2016 in Review: TAPinto Clark's Top Stories of the Year

CLARK, NJ – As we welcome 2017, TAPinto Clark takes a look back at the stories that captured readers’ attention in 2016.  The following stories garnered the most reads throughout the year.  From human interest to crime, from government to youth sports, Clark readers responded to the news of their community.

In January, a baby stricken with RSV touched the hearts of the community.

• Clark Mom Asks Community to Pray for Baby
• Clark Mom Calls Baby's Recovery a 'Miracle,' Thanks Community for Prayers

In September, a man threated a neighbor with a machete and was ultimately shot by a Clark police officer.

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• Breaking: Mayor Says Clark Cops Shot Man Wielding Machete
• Union County Prosecutor's Office Releases Statement of Charges Against Knife-Wielding Clark Man

A national election issue touches close to home when a Clark resident creates a display in support of Trump’s immigration policy.

• Clark Man Builds Trump's Wall; Who Should Come To America?

After 54 years, Clark Pop Warner ends its youth football program due to low enrollment.

• Youth Football Controversy: Clark Pop Warner Suspends Season, St. Agnes CYO Starts Flag League

Trust comes into question as a burglar claims utility employee status to enter a Clark home.

• Suspect Identifies as Utility Employee to Gain Entrance to Clark Home

Driving a stolen car, three men crashed into a construction trailer on Broadway.  A subsequent search of the area involved multiple departments and the Union County K-9 unit.

• One in Custody, Two on the Loose After Friday Afternoon Clark Crash

Natural gas in the area of the dryer caused a midday explosion in a Clark home.

• One Injured in Home Explosion in Clark

A Clark police car is hit in the intersection of Central Avenue and Raritan Road on a Sunday afternoon in July.

• Midday Accident on Central Avenue Sends Clark Police Officer to Hospital

A Clark police officer lost his home in a pre-Christmas fire.  Days later, another blaze takes a Fulton Street home.

• Clark FD Responds to House Blaze
• Clark Fire Department Responds to House Fire on Fulton Street

While Clark police responded to an underage drinking party elsewhere in town, an altercation at Gran Centurions required the assistance of neighboring departments.

• Surrounding Police Departments Respond to Party at Clark Catering Venue
• Underage Drinking in Clark: What Does It Mean For Your Teen?

The community rallied around Monika Guzman as she battled stomach cancer.

• Clark Mom Fights Aggressive Stomach Cancer; Friends Seek Community Support

Theft from unlocked cars are an ongoing problem in Clark and neighboring suburban communities.

• Clark Car Break-ins Number 14 Over Saturday Night

It’s car v. building and neither won.

• Vehicle Crashes Through Panda Express in Clark Monday Afternoon

Westfield Avenue improvements remain a controversial issue in Clark, but plans to institute a special improvement district fall flat under property-owners’ objections.

• 'Special Improvement District' Slated for Clark’s Westfield Avenue Corridor
• Westfield Avenue Property Owners Shoot Down Special Improvement District in Clark

A Union County grand jury settles a 2015 case.

• Clark Police Chief Responds to Grand Jury’s Findings of Legally Justified Force
• Grand Jury Finds Clark Police Use of Force Justified

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