2012: From Super Mario to Wallenda walk

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Western New York had several big news stories during 2012. From Super Mario, to a medical mystery, to a walk to remember, it was an extraordinary year.

In January, the message from Main Street to Wall Street was make the top one percent of wealthy Americans support more of the country’s needs. “Occupy Buffalo” spent four months supporting that message with an encampment outside of City Hall, and another at Lafayette Square.

From January to August, there was a medical mystery in Genesee County that received national attention. Eighteen people, mostly teen girls, developed uncontrollable tics and twitches.

Theories ranged from strep, to contamination at the site of a train accident in LeRoy in 1971. By August, almost everyone affected was free of the symptoms, which many experts believe were psychosomatic in nature.

A year ago, almost no one had heard of bath salts. On February 23rd, News 4 told you about variations of synthetic marijuana that were sold in stores to people who wanted to get high without getting in trouble. An awareness campaign, including protests outside of a store in Batavia where they were sold, led to a ban.

On March 15th, the Buffalo Bills signed Super Mario. Mario Williams brought a new hope to One Bills Drive. The Bills made the biggest signing of the off season, locking Williams to a $100 million contract. So far, it looks like #94 hasn’t delivered the results the team hoped for, with a dismal record for the season.

In June, thousands of jobs were back on the chopping block at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. The airbase was targeted for budget balancing cutbacks, and people here fought back, bringing in Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who pledged his support for the base’s future. In December, Congress approved a bill sending drones to the base.

On June 15, the world watched as Nik Wallenda walked a tightrope high over Niagara Falls. A live TV audience, plus 125,000 people on both sides of the Niagara Falls witnessed Wallenda walk from the U.S. to Canada, in 25 minutes. Even though he was required to use a tether, it was a magnificent accomplishment for the high-wire artist.

A YouTube video showing the bullying of a Rochester school bus aide generated an outpouring of support for Karen Klein. The students taunted and humiliated her, then posted a video that more than eight million people viewed to their disgust. It led to an internet campaign that raised over $700,000 for the 68-year-old Klein, who is now retired.

On July 12th, the National Weather Service declared a drought in western New York. Many lawns turned brown, too. The federal government offered disaster funding to affected farmers.

On August 10th, Buffalo’s Catholic flock welcomed a new shepherd. Richard Malone was installed at the fourteenth bishop, filling the seat left by Bishop Edward Kmiec.

On September 14th, all attention was on the Webster Block. By Fall 2014, you will probably know it as the Harbor Center, featuring two state of the art ice rinks, connected to First Niagara Center via an enclosed walkway. In August, the Sabres won the right to develop the land.