From tragic crashes to major police investigations and school district upheaval, Central Bucks readers gravitated toward stories that reflected moments of crisis, accountability, and profound loss across the region. These were the stories that readers clicked, shared, and returned to most often throughout 2025.
No. 10 — Former Central Bucks educator dies in freak accident
A longtime former Central Bucks educator died in a rare and unexpected accident, prompting an outpouring of grief from former students and colleagues. Robbin Danko, a beloved former educator, a devoted mother, and a lifelong nature enthusiast, was tragically taken by a freak accident when a powerful windstorm toppled a tree onto her path while she was walking along the Saucon Rail Trail in Lower Saucon Township. The story resonated deeply across the district, highlighting the lasting impact educators have beyond the classroom.
Robbin Danko. (Credit: Shelly Funeral Home)No. 9 — Dublin Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary member killed in weekend crash
A fatal crash claimed the life of Karen Bishop, 72, a lifelong resident and dedicated volunteer with the Dublin Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, shaking the tight-knit fire service community. Tributes poured in from across Bucks County, underscoring her role as both a volunteer and a friend.
No. 8 — Lehigh County family counselor arrested for secret recordings
A family counselor in Quakertown was arrested after investigators uncovered hidden cameras disguised as charging blocks that allegedly recorded patients — including in bathroom areas — without consent. Authorities have charged him with multiple counts of privacy invasion and related offenses, and the counseling center closed its local office as the investigation unfolded.
No. 7 — SWAT response to reported shooter in Bucks County
Reports of a possible shooter along Ridge Road in Bucks County triggered a large SWAT and multi-agency police response, locking down an area and flooding social media with concern and speculation. Even after the immediate threat subsided, the incident reflected how quickly fear spreads — and how heavily residents rely on real-time local reporting. The alleged shooter, Charles Bowne III, has a pre-trial hearing set for Jan. 30 in Montgomery County court.
Charles Bowne III, of Pennsburg (Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)No. 6 — Central Bucks fires superintendent, others amid special education allegations
Central Bucks School District’s decision to terminate its superintendent, Dr. Steven Yanni, and four additional employees following special education abuse allegations marked one of the most significant local education stories of 2025. Readers closely tracked developments as the district faced intense scrutiny.
No. 5 — Doylestown woman charged with attempted murder after knife attack
Police arrested a 51-year-old Doylestown Borough woman on attempted murder and aggravated assault charges after a violent altercation in which she allegedly attacked a victim with a cleaver-style knife, leaving significant injuries. She was taken into custody at the scene in blood-soaked clothing, and the case has proceeded through the county court system.
No. 4 — Man wielding chain fatally shot by police in Buckingham
In Buckingham Township, authorities shot a man carrying a large metal chain following a violent incident that began with a crash on Redfield Road and escalated into threats against neighbors. The suspect allegedly approached officers threateningly, prompting a police shooting; the case includes multiple charges tied to the rampage and subsequent investigation.
No. 3 — Former Pennridge South counselor admits to sexual contact with student
In a case involving student safety, a former guidance counselor at Pennridge South Middle School, Kelly Ann Schutte, admitted to having sexual contact with a 14-year-old male student. The development has prompted scrutiny over professional conduct and the district’s response to protecting minors under its care.
Kelly Ann Schutte (Credit: Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office)No. 2 — Fatal Warrington crash kills 18-year-old passenger on Halloween night
Authorities confirmed that 18-year-old Aziz Umidovich Amonov was the front-seat passenger who died in a deadly Halloween night collision in Warrington Township that claimed the lives of three teens and left a fourth critically injured. Two of the victims were students at Neshaminy High School, prompting police and school leaders to prepare counseling support for the community as the investigation continues.
No. 1 — Head-on crash involving pickup and construction tractor-trailer kills one
The year’s most-read CentralBucksNow story centered on a deadly head-on collision involving a pickup truck and a construction tractor-trailer hauling a CAT loader. The sheer scale of the crash and its fatal outcome drove sustained readership and community reaction.
