2022: The Top Stories On Newtown Patch (2024)

Community Corner

Upper Makefield mom charged with murdering her two young sons; fire damages South State Street apartments, business.

Posted Fri, Dec 30, 2022 at 3:15 pm ET|Updated Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 1:18 am ET

On May 2, an Upper Makefield mother did the unthinkable. She shot her two young sons in their township home sending shock waves through the upscale, bucolic neighborhood. The two boys, ages 9 and 13, later died of their injuries bringing murder charges against their mom.

In March, a fire swept through two South State Street apartments in Newtown Borough and damaged a downtown business. Two months later, police charged a tenant with purposely setting the blaze.

The year also brought changes to the administrative offices at the Council Rock School District with a separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Robert Fraser and the appointment of Dr. Andrew Sanko as his successor.

Throughout 2022, Wawa was constantly in the news as the Newtown Township Supervisors considered land development plans for a convenience store and gas station on Lower Silver Lake Road.

Here are some of the top stories that made news on Newtown Patch during 2022:

Mom Charged With Murdering Two Sons In Upper Makefield

UPPER MAKEFIELD – A 38-year-old mother was taken into custody after shooting her two sons in their Upper Makefield home on May 2 sending shock waves through the bucolic, upscale community. Officials later charged Trinh T. Nguyen with the murder of her two sons – nine-year-old Nelson and 13-year-old Jeffrey - who later died of their wounds, the Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said. Weintraub said Nguyen planned to kill the boys at least a week before the shooting and left a "handwritten will dated April 25, 2022." Nguyen was also charged with attempted homicide, possession of an instrument of crime and possession of a controlled substance, Weintraub said. Jeffrey and Nelson were Council Rock School District students.

Dr. Andrew Sanko was appointed superintendent of the Council Rock School District in June.

Administrative Changes In Council Rock

COUNCIL ROCK – The year brought big changes to the administrative offices at the Council Rock School District. In February, the school board approved a separation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Robert Fraser who was two years into his second four-year term as superintendent. The school board subsequently launched a search for a new superintendent and in June appointed one of its own – Dr. Andrew Sanko – to the position. Following the board vote, the room gave Sanko a standing ovation.

Firefighters hit hot spots on the upper floor of the building. (photo by Kathy Buczek)

Fire Heavily Damages Apartments In Newtown Borough

NEWTOWN BOROUGH - Two apartments were rendered uninhabitable and a Newtown business suffered severe damage after a powerful fire broke out on State Street on March 24. Firefighter Tim Chamberlain of the Newtown Township Emergency Services Department confirmed there was "extensive" damage, and that residents of two apartments were displaced, following the overnight fire that started in a third-floor apartment. The Pro Shop of Newtown, the street-level business below the apartments, found itself homeless for months. Chamberlain said crews responded around 12:30 a.m. and fought the fire intensively for about three hours. In June, Scott R. Krukowski, 35, who lived in one of the apartments, was charged with arson.

Supervisors Deny Wawa Land Development Plan

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP - The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors voted 3 to 2 in November to deny land development plans by Provco for a Wawa convenience store and gas station on Lower Silver Lake Road and the Newtown Bypass. Provco is appealing the decision in Bucks County Court. In a separate action, Provco has filed an appeal with the township’s zoning hearing board challenging the township’s ordinance as unconstitutional.

Welcoming Mamie Colette to Newtown Borough.

Ribbon Cutting Welcomes Mamie Colette To Newtown

NEWTOWN BOROUGH – Nothing stirred more excitement in town than the opening of Mamie Colette, an artisan bakery next to the Fine Wine & Good Spirits store. The bakery, specializing in soft, flaky French croissants, quickly became the hottest ticket in town with its fresh, homemade baked goods selling out quickly every day. Two women from Lower Makefield – Isabelle and Chef Magali - brought the shop to town, much to the delight of everyone. The only problem was it was a challenge to keep enough of the buttery baked goods in stock. The year also saw the opening of Five Guys Burgers and Shakes, Bomba Taco and Bar, the Halal Guys, the Steak and Hoagie Factory and Chopt.