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

Originally published Dec. 24, 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 resident's battle with addiction and Aly Raisman winning more Olympic medals, there were plenty of headlines in 2016.

Here are the top 10 stories from the year:

10. Family Dog Alerts Needham Home of 3-Alarm Fire

In June, firefighters in Needham responded to a 3-alarm fire at 11 Allindale Rd. Firefighters said they were able to get all the occupants of the house out of safely and it was a family dog that notified the home's residents of the fire.

9. One Person Seriously Injured in Needham Crash

In September, a person involved in a serious crash was taken to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston with serious injuries.

8. Volante Farms Strives for Full Reopening

In July, something began to stink at Volante Farms. Due to the odor, the farm closed for days to remove the stench.

7. New Japanese Bistro Coming to Needham

In April, the selectmen signed off on the opening of Ko Bistro, located in the former home of the New Garden.

6. 32 Years Later, Long-Time Needham McDonald's Employee Enters Retirement

In August, the Chestnut Street McDonald's celebrated the retirement of long-time employee Freia David, who worked at the location for over three decades.

5. 81-Year-Old Injured in Needham Car Crash

In December, a vehicle driving on Powers Street towards Webster Street veered off the road and struck an 81-year-old Needham man and another vehicle before crashing into the porch of a Webster Street home.

4. Needham High School Among Best in Mass.

In April, the school was featured in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best High Schools.

3. Life of Heroin Addict from Needham Documented by CBS News

In May, CBS News showed a five-part series chronicling Jason Amaral‘s struggle with addiction.

2. Route 128 Closed for a Weekend

In November, a part of major roadwork, the state took the rare step of shutting town Route 128 around exit 19 for an entire weekend.

1. Aly Raisman: Olympic Gold Medalist

You only needed 6 seconds to realize why the Needham native picked up a gold medal and two silvers at the Rio Olympics.

• You Only Need 6 Seconds to Understand Why Aly Raisman Won a Gold Medal
• Aly Raisman and Team USA Strike Gold in Olympic Gymnastics Final
• Aly Raisman Takes Silver in Olympic Gymnastics Individual Final
• Biles, Raisman Go 1-2 in Floor Exercise at Rio Olympics
• Raisman Homecoming Fit for an Olympian