, was reportedly wielding a knife when he was shot and killed. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner stated he died of multiple gunshot wounds. The Hennepin County Attorney is still investigating the incident and the case will be taken to a grand jury to determine whether or not to charge the shooting officer. …

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Best of 2012

Richfield Couple Puts Local Face on Gay Marriage Debate: No. 8 Story of the Year

One of the most read and recommended stories of 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 8 story of the year. *** Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis and her wife Kathy Luebbe found love online after both were married to men, had children, and for many years lived the life they thought they were supposed to. “It wasn’t part of my radar to think of myself as gay,” Kathy told Richfield Patch last summer. “I just thought, ‘If you work long enough and hard enough, these attractions will go away.’” After 8 years together, the Richfield residents who were married in Toronto, Canada, told their story to Patch readers as the state…

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Best of 2012

Richfield Native Kills 6, Self in Minneapolis Office Shooting: No. 9 Story of the Year

One of the most followed stories of 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 9 story of the year. *** After receiving the news of his termination the afternoon of Sept. 27, Richfield native Andrew Engeldinger took out a gun and began to open fire on his now former co-workers. Eight were shot inside Accent Signage, before Engeldinger turned the gun on himself and took his own life. Six victims died from their injuries. Almost immediately after Engeldinger was identified, his family spoke out and offered their condolences for those who lost a loved one at the hands of their son. His parents, who …

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