Xenia: 5 stories you need to know about from 2016

EDITOR’S NOTE: Another year means another list of our top digital stories that've captured your attention in the last 12 months. Here’s a look back at some of our most read stories that happened in Beavercreek in 2016.

1.  Xenia H.S. clown threat

A 16-year-old boy was taken into custody in October for making threats on a bogus Facebook page, according to Xenia police Capt. Scott Anger.

“The posts were related to the recent hysteria involving clowns and were perceived to be threatening in nature,” Anger said in a release.

2.  Xenia planning $15M multi-use facility

Xenia is seeking $15 million to build The REACH Center, a 110,000 square-foot recreation, education and health facility on South Progress Drive.

Xenia is seeking $15 million to build the REACH Center which will be used for recreation, education, activity, community and health.

Credit: Sharahn D. Boykin/STAFF

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Credit: Sharahn D. Boykin/STAFF

3.  $300k in upgrades to city’s largest park

According to city officials, the City of Xenia wants to make Sol Arnovitz Park on Towler Road a regional destination by adding over $300,000 in upgrades to the 21 acres.

Upgrades to Sol Arnovitz Park include pedestrian bridges, a disc golf course and a hiking trail system.

Credit: Sharahn D. Boykin/STAFF

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Credit: Sharahn D. Boykin/STAFF

4.  Xenia voters rejected plan to build new school

“I’m sad tonight, but we’ll be there tomorrow morning in the classroom educating kids and doing our best,” said superintendent Denny Morrison, after the November vote.

Students at Warner Middle School in Xenia walk past outdated heating vents, nonworking clocks and damaged ceilings last month. JEREMY P. KELLEY / STAFF

Credit: JEREMY P. KELLEY / STAFF

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Credit: JEREMY P. KELLEY / STAFF

5.  Xenia 42 years after devastating tornado

It has been 42 years since an F5 category tornado touched down in the southwestern part of Xenia that killed 32 and injured another 1,300 people.

People gather to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Xenia tornado. STAFF/MIKE BURIANEK

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