This is the sixth of 10 vignettes about the top local stories of the year, as chosen by the staff of The Day. To see all of the top stories of the year, visit http://www.theday.com/section/2016inreview/.

The year began for state Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-18th District, with a wrong-way crash on Route 32 in Waterford in January that was attributed to a seizure. Court documents charged that the seizure was the result of a July 2014 fall from an outdoor staircase at his Stonington home in which he suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was re-elected in the fall of 2014 to a fifth term and continued to struggle with his speech over the next two years, declining interviews with the media.

In February, Maynard announced through his spokesman that he would not seek a sixth term in November,

“It has been an honor to serve in the Senate on behalf of my neighbors and the people of the 18th District,” Maynard stated. “I want to thank everyone for their prayers and well wishes, and I am grateful to live in such a beautiful and supportive community. I have made the decision to not seek re-election. There is much work to do this legislative session, and I am committed to continuing to work to create jobs, grow the economy and balance our budget.”

A few hours later in an previously scheduled event, Republican Heather Somers of Groton announced she would be seeking Maynard’s seat. She went on to defeat Democrat Timothy Bowles in the November election. Maynard remains in office until Somers is sworn in on Jan. 4.

— Joe Wojtas