Late-Night Garden Thieves, Zoo Fire: Top Reston News Of 2021

RESTON, VA — As it was in 2020, COVID-19 and the local response to it was what Patch readers in Reston, as well as those across the region, were most interested in during 2021.

The availability of the COVID-19 vaccine was one of the top stories in Reston for the year. People also wanted to know where they could obtain the vaccine and, more recently, where they could get tested.

But Restonians, like much of the rest of the country, were also concerned about the aftermath of the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Related: COVID-19, Cicadas, Capitol Riot: Top VA News Stories Of 2021

When it came to Reston specific stories, Patch readers were concerned about an increased police presence due to a Halloween weekend threat, the ransacking of two local community gardens by late-night thieves, a fire at Roer's Zootopia and the fatal hit-and-run crash involving a Reston father.

To stay up to date on Reston and Fairfax County news in 2022, subscribe to our free news alerts and morning newsletter. If you would like to share story ideas, send me an email at michael.oconnell@patch.com.

Here are Reston's top stories of 2021:

Community

• Crowds Flock To Opening Of Reston Farmers Market
• Updated: Waffles, Companion Giraffe Killed In Zoo Fire
• Reston Association: RA's CEO Resigns
• Lake Anne Property Owners Call On County To Intervene In Election
• Reston Founder's Widow Cited For Assault At Condo Meeting
• Who Killed Gwen Ames? Reston's First Homicide Remains Unsolved
• Medical Student, 21, Who Loved Helping Others Dies Of COVID-19
• LGBTQIA+ Students Criticize School Official's 'Bigoted Comments'
• Reston Sculpture Buoyant Force To Be Celebrated On Friday
• Local Czech Community Steps Up To Help Reston Family In Need

Crime

• Halloween Weekend Threat Leads To Increased NoVA Police Presence
• Late-Night Thieves Ransack 2 Reston Community Gardens
• Homicide Charge Filed Against Son In Fatal Stabbing Of His Father
• Armed Robbery Of Reston Subway Under Investigation: Police
• Fairfax County's New Police Chief Comes With History Of Lawsuits
• Bank Robbery In Reston Under Investigation By Fairfax Police
• Reston Homicide Victim Identified By Fairfax County Police
• Body Of Reston Man Missing For Over 1 Year Found: Police

Health & Fitness

• Fairfax County Challenged By COVID-19 Vaccine Availability
• Here's The Estimated COVID-19 Vaccine Wait Time In Fairfax County
• COVID-19 Restrictions On Schools, Bars Eased By Northam Order
• New Virginia Hospital Safety Ratings: 36 Get 'A' Grade, 2 Get 'D'
• Meet An Alpaca And Get Vaccinated At Reston Pop-Up Clinic
• NoVA Returns To In-Person Schooling As Variants Grow More Deadly

Business

• Here's Where To Find The Best Slice Of Pizza In Reston
• New Reston Eatery Wants To Hire 100 Team Members
• Big Buns Reston Offering Special Grand Opening Bags
• Architect Dies In Bike Crash; Designed Plaza At Reston Station
• Playa Bowls Brings A Taste Of The Jersey Shore To Reston
• Labor Secretary Discusses Workforce Development With Reston Firm