Woman on Death Row to Brothers Killed in Crash: Dacula's Top Stories of 2015 (ICYMI)

Reporting the news isn’t always a happy affair.

Often, we’re drawn to the darker stories around us, to stay informed and, sometimes, to remind ourselves to count our own blessings.

Such is the case with the top 10 stories out of Dacula in 2015.

A few lighter moments made the cut. But, by and large, tales of crime and untimely death drew the most readers.

Here’s a look at the most popular Patch stories out of Dacula in 2015:

1. Dacula High Student Dies After Attempting to ‘Harm Herself’

A letter from principal Bryan K. Long provided basic information about the incident, which happened in the gymnasium at Dacula High School.

2. Murder Convict Could Be First Woman Executed in Ga. in 70 Years

Kelly Renee Gissendanner was found guilty of having her husband murdered in 1997 in a wooded area near Dacula. She was executed by the state in September.

3. Dacula High Mourns After Car Wreck Kills 2 Students

The entire community came together in sorrow over the deaths of brothers Jaison Brown, 15, and Jared Brown, 17.

4. New Execution Date Set for GA Woman on Death Row

The unique nature of the Kelly Gissendanner case continued to attract attention in September, as her execution date neared.

5. Dacula Health Scores: Live Roaches on Cutting Board, Ice Machine Door

Our looks at local restaurant health-inspection scores are always popular among readers. Post one in which live roaches were spotted in a restaurant and there’s going to be some interest, naturally.

6. Your Guide to the 2015 Gwinnett County Fair

The top 10 list isn’t all doom-and-gloom. Lots of folks checked in to get information about the county fair, which drew big crowds in September.

7. Breaking: Police Make Arrest in Homicide of Elderly Dacula Woman

Investigators said the teen suspect knew 77-year-old Margaret Sheffield.

8. Woman With Flesh-Eating Bacteria Faces Possible Amputations

A fundraising campaign was set up for Cindy Martinez, the wife of a Gwinnett County police officer who contracted the rare condition.

9. Kelly Renee Gissendaner’s Last Words: ‘Amazing Grace,’ Apologies

Gissendaner sang the gospel hymn in her final moments before becoming Georgia’s first woman executed in 70 years.

10. Family of Dacula Brothers Killed in Wreck Thanks Community For Support

A statement said the family of Jaison and Jared Brown “has found strength and comfort through the large outpouring of prayers and kindness from the community.”