One of the year's most anticipated restaurant openings buzzes in at the finish line: Minetta Tavern and its secretive Lucy Mercer Bar debuts near Union Market on Dec. 10. Why it matters ...

A memorial service for John Harmon Mercer, 47, Lawrence, will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the University Community of Christ Church, 1900 University Drive, Lawrence. Cremation is planned.