EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA--News

Pay issue comes to a boil

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:54:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — School Committee member Samuel Reyes blames an acrimonious executive session with Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy over his salary as a reason why 31 other school employees didn't get the 3 percent pay raise that Laboy was initially denied.

MVRTA eyeing bus station move

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:54:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The head of the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority says land near the downtown train station would make a great new home for the Washington Square bus station.
The decision to build a new bus station near the train station and the city's planned $10 million to $12 million parking garage/retail complex has not been made yet, but relocating the bus facility there would give Haverhill one of the most complete transportation hubs in the state, MVRTA Executive Director Joseph Costanzo said.

DES issues warning for Phillips Pond

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:53:00 EDT

SANDOWN — The state Department of Environmental Services issued a cyanobacteria warning for Phillips Pond.
The warning will remain in effect until further testing shows the levels have diminished.

Derry hikes its ambulance fees

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:53:00 EDT

DERRY — The price of a Derry ambulance ride is going up for the first time since August 2006, but everybody isn't on board with the higher rates.
Chuck Hemeon, emergency management services coordinator, recommended increasing the fees by 10 percent for basic ambulance service and higher for some life support services to keep pace with the rising cost of fuel, medical supplies and personnel.

Pedestrian hurt in Derry crash

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:53:00 EDT

DERRY — A pedestrian hit by a car on Pinkerton Street last night was flown to a Boston hospital for treatment.
A westbound 1999 Ford Taurus driven by Timothy Svenson, 22, of Plaistow struck the pedestrian shortly before 6 p.m. near the Energy Lane intersection, police said.

N.H. polls open tomorrow

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:52:00 EDT

Atkinson: Atkinson Community Center, 4 Main St., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Danville: Fire Association Hall, 169 Main St., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Derry: Districts 1 and 4 at Gilbert H. Hood School at 6 Hood Road, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Districts 2 and 3 at West Running Brook School, 1 West Running Brook Lane, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m

Groveland needs Veasey Park coordinator

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:51:00 EDT

GROVELAND — Veasey Park is the center of much of the town's social life, and it needs someone to oversee events there.
The park's Management Committee is looking for a new events coordinator. Current coordinator Megan Whithed will soon be leaving.

Doors open to historic Stevens Estate

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:50:00 EDT

NORTH ANDOVER — The town has invested more than $1 million worth of repairs to the place. They brought in a new director.
Now the only thing standing in the way of the Stevens Estate is exposure.

Thomson alumni rally around school

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:50:00 EDT

NORTH ANDOVER — Anne Lynch might live 40 miles away but after hearing the Thomson School was in trouble, she knew she had to do something.
The Newington, N.H., resident was infuriated to see bloggers discrediting her former elementary school when it did not meet its Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System improvement goals for the second year in a row.

Derry uses prefab construction for 2-room addition

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:49:00 EDT

DERRY — The new classrooms at Grinnell Elementary School embody a school milestone — and not just because they were built for the opening of the town's first public kindergarten.
Grinnell Elementary School is the first in the state to build an addition by using prefabricated construction, according to schools Superintendent Mary Ellen Hannon.

Haverhill Road Bridge closes today

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:48:00 EDT

SALEM — The Haverhill Road Bridge over the Spicket River will be closed for reconstruction starting today.
Haverhill Road will be closed to through traffic between North Main Street and Klein Drive. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes around the construction zone.

Sergeant home from Iraq hurt in crash

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:48:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — A military sergeant who just returned home from Iraq was struck head-on last night by a North Andover man believed to be driving under the influence of illegal and prescription drugs, police said.

Hanna hits Valley, but causes little damage

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:47:00 EDT

She pulled down branches, cranked up wind speed and flooded streets in a flash. But Hanna's wild weekend trip through the Merrimack Valley did not lead to any major damage or lengthy power outages, local officials said yesterday.

N.H. polls open tomorrow

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:46:00 EDT

Pair charged in Methuen stabbing

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:45:00 EDT

METHUEN — Two Lawrence men were charged with attempted murder, and police searched for a third suspect after a stabbing outside a Cypress Avenue home early yesterday.
The victim, found lying in the street bleeding heavily from several wounds, remained in serious condition last night at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Firefighting is in his blood

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:45:00 EDT

DERRY — Like many firefighters, newly promoted Lt. Ed King is following in his father's footsteps.
King's dad was a volunteer firefighter. Growing up in Kittery, Maine, King drank in his dad's passion for the job and always knew he would someday answer the call himself.

I-93 service patrol gets high marks

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:44:00 EDT

A pilot program that has assisted hundreds of distressed motorists on the side of Interstate 93 has gotten high marks from travelers and state police.
These responses were part of a recent review of the first three months of the five-month pilot program.

Feng Shui in the bedroom

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:44:00 EDT

NORTH ANDOVER — Do not place a bed directly in line with the door.
That is one rule people will learn at Stevens Memorial Library tomorrow, when certified Feng Shui Master Mary Stewart teaches people how to improve their lives through this ancient Chinese practice.

Architect drafts plan for renovation, addition to Newton station

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:43:00 EDT

NEWTON, N.H. — An architectural firm has agreed to draft the preliminary design and budget for an addition and renovation to the town's police station — and it is doing it for free.
The Police Department is seeking a renovation and addition that would increase the area of the building from 1,500 square feet to 4,700 square feet. The estimated cost of the project is between $600,000 and $900,000, depending on the quality of supplies.

Quick-acting boy saves scoutmaster's life

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 01:35:00 EDT

METHUEN — Sebastian Beasley may be only 14, but he's a lifesaver.
Sebastian, a member of Boy Scout Troop 51 in Methuen, was working with Assistant Scoutmaster Mark Lajoie on a project on the banks of the Spicket River in Salem, N.H., when Lajoie was pinned under water.

Auto Scene:Gas prices fall modestly

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Fuel-price relief continued for the seventh straight week in Massachusetts and New Hampshire last week. But prices fell much less than they had in previous weeks, according to figures released by the auto club AAA.

Hanna hits Merrimack Valley

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:53:00 EDT

Tropical Storm Hanna caused scattered power outages and flooding as it whipped through the Merrimack Valley last night.
More rain was expected to fall overnight and into this morning, though, potentially causing more serious problems.

WARNING SIGNS

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:37:00 EDT

When parents in North Andover heard this summer that their high school was back on warning by an independent accreditation agency, they wondered how it could be possible. After all, the school was just taken off warning last October.

Dismal voter turnout predicted for NH primary

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:28:00 EDT

If you're expecting exciting New Hampshire primary races on Tuesday, think again. You'll have to wait until November.
Most voters won't be rushing to the polls to cast their ballots this week, political experts say. Turnout is expected to be extremely low compared to the Nov. 4 general election, when Granite Staters will choose not only a new president, but also leaders in many statewide races.

Report says Salvo let employees get overtime pay without working

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:27:00 EDT

METHUEN — During former School Business Administrator Joseph Salvo's tenure, some employees got overtime pay without working and school credit cards were not properly kept track of, according to a new audit report.

Haverhill remembers attack on village 300 years ago

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:26:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The 300th anniversary of the deadliest wartime battle fought in Colonial Haverhill will be remembered tomorrow morning.
History buffs will gather at 10 a.m. at the marker in front of City Hall that designates the spot where the city's second minister and some of his family members were killed in a raid.

Methuen rep. touts "secured" funding for unfunded projects

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:25:00 EDT

METHUEN — As she campaigns for reelection, state Rep. Linda Dean Campbell has said that the city "secured" $6.5 million from the state during her time in office.
But in fact, the governor's office says the projects she's touting have not actually been funded by the state.

Mass. man dies while hiking NH mountain

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:24:00 EDT

BETHLEHEM, N.H. (AP) — A 65-year-old Massachusetts man suffered an apparent heart attack and died while hiking a remote mountain in Bethlehem, New Hampshire.
A spokesman for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department says Charles Loring of Georgetown, Mass., and two companions were hiking an unnamed peak south of Haystack Mountain when the victim suffered the heart attack just before noon Saturday.

Documenting the history of Lawrence's mill workers

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:22:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — History and preserving old buildings are dear to Lorre Fritchy's heart.
Now, she is combining her two loves to tell stories on film as a writer, director and independent filmmaker. Presently, she is working on "Millies," a feature film about a group of mill workers who return from the Strike of 1912 to help a present-day mill owner who is going bankrupt.

Pet of the Week

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:18:00 EDT

Meet Gus, a 9-year-old neutered male beagle. He is a very friendly, mellow, happy-go-lucky guy. He is quiet and does not bark. He is good with young children, loves going for walks, and is great at the dog park.

Grandmother charged with dealing cocaine

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:35:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — A candy tin, a sandwich bag box and pill bottles were used by a 51-year-old grandmother to hide drugs, police said.
The city's street narcotics enforcement unit arrested Caridad Hernandez on Wednesday about 6:30 a.m., after a search of her 32 1�Ñ2 Morton St. apartment uncovered 26 grams of crack cocaine, 16.6 grams of powder cocaine, $1,085 in cash, two plastic bags with 28 Seroquel 200 pills and drug packaging materials, according to police reports.

Men accused of stealing scrap metal are arrested

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:33:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — Two Boston area men were charged Wednesday with stealing scrap metal from Simpson's Auto and Truck Supply at 26 International Way.
Fermin Galdamez, 25, of Boston, and Gerzin Hernandez, 21, of Roxbury were seen loading a van with metal from bins at Simpson's by an employee at 11:30 a.m., police said. The worker confronted the men, who promptly drove away. Another worker followed them to a nearby parking lot and called police.

Lawrence scholar heads to Phillips Academy, eligible for $150,000

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:32:00 EDT

ANDOVER — A year ago, Luz Lopez was an eighth-grader at Parthum Middle School in Lawrence who wanted to be a crime scene investigator.
"I changed my mind," said Lopez, 14. "That was my forensic science phase. Now there's so many other things that I'm considering. Maybe it's because I'm going to a different place."

Methuen shoplifter sought

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:31:00 EDT

METHUEN — A brazen thief pushed a shopping cart laden with frozen shrimp, energy drinks and Oreo cookies out the door of a Pleasant Valley Street supermarket, loaded it into a black Hyundai and drove away, police said.

Derry, Londonderry schools save energy and money

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:31:00 EDT

DERRY, N.H. — A hot day in September might sound like the start of an elementary school teacher's nightmare, but yesterday's 88 degree temperature and bright sunshine fit right into Principal Matthew Olson's plan.

Synagogue hosts shofar making workshop

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:30:00 EDT

Chabad of Merrimack Valley, 310 Main St., Andover: Children and adults learn to craft a shofar from a genuine ram's horn, tomorrow, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. They will also learn the significance of the instrument during Rosh Hashana, or Jewish new year. Cost is $9.

Haverhill woman charged in fight is free on bail

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:19:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The woman accused of knocking another woman to the ground and causing her serious head injuries is free on $2,500 bail.
Ernestine Muir, 40, of 6 Blaisdell St., was held for about a month before posting the bail late last week, according to the district attorney's office.

Windham celebrates 'Eagle Scout Alley'

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:11:00 EDT

<Caption>Terry Date/Staff photo
Eagle Scout Jonathan Tomer is shown with his Eagle project at the Windham Rail Trail near Roulston Road. </Caption>
WINDHAM, N.H. — At least one local man is starting to call the Windham Rail Trail "Eagle Scout Alley."

One trapped, 2 injured in Derry crash

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 00:10:00 EDT

DERRY, N.H. — Two people were taken to Parkland Medical Center after an accident around 3 p.m. yesterday on Hampstead Road.
One person was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated with hydraulic equipment, said fire Battalion Chief David Hoffman.

Wet, wild weather may be headed this way

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:17:00 EDT

METHUEN — The Methuen High School girls basketball team figured last weekend would be an ideal time to launch a fundraising drive for a return trip to Mississippi's Gulf Coast to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Convicted drug dealer faces deportation

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:16:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — A city man faces deportation following his conviction for heroin trafficking.
Juan Deleon, 32, of 16 Wendell St., who also uses the name Jose Almonte, pleaded guilty yesterday in Lawrence District Court. He is being held in Middleton jail while he awaits deportation proceedings.

Campbell, DiBella spar at 15th Essex District debate

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:14:00 EDT

METHUEN — State representative candidate Chris DiBella continued his barrage of attacks on incumbent Linda Dean Campbell's voting record last night, criticizing her for supporting the use of taxpayers' money for a merry go-round and golf courses.

Presentation of Mary ends 50th anniversary with Mass

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:13:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — Seniors escorted elderly nuns to their seats at the Mass concluding the 50th anniversary of Presentation of Mary Academy.
The gesture is symbolic of the education and faith the sisters have passed on to students at the all-female high school, as the school begins the next half century.

HUD director to lead city's community development office

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:10:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — A longtime employee of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been hired to lead the city's Community Development Department.
James Barnes, deputy regional director of HUD, was selected unanimously at the City Council meeting Tuesday. Barnes has worked for HUD for 36 years.

Help a horse this weekend

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:07:00 EDT

METHUEN — The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is holding a tack sale this weekend to benefit its Equine Center.
New and gently used horse equipment will be sold and children have organized a bake sale, all to raise money for the horses and farm animals.

No butts about it: Cigarette tax appears likely in NH

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:07:00 EDT

A cigarette tax increase in New Hampshire is likely inevitable now.
Smokers and retailers have just one month to make approximately $18 million in revenue to prevent the 25-cent hike from taking effect Oct. 1. And if they come close to hitting the mark, the state will double-check the math, according to Rep. Daniel Eaton, R-Stoddard.

Pizza shop owner says he's wrongly targeted in lawsuit

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:06:00 EDT

SALEM — The owner of a pizza shop named in a federal lawsuit said he is being unfairly targeted by the man suing his landlord for better handicapped access.
"This guy never came into our restaurant," said Brian Schofield, owner of Wicked Cheesy Pizza at 327 S. Broadway. "He never came in to see a manager."

Pictures of the week, August 29 - September 4

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:20:00 EDT

Lawrence: Sydney Flanders, 4, of Derry, N.H., has an ice cream outside of Tripoli Bakery with her new love who was given to her by a stranger who won it during the Feast of Three Saints Saturday afternoon. Photo by Roger Darrigrand/Eagle-Tribune

Windham High athletic director faces a daunting task

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:23:00 EDT

WINDHAM, N.H. — Athletic Director Bill Raycraft doesn't have any sports teams, physical education classes or coaches. In fact, Raycraft doesn't even have a school — yet.
But Raycraft has plenty to do in the year before Windham High School opens next August.

Atkinson hires fifth full-time officer

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:10:00 EDT

ATKINSON, N.H. — The late Cpl. John Lapham may never be replaced in the hearts of his fellow officers, but a new hire will take his place as the department's fifth full-time officer.
Christopher Van Hirtum of Hudson is expected to start field training on Sept. 15, according to Lt. William Baldwin. Law enforcement officials from the Hampstead, Plaistow and Salem police departments, Rockingham County Jail and an Atkinson resident were on the committee that interviewed candidates for the opening because there were two internal candidates, Baldwin said.