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Following an Eater tradition, we asked a group of restaurant critics, journalists, bloggers, and as a new twist this year a couple industry pros to weigh in on the year in food. Their answers to an annual Year in Eater survey will be revealed in several posts this week. Next up, the dining experts share what 2021 restaurant openings excite them the most.

Tom Sietsema, Washington Post food critic: Im a big fan of Peruvian cooking, so I cant wait to take a bite out of Chelita in Blagden Alley, where chef Carlos Delgado will be featuring ceviche and skewered meats, fish, and vegetables the first of multiple ideas under one roof.

Jessica Sidman, Washingtonian food editor: It feels weird to be excited for a new restaurant, doesnt it? But Im very intrigued by Love, Makoto, the Japanese food hall coming to Capitol Crossing Development on Mass Ave. Maybe things will be semi-normal by the time its slated to open later next year?

Lenore Adkins, freelance food writer: Imperfecto, the latest from Venezuelan chef Enrique Limardo and co-owner Ezequiel Vzquez-Ger thatll bring a Latin-Mediterranean mix to West End. Theyre the same duo behind Immigrant Food and the wildly popular Seven Reasons and I honestly dont know how they get any sleep!

Ann Limpert, Washingtonian food editor and critic: Im excited to see what lawyer-turned-pizzaiolo Joey Barber does with the Capitol Hill brick and mortar space for Della Barba, which is currently carryout only. Hes getting into the bread game, too. And I cant wait to see what the Dabneys Jeremiah Langhorne has up his sleeve for later in the year.

Raman Santra, Barred in DC blogger: A tie between Daru (Indian food/cocktail spot) and Little Grand (long awaited pizza spot from All Souls folks).

Takera Gholson, Flights and Foods blogger: I am a chocolate lover so Im looking forward to Swiss chocolate chain Lderach coming to Union Station.

Simone Jacobson, co-owner of Thamee: St. Vincent Wine and De Rhum Spot on Georgia and Sherman Avenue NW, respectively, will bring a lot of great new energy to the neighborhood. I got a sneak peek at St. Vincent when construction was still being finished and I am fantasizing about very long afternoons in that humongous back garden and reading a book alone on the overlooking patio with lots and lots of great wine.

Anela Malik, Feed the Malik blogger: El Cielo. Though its already opened, Im truly excited for a time in 2021 (hopefully) where I feel comfortable sitting inside to try the tasting experience.

Tim Carman, Washington Post food columnist: You know what? I just want the bars and restaurants that closed down temporarily to return next year. That would be gift enough.

Paola Velez, executive pastry chef for Maydan, Compass Rose, and La Bodega: I havent experienced most of the new 2020 restaurants yet. Ill be trying to make my way through that list first.

Gabe Hiatt, Eater D.C. editor: Daru on H Street NE, with Dante Datta folding Indian flavors into cocktails and Suresh Sundas creating bar snacks like Desi guacamole papdi chaat or pickle-spiced achari chicken wings. The Peruvian multiplex coming to Blagden Alley from former China Chilcano chef Carlos Delgado and the Service Bar squad. Philotimo, Masseria chef-owner Nick Stefanellis long-delayed downtown restaurant that will take a high-end look at regional Greek cuisines. Maiz 64 on the 14th Street NW strip, because Im interested to see how chef Alam Mndez Florian rebounds after leaving Urbano 116, which got a lot better after ironing out some kinks. Jos Andrss Spanish Diner in Bethesda. Federalist Pig chef Rob Sondermans fried chicken place, Honeymoon Chicken, coming to Petworth. Carusos Grocery, a red sauce joint attached to the Roost in Capitol Hill. It will be fun to see what chef Autumn Cline does with her new executive chef job at Evening Star Cafe in Del Ray.

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The 2021 Restaurant Openings That D.C. Dining Experts Cant Wait to Try - Eater DC

Cookie Rich is a new cookie pickup and delivery service from Lorin Peters, a former chef de partie at The French Laundry. (Courtesy Todd White)

1. Bandit Coffee opened a second Austin location at 2902 Medical Arts St., Austin, in mid-November. The coffee shop originally opened in New York City before moving its operations to Austin. It opened its first Austin location in October on North Lamar Boulevard. Customers order coffee at the store through a mobile app. http://www.thebandit.com

2. Cookie Rich, a new cookie pickup and delivery service, is taking orders in Austin as of Dec. 10. The new company comes from Lorin Peters, a native Austinite whose career as a chef includes a stint as chef de partie at three-Michelin star restaurant The French Laundry in California. Customers can order Cookie Rich for delivery through DoorDash or pick up at the company's kitchen at 2201 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. http://www.getcookierich.com

3. An unnamed, 41-story condominium tower at 84 East Avenue that developers are calling The East Tower for permitting purposes is set to break ground in the middle of 2021, with construction completion scheduled for the of 2023. The tower will include 284 residential homes averaging 975 square feet, according to a press release from Austin-based developer Pearlstone Partners, which is partnering with New York development company ATCO Properties and Management on the project. Austin's Design Commission approved the project by a 6-0 vote Nov. 23. 512-835-4890. http://www.pearlstonepartners.com

4. Fabi + Rosi, a West Austin neighborhood restaurant located at 509 Hearn St., Austin, closed its doors for good Dec. 10. In a note to the community, husband-wife owners Wolfgang Murber and Cassie Williamson wrote that the time has come for them to say goodbye. "Because of you, not only did this little dream of ours come true, it expanded into much much more than the two of us could have imagined 12 years ago," they wrote. http://www.fabiandrosi.com

5. La Piscina opened Dec. 2 on the fifth floor of the Austin Proper Hotel & Residences at 600 W. Second St., Austin. The Mexican restaurant includes ceviche, seafood and fajitas. The restaurant comes from local restaurant group McGuire Moorman Hospitality, which also operates another restaurant, The Peacock, and a bar, Goldie's, within Austin Proper. 512-628-1415. http://www.properhotel.com

6. Rainey Street Burgers is set to open in January at 51 Rainey St., Unit 140A, Austin, on the ground floor of the SkyHouse apartments next to Salvation Pizza and Emmer & Rye. Owner Karen Robinson has been an Austin resident since 1976 and comes from a career in tech. 512-399-5711. http://www.raineystreetburgers.com

7. Refine Aesthetics opened Nov. 16 at 713 W. 14th St., Austin. The new med spa is owned by Courtney Gill, a graduate of The University of Texas who has been practicing medical and cosmetic dermatology in Austin for close to 10 years. 281-793-5224. http://www.refineaesthetics.com

8. Electric moped company Revel announced it has discontinued service in Austin as of Dec. 18. "This decision was made after careful consideration, and it was not an easy one," read a statement on the company's website. Revel initially launched in Austin in 2019. The company is still operating in New York, where it was founded, as well as in Miami, Washington, D.C., and the Bay Area. http://www.gorevel.com

9. Second Bar + Kitchen closed its downtown location at 200 Congress Ave., Austin, in mid-November after 10 years in operation. "We appreciate all our amazing patrons as well as the incredible group of professionals involved throughout the last decade," read a note on its website. The restaurant from James Beard Award-nominated chef David Bull remains open at the Domain Northside and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. http://www.secondbarkitchen.com

10. Downtown LGBTQ+ bar Sellers Underground, located at 213 W. Fourth St., Austin, closed permanently as of Dec. 5. "COVID-19 capacity restrictions have made it impossible for us to continue," the owners wrote in an Instagram post.

11. The W Austin and ACL Live at the Moody Theater, both located in the Block 21 property in downtown Austin. celebrated their 10th anniversaries in December. The building later added another, smaller music venue, 3Ten at ACL Live, which opened in 2016. W Austin: 200 Lavaca St., Austin. 512-542-3600. http://www.w-hotels.marriott.com. ACL Live: 310 Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin. 512-225-7999. http://www.acl-live.com

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Downtown Austin business news: New restaurants, a cookie service from an alum of The French Laundry and a second location for Bandit Coffee -...

The last month of 2020 hit Seattle bars and restaurants hard as statewide COVID-19 restrictions that banned indoor dining stretched into a second month.

While many had comfortably shifted to operating at a reduced capacity indoors early on in the fall, the new rules which Gov. Jay Inslee extended into January this week forced tired restaurateurs to once again pivot to takeout and outdoor seating, even as the days got rainier and temperatures dropped.

But even as over 80 restaurants permanently closed in 2020, there were a few bright notes in the food scene: several restaurants that closed earlier in the year have since reopened, including the vegan-haven Georgetown Liquor Company.

Other restaurants temporarily shut their doors amid the restrictions with plans to reopen sometime in 2021. Here's a list of closures and reopenings that occurred in December.

Endolyne Joe's in West Seattle.

This West Seattle spot for all manners of brunch fare and comfort food suspended service after the holidays with the hopes of reopening in the new year.

"We tried to make a go of the curbside/delivery services that we have been offering for the last several months, but we are at a point that we need to preserve enough capital to re-open when this nightmare is at least close to over," wrote the owners in a Facebook post. "We will be opening our doors back up when we are able to seat our tables again."

Alfi's Food and Deli in Denny Triangle.

The small bodega on Minor Avenue might not have seemed like much, but this Denny Triangle spot had survived 22 years in the fast-changing neighborhood. Many construction workers stopped by Alfi's for a quick and affordable lunch.

The owners closed the store and deli permanently on Dec. 13 after their lease renewal was denied.

According to Vanishing Seattle, the space is set to become a 7-11.

Feierabend

The after-work hub for beer and brats in South Lake Union closed on Dec. 23 after 14 years. With the neighborhood currently empty of tech workers as many continue to telecommute, the Bavarian brewpub decided not to renew their lease.

"Thank you for the years of support and great memories," wrote owner Chris Navarra in a farewell message.

Navarra's other German pubs, Prost, remain open in Phinney Ridge and West Seattle.

Jalisco Restaurant

South Park's family-owned Mexican restaurant quietly closed last month after 28 years in business.

The colorful restaurant served hearty plates of steaming enchiladas, carne asada and camarones al la diabla at affordable prices despite rising rent in the neighborhood.

Lecosho

After ten years of serving up seasonal, Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes from the Harbor Steps, popular happy-hour spot Lecosho permanently closed its doors at the end of December.

"What has really set us apart from most establishments in this city, is the genuine affection extant between our family and yours," wrote the owners in an Instagram post. "Without this, we would have been just one more restaurant bowing down under the weight of these impossibly difficult times."

Populuxe Brewing

Ballard's Populuxe Brewing closed before the holidays after eight years in the neighborhood, becoming one of the first breweries in Seattle to close as a result of the pandemic.

"Weve pivoted from takeout to outdoor service to indoor service back to outdoor service all while trying to balance concerns for the health and safety of our staff and customers," wrote the owners in a social media post announcing the closure. "Weve advocated at a local and federal level for financial help for small business grabbing the ear of every lawmaker we could get reach. We asked our landlord to listen to reason and work with us to modify our rent so we could survive to no avail. We filled out every grant and loan application available to us. But it was not enough and unfortunately, we have run out of options and time."

The nano-brewery grew a community in the neighborhood and even rose to critical acclaim among the state's beer lovers, winning Small Brewery of the Year at the 2018 Washington Beer Awards.

Wandering Goose

The Capitol Hill mainstay for southern brunch fare and pastries permanently closed after eight years in business. The bustling spot on 15th Avenue E. was sure to always have a line out the door on weekends.

"After eight years in Seattle and over one million biscuits baked, we want to take this moment to thank all of our extended Goose family and our amazing supportive community," wrote the owners in a farewell Instagram post. "The precarious economics of running a restaurant are no match for a global pandemic. We hope you continue to take this challenging time to support your existing, local independent restaurants."

But if you're really missing made-from-scratch biscuits and hospitality, their sister restaurant and hotel Tokeland remains operating for coastal retreats.

Grilled herb and Gouda polenta topped with apricot chutney and served with grilled purple carrots, drizzled with housemade balsamic reduction at Georgetown Liquor Company.

It wasn't all bad news in 2020: this longtime vegan-punk spot favorite actually reopened under new management of Highline's Alan Threewit, who was a longtime patron of the restaurant.

The reinvention of GLC keeps many of the classic menu items along with offering vegan sandwiches like French dip and pulled pork as well as infused cocktails from their new sister bar.

Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich at Pogacha Restaurant & Bar.

This Eastern Mediterranean staple reopened at their new Mercer Island outpost last month much to the delight of residents.

The Croatian-inspired restaurant is now serving up favorites like mushroom ravioli, lamb shank and fresh-baked flatbread pizza from their new home and are even offering delivery to island residents.

Clam chowder bowl at Seatown Market & Fishfry.

Downtown dwellers have something to cheer about in the new year: Tom Douglas's Seatown Market & Fishfry has officially reopened at Pike Place for all manners of salmon burgers and clam chowder.

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Seattle bars, restaurants that closed in December - seattlepi.com

Gavin Stewart|The Gaston Gazette

We can all agree this year has brought challenges like no other. Whether at work or home, COVID-19 has affected us all in some way.

The year also changed the Gaston County restaurant scene. Some spots permanently closed their doors after serving the community for many years.

And many new restaurants embraced the tough business climate and opened despite state and county stay-at-home orders and new, rigorous standards for cleaning and sanitization.

In this story we look back at the restaurants that left us this year, and we celebrate the restaurateurs who brought their concepts to Gaston County in 2020.

If we omitted a restaurant that should be included in this story, email gstewart@gastongazette.com.

2020 closures

Cicis

Most families probably recall the hot pizza, dessert buffet and arcade at Cicis in Franklin Square, which went by Cicis Pizza for most of its existence. In July, the franchise owner closed the Gastonia location after 22 years of business.

Market Street Buffet & Bakery

A longstanding buffet that served a variety of comfort foods also didnt escape the grip of COVID-19 restrictions. State COVID-19 restrictions especially hurt Market Street Buffett & Bakery and other local buffets, which relied mostly on dine-in customers rather than takeout.

Market Street, which opened 24 years ago, thanked patrons for their longtime dedication in a Facebook statement in July.

Franky Ts Pizzeria

When one doorcloses, another opens, but it doesn't always stay open.

In 2015, Franky Ts Pizzeria took the reins from Sal Rando, who ran Sals Pizzeria on North New Hope Road between Dallas in Gastonia. Franky Ts enjoyed business at the Food Lion shopping center until spring 2020, just as Gov. Roy Cooper ordered restaurants close their dining rooms.

Rando brought his pizzeria to the shopping center in November.

2020 openings

Booja Korean Restaurant

Gaston Countys first Korean barbecue restaurant opened this summer in the former Wassabi Japanese Restaurant location on South New Hope Road.

Booja Korean Restaurant, headed by Yunhee Yu, serves traditional Korean dishes, sushi and cocktails, as well as Japanese dishes and sushi.

In November, the restaurant unveiled tableside grills, which customers can use to cook their own Korean barbecue favorites similar to an experience at The Melting Pot.

B&Js Smokehouse and BBQ

Not far from Gastonia FUSE District sits Gaston Countys newest name in barbecue. B&Js Smokehouse and BBQ on West Franklin Boulevard, which opened before the pandemic, smokes much of its dishes, including the chicken, pork, cabbage and corn, and serves cocktails and beer to wash it all down.

Sammys Neighborhood Pub of Dallas

The second installment of Sammys Neighborhood Pub debuted inside a 150-year-old building on West Trade Street in Dallas in November. Customers can order most of the same offerings available at the Belmont location, including Sammys famous wings and fried pickles, sandwiches, craft beer and more.

De Corias Bagel Shop

Longing for authentic New York-style bagels? Look no further than De Corias Bagels in Franklin Square near Walmart. Patrons will find a good variety of bagels and cream cheeses, as well as signature sandwiches and Ruebens for lunch.

Sals Pizza

When Franky Ts Pizzeria shuttered in spring 2020, Sal Rando knew he should return to the kitchen along North New Hope Road near Dallas. In November, Rando reopened Sals Pizzeria, which closed in 2015, and was overwhelmed by support. The day after reopening, Rando said he had to turn the phones off to keep up with orders.

Primal Brewery

A brewery that opened in Huntersville in 2013 opened its second location in the former Rivermen Brewing Co. on Ervin Street in Belmont.

Aside from its solid beer offerings, owners David Hoy and Ray Steimel brought in Chef Tim Schafer to whip up a diverse menu of beer-infused dishes. The brewery also plans to relocate the majority of its brewing operations to Belmont.

JPs House

After Sakura Japanese Restaurant had a 20-year run in Franklin Square, Patrick Yang and Jim Chen owners of JPs House on Robinwood Road in Gastonia -- saw an opportunity they couldnt pass up. Prior to pandemic shutdowns, the duo opened a second location in the former Sakura location, which now features an open-concept view of the hibachi chef, a full service bar and a menu full of Japanese favorites.

Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill

A former car dealership at 10 Catawba St. in Belmont joined the ranks of downtown dining destinations.

Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill opened its second location the first in Matthews -- in May. An abundance of Irish entrees, burgers, steaks, appetizers, cocktails and more are available at this steampunk-themed grill. This location brews beer of its own, but also sells a number of regional craft beer.

Eateries of Franklin Woods

As crews wrapped up construction of the Franklin Woods retail corridor, it brought a handful of new restaurants for Gaston County residents to enjoy.

Bojangles, Salsaritas Fresh Mexican Grill, Bubbas 33 and Back Yard Burgers all opened at some point during 2020.

New locations

Pita Wheel

Gaston Countys epic, fast, fun center for wings, burgers and pita creations opened in downtown Gastonia in October after outgrowing its Dallas digs.

Pita Wheel features a beer garden with long festival tables made in Germany, a full service bar, a craft beer market and dining tables throughout.

Hillbillys BBQ & Steaks

After serving some of the areas best pit-smoked barbecue for 30 years near Interstate 85 in Lowell, Hillbillys BBQ & Steaks opened in a new standalone building on South Main Street.

While it was bittersweet, owner Gerald Duncan was happy to give his employees and patrons a new home so the restaurant could continue satisfying customers for decades to come.

You can reach reporter Gavin Stewart at 704-869-1819 or on Twitter @GavinGazette.

The rest is here:
Looking back at Gaston County restaurants we gained, lost in 2020 - Gaston Gazette

MiBiz readers showed a strong interest in our COVID-19 coverage this year, as well as news about free tuition, business layoffs, bankruptcies, restaurants, beer and marijuana.

Readership of MiBiz.com also grew even as we transitioned to a new paywall model for online stories. Its been a year like no other for all of us and we are grateful for your continued support and interest. (You can subscribe to MiBiz at this link.)

In early 2020 before the pandemic hit, Grand Rapids Community College announced that students who attend high school in Grand Rapids could receive tuition at GRCC, starting with the class of 2020. The plan was approved by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority board. News of the approval was MiBizs top-read story of 2020.

According to web traffic data, six of MiBizs top 10 read stories in 2020 involved the pandemic, including the top-read COVID-19 story from March 23 about construction companies first assessing what a statewide stay-home order meant for them. That first week of the pandemic had top-read stories about Gov. Gretchen Whitmers first stay-home order, which was opposed by leading business groups but followed similar actions in Illinois and Ohio. Despite not knowing the extent of COVID-19 in mid March which would lead to nearly 500,000 cases and more than 12,000 deaths in nine months restaurants and bars at the time were concerned about a statewide stay-home order, which one brewery said would be a bloodbath for the industry. More top-read COVID-19 stories included the effects that the pandemic had on furniture manufacturers Herman Miller Inc. and Steelcase Inc.

A recent year-end Q&A in the MiBiz Crystal Ball issue featured born-and-raised Muskegon resident Greg Maki, who discussed his local roots and early entry into the cannabis market. Maki, the owner of Agri-Med LLC, also discussed why he thinks some West Michigan cities will soon be oversaturated with dispensaries.

The past year produced several stories of area companies that had been struggling financially heading into the pandemic and then pushed over the edge. That included Pace Industries LLC, which manufactures die-cast parts and was previously acquired by the former Port City Group operations in Muskegon, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. Less than two months later, HopCat parent company BarFly Ventures LLC filed for Chapter 11, spurred by ongoing statewide restaurant and bar closures, which affected owner Mark Sellers, who filed for Chapter 11 personally, and later his Maxs South Seas Hideaway bar in Grand Rapids. Other notable bankruptcies in 2020 included Goodrich Quality Theaters Inc. and Grand Rapids-based alternative lifestyle company Purple East Plus Inc.

MiBiz readers were apparently eager to learn about the Grand Rapids areas first drag-themed burger bar, Hamburger Marys in Cascade Township. MiBiz broke the news in early October about the national chains first Michigan location.

Continue reading here:
MiBiz.com's top-read stories of 2020 - MiBiz: West Michigan Business News

Image : Pauline E / Geograph

Apples left on walls are not a sign of criminal activity, police have said.

Speaking at Barnstaple Town Council on Monday, December 14, Councillor Mel Lovering asked Inspector Andrew Wills about the issue following a strange email she had received from a resident.

She said: There seem to be codes being drawn on fences, garden gates, different areas of peoples houses, and some are insisting that apples are being left on a wall.

They say these codes are indicating to burglary gangs in North Devon whether somebody is in, our, whether there is a dog in the residency, whether it is a second home. Is this true, and is there anything that can be done about it?

Can we put out a message that if you find anything on your garden gate, can it be removed and let 101 know?

Inspector Wills responded saying that it was speculation, and no conclusion could be made.

If there was any information underlining that, such as those properties which were subsequently targeted, he said.

Apples left on a wall could be anything, and indeed is very different from a mark being left on a fence.

He said there was a danger of connecting a series of unconnected events.

That in themselves doesnt mean anything and are formulating a concern, he added.

Theres information going back years that say some travelling criminals will mark walls or come and do your block paving on your driveway and they will put a pattern on there that means youre a mug. Having some evidence is entirely different, and I am not aware of any evidence linking a series of crime to the property being marked.

If you do want to send that information, we can make sure we can record it as intelligence, and if we get any links with any trends like that emerging, we will be aware of it.

I wouldnt want to publicise that as an ongoing trend.

Shine a spotlight on Barnstaple, Devon, by becoming an Area Ambassador. Click here to learn more!

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No connection between apples on walls and crime say police - In Your Area

BRIDGEWATER, NJ Meet Smokey! She has been chosen as Bridgewater Patch's Pet Of The Week.

"Smokey is our special joy ball of fur that we officially adopted in May. We know she will bring much happiness to our home. She is absolutely adorable and a true gift. Our previous dog of 17 years died nearly a year ago and being more isolated has caused us to realize how much we needed another dog in our home.

Smokey was born in Kentucky and came up here through a rescue organization."

Jayne, Jeff, Kevin, and James Danco of Bridgewater

Do you think your pet should be Bridgewater's Pet of the Week?

Participating in the Pet of the Week happenings is simple: submit your nomination by emailing alexis.tarrazi@patch.com with the subject line "Bridgewater Pet Of The Week." Be sure to include a photograph or two of your pet, a paragraph about what makes him or her so great, the town you're from, and your name.

Then just keep an eye out for a photo of your pet on the Patch!

The photo can be of a present pet, or it can be a baby picture of the adult pet you're so proud of today. All photos must be the property of the submitter. By submitting a photo to Patch the submitter agrees to give permission for it to be published on Patch.

Additionally, selected winners each week will be given a free bag of Woof Gang dog or cat treats when they stop in Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming inside Bridgewater Towne Center at 732 US-202. And winners can also bring their pet into the store for a picture. Woof Gang Bakery will put them up on their social media page as well.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

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Smokey Is Bridgewaters Pet Of The Week - Patch.com

WARMINSTER, PA When it comes to news in 2020, you can probably guess what the most well read stories of the year were on the Warminster Patch. But, here's the thing the year's news wasn't all about the coronavirus.

A few of 2020's other top stories had elements that brushed up against the virus and the way it changed all of our lives. Meanwhile, others chronicled different aspects of life in Warminster and the surrounding area.

Whether it was good, bad or just plain weird, these are some of the most-read stories of 2020 on the Warminster Patch site.

Do you have other favorite stories from the past year that we missed here? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

Triplets At Archbishop Wood Offered $5.5 Million In ScholarshipsWe'll call this a pretty good academic career so far. Alex, Robert and Stevie Meyer, members of the Warminster school's Class of 2020, also were accepted into a total of 35 colleges and universities.

Popeyes Chicken Coming To Warminster Steak 'N Shake SpotThe Steak 'N' Shake in Warminster had a rough go catching fire almost immediately after opening then trying to reopen amidst the coronavirus pandemic. In September, it was announced Popeye's Chicken was moving into the building.

15 Underground Railroad Sites You Can Visit In Bucks CountyBucks County has no shortage of history and, in advance of Black History Month, lots of readers checked out this look at locations on the Underground Railroad. They include spots in Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley and New Hope.

PA 1st District Results: Fitzpatrick Wins ReelectionIt was the most expensive congressional race in Bucks County history and watched nationally as a potential flip for Democrats. But, in the end, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, fended off a challenge from Democratic Ivyland Borough Council member Christina Finello.

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Year In Review: Top Warminster News Of 2020 - Patch.com

DOYLESTOWN, PA The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has announced an arrest in the October shooting death of a Bucks County teenager.

Kenneth Troy Heller, 52, of Warminster, was arraigned in Bucks County Court Wednesday morning before Judge Gary Gambardella. He is charged with criminal homicide in the fatal shooting of Jason Kutt on Oct. 24, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or death by lethal injection.

Kutt, 18, of Sellersville, was watching the sunset with his girlfriend at Nockamixon State Park when he was shot once in the back of the head. Moments later, his girlfriend saw a man in an orange vest standing about 550 feet away look in their direction before leaving the area. Kutt was later pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem.

Hunting was allowed at the state park at the time of the shooting, the District Attorney's Office and state parks officials later confirmed. That man in the orange vest is now confirmed to be Heller, District Attorney Matt Weintraub said during a press conference Wednesday morning.

Heller's attorney, Daniel Schwartz, waived his defendant's right to a preliminary hearing.

Weintraub said Heller voluntarily turned himself in and has agreed to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter when a formal arraignment takes place in April. He described the killing as "an awful mistake" and said Heller has expressed remorse for the crime.

Detectives interviewed Heller's co-workers who said he did not report to work the Monday after the shooting and was visibly "shook up" when he returned the following day, the DA's office said. The co-workers also told detectives that shortly after the shooting, Heller gave away guns, ammunition and hunting gear.

Heller has a prior criminal history, including two theft convictions in the 1980s, as well as a simple assault conviction and a drug-related charge in the early 1990s, Judge Gambardella said.

Kutt was a recent graduate of Pennridge High School who enjoyed playing guitar, video games and taking walks in nature, family members said.

Other misdemeanor charges brought against Heller include possession of instrument of a crime, possession of a prohibitive offensive weapon, shooting at or causing injury to human beings, failing to render assistance after a hunting accident and recklessly endangering another person.

After the arraignment, Heller was returned to the Bucks County Jail. No bail has been set.

"He bore no animus toward Jason Kutt," Weintraub said. "He didn't even know the man. He's going to have to live with this for the rest of his life, and I believe it will have a terrible impact on him."

Previous reporting:

Click here to get Patch email notifications on this or other local news articles or get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our app. Download here. Have a news tip? Email peter.blanchard@patch.com

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Warminster Man Charged With Homicide In Nockamixon Park Shooting - Patch.com

By Sudeshna Dutta

Dolores Arulappan runs a school, bakes, writes poems, embroiders and keeps a manicured garden. FYI shes just 83

Residents of Pottery Town are quite familiar with Jack and Jill School, which was established in 1981. But for someone who sees the huge compound for the first time, it is a sight to behold. Starting with a friendly bark from Jackie at the gate, your eyes will immediately catch the pretty gazebo in front -- situated on one side of the garden full of plants -- with an artificial waterfall mesmerising you from the other end with the sound of ripples. In no way does it look like a normal school building, rather, the place sends the vibe of a warm, welcoming home. Indeed, it is also the home of Dolores Arulappan, the 83-year-old Principal and founder, who runs the school and teaches English to children while residing at its premises.

In the initial days, there were just one or two classrooms where I would teach nursery and lower primary children. Over the years, we have grown into a full-fledged primary school till Class 4, with around 10 teaching staff. Children from different strata of the society, including the physically disabled ones, find this a safe haven to learn their lessons, she says.

We were also going through financial troubles during that period, which is why I thought of doing something on my own and earning some money, she says. Arulappan is glad of her decision to open a school. Even now, my students and their parents come to me and say how grateful they are for giving them a strong foundation. Most of them who came from economically backward backgrounds are now doing well. This gives me immense satisfaction, she says.

The premises of Jack and Jill School

Most of them are about appreciation for life, death, children and nature, with underlying references to religion. I feel the world is turning harsh every day, so sitting here at the gazebo and jotting something down gives me temporary relief, she says, adding that most of her poems are included in the school text books for different classes. Some of them are converted into songs that are sung by the children at various school functions.

Her skills also include embroidery, baking cakes and cookies and painting during her free time.

During the course of conversation with Towns Mirror at the beautiful gazebo, Jackie, the Indie dog, came and jumped on his pet parents lap for his afternoon nap. We found him injured one day and rescued him from the streets. He has been my baby ever since, says Arulappan.

Are you an East Bengaluru resident? Wed like to hear from you. email: anupama.bijur@timesgroup.com

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The Towns Mirror Special: The school with the gazebo - Bangalore Mirror