Most-Read Wayne Stories of December

Here is a recap of what happened in Wayne in December.

Fire Gutted Wayne Home on Christmas Night

A Beechwood Drive home was deemed uninhabitable after a fire completely gutted the house on Christmas night.

Attempted Murder Charge Filed Against Man

Brian Curry, 24, was charged with attempted murder and possession of heroin in connection with the shooting of a 27-year-old man in Paterson.

Raymond Morales, 20, was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident when he struck a utility pole and fled before returning to the scene on Parish Drive.

Former Council Candidate Arraigned

Arlene Marchese, 34, was arraigned on charges they diverted more than $200,000 in insurance payments into their own private accounts. Marchese was a Democratic candidate for town council in 2011.

Officials Mistakenly Send Out Grade Notice

District officials said incorrect information regarding the weighting of college preparatory courses at the high schools was “inadvertently disseminated”. Officials sent out a notice to parents afternoon that the district would begin weighting the grades students receive in college prep courses "effective immediately."

Officials quickly sent out a retraction, saying the earlier notice was “inadvertently sent” and to disregard the message.

Footprints Lead to Man Accused of Burglary Attempt

Scott Gelok, 26, was charged with attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools after Lincoln Park police reported he attempted to gain entry to a residence by smashing a window.

Hills Comes Up Short in State Title Defense

The Wayne Hills Patriots lost to Pascack Valley 20-11 in the state sectional football tournament. It proved to be the last game Chris Olsen would coach after a historic 28-year career at the school.

“All 28 years at Wayne Hills, it has been a pleasure to be around them, a pleasure to be around their parents. I am certainly going to miss them,” Olsen said.

Police Increase Security in Wake of Shootings

Security was increased at the town’s14 public schools following the horrific school shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown Conn. where 28 people, including the gunman, were killed.

Uniformed and plainclothes police officers patrolled at each school throughout the week in response to the tragedy.

Council Approves New Money-Saving Sewer Disposal Method

The township is expected to save $16 million by entering into a new agreement to dispose of its sewer waste through the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission.

The council approved the agreement at a meeting this month.

Instead of burning waste sludge at the sewer treatment plant, it will be transported to the PVSC in Newark and incinerated there. Sludge is currently incinerated and the ash transported to Pennsylvania every two weeks.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.