Craft trial top talker of year

photo Tonya Craft speaks to the media in her parents' East Ridge home after a jury found her innocent on 22 counts of child molestation, aggravated child molestation and aggravated sexual battery.

A Chickamauga Elementary School teacher tried and acquitted of child molestation and Hamilton County Schools silencing public prayers at football games were the most talked-about stories of 2010, according to a newsroom poll at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Online records show a video of Winston the police car-chewing dog, editorial cartoons and Vols football news took center stage.

Tonya Craft's five-week trial during April and May captivated the region, and made headlines across the country, including her appearances on "Nightline" and "Good Morning America." Craft was charged with 22 counts of child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and aggravated child molestation involving three girls, including Craft's daughter.

She was found not guilty of all charges in May and filed a since-dropped $25 million lawsuit against her accusers. She now hosts a talk-radio program.

Most of the other top 10 biggest stories centered on sex, violence, religion, football and jobs -- sometimes a combination of the elements.

The slaying of Chattanooga pastor David Strong combined three of those factors when Antonio Henry, the ex-con accused of killing Strong, said he "snapped" when the minister offered him $100 for a sex act.

As a sign of the employment market, Amazon.com and Costco coming to the region also made it into the top 10, fueled in part by an interest in jobs.

Contact staff writer Andy Johns at ajohns@timesfreepress.com or call 423-757-6324.

HONORABLE MENTION* Claude Ramsey leaves Hamilton County for Haslam's staff* U.S. 64 reopens after rock slide* Auto magnate Joe Prebul sentenced to jail time* Chattanooga passes its first property tax increase since 2001* Triple slaying at birthday party in Whitfield County* Twilight star Robert Pattinson visits for movie* Philanthropist Jack Lupton diesOTHER HEADLINES* Alstom adds $300 million to Chattanooga operation* I-24 sinkhole near Monteagle shuts down interstate* Two fishermen killed when barge strikes boat* Fort Oglethorpe Mayor Ronnie Cobb dies* Drought conditions recede and return* Elton John comes to Chattanooga* Chattanooga police chief retires; new chief sworn in* Chattanooga loses bid for 1-AA title football game* Curtis Adams leaves county for Crossville5 MOST E-MAILED STORIES* Video: Winston the dog vs. police car -- March 25* Video: Arbor Day spreads green message -- March 6* Vols football players in brawl at bar, with video -- July 9* Tornado slams dam, with video -- Oct. 27* City seeks alternative to legal notice ads -- Nov. 225 MOST VIEWED* Video: Winston the dog vs. police car -- March 25* Bennett cartoon: The Lincoln Memorial -- Aug. 28* Palin e-mail hacker sentenced to year in custody -- Nov. 12* Vols football players in brawl at bar, with video -- July 9* Center position crucial UT issue -- Sept. 14

Top 10 Talkers of 2010:

Tonya Craft Trial -- April and May

In a trial that brought out salacious details about her private life and turned friend against friend, former teacher Tonya Craft was found not guilty on 22 counts of child molestation, aggravated sexual battery and aggravated child molestation involving three girls.

Scales bans football prayers -- Oct. 20

After receiving a letter from a Wisconsin group complaining about Christian prayers at local high school football games, Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Jim Scales halted the practice, saying he had expected for some time that someone would eventually complain. The letter and the decision brought a loud response in the community, both from those who agreed with it and those who disagreed.

Coolidge Park Shootings -- March 27

Two adults and one juvenile were arrested in connection with a shooting at Coolidge Park that injured five people. The location and ages of the victims prompted public outcry for more aggressive police action against gangs.

Littlefield recall -- Aug. 27

A group of local residents got thousands of names on a disputed petition to oust Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield from office. In September, a judge ruled that the petition did not contain enough signatures.

Amazon coming to Chattanooga, Bradley -- December

Amazon has said it would employ more than 1,400 people full-time and potentially more than 2,000 on a seasonal basis after it builds distribution facilities in Hamilton and Bradley counties.

The Rev. David Strong murder -- October

The Rev. David Strong was beaten and stabbed to death in his Glenwood Drive home. Police later arrested Antonio Henry and his 16-year-old cousin Brendan Barnes have been charged with felony murder in connection with the killing. In an exclusive jailhouse interview with the Times Free Press, Henry said he "snapped" when the minister offered him $100 for a sex act.

Kiffin out, Dooley in -- January

The Vols' football coach Lane Kiffin jumped ship for his "dream job" at the University of Southern California. He was replaced by Derek Dooley, son of the famous University of Georgia coach.

Theresa Parker found -- Sept. 20

The remains of Walker County 911 dispatcher Theresa Parker, missing since March 2007, were found on the banks of the Chattooga River in Northwest Georgia.

Dam tornado -- Oct. 25

A tornado touched down at the Chickamauga Dam, causing a multiple-car pileup and shutting down both sides of Highway 153. Winds also tossed two prefabricated structures into North Chickamauga Creek and damaged apartments and homes on the north side of the dam.

Costco coming to Catoosa County -- Feb. 19

Delighting area shoppers and elected officials, the warehouse giant announced it was coming to Fort Oglethorpe in February and opened its doors in October.

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