Kevin Haas Staff writer @kevinmhaas

 The stories that pulled you to rrstar.com this year ranged from tragic deaths to joyous births, stories of controversy and those of lifelong connections.

Breaking news and crime dominated the list of most-viewed stories on the Register Star's website again this year, but along with that were a few upbeat articles: A couple's impromptu wedding at a local hospital and a Rockford cop delivering his own baby in a parking lot.

As 2017 winds to a close, here's a look at the 17 stories with the most views on rrstar.com.

Top 17 stories of 20171. City mourns police officer killed in the line of duty

The death of Rockford police officer Jaimie Cox gripped the community, with many later showing support for the men in blue by displaying blue lights on their homes and businesses across Rockford. News of a critically injured Rockford officer first published on rrstar.com around 2 a.m. Nov. 5, and readers stayed with the story as reporters and police investigators waded through the murky details to deliver the information. It's still unclear exactly what led to death of Cox and Eddie Patterson, the driver involved the traffic stop that led to both deaths. The Winnebago-Boone County Integrity Task Force is investigating.

2. 11 men, 1 woman arrested amid human trafficking investigation

An April 7 human trafficking detail spurred by complaints about prostitution in the area of Seventh Street and Broadway resulted in 11 men being charged with solicitation of a sex act and one woman being charged with involuntary sexual servitude of a minor.

3. Federal agents raid several businesses along Broadway

Federal authorities raided several Broadway businesses on Jan. 18 in an alleged cash-for-SNAP benefits scheme involving multiple defendants and locations.

4. Missing woman's car found in river near Roscoe

On Oct. 8 a body was found inside a vehicle belonging to Emily Anderson, a Loves Park woman who had been missing since June 19. The body was later confirmed to be that of Anderson, and the coroner said foul play was not suspected in her death.

5. Former gang boss Karl Fort to leave prison in '19

Karl Fort, the former leader of the Black Gangster Disciples in Rockford, was serving a life sentence for drug-related crimes in federal prison, but successfully petitioned the federal government to have his life sentence reduced to 30 years. He is scheduled for release in November 2019.

6. Man killed at Cliffbreakers identified

Joshua Jamerson, 34, was shot and killed Jan. 1 during a New Year's party at Cliffbreakers Riverside Hotel & Conference Center. Three others were also shot, but survived. Sean D. Burks was charged in the shooting and turned himself over authorities on Dec. 6 while maintaining his innocence.

7. Police investigate officer-involved shooting near Dick's Sporting Goods

Patrol officer Ben Schuster fired six shots April 8 at a woman who authorities say attempted to strike him with her car. Eboney K. Adams, who was shot in the upper left arm and recovered, was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, among other crimes. Schuster's use of force was ruled justified.

8. Metro security guard won't be charged in fatal shooting of suspected robber at Alpine Bank

Metro Enforcement security guard Brian Harrison, a retired Winnebago County Sheriff's deputy, shot and killed Laurence Turner, 34, during Turner's apparent robbery attempt on Jan. 20 at Alpine Bank, 2218 N. Mulford Road. Prosecutors determined Harrison acted in self defense and in defense of others.

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9. Family of man killed in clash with officer wants answers

Family members of Eddie L. Patterson, who was shot and killed Nov. 5 after a traffic stop by officer Jaimie Cox, questioned the events leading to both men's deaths. Cox was also killed when he somehow became entangled with Patterson's vehicle, which crashed into a tree. The family of Patterson later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Rockford, arguing Patterson's death was not justified.

10. Machesney Park couple married at OSF, sacrificing sandy beaches for surgery and each other

Mori Jo Meling and Patrick Conkrite married inside OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center chapel on March 8 after an emergency surgery prevented them from eloping to Mexico. Meling underwent surgery to remove a life-threatening brain tumor and cyst.

11. Rockford cop delivers his own baby in State Street parking lot

Rockford police officer James Nachampassack and his girlfriend, Phenh Thammavong, rushed to SwedishAmerican Hospital Sept. 3 after she went into labor during his shift at about 5 a.m. They didn't quite make it. Still in uniform and in possession of his police radio, Nachampassack called dispatch for an ambulance and delivered a healthy baby boy, Leo, in the parking lot of Alpine Inn.

12. Rockford police seek 11 residents who violated sex offender registry rules

A news release from police asked the public for help locating 11 people who violated sex offender registry requirements.

13. Simon Peter Nelson seeks parole again: 'What he did to those kids was unspeakable'

Simon Peter Nelson, who killed his six children and the family dog in 1978, was to attempt his 19th bid for parole with the first of three hearings beginning in May. Nelson, however, died June 18 — Father's Day — while awaiting that decision. The 85-year-old was among the most notorious killers in the city's history.

14. Rockford's Clock Tower Resort sold for nearly $3.6M

In May, a group of investors that includes the CEO of Ringland-Johnson Construction bought the Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center and made plans to raze the iconic hotel property, which had fallen into disrepair.

15. Prom police: Rockford schools crack down on revealing outfits

School dress codes for prom, including a 21-page illustrated rule book from Boylan High School, prohibited revealing dresses with bare midriffs and plunging necklines. The decision drew scrutiny here and across the country as some accused school administrators of body shaming. The Register Star's March 10 story was picked up by news outlets across the world, including the U.K.’s DailyMail, the Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, CNN and Fox News.

16. Crowds pack downtown Rockford for Women's March, protest

Hundreds of people marched in Rockford — and more across the country — one day after President Donald Trump was sworn into the highest office in the land. Demonstrators displayed signs such as "love trumps hate," “peaceful but pissed,” and “educational equity for girls."

17. E-Rabs coach dies at 29; Alex Kube was former NIU star

Alex Kube, a former star linebacker at Northern Illinois University who helped turn around East High School's football program, died Feb. 8 from heart abnormalities. He was 29.

Kevin Haas: 815-987-1410; khaas@rrstar.com; @KevinMHaaas