Twelve Arrested for DUI Over the Holiday

Four crashes were reportedly also alcohol related.

Twelve people were arrested for impaired driving by Troop K of the Pennsylvania State Police over the New Year's Day holiday period, the agency said Wednesday. The Skippack-based troop said the 12 DUI arrests were made during "extra enforcement efforts" intended to "ensure citizens could travel safely along the Commonwealth's highways" during the holiday's increased traffic. Troop K covers highways in Montgomery, Delaware and Philadelphia counties, in addition to providing local law enforcement for municipalities without their own police departments. In addition to the arrests, the state police issued 469 citations and handled 45 crashes during the two-day holiday enforcement period. Four of the crashes were alcohol related, police said.

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Five Things to Know Today: December 31

Ring in the New Year at noon at Lansdale Library, beginning at 11 a.m. The party starts at 11 with a holiday movie

1. Ring in the New Year at noon at Lansdale Library, beginning at 11 a.m. The party starts at 11 with a holiday movie. Snacks and noisemakers provided. Library pegs it as a great alternative to staying up until midnight. 2. Play cribbage at Lansdale Library today at 1 p.m. 3. Lansdale Library closes at 3 p.m. 4. Ward One Lansdale Borough citizens interested in submitting letters of interest and resumes for the vacant Lansdale Council position must have letters submitted in sealed envelopes by the close of business today to Lansdale Borough Hall, 1 Vine St., Lansdale. 5. Dr. K’s Motown Revue plays a New Year’s Eve party at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Tickets are $49.50.

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Ring in 2013 with a Helping of DIY

Say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013!

Here at Patch, we're counting down the last few days and hours of 2012! As this year draws to a close, whether you're hosting or heading to a special New Year's celebration, Patch has some fun and easy ideas to send out 2012 and ring in 2013 in memorable fashion! 2012 recap for kids - Use this free printable to mark the occasion with little ones. Record their stats, thoughts and favorites, and paste a photo or two. This could become an annual tradition with a whole book full of these year-end keepsake sheets. A dozen grapes - According to Spanish tradition, you should eat one grape for each time the clock chimes at midnight, for 12 months of good luck in the New Year. Melding that tradition with the traditional American champagne toast, …

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Shake and Stir in the New Year

Here are some of our top picks for unique drinks to ring in the New Year.

New Year’s Eve is upon us, and many would like to toast 2012 with an adult beverage. Of course, Patch first would like to remind you to be safe. You need be sure you won’t need to drive, and if you are heading out of the house, please call a cab or a friend. Once your ride is established, you have plenty of options pending your taste buds for finding the perfect drink. Here are some of our top picks for unique drinks to ring in the New Year. 1. The Mimosa Add a twist to even the most traditional beverage making it a sweet treat for your guests. Apricot/mango nectar makes this one a tasty treat. 2. The Sidecar Not only does Epicurious.com suggest this one, but shows you with a video how to make it. 3. Rockin’ Killer Koolaid Party like a …

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No 'Tipsy Tows' for PA Residents

AAA program for New Year's Eve only available in selected parts of the country

Don't let that designated driver off the hook just yet. News of a popular AAA program that offers free rides and tows to New Year's Eve overindulgers has spread quickly across Facebook and other social networking services this week, but AAA Mid-Atlantic says the program is not available in Pennsylvania. AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Jenny Robinson said Wednesday the "Tipsy Tow" program is only available in certain parts of the country. "There is some confusion because people have re-posted the info on social media, which I believe originated out of the locations where the service is available," Robinson said. Robinson said AAA clubs are operated individually; it is not one nationwide service. "AAA Clubs offer this on a club-by-club basis…

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Tom Sofield

1:54 pm on Thursday, December 29, 2011

That's is a pretty good idea.   more ›

Five places to go for New Year's Eve

If going to a bar or local catered event is more to your liking this evening, here are five places to check out.

Don't plan on going to a house party? Interested in staying local for New Year's Eve? If so, here are five locations or bars having New Year's Eve specials. 1. Panico's, 530 N. Cannon Ave., Lansdale. (215) 855-3785: Panico's (formerly Molettiere's) will have a $25 open bar and half-price appetizers. The bar will be open until 2 a.m. or later. 2. Village Tavern, 511 Stump Road, North Wales. (215) 393-7953: Village Tavern will have a special menu for the dining room. There will be a free Happy Hour buffet from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and drink specials. Afer 6:30 p.m., the bar will offer $3.25 Coronas and Corona Light bottles and $3 Blue Moons from 7 p.m. on. There will be no entertainment. "It's usually a slower night on New Year's Eve," …