Southbury’s Most Read Stories of 2012

As the final days of 2012 wind down and Southbury residents begin to turn the calendar to a new year, Southbury Patch looks back at some of the most popular stories of the past twelve months. From new additions to town to lives lost too soon, the stories below captured the attention of readers more than any others this year.

Southbury McDonald’s Robbed at Gunpoint

Two men wearing masks and brandishing guns, knives and baseball bats robbed the McDonald’s in the Southbury Plaza and made off with approximately $5,000 in cash in September.

Pomperaug Student Passes Away After Battle With Leukemia

Tucker Gowen, a Pomperaug High School student and member of the swim team, passed away in October after battling with leukemia. Tucker passed away in the early morning hours with his loved ones by his side.

Southbury Convenience Store Robbed at Gunpoint, Police Searching for Suspect

A suspect reportedly entered the Kirin Mart in June and pointed his gun at the owner of the store and a customer within the store. This was the second time the Kiran Mart was robbed in two months.

Southbury Man Survives Colorado Movie Massacre

A Southbury man was among those shot inside an Aurora, Colo. movie theater in July. Stephen Barton, 22, of Southbury, suffered gunshot wounds to his neck and chest as well as some superficial wounds to his arm and surrounding areas.

Frozen Yogurt Shop Coming to Southbury Plaza

Froyo World, the self-proclaimed first self-serve frozen yogurt lounge in Connecticut, scheduled an opening at the Southbury Plaza this spring.

McDonald’s Manager Charged With Conspiring in Southbury Armed Robbery

State Police arrested a Waterbury man in connection with an armed robbery at Southbury McDonald’s in September. The man conspired in the armed robbery and was arrested and charged with several counts including first-degree criminal liability for robbery.

T.J. Maxx Sets Opening Date for Southbury Plaza Location

In March, T.J. Maxx, the nation’s largest off-price retailer, announced doors would unlock for the grand opening of their new Southbury location in April. The 21,990 sq. ft. store located in the Southbury Plaza replaced Border’s, which vacated the plaza last year.

Southbury Man Found Dead on Florida Beach

A body that washed ashore on a Florida beach in October was identified as Jay Harper, 47, of Southbury. Harper’s body was discovered by the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and was later identified by homicide detectives.

Who Makes Southbury's Best Burger?

In May Southbury Patch ran one of its first Reader’s Choice competitions, asking the town what business it thought made the best burger. The competition was widely read and users voted over 270 times for their restaurant of choice.

Walk of Remembrance for Tucker Gowen [PHOTO GALLERY]

A photo gallery of the walk of remembrance, in October in memory of Pomperaug High School student Tucker Gowen who passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia.