Montclair Top Stories Of 2016: Animal Shelter Fire / Sarah Butler Murder / Clown Scare / Best Restaurants / Missing Girl

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair 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)

Montclair Shelter Engulfed In Fire, Animals Safe

• The Montclair community sprung into action and found temporary foster homes for the dogs and cats within hours, officials say.

Montclair's Sarah Butler Strangled To Death; Police Make Arrest

• Butler, 20, a local college student, was found deceased in Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey.

Montclair Superintendent Says No Clown Costumes At School For Halloween

• Montclair’s school superintendent says local parents should warn their kids about being a “copycat” in the wake of recent N.J. clown scares.

4 Montclair Restaurants Make 'Best Of' List

• There are few things as rewarding in life as discovering a great new restaurant. Learn about four of Montclair's new eateries here.

Police Find Girl, 10, Reported Missing In Glen Ridge

• Naomi Kahl was found shortly after Glen Ridge police issued a missing persons alert, authorities say.

‘Fired’ Sesame Street Characters Bob, Luis and Gordon (of Montclair) May Get Reprieve

• The trio of veteran Sesame Street actors say the show’s producers want to meet in September.

Montclair’s Buzz Aldrin, Second Person On Moon, Medically Evacuated From South Pole

• Aldrin was part of a tourist group visiting the South Pole.

Would You Eat This Montclair Bakery’s Poopy Pastry?

• What’s the origin of the "Everybody Poops" doughnut? Find out here.

Montclair Police PBA Blames Trump Post On Computer Hacking

• Read the Trump-related Facebook post that caused an uproar in a New Jersey suburb.

Nightclub Owner Shot Montclair Wife and Son In Murder-Suicide

• The owner of a popular New Jersey nightclub fatally shot his Montclair wife and son before turning the gun on himself, authorities say.

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.

Photo: Montclair Township

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