Royal Oak Patch's 10 Most Popular Stories of 2012

From K2/Spice — including the availability of the synthetic substance in Royal Oak gas stations and convenience stores in the spring — to the testimony of a Royal Oak Police detective that resulted in embezzlement charges against a Royal Oak High School principal, there was plenty of news in 2012.

We've compiled a list of the top 10 stories and here's what made the big headlines this year:

1. K2/Spice Synthetic Marijuana Easy to Buy at Royal Oak Gas Stations

A Beaumont naturopathic doctor answers questions about the dangers of the once easy to get drug.

2. 

Court documents reveal details behind the embezzlement charges Michael Greening faces: Money was transferred from school accounts to former high school principal's personal bank account.

3. Jolly Pumpkin to Take Over Vacant Bank Site on Royal Oak's Main Street

City Commission approves licenses for the distillery and restaurant group that has popular locations in Ann Arbor and Traverse City. Business says it plans to invest nearly $2 million into the site and employ about 100 people.

4. Substation Fire Results in Citywide Power Outage

Fire knocks out service to 10,000 in Royal Oak and Berkley.

5. 2 Royal Oak Kids Killed in Crash on U.S. 23

Two Royal Oak Middle School students were killed and three other people in the SUV with them were injured in a rollover crash on U.S. 23 on Friday in Pittsfield Township that authorities say was likely caused by another driver who drove away from the scene.

6. Man Pulls Gun Outside Holiday Market to Stop Knife-Wielding Man from Assaulting Couple with Baby

A series of quick thinking actions by citizens lead to the arrest of a Madison Heights man, Royal Oak Police report.

7. 

The 28-year-old aspiring model died in her Royal Oak home on April 14, 2011. Her family and friends remember her as smiling and upbeat.

8. 

Voters in Royal Oak went to the polls to choose a judge to serve them in the 44th District Court as well as decide on a public safety millage and a school district building and site sinking fund tax proposal. 

9. 

Arts, Beats & Eats is takes heat for changes in festival parking plans.

10. New Nose Revealed for Girl Attacked by Raccoon

Beaumont Hospital holds a press conference with 10-year-old Charlotte Ponce, who shows off progress on her new nose. The doctor who performed the surgery says it's the first step for the Spring Lake MI girl in having her face reconstructed.