Lake Minnetonka Patch's Top 12 Stories in 2012

1. UPDATED: Minnesota Delegates Back Ron Paul at Republican National Convention

Delegation chair Marianne Stebbins, an Excelsior resident, says state's delegates are "overwhelmingly Ron Paul supporters" and that she "doesn't think Mitt Romney is a strong candidate."

2. A Look at Vikings QB Christian Ponder's Lake Minnetonka Mansion

Young quarterback buys home in gated Tonka Bay community for just under $1 million.

3. Medical Examiner IDs Man Killed in Accident on Highway 12

Aaron Jaunich, of Delano, died of multiple blunt force and thermal injuries, according to a report released by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner.

4. Kris Humphries Retreats to Lake Minnetonka Home

Secluded home on lake's north shore was purchased in 2005 for just over $1.5 million.

5. Lingerie Football League Conducting Open Tryouts in Long Lake this Saturday

The Lingerie Football League's (LFL) Minnesota Valkyrie conducted open tryouts in Long Lake.

6. Will Lake Minnetonka Have an Early Fishing Opener?

State law makers took a swing at resolving traditional Minnesota conflict of Mother’s Day and the fishing opener, scheduled the same weekend.

7. Arrest Made in Connection with Orono H.S. Alum's Death

Prosecutors have charged a 17-year-old with second-degree murder.

8. New Grocery Store Plans Spark Debate in Excelsior

Excelsior residents voiced both excitement and grievances regarding a development plan that would potentially bring a grocery store and other businesses to town.

9. Mel Gibson Spotted Last Week Around Lake Minnetonka

Movie star was reportedly in Minnesota with his daughter on a family vacation.

10. Updated: Tuesday Morning Crash in Orono Kills One

State patrol says Oakdale man's car careened into oncoming traffic and was broadsided by a semi.

11. Divers Recover Body of Drowning Victim from Lake Minnetonka

Just over 24 hours after Kennedy Maddox disappeared under the water near Big Island, divers recovered his body Wednesday evening.

12. The Evolution of Big Island on Lake Minnetonka

Once home to an amusement park and a private veteran’s camp, Big Island now has a public nature park.