Malden's Top 25 Headlines of 2012: #10-6

It's that time of year again.

As 2012 draws to a close, Malden Patch will spend the last week before the holidays reviewing some of the year's top stories - five a day through Friday. 

While we employed no rigid statistical model in determining which stories made the cut, factors included an article's page views, its level of reader comments and general newsworthiness.

10. : Several councillors championed a pit bull muzzle law that would require all such breeds to be muzzled in public. After outcry from residents and advocacy groups, Mayor Gary Christenson vetoed the ordinance. 

9. Former Malden High School Asst. Principal Passes Away: Long-time former Malden High School teacher and assistant principal Brendan Duffy, aka "Mr. Duff," passed away this September. 

8. YOUR TURN: Malden's Rich History: Malden is full of interesting history, and we asked to hear your favorite historical tidbit about the town. The comments section had some pretty interesting gems. 

7. Task Force Seeks Alternatives to Blue Bags: This was a story everyone was talking about in 2012 - what will Mayor Christenson do about the city's Pay As You Throw trash system? 

6. : Several local law enforcement agencies took part in several 'comprehensive' K-9 sweeps of Malden's 'playgrounds, parks and other public areas.