The Top Stories of 2011 on Hamilton-Wenham Patch

The most popular stories of 2011 on Hamilton-Wenham Patch included coverage of the new trash and recycling program in Hamilton, the school and town budget debate in the spring, the snow that accumulated on school roofs and a top ranking of the school district.

1.

Dec. 4 

The pair of runaway teenagers who were gone for two days before turning themselves in near “Occupy Newark” in New Jersey captivated local residents.

2.

Oct. 20

The Hamilton Board of Selectmen voted to overhaul the town’s trash collection, by limiting collection to one barrel every other week along with weekly recycling and organics collection. The plan was later modified to add pay-per-bag pickup on the “off” weeks.

3.

March 7

A profile of Michael Carter-Williams, a Hamilton native who was playing high school basketball in Rhode Island, announced that he would play Division 1 college basketball at Syracuse.

4.

March 22

Hamilton Selectmen shared a testy exchange at a meeting about public comments to the public and press about topics where the board is split in its vote.

5.

Aug. 30

Boston Magazine ranked the ninth in eastern Massachusetts, which was a source of pride.

6.

Sept. 1

The SMART (Save Money As you Reduce Trash) committee outlined what, at the time, was the first plans for a program to make changes to the way trash and recycling is collected in Hamilton and Wenham.

7.

Aug. 27

In advance of Hurricane Irene’s arrival in late August, Chief Phil Stevens outlined some basics tips to prepare for the arrival of the storm.

8.

July 24

A Hamilton man suffered serious burns when he was involved in a late night crash involving a tanker truck on Route 1 in Saugus during the summer.

9.

Feb. 11

After the schools were closed for more than a week so snow could be cleared from the roofs to make the buildings safe, the School Committee decided to make up the missed days during February vacation week.

10.

May 14

All eyes were on Hamilton Town Meeting voters as the budget number was up in the air. The live blog offered coverage from the Town Meeting at .