At the end of each year, we reflect on the top stories of the past 12 months. What once was news is now history. The newspaper's annual recap is presented through the eyes of our editors, but we also measure the readership of each story through your eyes as a reader.

The stories below received the most attention from online readers during the year. Some were popular with only local readers, while some surprising stories got national attention and found a much wider audience.

So here are top stories of the year based on readership. You can view a full list of the top stories for news, sports, business and more. You also can view the top stories for several categories per month.


Among our top stories of the year, the venomous lionfish has made it to the Texas Coast. Researchers are keeping a watchful eye on the voracious predator.

The Top News Stories of 2011

1. Island man claiming to be vampire is arrested.


The Ball High football team's move to replace Tuffy Tor is the year's top sports story.

The Top Sports Stories of 2011

1. Tors coach tosses Tuffy off new logo.


A planned 95-store outlet mall is the year's top business story.

The Top Business Stories of 2011

1. 95-store outlet mall planned for League City.

The Top Commentary of 2011

1. Stifling dissent won’t unite Galveston.

The Most Commented Stories of 2011

1. Say yes to seawall improvements.

The Top Blogs of 2011

1. Poll: Time to recall Mayor Jaworski?

What were your personal picks for the top stories of the year?

GALVESTON — Judge Lonnie Cox, on his 60th birthday, leads a group of carolers at the Justice Center as they spread Christmas season cheer to every courtroom. Cox, who presides over Galveston's 56th District Court, started caroling at the courthouse 17 years ago.

Related Story: Judges carry courtroom caroling tradition

Have a question for Santa Claus? Tell Saint Nicholas if you've been naughty or nice. Ask how reindeer fly or how many elves are working at the North Pole. Boys and girls of all ages are invited to join Santa's helper T.J. Aulds in a live chat with the jolly old elf himself on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at galvnews.com.



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GALVESTON — Traffic lights on Galveston's Broadway were synchronized this week, meaning less stop and more go for drivers. Those who travel the speed limit during rush hours, eastbound in the mornings and westbound in the afternoons, might not even have to tap the brakes, the city says. The lights are also timed for midday to allow for an efficient commute in both directions.

The new Texas City High School is less than a month away from opening, but students got their first up close look at the $54 million campus on Wednesday.

With mock schedules in hand, Texas City High School students roamed the halls, checked out the spacious commons area and got a closer look at their classrooms.

The public will get its first look at the campus on Sunday during an open house and dedication. The campus will be open for self-guided tours from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. or guided tours at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

A dedication ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the John C. Martin Auditorium of the new campus.

Below are photos from the students visits to the campus. Photos courtesy of Texas City school district Communications Director Melissa Tortorici.






Students make their way to classes in one of the academic wings during a mock schedule run-through as teacher Alice Westmoreland looks on.


Journalism teacher Laurie Haffelfinger explains the editorial room to students.




Left to right, Assistant Principal Wayne Sanders, Director of New Facilities and Planning Jack Haralson, Co-Interim Superintendent Diane Martin and Principal Mark Chatham

HITCHOCK — The city, with the hiring of a full-time code enforcement officer, is placing about 100 homeowners on notice: Clean up or prepare for a day in court.

Related story: Hitchcock cleaning up to court residents, businesses

The CMT Network show "Trick My What?" this week features Alan Parker of Crystal Beach and his septic system business. Here's a sneak peak of the show which airs Friday at 9 p.m. on CMT.

Related story: Bolivar businessman featured on CMT show