News Nearby: Arlington Heights Panera Closing

Here is a look at stories making headlines in the Winchester region this week:

Arlington

Arlington Heights Panera Closing: After weeks of rumors and speculation, it’s official: the Arlington Heights Panera is closing near the end of the month. A Panera Bread spokeswoman confirmed the news Wednesday, although she would not specify which day will be the bakery’s last. The bakery, at 1398 Mass. Ave., opened in 1998. 

Somerville

Sen. Jehlen Speaks Out Against Beacon Street Reconstruction Plan: Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen Tuesday weighed in on a proposed plan to reconstruct Beacon Street, a plan that would add cycle tracks and eliminate some parking spaces along the street. The proposal has been a contentious issue in the neighborhood in recent months. In response to some comments made at Tuesday's meeting, Alex Epstein, a Beacon Street resident and chair of the Somerville Bicycle Committee, sent a letter to the editor that led to a lengthy discussion on Somerville Patch. 

Melrose

MBTA: Oak Grove Bike Cage Expected to Open in April: With the majority of work done at the Oak Grove “Pedal & Park” site, the bike cage is expected to open this spring, according to a MBTA spokeswoman.

Medford

Medford Teen Lost For Two Days on Sugarloaf in Maine: Nicholas Joy, a 17-year-old Medford High School senior, went missing at Sugar Loaf ski resort last Sunday while skiing with his family. A large search effort began in difficult weather conditions and after spending two nights in the woods, Joy emerged, discovered by a snowmobiler.

Joy stayed overnight at a Maine hospital for observation but was otherwise doing well after his experience. Joy reportedly built a snow cave to stay in and survived by using skills he learned on television.