Heritage Minerals Site Drowning, Route 539 Crashes, Summit Park: Manchester's 2015 Top Stories

As we close out 2015, it’s time to take a look at some of the most-read articles on the Manchester Patch this year. These articles are the ones more people read than any others on the site.

1. Manchester Mourns 17-Year-Old Drowning Victim, A ‘Bright Star’ Gone Too Soon

The drowning of DeNasia Davis in late June led to an increase in patrols at the Heritage Minerals site, home to a man-made lake that draws attention because of its clarity. Trespassers were warned they would receive summonses.

2. Military Bases Under Heightened Security After Threats

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst joined bases throughout the country on a heightened alert status in May amid concerns of ISIS attacks on U.S. soil.

3. Five Charged In Burglary Ring That Targeted 9 Leisure Village West Homes

A two-month burglary spree ended in early February when a suspicious person was reported in the backyard of a home. Nine homes were burglarized and items including jewelry, electronics and more were taken, police said.

4. One Teen Killed, Another Injured In Route 539 Crash

The November crash involving two students from Monmouth County was the first fatal crash on the road since the summer, when Route 539 became the focus of increased enforcement in the wake of a string of serious accidents from June into July. Other headlines related to the topic included:

• Route 539 Crashes In Manchester Total 36 So Far In 2015, Chief Says
• Man Killed In Head-On Collision With Garbage Truck On Route 539
• Six Injured In Head-On Collision On Route 539; Road Closed
• Dump Truck Takes Out Light Pole But Avoids Serious Crash In Manchester
• Fatal Route 539 Crash Prompts Call For Help, Warning From Prosecutor’s Office
• Law Enforcement Targeting Reckless Drivers On Route 539
• Man Killed In Head-On Collision With Garbage Truck On Route 539
• UPDATE: No Injuries In Crash At Route 539 In Manchester
• Driver Airlifted After Van Rear-Ends Tractor Trailer In Manchester
• Manchester Man Charged With DWI After Lacey Crash
• Two Injured In Car-Dump Truck Crash In Manchester
• One Day, 89 Tickets: Law Enforcement Delivers Clear Message On Route 539
• 284 Crashes, 11 Fatal Ones: Route 539’s Frightening Tale
• Manchester Man Seriously Hurt In Dump Truck-SUV Crash
• 278 Tickets Written During Route 539 Safety Enforcement Campaign

5. 10 People Treated After Chemical Spill At Manchester MRI Office

The spill of a chemical used to test the machine caused some confusion initially but no serious injuries in the June incident. Related: BREAKING: Manchester MRI Office Evacuated After Hazmat Spill

6. UPDATE: Manchester Woman Charged With Additional Threat To Ocean County Mall

“Swatting” became a part of our vocabulary in the spring as a result of a series of hoax emergency calls claiming everything from active shooters to bomb threats. The charges filed against Showander Descarte accused her of a copycat threat in June. Related: Manchester Woman Claims Innocence In Mall Bomb Threat; UPDATE: Ocean County Mall Bomb Threat Appears To Be Hoax; ICYMI: ‘Swatting’ in NJ: Real Threat or Empty Prank?

7. Manchester Smoke Coming From Burlington Forest Fire, Officials Say

The September forest fire that was caused by a campfire burned more than 1,000 acres and blanketed the township with smoke.

8. Summit Park Focus Nets Four Warrant Arrests In Manchester

Concerns about crime and an incident where shots were fired in the neighborhood led to increased attention from the police department, resulting in a pair of arrests within days of each other, with three people arrested twice. The township also implemented a neighborhood watch program and had meetings with the neighborhood.

9. ‘Footloose High:’ Manchester Students Decry Dance Battle Ban

The dance battle issue blew up in the high school shortly before Christmas break, garnering attention from regional media outlets, as school officials stopped the gatherings because they had become disruptive. Other students later said the issue was blown out of proportion by a handful of students.

10. Man Who Shot Himself At Route 37 Wawa In Critical Condition, Officials Say

A 30-year-old Seaside Heights man’s suicide attempt at the convenience store on the Toms River-Manchester border in September spawned rumors and was one of the most-read articles locally in 2015.