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Welcome to 2025, an as yet untapped year full of potential. Looking back to last year, Winchester was busy with new businesses, new regulations and newly passed articles at Town Meeting which will reach far into the town’s future.
But as we look forward to the new year, the Winchester News looked back at 2024 to see what residents were reading on our website.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 most popular stories of 2024:
1) Winchester Police break up fights at En Ka Fair
Winchester Police on May 18 broke up fights at the En Ka Fair, as the last night of the weekend was wrapping up. Police quickly investigated, finding a group from Woburn responsible for the incident.
2) Tragic house fire spurs community support for Winchester mail carrier
On July 20, a fire destroyed the family home of Corey Lyons Marsden, a single mother of two daughters, ages 10 and 9, with nothing. The tragedy came just four years after the loss of her husband, compounding the challenges she faces in raising her children alone.
Marsden has been a dedicated mail carrier at the Winchester Post Office, admired by many local residents.
3) Winchester bakery closed after car crashes through wall
On, Dec. 21, a car crashed into the outer wall of Mamadou’s Artisan Bakery, located at 63 Swanton St., leaving the business with no heat or no following the accident Saturday evening.
Police determined the driver had tried to avoid another car, making a left turn onto Florence Street, skidding and crashing into the electrical panel outside the business.
4) Winchester Police ID group fighting at En Ka Fair
After fights broke out at the En Ka Fair on May 18, Winchester Police investigated and found a group of Woburn teens had made a video, suggesting a fight at the fair. No weapons were shone during the incident.
5) Winchester’s new Thai restaurant set to open by the end of September
Although it was set to open by the end of September, December in Bangkok, a small family-style Thai restaurant finally opened at 612 Main St., the space Joe’s Pizza used to occupy, by October.
Owner Tisanamadee Szarkowski and her family also own and operate The Bangkok in Melrose or Kin Dee Thai & Pho in Lexington.
6) Karma holds grand opening in downtown Winchester
On Oct. 8, Thompson Street was shut down in Winchester Center as Karma Asian Fusion restaurant finally opened its doors to fanfare, including food, music and entertainment.
“We love this community,” owner Iverson Guo said at the time. “It has a lot of history and as you can see, the building is beautiful and elegant. And our food speaks for itself.”
7) From Winchester to the big screen: ‘Methadone Mile’ debuts at Boston International Film Festival
“Methadone Mile,” a new pilot episode that delves into the heart of Boston’s opioid crisis, made its debut at the Boston International Film Festival on April.
The film, which has strong ties to the town of Winchester, was showcased during Session 9 of the festival at the Regent Theatre in Arlington.
Todd Rotondi produced the project and it is based on the experiences of his brother Andrew Rotondi, both Winchester natives.
8) Nouvelle Maison opens on Church Street in Winchester
Celine and Tom Kimberly opened Nouvelle Maison on Church Street in late October. The business features everything from fruits and vegetables to French chocolate bars and 110 different cheeses.
9) Winchester continues support for Aidan McElhinney, family after traumatic brain injury
A short trip to Winchester in December 2023, left Aidan McElhinney severely injured after his car struck a patch of black ice causing the 18-year-old’s car to skid and crash.
In the year since, Aidan’s mom, Kendra Winner, has been by his bedside during a slow rehabilitation process. In December, Winner gave an update on Aidan’s condition and thanked Winchester residents for their continuing support.
10) Karma now open on Thompson Street
Karma Asian Fusion restaurant held a soft opening on Sept. 26 at 16 Thompson St. in a space formerly occupied by a Dunkin’, a real estate office and a spa.
On Oct. 8, the restaurant held a big celebration with music, entertainment and food on Thompson Street.
The restaurant’s specialty is sushi, but also features Chinese dishes. They also have Peruvian style sauces. Things are mixed and matched, hence the fusion element.
What else did you like?
One of our top recurring weekly features — How well do you know Winchester — had nearly 8,000 views in 2024. That means many residents are enjoying Joyce Westner and Frank Siteman’s fun feature where you try to guess just what and where the spotlight photo is from.
How well do you know Winchester? Residents love the Winchester News recurring feature. Here are just some examples from 2024. WINCHESTER NEWS STAFF PHOTOS
This year, Winchester News is adding Pet of the Week, where we encourage residents to send in photos of their pets — no matter what type they are. Just send us their name, give us an idea what they’re like and include a photo if you have a favorite.
We also encourage everyone to continue to send story ideas, press releases or just tip us off on things you think are important for our coverage in 2025.
Just send us an email at editor@winchesternews.org.
