Veteran, 106, 'Still Kickin' + Owen, Hawk Saver: Most Read 2021

EAST HAVEN, 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, East Haven stories in 2021:

With Her Body In Car Trunk, He Bought A Shovel To Dig Grave

Based on the warrant and other documents, Patch pieced together what led to East Haven police charging Jonnathan X. Jara-Aucapina with the murder of his longtime girlfriend Lizzbeth Aleman-Popoca.

East Haven WWII Veteran Honored On 105th Birthday With Parade

Patch reached out to Anthony Marino's family just before posting this story to check in. Here's what his daughter Marge wrote: "Yes, Dad is still kicking! His sense of humor keeps me laughing every time we speak. He still takes care of my stepmom Alice, 94, who is not as well as Dad. They celebrated 70 years of being married recently." Marino turns 106 on Jan. 7. Happy Birthday, Tony!

East Haven Animal Control Officer Saves A Hawk, And The Day

Owen Little, East Haven's animal control officer, is a very humble guy. Patch could not help but celebrate him after he saved a hawk's life. A feel-good story about a good man.

Tragically, 3-Year-Old 'Mighty Mia' Has Passed Away

We followed Mia's journey over the course of many months, so when the child passed away, collective hearts broke.

East Haven Woman, 102, Survives Two Pandemics

Patch spent time with the marvelous Marie Streeto. Just wish I had the opportunity to taste her Sunday sauce.

Some of the other most-read East Haven stories from 2021 include:

The Tweed $100M Airport Expansion: Mayor Took Hard Line On Airport Expansion To 'Protect' East Haven

Videos Show Middle, High School Fights, Some Students Arrested

Wife Defrauded Husband Of $600K Over 20 Years: East Haven Police

WATCH: 100-Plus Dirt Bike, ATV Riders Swarm East Haven, 1 Charged

2 People, Only Assisted Living Staff On Duty, OD On Fentanyl: LISTEN to 911 Calls

Police Body Camera Footage Captures Chaotic Scene At Bonfire Firefighters, Police Attacked

Thanks for reading and sticking with Patch! ~ellyn