The Best of Patch: July

At year's end it's nice to take a look back at where you came, which offers a good look at where you're going. At Patch, July brought a Naval helicopter landing in Ellsworth Park, a fire that destroyed a PAC office, weed hidden in a pair of shoes and the affects of the smoking ban in Fox Point.

• Read every installment of the Fox Point-Bayside Year in Review series

A U.S. Navy chopper made a precautionary landing because of mechanical problems and left residents nearby wondering what was going on early that summer morning. 

"I heard it over head and it sounded kind of loud," said Chris Konnor, whose yard overlooks . "Maybe a little abnormal. I was a little scared it was going to fall out of the sky. It was very low."

Fire officials in La Crosse investigated a blaze that destroyed the regional offices of We Are Wisconsin, a union political action committee (PAC) that has pumped millions of dollars into supporting Democratic candidates in the upcoming recall elections.

A 25-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested for a warrant through Elm Grove Police Department, however, on the ride back to the station, he said he had something to tell the officer.

“I have weed in my shoe," he said. "I would have told you guys earlier, but I’m high and I forgot I had it.”

After the smoking ban was approved in July 2010, Patch took a look at local restaurants to see how they were faring one year later. And while the Tavern League of Wisconsin said their numbers are taking a hit, local Fox Point businesses owners say things are going well and many prefer the smoke-free environment.