Year in Review: The 10 Most-Read Mansfield Stories of 2016

2016 is almost in the books and needless to say, the year had some notable stories.

From accolades for the high school to a surprising change at Wendy's and two tragic deaths at the train station, there were plenty of headlines in 2016.

Here are the top 10 stories from the year:

10. High School Students Accused of Using Racially Charged USA Chant at Basketball Game

In March, high school students at Mansfield High School disputed accusations that a USA chant was used with a racially charged undertone during a tournament basketball game against Brockton High School.

9. Mansfield Ranked Among Most Fun Cities in America

For those looking for a fun time, Mansfield is the place to be, according to a new report. In August, travel site Expedia recently listed the 52 most fun cities in America, ranking Mansfield at 52. Los Angeles took the top spot, Boston was the highest Massachusetts community at five, and neighboring Foxborough came in at 35.

8. GoFundMe Campaign Aims to Support Family of Matthew Cronin

In February, a GoFundMe campaign named “In Memory of Matthew Cronin” was created. Cronin passed away days before and was discovered in Mills Pond.

7. Mansfield High School Among Best in Mass.

In April, Mansfield High School received a silver award for being one the best high schools in Massachusetts, according to the U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best High Schools survey.

6. Now Open in Mansfield: Flannel Cow Creamery

The ice cream is now for sale at a new shop in Mansfield. In August, the Flannel Cow Creamery announced that they are now open for business. The establishment is located in the former VFW building on Chilson Avenue.

5. Person Killed by Train at Mansfield T Station

In September, a person was fatally struck by a train.

4. Suicide Attempt Closes Eddy Street

In July, a suicide attempt on Eddy Street led to the neighborhood being shut down for over two hours and the use of a MetroLEC SWAT team.

3. What Happened to the Mansfield Wendy's?

In June, residents were left wondering what happened to the Wendy’s on Copeland Drive. According to Town Manager Bill Ross, the closure was to make way Wendy's new building.

2. Man Killed Trying to Cross Tracks Near Train Station

In March, police in Mansfield responded to a train accident involving a pedestrian. The accident took place between the station and the Chocolate Factory, according to the Mansfield Fire Department. Witnesses confirmed that a male subject attempted to cross the tracks from the Crocker Street side of the tracks

1. 'Within 6 Weeks, Heroin Came Into His and Our Lives': Son of Mansfield Woman Dies of Overdose

On April 20, 2016, Emmett J. Scannell, son of Mansfield resident Aimee Manzoni-D'Arpino, lost his battle to Substance Use Disorder and died due to a heroin overdose. Emmett had been in recovery and sober in Alcoholics Anonymous for 2 years when he went off to college in late August 2014. Within 6 weeks, heroin came into his life, stole him, and Substance Use Disorder killed him in only 18 months.