Maplewood’s Top Stories Of 2016: Man Shoots Family / Wawa Arrives / Olympic Hero / Cop’s Cancer Voyage / Leaf Blower Ban

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood has seen tragedy, hope and excitement in 2016. Take a quick look back as you greet the new year. (Click on the headlines to read the article)

Maplewood Man Arrested, Opened Fire On Family Near School In Orange

• Police have charged an alleged New Jersey gunman with murdering a toddler and his uncle and injuring two others.

Wawa Arrives In Maplewood: North Jersey Patrons Celebrate

• Die-hard Wawa patrons have a new, much-needed North Jersey outpost in Maplewood.

Maplewood Bakery/Cafe Owner Dies After Snorkeling Incident

• The owner of Cedar Ridge Cafe & Bakery passed away after becoming distressed during a snorkeling incident in Hawaii, reports say.

Maplewood's Ibtihaj Muhammad Makes Olympic History: 1st To Wear Hijab

• Muhammad, a practicing Muslim, became the first Olympian to compete in a hijab.

Former Maplewood Cop Will Sail 5,000 Miles To Fight Brain Cancer

• When former Maplewood officer Michael Mault sets sail for a 5,000 nautical mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean, it will be in honor of the departed.

Maplewood Leaf Blower Ban Takes Effect

• Should leaf blowers be banned? Take our reader poll here.

Body Found In Maplewood On Memorial Day, Police Launch Investigation

• Police received a report of a “person lying in the street” at the intersection of Wyoming Avenue and Hickory Drive in Maplewood.

‘Double-Taxed’ Condo Owners Must Pay Maplewood, South Orange

• The condo is located in Maplewood but has access via South Orange. Should its owners have to pay taxes to both towns?

VIDEO: Maplewood Cop Pepper Sprays Teens After Fireworks Celebration, Report Says

• A Maplewood police officer allegedly pepper sprayed multiple teens following a township 4th of July fireworks celebration, a report says.

Want more? Take a look at these other intriguing, highly-viewed stories across New Jersey you may have missed.

N.J. Verizon Workers Prep For Massive East Coast Strike

Up to 5,000 Verizon workers in New Jersey may walk off the job, union leaders say.

N.J. Marijuana Legalization Bill Would Treat Weed Like Tobacco

The proposed law would also allow New Jersey residents with prior pot possession arrests to apply for record expungement.

'NeverEnding Story' Returns To New Jersey Movie Theaters For Limited Run

Falkor flew again on the big screen at theaters across the Garden State.

Cops Seize $171 During Arrest, Court Wants $175 To Get It Back

A county prosecutor's cash forfeiture policy makes it "cheaper and easier to seize people's property," civil rights activists say.

WATCH: Cruise Ship Battered During Storm, 4 Injured

The seasickness began when Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas was caught in a severe winter storm off the coast of the Carolinas.

Gang Bust: 71 Alleged Members of the Grape Street Crips Arrested For Drugs, Murder In New Jersey

The gang allegedly “controlled drug trafficking” in Newark, plotted to kill an FBI agent and intimidated witnesses.

United Airlines Announces Record Profit, Workers Protest Low Wages

Are United Airlines’ "record-setting" profits trickling down to its employees?

America’s New ‘Oldest’ Person Lives In NJ: Adele Dunlap, 113

The supercentenarian is a former smoker and eats "anything she wants," her son said.

Time For Chris Christie 'Fat Shaming' To End, Experts Say

Should Christie’s weight be a source of public discussion?

Should Teen YouTube Daredevil Be Charged With Crimes? (VIDEOS)

The N.J. teen has allegedly climbed the World Trade Center and a 50-story building in NYC, and hung in the air 100 feet above Central Park.

N.J. Mom Says Boy Scouts Kicked Out Her Transgender Son

The 8-year-old – born a girl but who identifies as a boy – was allegedly asked to leave his Cub Scout pack due to his gender identity.

Should Menstrual Cramps Qualify For NJ Medical Marijuana?

Got bad menstrual cramps? If a proposed law passes, you may be able to get medical marijuana in New Jersey.

Where Have UFOs Been Spotted In New Jersey? [MAP]

Seeing a UFO in New Jersey is more common than you think. Find out where they’ve been spotted here.

Largest Planetarium In USA Coming To New Jersey

New Jersey will soon have the “largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere” thanks to a $5 million gift from a former teacher.

He’s Back: ‘Naked Trump’ Statue Perches On New Jersey Rooftop

A naked Donald Trump statue greeted New Jerseyans on their morning commutes to the Holland Tunnel.

N.J. Mall Easter Bunny Charged With Aggravated Assault After Brawl

Videos shows N.J mall Easter bunny getting into a brawl with customers. Man in suit was charged with aggravated assault and "fare hopping."

Feds Arrest 82 In N.J. During Massive Immigration Sweep

The ICE arrestees came from more than a dozen countries, including Mexico, England, China, Cuba and Egypt, officials in Newark say.

Essex County Has Most Homeless Residents In NJ: Study

For the second year in a row, Essex County is home to the most homeless residents in the state, according to a study.

Election 2016: Essex County Reacts To Trump Victory, Clinton Defeat

Check out our roundup of Election 2016 reactions and social media comments in Essex County, New Jersey.

ICE Immigrant Detainee Dies In Essex County: Prisoner Death Toll Increases

8 prisoners have died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody this fiscal year, federal officials say.

Essex County’s Blue Line: These N.J. Towns Support, These Residents Don’t

Are the blue lines a much-needed show of solidarity for police officers, or a politicized traffic hazard? Take our reader poll here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com