Dentistry Fire, Drug Testing Among Most Read Stories in January

This year started off with a lot of big stories in the community.

In January, Patch's list of most-read stories included a commercial fire at , an article about a fast food chain possibly moving to downtown Maplewood and updates about a potential drug-testing program for some Brentwood students.

One of the most-read stories was empowering for young people, while another was nothing short of heartbreaking. As a Patch user, which of the following five stories was most the most important or most memorable? Please cast a vote in our poll and add your thoughts in the comments section.

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No. 1 — (Jan. 12)

The event was described as devastating and heartbreaking by those in the Maplewood Richmond Heights community. While firefighters from every nearby department battled the flames at Maplewood Richmond Heights Family Dentistry in freezing weather, residents and supporters gathered along the sidewalk to watch—mostly in silence—as the historic home-turned-dentistry burned. (See related: and )

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No. 2 — (Jan. 5)

Many details surrounding the departure of 32-year employee Bob Kurtz remains unknown to the public.

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No. 3 — (Jan. 24)

The idea of the Golden Arches hanging in downtown Maplewood drew plenty of resistance from Patch users; just look at all of the comments.

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No. 4 — (Jan. 10)

They may only be 14, but the more eighth-graders Maja Eernise, Lucy Miller and Symphonie Cameron learn about the world, the more they speak up for change.

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No. 5 — (Jan. 11)

Should the school district add a drug testing program for students participating in extracurricular activities? A panel discussion drew more than 60 attendees.