Main Street Shootout + Saving Lincoln: Branford's Most Read 2021

BRANFORD, CT — What a year.

Besides the glaringly obvious biggest story of 2021, the coronavirus pandemic, much happened in spite of, or despite, COVID-19.

Here are some of the most-read, and biggest, Branford stories in 2021:

1 Shot In Branford Active Shooter Incident, Suspect Surrounded

Just another April day until it wasn't. For hours, Branford was paralyzed while police were in a standoff with a man who barricaded himself inside his Main Street apartment and began firing. He shot one man, who's injuries while serious were thankfully not life-threatening, and then turned the gun on himself. Not all the stories from that incident were tragic, some were uplifting.

Read more>> 'The Angels Were With Us' At Shelley's Garden Center During Siege, Branford Shooting Victim's Family 'Amazed' By Community's Support, Inside The Branford Police 'Active Shooter' Tactical Operation

WATCH: Fire Sinks 70-Foot Yacht In LI Sound Off Branford Shore

Fortunately no one was hurt as passengers and crew abandoned ship and were quickly rescued, but the video and images of the sinking of the massive yacht from a fire that is still under investigation, are jaw-dropping. Read more>> More Questions Than Answers In Branford Yacht Fire Investigation

Shelter Opens Investigation On Dog Left To Die On 17° Night

The photographs of the dog named Lincoln were heart-wrenching. Abandoned overnight, the "coldest night of the year so far," with just a towel for warmth, he was rescued very early on a January morning by a good Samaritan jogger, barely alive. But the story has a happy ending.

Read more>> Lincoln's Life: What A Difference TLC Made For Abandoned Dog

With Mental Health Crisis Calls Daily, Police Hire Social Worker

The Branford Police Department became a model for law enforcement across the state, and nation, when it hired a full-time police social worker. Danielle Suraci's impact was felt on day one. Read more>> The Second-Responder

Historic Stony Creek Puppet House Reborn As The Legacy Theatre

That the Legacy Theatre was able to open in the midst of the pandemic was a miracle, some said. And so too were the performances magical, staged in the breathtaking rebuilt, restored and reborn famed historic Stony Creek Puppet House. Read more>>

Other most-read Branford stories from 2021 include:

Admonished For Drinking At Capitol, Branford Lawmaker Apologizes

5 Branford Eateries Make CT Magazine Best Of 2021

Wife Of Branford Police Captain Killed In ATV Crash In NY State

Postponed By Pandemic, Archie Moore's To Open In Branford: Report

Medical Board Disciplines Branford MD For Treating Females Alone

With Graduate Degree She Worked At McDonald's, She Now Owns Three

'Unattended Illegal Campfire' Caused Branford Brush Fire: Chief

Thanks for reading and sticking with Patch! ~ellyn