Brookfield's Most-Read Stories: 2020 Year In Review

BROOKFIELD, WI— If there's one thing to say about 2020, it's that it was a unique year.

While the coronavirus pandemic undoubtedly dominated the headlines this year, other stories caught our readers' attention, including from the updates on the closings and openings of businesses, to local Black Lives Matters rallies and odd crime stories.

Brookfield Patch has also offered stories on how businesses are coping with the pandemic as well as how residents are helping each other.

Before we step into 2021, Patch looked back over 2020 and, using reader input and online data, identified the top stories of 2020:

Bed Bath & Beyond Brookfield Store Is Closing

In September it was announced Bed Bath & Beyond will close its store in Brookfield. The location at 605 Main Street is among 63 locations nationwide the housewares chain said it would shutter by the end of this year. The Brookfield location is the only Wisconsin store listed.

Brookfield Fuddruckers Closes For Good

Fuddruckers, a build-your own hamburger joint with a restaurant location in Brookfield has closed its doors for good. A sign posted on the front of the restaurant, located at 16065 W. Bluemound Road stated the restaurant permanently closed as of July 15.

Longtime Brookfield Alderman Sutton Announces His Resignation

After 16 years as an alderman in Brookfield, Dan Sutton announced his decision to resign effective September. Sutton said he and his wife, Sarah, found a home in Lake Country they didn't want to pass up.

Brookfield Tennis Coach, Educator Dave Steinbach Retires

After more than 50 years teaching and coaching tennis in Brookfield, Dave Steinbach has retired from the Elmbrook School District. He most recently served as Head Girls Tennis Coach at Brookfield Central.

Hundreds Gather To Protest Wisconsin 'Safer At Home' Extension

A group of protesters ranging from several hundred to more than one thousand people gathered along Bluemound Road in Brookfield in April to protest the extension of Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' "Safer At Home" order.

Witness Calls Brookfield Teen Arrest 'Horrifying'

Brookfield police say a 13-year-old accused of shoplifting at a Burlington Coat Factory likely would have been issued a ticket had the situation not escalated.

As the scene unfolded Tuesday night in Brookfield, witnesses say at least 15 officers from three departments took part in arresting the 13-year-old, and observers say they watched in horror as the child was taken to the ground by officers. The incident was captured on video.

Protest Planned Friday In Brookfield, Organizers Say

A protest over the death of George Floyd, who died with a police officer's knee on his neck on Memorial Day, was planned for Brookfield in June, and organizers say they have felt a measure of support from local residents and authorities.

Brookfield Police Asked To Cancel Pro-Police Rally

A rally in support of Brookfield police that was originally planned was canceled after local authorities asked organizers not to hold the event, according to city officials. Brookfield Police Chief Daniel Tushaus said in June, his police department did not want a rally, and asked for the mayor's help. The mayor reportedly contacted one of the people in charge of hosting the event, saying he expressed appreciation for the intended support, but relayed that the police department would prefer there not be a rally. The rally was subsequently canceled by event organizers at the request of the police department

Free Pizza Delivered As Voters Wait In Line In Brookfield

Brookfield poll workers and people waiting in line to vote at City Hall got a delicious surprise after they received free pizza from Nonpartisan grassroots organization, Pizza to the Polls.

The organization sends food trucks with snacks and delivers pizza to polling places with long lines. The food is free for anyone there. The first day of early voting had eager voters lining up to fill out their ballots. There were long lines in the City of Brookfield as only 13 people were allowed in the city hall at one time.

Lou Malnati's Sets Brookfield Opening Date

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria on the corner of Bluemound and Moorland Roads outside Brookfield Square Mall at 15795 West Bluemound Road opened in August.

Brookfield's Mr. B's Steakhouse To Reopen For Business Wednesday

After being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant owned by Paul Bartolotta will open with new safety guidelines in place.Mr. B's was the third of Bartolotta's restaurants to reopen after being closed for months due to the pandemic.

Brookfield WhirlyBall Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Opened in October 2019 in Brookfield, WhirlyBall is an entertainment mecca and restaurant bringing a one-of-a-kind social experience to the Milwaukee area. The venue is located at Brookfield Square, 185 S. Morland Road. Customers want to get out of the house safely and have ample space to spread out. One of the keys to their success through the pandemic has been social distancing and offering private spaces for groups.

Anytime Fitness In Brookfield Launches Outdoor Gym

The pandemic has caused many businesses to think outside the box to meet the needs of their clients. For one Brookfield business owner, that has meant thinking outside the gym. Anna Tiry, the owner of Anytime Fitness-Ruby Isle in Brookfield, located at 2205 North Calhoun Road, moved exercise equipment from inside the gym into tents in the parking lot.

Brookfield Bar Owner Stayed Open After Coronavirus Ban

A Brookfield saloon owner says he may have "taken things too far," but had to speak out for business owners everywhere, after he kept his bar open on St. Patrick's Day after Gov. Tony Evers ordered all dine-in bars and restaurants closed over coronavirus transmission concerns. Saloon on Calhoun owner Dave Dayler opened his bar at 4 p.m. tried keeping it open after the 5 p.m. Police showed up and he closed down for the evening.

Masked Man Flashes Gun During Brookfield Central Zoom Class

A masked person aimed a gun at a camera during a Zoom class at Brookfield Central High School in September. According to police, someone was able to gain unauthorized online access to the Zoom classroom. A participant pretending to be one of the actual students in class was allowed into a Zoom meeting from the virtual waiting room, the district said. The individual exposed his buttocks to the camera and pointed a firearm at the camera before being removed from the online meeting.

Brookfield Couple Lands Deal For Sleep Product On 'Shark Tank'

A Brookfield couple won investment in their sleeping product after pitching to investors on "Shark Tank." Matt Mundt, who founded and started Hug Sleep in 2019 with only $2,500 landed a $300,000 investment deal in exchange for a 20% stake in Hug Sleep.

Brookfield Man Restores Sleigh From 1891 For Late Mother

Bob Fuchs, a student supervisor at Brookfield Central, restores a sleigh from 1891. Bob Fuchs' mother loved Christmas. She wanted him to continue to spread holiday cheer after she died. He continued to use the sleigh to give back to the community.

Brookfield Chiropractor Describes Impact Of Pandemic On Clients

Dr. Paul Ralston, the co-owner of One Source Wellness & Chiropractic in Brookfield is hoping 2021 will be better for everyone. Ralston had three massage therapists but is now down to two. One of his massage therapists was set on fire while walking her dogs during an attack Sept. 2 by a man who authorities said apparently mistook her for someone else. The woman, Amber Fuller, has since identified herself on Facebook and has also been identified in a GoFundMe page established to raise funds for her.

Twins In Brookfield Had Heart Transplants, Now Mom Faces Cancer

Dan and Christine Roehling's motto is to not focus on life's challenges but to count their blessings. Even as Christine faces a fight for her life, the couple's faith remains strong. Their twin daughters had heart transplants and now Christine has cancer. Their dream is to make-over their backyard and make memories. A West Bend tree nursery is helping them to raise money for the project.