Goofball gal falling into Berkshire Mall fountain may have been the biggest story in Berks this past year

Lots of important stuff happened in these parts this year.

Larry Medaglia and Judy Schwank waged a scorched-earth campaign for Mike O'Pake's Sewnate seat. Reading earned recognition as the poorest city in the nation. A deputy sheriff perished in the line of duty. Secret Santa spread some holiday cheer.

But none of them can hold a candle wick to the absolute biggest story in Berks County during 2011. that, of course, was a local gal faking a fall into a Berkshire Mall fountain while texting, just so she could gain a little  attention and get some mall security people fired.

Accordingly, the story is on the short list of the top stories of the year, as determined by the collective minds of the editors at the morning newspaper.

So do your duty and poop all over the poll. Cast your ballot here!