Elections, Marijuana, Restaurant Closures: Woburn 2019 In Review

WOBURN, MA — In 2019, Woburn saw municipal elections, but not a lot of elected official turnover. A number of local restaurants closed their doors, while a pot shop opened. And in March, a Woburn Memorial High School teacher was placed on leave and police said she had brought drugs to school.

Woburn Election 2019: Dillon Wins In Ward 3 As Incumbents Sweep

Every incumbent, including Mayor Scott Galvin, won in Woburn's municipal elections in November. Property manager Jeff Dillon won an open city council seat, while pediatric nurse Colleen Cormier and history teacher Andrew Lipsett took open seats on the school committee.

Woburn Teacher Had Drugs At School: Police

Police and school officials started investigating a high school English teacher after students started sharing pictures of the teacher sleeping in class on Snapchat. Over a week after the teacher was led out of the school by police, the school district said she was placed on paid administrative leave after police found her in possession of drugs on school property.

Three restaurant closures captured people's attention this year:

New China Pearl In Woburn Will Close: In July, the 11-year resident of Mishawum Road closed when its lease ended.

Woburn Pizza Shop Closes Without Explanation: In February, Boston Restaurant Talk reported that Pizzamore Flatbread Company had closed.

Waxy O'Connor's Closes Woburn Location: The Irish pub chain closed its Woburn location in March.

Pot Dispensary Set To Open In Woburn

In the spring, Sanctuary Medicinals opened its Woburn medical marijuana site, with a special permit from the city.

Woburn Chef Wins Food Network's 'Chopped' Competition

In a January episode, Stephen Coe, the Woburn chef who owns and operates the SWAT Culinary Assault Vehicle food truck, beat out three other chefs on Food Network's Chopped.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.