Top 2018 Burke Stories: Teen Remembered, Glory Days Award

BURKE, VA—As we wrap up 2018, we're taking a look back on the most-read stories on Burke Patch. From a popular business opening to a stunning day of rainfall, there was a variety of news readers followed. There were also a few major police incidents, including a crash killing a Burke teen and chaos on the first day of school.

Here are the top stories around Burke over the last calendar year:

Taco Bamba Opens At University Mall

Chef Victor Albisu opened a Taco Bamba at University Mall across the street from George Mason University, his alma mater. The menu includes taco and tostada favorites, as well as new items tailored to the location.

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Burke Woman Dies After Tree Falls Onto Home

A Burke woman is dead after a tree fell onto a home. The fire department believed heavy rain made tree roots loosen up in the area.

Robinson Homecoming Kings Couldn't Be Chosen Together: Claim

Robinson Secondary School faced backlash from students for reportedly denying two male students from being selected as homecoming kings together. Jake Mitchell and his best friend Chris Parr ran for homecoming kings together.

Fairfax Schools Secured On First Day During Police Activity

Two Fairfax schools were under secure the building status on the first day of school as police handled a traffic pursuit nearby. One resident witnessed one of the suspects fleeing onto her property.

Baby Flying Squirrels Rescued From Fire In Fairfax

Fire department units responding to a brush fire on Sideburn Road found two baby flying squirrels that were barely breathing. The babies were given medical aid and oxygen.

Burke Glory Days Grill Wins Major Accolade

The original Glory Days Grill in Burke received recognition in the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association's (VRLTA) 2018 Ordinary Awards. Glory Days Grill in Burke, along with managing partner Jim Rafferty, won Restaurant of the Year.

Burke Teen Killed In Crash Remembered

A Burke teen was killed in a crash in Clifton over the summer. Conner McGowan, 17, was remembered as a son, brother, friend, classmate and athlete at Robinson Secondary School.

• Burke Teen Dies, 2 Others Injured In Clifton Crash: Police
• Teen Seriously Injured In Clifton Crash Welcomed Home

Bystander Witnesses Break-In At Burke District Camera

A resident's observant eye helped police catch suspects in a break-in at District Camera in Burke. Officers were not able to track down the second vehicle.

• Burglar Breaks Into District Camera In Burke: Police

Burke Gets Insane Amount Of Rainfall

2018 was the year of rain, and July 21 was a wet one for Burke in particular. The National Weather Service rounded up rainfall totals for the deluge-like weather, and Burke led the region.

A Customs and Border Protection officer was arrested and charged for shooting his dog in the head and leaving its dead body at a Fairfax Station park. A witness had heard a noise and found the dead German Shepherd.