As 2018 comes to a close, we take a look back at some of the most can't-turn-away-from stories, some of the most uplifting stories, and some of the memorable goodbyes over the past year in Rochester:

Astacio Removed from the Bench

A legal saga that captured Rochester's attention — and dominated local headlines for more than two and a half years — finally came to its conclusion when now-former Rochester City Court Judge Leticia Astacio was officially removed from the bench. Or has it?

Astacio's case has had many twists and turns since she was first arrested for drunk driving in 2016. She spent time in jail, missed court dates while traveling overseas and was accused of trying to purchase a shotgun, a violation of her probation. She's still going through court proceedings for that alleged probation violation, but the real story ended when she was officially removed from the bench.

“Being a judge never defined me.” Hear from Leticia Astacio, in her own words, on her removal from the bench, the freedom to be herself, and what’s next for her in this exclusive interview with @MelJohnsonTV. #ROC pic.twitter.com/tK2wce3tt7 — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) October 17, 2018

Louise Slaughter’s Death

Rep, Louise Slaughter served as Rochester’s congressional representative for more than three decades before she died on March 16. She was first elected to office in 1976 as a member of the Monroe County Legislature and served our community ever since. She served in the New York State Assembly from 1982 to 1986, the same year she was elected to Congress, a position she would hold more than 30 years, covering 16 terms. One of her crowning achievements was being the first woman to chair the powerful House Rules Committee. Dignitaries came to Rochester for her funeral service where Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi and John Lewis all shared memories and stories of their beloved colleague. Slaughter dedicated decades to public service and Rochester is a better place because of her lifelong work.

“Like a lot of women, she didn’t get into politics to make a name for herself. She got into politics because she wanted to make a difference.” @HillaryClinton at Rep. Louise Slaughter's funeral in downtown Rochester. #ROC pic.twitter.com/zlN9ZMhzF8 — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) March 23, 2018

Lambo Crash Floods East Avenue

It's not everyday you see a Lamborghini in Rochester. It's even more rare when that Lamorghini crashes into a fire hydrant, floods one of Rochester's most affluent neighborhoods, and then the driver flees the scene and leaves the car, but that's exactly what happened on May 6. The driver, Devin Tribunella, was later issued a citation for leaving the scene of a property damage accident, but the scene of the crashed, yellow Lambo and a flooded East Avenue, remains in the minds of many.

Rochester police are looking for the Lamborghini driver who fled the scene after crashing into a fire hydrant on East Avenue last night. Rushing waters flooded East between Argyle and Culver. #ROC pic.twitter.com/DwoZDbxLqU — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) May 7, 2018

Bills End Playoff Drought

Technically the Bills playoff drought ended in the last few hours of 2017, when a miracle throw in a Bengals vs. Ravens game on New Year's Eve pushed the Bills into the postseason for the first time in nearly two decades, but that elation (or relief?) lifted the spirts of Western New Yorkers for the rest of the year. Not making the playoffs for 17 years in a row made the Bills the punchline of many NFL jokes, but it's all in the past now. Aside from the celebrations, of which there were many, it also gave Bills Mafia a chance to show their charitable side. Bills fans donated more than $400,000 to Andy Dalton's foundation after the Bengals QB helped break the drought.

SURPRISE!! Just as @jjdalton5, @andydalton14’s wife, was getting emotional at the podium, saying she wished Andy was here, he showed up! @SPECNewsBuffalo pic.twitter.com/xZZEgScuZV — Maura Christie (@maurachristieTV) August 26, 2018

Trevyan Rowe's Death

Tragedy struck in March when the body of 14-year-old Trevyan Rowe was pulled from the Genesee River. For days on end, more than 1,000 volunteers canvassed Rochester, searching for the autistic teen after he went missing. Though the outcome was not what the community had wanted, it highlighted the close-knit nature of Rochester's residents and how we help one another when we need it most.

Trevyan Rowe's uncle Ken Handy said of search, "I didn't see somebody looking for a black child. I saw somebody looking for a child that was lost. I saw white women looking for a child as if it were their child. It touched me. It strengthened me." #ROC pic.twitter.com/QNDn1L97wd — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) March 12, 2018

RPD Says "Goodnight" to Golisano Patients

Members of the Rochester Police Department and other first responders lined Crittenden Boulevard earlier this month to exchange a special “goodnight” with patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Police cars, fire trucks and ambulances flashed their lights to the patients who waved glow sticks back. It may seem like a small gesture, but patients, their parents and hospital staff all expressed appreciation to the first responders. A little light and a little love go a long way, especially around the holidays.

Officers with the @RochesterNYPD found a special way to say goodnight to kids at @URMed_GCH on Wednesday, flashing the lights on their cars while patients waved back with glow sticks🚨 pic.twitter.com/074WR9oUMj — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) December 6, 2018

10-Year-Old Police Chief

RPD made a dream come true on June 21 when they swore in 10-year-old Jayson Symonds as honorary chief of police. Jayson has been battling Leukemia since he was just two years old and he said he’s always dreamed of being a police officer. On this day, his dream came true.

10-year old Jayson Symonds was sworn in as honorary Chief of @RochesterNYPD for a day. Jayson is in remission after battling leukemia since he was two. He's always dreamed of being a police officer 👏♥💪. #ROC @makeawishwny @MakeAWish #RPD pic.twitter.com/zU3wyReUhU — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) June 22, 2018

Get The Led Out Sells Out Party in the Park

Party in the Park is a longstanding summer music series held in downtown Rochester. Over the years it has moved around the city as it continues to get bigger and bigger. The annual lineup offers a variety of musical genres every year that are intended to offer something for everyone, regardless of their personal taste. However, young, old, and everyone in between came out when Get the Led Out, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, performed on June 21. It was Party in the Park’s first ever sellout crowd! Not a bad way to bring in the first official night of summer.

The first official night of summer was met with some classic rock — Led Zeppelin tribute band, Get the Led Out delighted a lively downtown crowd for Party in the Park. #ROC pic.twitter.com/eE9AxbGTYi — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) June 22, 2018

Mike Hedeen's Death

Reporter Mike Hedeen was our longtime colleague and friend. He passed away on May 2 at the age of 64. “Mo” as he was affectionately called in our newsroom, worked with us for 28 years and he was as diligent as he was talented, covering the news in the community he embraced. In sports he covered everything from the 1995 Ryder Cup, to several LPGA Championships, to sought-after basketball recruits dominating local competition, to an Amerks Calder Cup run. In news he reported on windstorms, J-Mac, Anthony DiPonzio and countless others major news stories over the years. He garnered many awards through the course of his decorated career, but as great as a reporter he was, he was an even better man. Rest in peace Mo, you are truly missed by all of us here at Spectrum News.

As we mourn the loss of our former colleague Mike Hedeen, who passed away from cancer, here’s a look back at what made him truly one of a kind. Rest in peace Mo. pic.twitter.com/ltiGIYMueg — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) May 3, 2018

Deplorable Store

While most people celebrate their 4th of July with hot dogs and fireworks, one group of folks spent their holiday protesting a Webster store called “Trump’s Team Deplorable.” Owner Bruce Ben-Dov says he opened the store to support President Trump’s policies. The store didn’t last long, closing just days after its grand opening, but in the short time it was open, it created some fireworks of its own.

Demonstrators in Webster celebrated their 4th of July by peacefully protesting the Pro-Trump “Team Deplorable” store — the store owner says he wears it “as a badge of honor.” #ROC pic.twitter.com/KqhY9lUUZn — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) July 5, 2018

Rochester's First Chik-fil-A

Fast food fans had been waiting anxiously for the day that Chik-fil-A would open a store locally. That day came on April 12 when the franchise opened a store in Greece. Some fans were so excited that they camped out in the parking lot for 24 hours straight for a chance to win free food for a year. The campers overcame the cold conditions and even got a high-five from the mascot on their way to making their first order. Following up on that store's success, developers have locked eyes on Henrietta for a second Rochester location. Ready for a second helping of some chicken?

They did it! Chicken enthusiasts camping at the new @chikfila in #GreeceNY overcame wet, and borderline freezing weather for more than 24 hours to earn some free food for a year! #ROC pic.twitter.com/WYQsfmnFyw — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) April 12, 2018

Rochester Prep Sends 100% of Graduates to College

May 18 was Decision Day at Rochester Prep. The school’s first ever senior class left a lofty standard for future classes to fulfil as 100 percent of their graduates were accepted to colleges. Students, teachers, and staff joined in a school-wide ceremony where students showed their peers where they would go for their next stage in life.

Today was Decision Day at Rochester Prep — where 100% of the graduates from school's first-ever senior class were accepted to colleges. 👏 #ROC pic.twitter.com/GycZdouJxa — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) May 18, 2018

ROC The Riverway Project

In February, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $50 million state investment to redevelop areas along the Genesee River in Rochester. A number of projects were proposed, from skate parks to infrastructure renovations, but the overall goal is to showcase the river to create more jobs, restaurants and other businesses along downtown’s waterfront.

JUST IN: Gov. Cuomo details where $50 million in state funding will be directed to redevelop downtown waterfront properties along the Genesee River as part of the “ROC the Riverway” project. #ROC pic.twitter.com/IU6GwmmBGr — Spectrum News ROC (@SPECNewsROC) August 1, 2018

Getaway Guy Signs Off

March 1 marked the end of an era in Rochester when Mike O’Brian, our Getaway Guy, retired after 23 years with us. While you may have noticed his voice in the thousands of traffic reports he recorded over the years, he was more well known for his features that took him near and far to explore day trips in our region and extended journeys abroad. Whatever assignment he was on Mike always carried himself with kindness, creativity and an outstanding sense of humor. Congrats on your retirement Mike, take some time to travel!

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Farewell 2018 and welcome 2019!