12 of Peabody's Biggest Stories in 2012

As 2012 comes to end, we're looking at some of the biggest stories to hit Peabody this year.

The following list is merely in chronological order, not by rank of importance or popularity with readers. And while these stories grabbed Peabody's attention this year, they really just scratched the surface of all that goes on in this hub of activity on the North Shore.

If there was a particular story that resonated with you this past year that's not on this list, let us know in the comments section.

1. 

Dec. 17, 2012 -- As a show of support for the victims, their families and the entire community of Newtown, Conn., Peabody residents were asked to wear the school colors of Sandy Hook Elementary (green and white) Monday. Meanwhile, security and safety measures were increased at Peabody schools for the week.

2. City Adopts Child Sex Offender Law

Dec. 13, 2012 -- Peabody joins more than 40 other cities and towns in the Bay State by creating a local child sex offender ordinance to restrict the activities of convicted offenders. The local effort by Mayor Ted Bettencourt started this past summer.

3. Peabody Officer Wojick Facing Charges for Indecent Assault on Child

Nov. 30, 2012 -- The DA's office said police officer Fred Wojick was arrested Thursday night on charges of indecent assault and battery and disseminating obscene material (pornography) to a minor. The veteran officer was then suspended from duty while the case against him made its way through the district court. The victim, a family member, claimed she was sexually abused by Wojick, as a child.

4. State Rep. Joyce Spiliotis Has Died

Nov. 29, 2012 -- Peabody native and state Rep. Joyce Spiliotis died early this morning following a brief illness. She was 65.

5. Police Hunt for 2 Suspects in Armed Robbery at Town Variety

Nov. 25, 2012 -- Peabody police, state troopers and multiple K-9 units were out in force downtown Sunday night, searching for two suspects in an armed robbery at a convenience store. In the following days, police arrested two men, one of whom was a .

6. One Passenger Dead After Monday's Crash on 128

Oct. 29, 2012 -- Massachusetts suffered just two casualties during the onslaught from Hurricane Sandy -- one of them was a passenger in a fatal car crash on Route 128 in Peabody.

7. Peabody Family Searching for Missing 12-Year-Old

Oct. 14, 2012 -- Police are searching for 12-year-old Joseph Christopulos, Jr., who was reportedly last seen leaving a school in Methuen Friday afternoon. [The boy was eventually found safe and sound.]

8. 12-Year-Old Saves Family After Father Has Seizure on Rt. 95

Sept. 8, 2012 -- A 12-year-old boy saved his father and sister Saturday morning after his father suffered a seizure while driving on Route 95 in Peabody. [Local officials were so impressed with the youngster's bravery, they held a special ceremony at City Hall to formally praise his actions.]

9. 5 Residents Lose Home in Two-Alarm Fire [PHOTOS]

July 25, 2012 -- A house at 20 Endicott St. caught fire Wednesday afternoon. Inspectors say the home is uninhabitable and will be torn down.

10. It's Finally Here: Red's Kitchen & Tavern Opens for Business

May 15, 2012 --  Peabody's newest restaurant has been creating a buzz for years really, with fans of the original Salem establishment closely following the latest tidbits on the Route 1 development ever since it was first announced two summers ago. And now those fans' long-suffering is at an end -- Red's Kitchen & Tavern finally opens its doors today at 131 Newbury St.

11. Stonewood Tavern Slated for May Grand Opening

April 24, 2012 -- The Palumbos hope to evoke an atmosphere of a bygone era for Peabody patrons at the Stonewood Tavern, just without the familiar smells of the tanneries that went with it.

12. Five Guys Coming to Peabody

Jan. 13, 2012 -- The Virginia-based burger joint is opening another North Shore location soon, right on Route 114 in Peabody. ["Soon" turned into this past September when the restaurant finally opened its doors.]