Top 5 Frankfort Stories of 2011 ... So Far

Just because it's the summer, it doesn't mean we can't be nostalgic for the earlier parts of the year. And on the Internet, it's never too early to start making lists. 

That's why, with six months left in 2011, I've compiled the top five Frankfort stories and events that had people in the village talking. The list is in chronological order, and I took in factors such as overall community effect, long-term repurcussions and reader views and comments when it came to putting everything together.

Of course, the beauty of lists like this is that people rarely agree on them. Don't think these stories deserve to be here? Then put together your own top five list in the comments. 

This has been Frankfort Patch's most viewed story since coming online in November of last year. The article was the perfect encapsulation of two larger stories: 1) the February blizzard that swept through the Chicagoland area and the Midwest, and 2) the continued financial struggles of William McEnery, who owned Green Garden. Late last year, , and . 

Currenlty, the dome is closed for the season, but it is expected to be open in the fall.

2. April elections: Although voter turnout was low throughout the area, two of the school board races were big news in Frankfort. , and the . 

Another story illustrating the decay of the William McEnery financial empire. , the courts decided the Frankfort-based company needed . That sale happened in May, but Gas City's future as a company is still unknown.

Although he had come under fire for , no one expected the superintendent to retire at the end of May. Pain's last day was June 30, and the SD 161 school board is currently looking for his successor. In the meantime, Barb Rains, the district's human resources and public relations director, is the interim superintendent. 

5. and : Both these stories have "to be continued" attached to them, as it will be interesting to see how these changes--if they go through, in the case of Frankfort moving into the 1st congressional district--will affect the political landscape.