Top 2018 Greater Alexandria Stories: Richmond Highway Widening

FORT HUNT, VA—As we wrap up 2018, we're taking a look back on the most-read stories on Greater Alexandria Patch. From a major accolade for Collingwood Lights to progress on the South Alex development, there was a variety of news readers followed. There were also a few major police incidents, including the murder of 16-year-old Jholie Moussa and escape from a motel barricade.

Here are the top stories around Greater Alexandria over the last calendar year:

Collingwood Lights Wins Great Christmas Light Fight

Bill Vaughan's Collingwood Lights has been a local favorite among holiday displays. Now it can boast the title of one of the nation's favorites. Collingwood Lights was featured on ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight" and won the prize on Nov. 26.

Mount Vernon Teen Jholie Moussa Remembered

Hundreds of family said goodbye to 16-year-old Jholie Moussa at a memorial service in February. The Mount Vernon teen's body had been found Jan. 26 in Woodlawn Park after she had been missing for weeks. Her ex-boyfriend was charged for the murder and faces trial.

• Jholie Moussa Murder Case Heading To Trial
• Ex-Boyfriend Charged For Jholie Moussa's Murder
• Family Of Jholie Moussa Calls For Amber Alert Reform

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'Wonder Woman 1984' Films In Alexandria

"Wonder Woman 1984," the sequel to last year's hit film, filmed in Alexandria, Gov. Ralph Northam, the Virginia Film Office and Warner Bros. Pictures announced. Production took place in Washington, D.C., Alexandria, the UK, Spain and the Canary Islands.

Man Killed In Mount Vernon Crash Remembered

The vicim of a fatal Mount Vernon crash co-founded a fundraising and political consulting firm serving Republican members of Congress. According to a GoFundMe account set up in remembrance of Graham, his wife Dria is expecting a baby boy.

Richmond Highway Widening Plans Moving Forward

The Virginia Department of Transportation's project will widen a section of Richmond Highway from four to six lanes in an effort to reduce congestion and improve safety. The design would create six lanes on the road between Jeff Todd Way and Napper Road.

• Richmond Highway Project Could Displace Homes, Businesses

Boy Helps Neighbor In Need During Emergency In Fairfax County

A Fairfax County boy is being praised for his quick response to help get a resident needing medical attention in the Groveton area.

Motel Barricade Suspect Arrested After Chase Through Region

The suspect who escaped from a barricade situation in a Belle Haven motel was arrested after a pursuit through the region. Alton Thodos, 32, escaped when police went to the Virginia Lodge Motel in Belle Haven on Sept. 29 to serve an arrest warrant. He was believed to be responsible for other crimes since the escape.

• Virginia Lodge Motel Barricade: Man Escapes, Search Underway

Aldi Confirmed For South Alex Development

Part of the efforts to revitalize the Richmond Highway corridor will come to fruition through the South Alex mixed-use development. Aldi signed on after The Fresh Market backed out of plans to be the anchor store.

• South Alex Development Could Begin Construction: Report

First DC Area Dunkin' Donuts Of Its Kind Opens In Huntington

Dunkin's Next Generation Concept Store in the Huntington area offers a modernized design and new technologies to make the customer experience faster and more convenient.

Multiple Vehicles Catch Fire, 1 Dead On Woodrow Wilson Bridge

One person died after multiple cars caught on fire on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in June.

Image via Patch