Londonderry New Hampshire News Center
3 die as car plunges into river
May 12, 2008RUMNEY - Witnesses pulled one victim from the partially submerged wreck, state police said. The victim was airlifted to a hospital, but died en route.
Manchester police hook 'Johns' trolling prostitutes
May 12, 2008MANCHESTER - "This isn't 'Pretty Woman'." The undercover officers are not dolled up in high heels and fishnet stockings. Those aren't the clothes of the trade for Manchester's ladies of the night. The police detail working this early-morning sting targeted the area surrounding Enright Park, long known for prostitution.
New chief warns would-be clients that stings will continue
May 12, 2008MANCHESTER - "We're going to stay on this. We want to send a message: Don't come to Manchester."
- Chief David J. Mara
Special police details that resulted in 15 arrests were partly funded through the Weed and Seed initiative, a grant program to reinforce regular operations. Manchester deployed two or three female officers who alternated as undercover prostitutes.
Manchester schools funding gets a look
May 12, 2008MANCHESTER - As the city continues to debate next year's budget and possible spending cuts, the school board last week voted against sending layoff notices to any teachers in the district.
So, candidates, who's going to get the nod for vice president?
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Plymouth High gets her highest praise
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Baldasaro pushing for Londonderry tax cap
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY - The move would require a change to the town's charter, which the state representative would spearhead.
State House Dome: Full House expected for 'picture day' in Concord
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
City Hall: Land use, rising parking costs and reorganization
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Fisher Cats stranded at home
May 12, 2008MANCHESTER - Facing a four-run ninth-inning deficit, New Hampshire scored once and brought the tying run to the plate. But the hosts couldn't connect for the big hit in a 7-4 setback to the New Britain Rock Cats at Merchantsauto.com Stadium.
Ian M. Clark: Wolves better at Florida but not good enough
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Twins turn power on to beat Sox
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Man robs Citizens Bank inside Hudson supermarket
May 12, 2008HUDSON - Police are looking for a bank robber who made off with a pile of cash yesterday.
Man stabbed during Manchester domestic dispute
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Team official charged in theft from sports club
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Luring entrepreneurs out of their garages, rural Deerfield offers two attractive alternatives
May 12, 2008DEERFIELD - Craig Grabowski, co-owner of the Lovin' Spoonfull cafe, snatched a few minutes between the lunchtime and after-school rush in his quarters at Commerce Corner on Route 107. The other tenants of the building have been good to him, Grabowski said. But he balances it out: "If I wanted to buy real estate, I'd go and talk to Doug upstairs. The business owners in this building are all really tight."
Restored 1870s mill still cutting wood
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
WCNH.net: NH group to visit Virginia for advice on fiber optic network
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
A no-brainer: Let aldermen control school budget
May 12, 2008IN A SINGLE vote last week, the Manchester Board of School Committee gave the public all the reason needed to justify converting the city schools into a department overseen by the mayor and aldermen.
Here's an idea: Spend state road money on the roads
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
You're fired! Gov. Lynch issues pink slips
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
John Clayton: Now daughter has two heroes
May 12, 2008The New Hampshire Writers' Project has signed me up to teach a course in column writing at Southern New Hampshire University next month, which means thousands of potential pupils will be using this piece to evaluate my worthiness.
Sabrina Avedisian: Home schooling has given me tremendous opportunities
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Kathleen Parker: Hillary Clinton becomes the people she wants to sway
May 12, 2008Please read full story for latest details.
Police Use Pepper Spray To End Londonderry Standoff (WMUR New Hampshire)
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- A New Hampshire man is headed to court after police ended a six-hour standoff at his Londonderry home with four blasts of pepper spray.
Weather led to a bige year for maple sugar in southern N.H. (The Nashua Telegraph)
May 12, 2008By dollars, maple syrup is a tiny business in New Hampshire, worth less than $3 million a year -- not even 1 percent as much as horticulture, the state's leading agricultural business. By reputation, though, it's huge. ... - By DAVID BROOKS Staff Writer
Baldasaro pushing for Londonderry tax cap (New Hampshire Union Leader)
May 12, 2008The move would require a change to the town's charter, which the state representative would spearhead.
Global warming measure gains favor (Portsmouth Herald)
May 12, 2008CONCORD — New Hampshire's Senate has given preliminary approval to entering a 10-state regional effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions to preserve the state's climate and way of life.
Business notes (Concord Monitor)
May 12, 2008The Lakes Region Association's executive director Amy Landers recently returned from Discover New England's 13th Annual Tourism Summit and International Marketplace. The Lakes Region Association partners with Discover New England on many international trade missions and shows.
Police use pepper spray to end standoff with N.H. man (WCAX-TV Vermont)
May 12, 2008Associated Press - May 7, 2008 7:15 AM ET LONDONDERRY, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire man is headed to court after police ended a six-hour standoff at his Londonderry home with four blasts of...
N.H. eyes greenhouse gas initiative (The Barre Montpelier Times Argus)
May 12, 2008CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's Senate has given preliminary approval to entering a 10-state regional effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions to preserve the state's climate and way of life. ... - By NORMA LOVE The Associated Press
Area games for the week (The Eagle-Tribune)
May 12, 2008Sunday, May 11 Baseball Notre Dame of Lawrence at North Andover, 1 p.m.; Coe-Brown at Pelham; Pentucket at Cardinal Spellman, 1 p.m. Softball Billerica at Methuen, 6 p.m. Minor League Baseball
Schaefer named top quarter agent at NHBS (The Citizen of Laconia)
May 12, 2008MEREDITH — Ken Schaefer of Londonderry has been named Associate of the Quarter at New Hampshire Business Sales. Schaefer is a member of the prestigious International Business Brokers Association and is an experienced businessman.
You're fired! Gov. Lynch issues pink slips (New Hampshire Union Leader)
May 12, 2008WHAT, IF ANYTHING, is the governor going to do for the 200 workers for payday lenders he will make jobless at the start of next year?
Accused deadbeat dad arrested after standoff
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — A 43-year-old man had to be sprayed with pepper spray at his Windsor Boulevard home to end a six hour standoff on Tuesday afternoon.
Richard Berube refused to cooperate with Londonderry police and members of the Southern New Hampshire Special Operations Unit and was found with a gas mask over his face hiding in the attic of his 31 Windsor Avenue home around 6 p.m.
Six years after Duane Besso bought eight acres of land on West Road, his feud with Londonderry officials rages unabated and the
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Duane Besso says he's just a guy who wants to live in a house he built with his own two hands.
Londonderry officials says the house and its septic system were illegally built and are too close to a protected wetland area.
Market Basket seeks expansion of Londonderry store
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — Officials from the Market Basket supermarket will appear before the Planning Board on Wednesday, May 7, for a public hearing on their plans to put a 17,732-square-foot expansion on their Londonderry store.
Chief: Police communications system is outdated
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — Police Chief Joe Ryan told the Town Council on May 5 that the department's 13-year-old communications system is outdated and frequently goes down necessitating the need for emergency backup.
Boy Scout rebuilds wall at church
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — With senior year in high school comes many headaches.
The pressure of college applications and acceptances for those who want to continue their education is a good example of the time squeeze seniors face.
Month-long sting operation leads to drug bust
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — A Gillette Road man, described by federal law enforcement officials as an Oxycontin dealer, was arraigned on four felony drug charges this week.
William Johnson was released on personal recognizance, following his appearance in Derry District Court on Wednesday.
Londonderry man pleads gulity to wreckless conduct.
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — A Londonderry man will spend two weeks in jail after he pleaded guilty to reckless conduct and driving while intoxicated at Belknap County Superior Court in Laconia on April 28.
The charge stemmed from an incident during which Henry Pratte, 48, 516 Old Mammoth Road, crashed his motorcycle on Route 106 in Gilmanton during the celebration of the 84th annual Motorcycle Week in 2007.
ReRuns a sweet step back in time
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Among the antique furniture pieces, china sets and rare leather-bound books, one can find a touch of whimsy in the items Denise Monroe has on sale in her consignment shop ReRuns.
There's an 8 x 10 framed black and white photo of "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno, for instance, taken sometime in the early 1980s.
Weaving a garden
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — South Londonderry Elementary School hosted its fifth artist in residence, Marcy Schepker, last week, and fourth-grade students all had the chance to participate in creating a large mural with raw, colored fleece that will be hung in the school's main entrance.
Your Libraries: Get caught reading!
May 12, 2008
What do Abraham Lincoln, Batman and first lady Laura Bush all have in common? They've all been "caught reading"!
May is Get Caught Reading Month, which is part of a nationwide campaign to promote the joy of reading to people of all ages. This program was started in 1999 by former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder who is now president of the Association of American Publishers, an organization supporting the campaign. Teachers, booksellers and librarians across the country have taken part each year to help remind their communities that a love of reading can be learned early and last a lifetime. Here are just a few of the featured personalities who have been caught reading, and the books that they appear with:
School food service expected to break even
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — With rising fuel costs, the cost of bread and milk — staples of school lunches — is also rising.
Despite the price hikes, the School District is slowly coming out of the red and expects to break even by the end of the school year.
Local artists 'in action' this weekend
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Local artists will once again gather at various locations around town to put their art talents into action.
The annual "Art in Action — Artists at Work" event is set for May 3 and 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Parkland kicks off employee walking program
May 12, 2008
DERRY — Wearing sneakers with their suits and scrubs, employees at Parkland Medical Center kicked off the hospital's walking program.
Led by CEO Anne Jamieson and other members of the administrative team, a group of nurses, environmental service aides and other personnel made the first half-mile loop around the hospital on April 22.
Annual fishing derby set for May 4
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — The annual Kids Fishing Derby will be taking place on May 4 at the Londonderry Fish and Game Club.
The event, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon, has been a tradition for more than 25 years and welcomes children under the age of 14 to participate in this free event with proper adult supervision.
Police raid Londonderry home, seize drugs, stolen goods, gambling items
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Police expect to make an arrest next week after searching a Gillette Drive home for 14 hours Wednesday (April 23).
Two adults were home when police raided the 9 Gillette Drive residence at 5:45 a.m. but were not taken into custody, as authorities searched for drugs, stolen items and gambling paraphernalia, according a police press release.
Two chances to save a life Red Cross conducts blood drives in Londonderry, Derry
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — With the number of blood donors decreasing, every pint counts.
The American Red Cross is conducting a blood drive on May 13 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Church of the King in Londonderry.
Town Council OK's rezone request
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — A request to rezone the site of a development proposed for Route 102 by Berkshire Development at the intersection of Meadow Drive and Nashua Road was passed by the Town Council by a 5-0 vote.
A welcoming face Her job is to make church newcomers feel at home
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Londonderry United Methodist Church is intentionally reaching out to embrace visitors, newcomers and even regular parishioners who are absent.
The church has recently appointed Theresa Simkevich to the position of director of congregational care. Simkevich has a myriad of duties but primarily ensures any visitors or newcomers to the church find a warm welcome and a place to get any questions answered in a, comfortable, casual atmosphere. Simkevitch said she is also sensitive to absences of regulars and sees it as important to check on those parishioners to make sure the church fills any need they might have that it can. She said another element is trying to meet the needs of people who come to church on an irregular basis, doing her best to keep those inactive members connected to the church in a meaningful way.
LEO awards presented at School Board meeting
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — Members of the Londonderry School Board helped present the seventh annual LEO Awards to 12 worthy recipients at the April 22 meeting.
The Londonderry Educational Consortium, which gives out the awards, includes the School Board newsletter and the InCider Press, as well as LEO21, the school district's educational access channel, LEOnline which is the overall Web presence for the district and can be accessed via a link at www.londonderry.org, and LEO 103, WLLO-LP, the district's low-power FM station.
In for a penny ...
May 12, 2008
Overstepping? Questions arise over council's role in streamlining development approval
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — As the Town Council was revisiting its six proposed goals for this year, they hit a roadblock.
The council hopes to find a way to streamline the commercial and industrial development approval process in order to make the community more attractive to businesses looking to build or relocate. At the same time, council members have said that they don't want to remove the teeth from existing zoning ordinances.
Army reserve seeks drill sergeants
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — The First Battalion 304th Regiment is actively seeking highly motivated and highly qualified soldiers with prior military service (any branch) and actively drilling Reserve and National Guard soldiers for the U.S. Army Reserve Drill Sergeant Program.
Inventioneers reign State Champion LEGO League Team wins research award at world festival
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — The Inventioneers, the reigning New Hampshire state champion FIRST LEGO League team, earned a Research Innovation Award at the World Festival in Atlanta last week.
This group of nine students ages 10 to 14 impressed the judges with their patent pending solar power roofing design and their community education program. The two-day competition included 81 teams from 24 countries.
School Board considers money-saving talks with Town Council
May 12, 2008
LONDONDERRY — School Board members will set conditions under which they would be willing to meet with the Town Council to discuss ways the boards could save taxpayers' money.
But the board has yet to commit to the meeting, proposed by School Board member Steve Young, who hopes the Town Council and School Board, with the town manager and superintendent, can find five substantial items or areas where the two sides of town government could cooperate to find savings.
The ride of his life First-grader goes to school aboard Engine No. 5
May 12, 2008LONDONDERRY — Neil Baran had the ride of his life Wednesday morning when Londonderry senior firefighter George Calligandes picked him up at his home on Tokanel Drive and brought him to school on Engine No. 5.
VIDEO: Virtuosos
May 12, 2008
Couple hurt in Route 114 crash
May 12, 2008
MIDDLETON — A 76-year-old woman was trapped in her car yesterday after the Mercedes her husband was driving was broadsided by another vehicle, injuring the couple.
Rescue workers extricated Geraldine Jenkins of Peabody using hydraulic equipment. She and her husband, William Jenkins, 81, were taken to North Shore Medical Center, according to Detective Sgt. Gayle Haley.
Feds' report: Solomon could be charged criminally
May 12, 2008METHUEN — The U.S. Department of Justice has an "open" case "pending prosecution" against ex-police Chief Joseph Solomon for misspending $170,000 in grant money on overtime for himself, his secretary and four superior officers, newly-released documents show.
Smoldering spots extinguished at site of chemical fire
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — Firefighters yesterday afternoon returned to the scene of Saturday night's chemical fire in a train yard behind Andover Street, but this time they went to douse some smoldering sections of the track.
Notre Dame graduates first class, all 51 off to college
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — When Michelle Oviedo walks to the podium to receive her high school diploma, she will be making history — twice.
She will become the first in her family to attend college. And she will be a member of the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School.
Town looking for a few volunteers
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — The town needs your help.
Volunteers are needed for several appointed commissions, councils and committees in town. If you're interested, download and fill out a Talent Bank Form on the town Web site, www.andoverma.gov and return it to the town manager's office. The form can be faxed to 978-623-8220.
What's next for Andover road project
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — As work on the Main Street project continues, a meeting is planned to update residents on the summer phase of the road project.
The meeting will be May 28 at Memorial Hall Library, starting at 7 p.m.
Andover conservation overseers hold annual meeting tonight
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — Want to help the town keep its conservation land pristine?
The town's conservation overseers are holding their annual meeting tonight at Memorial Hall Library.
The overseers maintain the town's more than 2,000 acres of open space managed by the Conservation Commission. The meeting will highlight the work of overseers, with presentations by members of the commission.
Town Meeting to vote on budget, police station
May 12, 2008
NORTH ANDOVER — A new police station, a preschool and the town budget will be the main topics at Town Meeting when it begins tomorrow at 7 p.m.
The Finance Committee, School Committee and selectmen could all back the same budget for the second year in a row. The $77 million proposal for fiscal 2009 is a compromise between the three groups.
Lawrence swaps vacant lots for much-needed cash
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — A series of overgrown vacant lots will soon be transformed into new homes, stylish townhouses, parking lots and bigger yards. Better yet, no longer will these lots, among 200 properties the city currently owns, sit dormant on the tax rolls.
YWCA paying tribute to 29 local women
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — Twenty-nine female leaders from the Merrimack Valley will be recognized for their professional achievements and civic contributions at the YWCA of Greater Lawrence's 25th Tribute to Women luncheon May 15.
2008 high school and college graduations
May 12, 2008
Massachusetts
Academy of Notre Dame, Tyngsboro: Sunday, June 1, 1 p.m., at school
Amesbury High: Friday, June 6, 7 p.m., at Landry Stadium at Middle School
Andover High: Monday, June 2, 5 p.m., Tsongas Arena, Lowell
Breaking the cycle of poverty Single mother from Lawrence to graduate college; hopes to be police officer
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Growing up, she knew she wanted more out of life than living in poverty in a housing project.
"I'm not embarrassed about my background," said Awilda Pimentel, 27, of Lawrence. "Growing up in poverty made me see things differently and gave me the incentive I needed to be successful in life."
Lawrence police to GPS crooks: 'Come and get it'
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Police have planted a fake GPS device in a "bait car" to catch thieves stealing what has become one of the hottest items in auto burglaries throughout the city in the past year.
"We're not keeping this a secret and we want to get the word out on the street that we're doing this," police Chief John Romero said.
Ethics Committee hasn't found anything wrong since 1991: Female lawmaker's complaint could be test case for secretive panel
May 12, 2008BOSTON — A female lawmaker's allegation that a male House colleague told her, "I could really hurt you if I wanted to," is providing a rare public glimpse into one of the most secretive panels on Beacon Hill.
Unsung Heroines: Eight local women honored for fighting for their communities
May 12, 2008
They've fought to take back their neighborhoods from criminals. They've fought to keep kids safe from abuse and helped women who have been abused get the help they need.
And they are all local Unsung Heroines of 2008, so named by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Eight local women are among the 268 chosen across the state for "selflessly making a difference in the lives of others" and will be honored at the Statehouse in Boston on Wednesday.
Romanian man starts new life after surgery
May 12, 2008
When Ioan Tomsa boards a plane tomorrow to return home to Romania, he will hold his head up.
The 20-year-old is excited to show his new look to his family, his friends and his whole village after a surgery that reconstructed his eye socket and cheekbone. For the first time since he was 7 years old, Tomsa feels like he has nothing to hide.
Turnout low and voters thrifty at Andover Town Meeting
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — Before this year's Town Meeting, many town officials were singing the blues.
They simply couldn't afford all the people, programs and projects they said they needed to make the town run smoothly.
North Andover Town Meeting Warrant
May 12, 2008
Town Meeting starts Tuesday, 7 p.m. at North Andover High School. Residents will decide the following:
1. Hear reports of special committees.
2. Accept reports of receipts and expenditures. Selectmen recommend. Finance Committee will make recommendation at Town Meeting.
Police station and preschool top Town Meeting issues
May 12, 2008
NORTH ANDOVER — Residents will vote on whether to borrow money to build a new police station and preschool at Town Meeting on Tuesday.
Paying for the two projects has generated debate between Town Manager Mark Rees and the Finance Committee.
One Canal Street converted from dusty, industrial storage to gleaming office space
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — When George O'Gara bought an old mill at One Canal St. a quarter of a decade ago, the building didn't have electricity.
Or water.
Or a sewer hookup.
"It was pretty primitive," O'Gara, 77, said.
Attempted suicide stops traffic on Interstate 495
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Police managed to talk down a man threatening to jump into the Merrimack River from the rail of the double-decker bridge on Interstate 495 southbound yesterday morning.
Officers were dispatched to the spot at 9:51 a.m. after receiving a 911 call from the man's son. The incident closed down the lower-level southbound lane for about 25 minutes, while traffic was allowed in the opposite direction.
Selling sausages and making friends on Lawrence's Essex Street
May 12, 2008
They are the man and woman you turn to for a sausage sandwich or a hot dog on the fly.
For the past 22 years, from March to December, Joseph and Donna Catino have called Essex Street their office.
Their silver pushcart with an umbrella is strategically placed right on the sidewalk on Appleton Way, between City Hall, the school department and within walking distance of two courthouses.
Violist's father succumbs to cancer, but not before getting his wish to see her play with BYS
May 12, 2008
From the tender age of 7, Alex Morgan-Welch loved practicing the viola for her father. Wherever he was, she'd drag in her music stand and set up shop.
Living room, basement, she'd even practice in the kitchen as he munched on a sandwich.
Andover students chosen to play in elite Boston Youth Symphony
May 12, 2008A rumored performance with Yo-Yo Ma and a European tour were enough to motivate 15-year-old cellist Maddie Tucker to leave the New England Conservatory orchestra and audition for the Boston Youth Symphony.
A year after disappearance, community remembers Alex Jimenez
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — Thousands of people turned out to honor the one-year anniversary of the disappearance of local soldier Sgt. Alex Jimenez yesterday, as well as his fellow soldier Byron Fouty of Michigan and others missing in action.
Senior Citizen Olympics: A good mix of the generations
May 12, 2008
METHUEN — The Olympics may not be until August, but some local students and older folks kicked off the festivities early with the Senior Citizen Olympics.
The annual event at Methuen High School, organized by the Peer Leaders, brought students and senior citizens together recently to interact while playing Olympics-inspired games. Approximately 150 student volunteers spent the day with the 98 senior citizens from 12 participating facilities.
News in Brief
May 12, 2008
Here's one for Mother Earth
LAWRENCE — Patrick Blanchette wants to save some trees and some money.
Blanchette, the City Council president, this week launched a new committee that's looking at how the City Council can cut down on its paper consumption. He said he's been researching other councils throughout the country that have already gone "paperless."
Fire reignites neighborhood chemical scare
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — A fire described as "too bright to look at" broke out in packages of chemicals at the train yard last night — the same chemicals cleared off the railroad tracks two nights ago after it spilled out of a derailed and punctured tanker.
Former mill worker mines dark tales in debut
May 12, 2008CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The book signing lasted for hours, an indication that the locals hold no grudges against author Donald Ray Pollock for depicting life here as a grotesque blend of drug abusers, wife beaters and sex fiends.
Third bottle bomb found in Lawrence in last four months
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Lawrence police are reviewing videos from security cameras at Bruce School to determine the identity of three people who set up bombs inside coke bottles in the schoolyard.
School custodian Brian Susi found two bottles in the middle of the schoolyard with a white substance around them when he arrived for work at 6:05 a.m. yesterday.
A new world view: Fourth-graders step inside the globe
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — Only 10 years old, Madelyn Reppucci never imagined she would travel to the center of the Earth.
But Madelyn and her classmates got the chance yesterday when they stepped inside a 20-foot-high inflatable globe sitting in the middle of the South Elementary School gymnasium.
New way to fight gangs: Sue them
May 12, 2008
BOSTON — Gang members could be barred from congregating in public places and fined and jailed if they ignore the ban under broad new powers sought by District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett.
Under a bill filed by Blodgett, police and district attorneys could sue gangs and gang members to prohibit them from gathering in certain neighborhoods and public places where they harass or intimidate residents.
Cause of train derailment under investigation; damaged car protected from rain
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Workers built a tent over a damaged railroad tanker car containing sodium chlorate to protect it from the rain yesterday.
The car derailed and was torn open Thursday spilling some of its cargo along the tracks before it came to a stop in a railroad yard at Andover and Blanchard streets.
A close brush with the law
May 12, 2008
HAVERHILL — A thief who apparently knew exactly what he wanted, walked into the CVS/pharmacy at Riversedge Plaza with shopping bags stuffed in his back pocket.
When he left, the bags were filled with $926.71 worth of oral hygiene products, including toothbrushes and whitening strips, police said.
Crafts in the Park postponed one day
May 12, 2008
ANDOVER — The 33rd annual Crafts in the Park has been postponed for one day due to today's expected inclement weather.
The event will be held tomorrow 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Park at the corner of Bartlet and Chestnut streets.
Methuen apartment was stash house, police say
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — The Methuen apartment where detectives seized a large quantity of cocaine and cash had none of the amenities associated with normal, everyday living, prompting police to conclude it was used as a "stash house" for the drugs.
Man arrested in Methuen bike theft
May 12, 2008
METHUEN — A 19-year-old man was arrested after he dumped a stolen bicycle and tried to run from police.
Sgt. James Gunter said Officer Walter Fleming was flagged down on Milk Street about 5:30 p.m. Thursday by a boy who reported his bicycle had just been stolen.
Andover synagogue hosts screening of 'Learning, Learning, Learning'
May 12, 2008Chabad Lubavitch of Merrimack Valley, 10 Marwood Dr., Andover: Andrei Ouellette leads Judaic Library Talmudic Ethics: Timeless Wisdom for Timely Dilemmas, Wednesdays through June 11, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Lawrence's last day of school is June 24
May 12, 2008Due to incorrect information provided, The Eagle-Tribune wrongly reported Lawrence's last day of school yesterday. Lawrence schools' last day is June 24.
Lawrence reopens street closed by derailment
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — Andover Street is expected to be reopened by 3 p.m. today, police said.
A portion of the street was shuttered yesterday afternoon when a railroad tanker car laden with 250,000 pounds of sodium chlorate ripped over, spilling the white sandy powder over the tracks and causing about 20 homes to be evacuated.
Chemical spill in train car derailment forces evacuation of Lawrence neighborhood
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE — A railroad tanker car laden with 250,000 pounds of a potentially dangerous chemical was ripped open and derailed early last night, spilling a white sandy powder over tracks near the Andover Street crossing at Blanchard Street.
Jurors in drug trafficking trial hold cocaine
May 12, 2008
LAWRENCE — If the jurors in the drug trafficking trial of Angel Ayala Roque remember anything about the trial, it will likely be the moment they held $90,000 worth of cocaine in their hands.
During the third day of testimony in the trial yesterday, the jurors were handed a clear plastic bag containing five, 2.2 pound bricks of cocaine, valued at $18,000 each.
Lawrence's top teachers find inspiration in their moms
May 12, 2008HAVERHILL — Wiping tears from her eyes, Sara Reyes walked to the podium to receive a crystal apple and the admiration from co-workers and former teachers who remembered her as a smart but shy girl.
Overrides head to ballot Monday
May 12, 2008GEORGETOWN — Residents will vote on six override questions, five of them one-time debt exclusions and one a permanent tax increase, at Monday's town election. If all the measures pass, taxpayers will see an average one-time increase of $145, plus a permanent increase of $30 per household.
Chemical spill in train car derailment forces evacuation of Lawrence neighborhood
May 12, 2008LAWRENCE | A railroad tanker car laden with 250,000 pounds of a potentially dangerous chemical was ripped open and derailed early last night, spilling a white sandy powder over tracks near the Andover Street crossing at Blanchard Street.About a dozen homes were evacuated about 5 p.m. as an army of state and local hazardous material clean-up crews, firefighters and police moved in to contain the powder."We want to make sure we don't create a dust cloud | that's the most hazardous form of this material," Lawrence fire Chief Peter Takvorian said of the chemical sodium chlorate, which leaked out a gaping hole in the side of the car which came to a stop in the railroad yard near the crossing.
Study pegs mom's market value at nearly $117,000
May 12, 2008
BOSTON (AP) — If a stay-at-home mom could be compensated in dollars rather than personal satisfaction and unconditional love, she'd rake in a nifty sum of nearly $117,000 a year.
That's according to a pre-Mother's Day study released yesterday by Salary.com, a Waltham-based firm that studies workplace compensation.
Focus is on Lavigne as next police chief; mayor says decision will be soon
May 12, 2008METHUEN — Several city councilors yesterday pointed to acting police Chief Katherine Lavigne as the person most capable of healing the Police Department in the aftermath of the firing of Chief Joseph Solomon.
Nurse critical after North Andover crash
May 12, 2008
DANVERS — A 32-year-old woman from Danvers is in critical condition at Massachusetts General Hospital following a two-vehicle crash on an Interstate 495 on-ramp in North Andover yesterday.
State police said Stephanie Masick was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee at 6:45 a.m. from Route 114 to the interstate's northbound on-ramp when she lost control and struck a guardrail on the right side of the road.
Dance makes wishes come true
May 12, 2008
Stampeding prices First-class postage increases for second year in a row
May 12, 2008It may only be a penny, but the rising cost of stamps still irks some people.
Starting today, a first-class postage stamp will cost 42 cents, a 1-cent increase.
While some say the penny increase doesn't bother them — especially compared to the rising cost of gas — others say they are tired of paying more for everything, including stamps.
Lawrence dirt biker critically injured after falling into pond
May 12, 2008
A Lawrence man is fighting for his life in a Boston trauma center after he lost control of his dirt bike yesterday and plunged into a Derry, N.H., pond.
Jonathan Garcia, 21, was reported in critical condition late last night at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Impact fees could help pay for recreation, senior facilities in Pelham
May 12, 2008
PELHAM — Impact fees are in the works to help pay for an indoor recreation facility at Pelham Veterans Memorial Park and an addition to the Senior Center on Nashua Road.
The recreation impact fees, which are still being finalized, would require developers to pay a certain amount for each new home they build in town.
New GED program offers standard diploma Three local high schools opt in
May 12, 2008
Some Timberlane Regional High School students could earn a standard diploma for passing the GED test and gaining some work experience during the next school year.
The state is opening up new paths for high school students who don't excel in a traditional classroom setting, and three local districts are helping forge the way.
Salem school ready to help save lives
May 12, 2008
SALEM — Defibrillators might not be used often, but they can make all the difference during cardiac arrest.
Last week, Salem's Mary Fisk School joined a growing number of schools that own an automated external defibrillator. Portable defibrillators weigh about 5 pounds and bring back a pulse to someone who has lost consciousness by delivering a shock to their chest. If an AED is used within four minutes of cardiac arrest, survival rates double, according to the American Heart Association.
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Sheila LaBarre Trial
May 12, 2008Two years ago, Sheila LaBarre of Epping was arrested for the murder of her boyfriend, Kenneth Countie, 24, of Wilmington, Mass. Soon afterward, police discovered that LaBarre had killed a previous boyfriend months earlier on her horse farm. Now, a jury is being asked to decide if she is guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, of if she is criminally insane, as she claims.
Veteran worker is a familiar sight at the Derry transfer station
May 12, 2008Editor's note: In every town, there's usually a specific individual whom residents associate with a place — the transfer station, the senior center, the library. The Eagle-Tribune is taking a look at the faces behind the places in a dozen Southern New Hampshire towns.
Business leaders eager for state to sell Route 111 land
May 12, 2008WINDHAM — A local group that promotes economic development wants to know when state-owned property on Route 111 will be for sale. At least some on the panel think the sooner it's available, the better.
Salem offers summer school programs
May 12, 2008
SALEM — Relief is here for parents who don't want their children spending too many hours at the pool this summer.
It's time to sign up for summer school programs.
The school district will offer about two dozen courses for students entering grades two through 12. The courses range from traditional academic classes to programs that aim to prove learning can be fun for young students.
Petition calls for vote on water withdrawal
May 12, 2008ATKINSON — Just days after the Hampstead Area Water Co. went public with its plans to withdraw more water from Atkinson, an effort began to amend the town's water withdrawal ordinance — again.
Danville teachers make a difference in Dominican
May 12, 2008
DANVILLE — Two Danville Elementary School teachers traveling in the Dominican Republic found that even on vacation, they could make a difference in children's lives.
Over school vacation, fifth-grade teachers Amanda Allen and Nicole Osborne were in Punta Cana to attend Osborne's sister's wedding. They researched the area they would be visiting, and found that many of the families there struggle to make ends meet. So they purchased and packed school supplies to bring to the children there.
Lawyer: Bayview civil lawsuits likely to go to trial
May 12, 2008
BRENTWOOD — Lawyers representing approximately 188 people suing the now-defunct Bayview Crematory believe they will likely have to take their cases to trial.
The Seabrook crematorium was raided and closed in 2005, when state officials discovered the unlabeled cremains of several people, a decomposing body stuffed in a defunct freezer and slipshod paperwork. The facility had been operating without a state license since 2000.
Dirt biker critically injured after falling into Derry pond
May 12, 2008
DERRY — A Lawrence, Mass., man is fighting for his life in a Boston trauma center after he lost control of his dirt bike yesterday and plunged into Ballard Pond.
Jonathan Garcia, 21, was reported in critical condition late last night at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Lottery sales could help reduce deficit: State puts more advertising dollars online
May 12, 2008
By tomorrow, Aaron Denny, 32, could be a star.
The Newton guitarist is a finalist in New Hampshire's Lottery Star competition. The contest gives musicians a chance to be the voice of the state's Lottery commercials and helps the Lottery expand the contacts in its database. In order to vote for the winner of the "American Idol"-style contest, voters must send their e-mail addresses to the state Lottery.
Shaheen, Hodes fare well in UNH poll Voters surveyed prefer Bradley to Shea-Porter
May 12, 2008
Editor's note: The following is a weekly look at the various state and federal races, leading up to the 2008 election.
A poll released last week by the University of New Hampshire's Survey Center showed that Democrat Jeanne Shaheen is running strong in her effort to unseat Republican Sen. John Sununu.
Postal carriers take to the street to help local food banks
May 12, 2008SALEM — Before postal carrier Steve Godin left Veronica Avenue yesterday, he slid open the back door of his mail truck to show off the growing pile of donations — canned soup, black beans, bags of potatoes.
Assessments to rise for Plaistow firms, drop for homes
May 12, 2008
PLAISTOW — As local home prices continue to plummet, commercial properties will likely bear more of the tax burden next year, the town's assessing agent said.
When Wil Corcoran does a reassessment of Plaistow property values this summer, residential properties are all going to see a decrease, he said.
Scout spruces up Hampstead Central School grounds
May 12, 2008
HAMPSTEAD — The grounds of Hampstead Central School have received a face-lift, thanks to a local Eagle Scout candidate.
Gareth Clarke, 17, a Pinkerton Academy senior and member of Boy Scout Troop 33, recently completed his Eagle Scout project, which involved landscaping around the Emerson Avenue elementary school.
New Hampshire news in brief
May 12, 2008
Elks present youth awards
SALEM — Derry-Salem Elks Lodge 226 named its Teenagers and Junior Teenagers of the Year at its annual Youth Banquet on May 2.
The monthly award winners received certificates for their selection as Teen/Junior Teen of the Month after the meal.
New Hampshire schools in brief
May 12, 2008
Music is in the air in Salem
SALEM — Spring is in the air, and music is, too.
Students at Woodbury Middle School will take the stage for several concerts in the coming weeks.
On May 21, the sixth-grade chorus will perform at 6:30 p.m. On May 22, the seventh-grade chorus will perform at 6 p.m., and the grade eight chorus will take the stage at 8.
Striving for perfection Timberlane musicians work at being the best
May 12, 2008Christian Howard was accepted into the Repertory division of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra last summer, but he occasionally played the trombone with the senior orchestra. A few weeks ago, he was permanently promoted to the big leagues.
Fewer people answer the call Part-time firefighters still important, but harder to find
May 12, 2008
When Chris Dane is called to a medical emergency, he drops what he's doing, jumps in his pickup truck and activates a flashing red light on the way to the scene.
Dane is a Hampstead call firefighter, one of about 30 who are paid by the call. They take turns covering the town at night when full-time firefighters are off-duty.
The Round Mound of Sound: Atkinson resident has been calling square dances for two decades
May 12, 2008
Paul Cote, a 41-year-old Verizon employee from Atkinson, went to his first square dance in 1988. A short time afterward, he began calling square dances himself.
Cote hosts square dances at the Atkinson Community Center from 7 to 10 on Tuesday nights. From 7 to 8 p.m., the dance is free. From 8 p.m. on, when the dance gets more advanced, participation costs $6 per person. But he said anyone is welcome to stay and watch the more advanced dancers.
Candia man charged with attack on 'Golden Ghost'
May 12, 2008
CANDIA, N.H. (AP) — A New Hampshire man faces charges he assaulted a golden retriever known as the "Golden Ghost" for spending two years in the wild despite attempts to capture him.
The dog — whose name is Sam — was finally caught with the help of a boiled ham dinner and returned to his owners, Margaret and Dennis Sklarski of Deerfield. The couple had adopted Sam from a Tennessee shelter in 2004, but he escaped not long after they got him.
Law prevents N.H. officials from using e-mail to hide from public
May 12, 2008
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law is finally entering the electronic age.
The Senate voted Thursday to send the governor a bill that lawmakers say gives the public clear access to government without handicapping officials, particularly those on small town boards.
Obama campaign returns to New Hampshire
May 12, 2008
The candidate won't be coming, but Barack Obama's campaign is returning to the Granite State in an effort to gear up for the general election this fall.
Obama volunteers are meeting at Nashua Public Library at 10 a.m. today, starting a voter registration drive in the area.
Plea delayed in 2005 murder-for-hire case
May 12, 2008
BRENTWOOD, N.H. — A hearing for a Las Vegas contractor expected to plead guilty to his role in the 2005 killing of Derry resident Jack Reid was put off at the last minute yesterday afternoon.
State prosecutors and a lawyer for Joseph Vrooman, 51, went to Rockingham County Superior Court yesterday and met behind closed doors — instead of moving forward with the hearing.
Eight residents want seat on Charter Reform Committee
May 12, 2008
SALEM, N.H. — Eight residents have applied to join a special committee that will study the town's governing document this summer, according to Town Manager Jonathan Sistare.
The deadline for committee volunteers was Thursday, Sistare said, and eight applicants are vying for three positions on the seven-member committee.
LaBarre jury stands at 15
May 12, 2008
BRENTWOOD, N.H. (AP) — Another juror has been selected in the insanity trial of Sheila LaBarre, putting the total number of jurors currently at 15.
So far, nine women and six men have been chosen as of Friday. The court will select 18 jurors for the case.
Salem selectmen meet in Massachusetts despite protests
May 12, 2008
NORTH ANDOVER — Salem, N.H., selectmen gathered here yesterday for a three-hour retreat despite protests by some residents that an out-of-state meeting would disenfranchise voters.
The retreat — at the North Andover law office of board Chairwoman Beth Roth — was designed to give the selectmen a chance to discuss long-term goals away from the distractions of Salem Town Hall and the day-to-day tasks that consume most of their meetings. Roth's law office was chosen because the selectmen could use it for free.
Murderer's return to N.H. renews furor; Residents worry sex offender will spend time in Derry
May 12, 2008
DERRY — Douglas Simmons, a convicted child murderer whose move to town earlier this year sparked a public furor, has returned to New Hampshire.
Simmons registered as a sex offender with Manchester police this week, indicating that he had moved to the city. His move has many Derry residents and officials on edge, fearing he will be spending much of his time at his fiancee's apartment at 71 East Broadway.
Dumped; Hot dog vendor fined, told to avoid transfer station in Derry
May 12, 2008
DERRY — The monthslong battle between Town Administrator Gary Stenhouse and a local hot dog vendor ended in a split decision yesterday in Derry District Court.
Thomas Souhlaris, the hot dog cart owner, was found guilty of one count of criminal trespassing, and cleared of a second count. He was fined $2,000, which he won't have to pay as long as he stays away from the town transfer station.
Salem selectman's meeting in Mass. irks some
May 12, 2008
SALEM — A special three-hour selectman's meeting scheduled for today has some residents angry because it's being held in another state.
"They should be in town and easy to get to, and it should be televised and it should have a recording secretary," said Roland Theberge, a Budget Committee member who ran unsuccessfully for selectman this year.
More schools fail to meet state standards Number of local schools on list doubles
May 12, 2008
More schools than ever failed to meet the state's academic standards.
About 60 percent of the state's 474 schools failed to perform adequately, according to the state Department of Education.
Local schools didn't fare any better.
Four more jurors picked for LaBarre trial
May 12, 2008
BRENTWOOD (AP) — Four more jurors were selected yesterday in the murder trial of Sheila LaBarre.
Fourteen have now been chosen, nine women and five men. The court will select 18 jurors to hear the case. Jury selection hearings are to continue this morning and possibly into next week.
Teddy bears for tots Hudson man donates toys to fire stations across N.H.
May 12, 2008
HAMPSTEAD — Dennis Couturier's goal is to place three teddy bears in every fire station in New Hampshire.
Couturier, of the Patriarchs Militant of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lives by the creed of his order: to visit the sick, relieve distress, bury the dead, and educate orphans. As department commander, he decided to undertake the teddy bear project.
Work continues on Hampstead's Old Meeting House
May 12, 2008
HAMPSTEAD — Work to repair and restore the Old Meeting House will continue.
The Historic District Commission has contacted Robert Pothier of First Period Colonial in Kingston to continue work on the building. Pothier headed the restoration in the 1990s and started scraping and whitewashing the building two years ago.
Sandown selectmen approve spending $6,000 for used DPW truck
May 12, 2008
SANDOWN — Selectmen approved the purchase of a used Air Force truck this week that will be converted to a sanding and plow truck by the Public Works Department.
Public works Director Art Genualdo told the selectmen on Monday that he had come across a deal he couldn't pass up.
Smokey moves to Danville Fire Department employees create new fire danger sign
May 12, 2008
DANVILLE — Smokey Bear has arrived in town, thanks to two Fire Department employees who chose to take on the project on their own time.
Firefighter Joe DeRusha and Fire Ward Jan Pouliot combined their talents to design and build a fire danger sign for the Main Street fire station. An 8-foot-tall Smokey Bear and his fire dog, Sparky, now stand in front of the fire station to warn residents of the fire danger index.
Town to join federal flood insurance program
May 12, 2008
ATKINSON — When the beaver dam in Hovey Meadow Pond let go last spring, water flowed over Old Coach Road. Many of the residents on that road and Mill Stream Drive lost their driveways.
"You'd never in 100 years expect that to happen," Planning Board Chairman Sue Killam said.
Plaistow Lions Club finds a den of its own
May 12, 2008
PLAISTOW — For 59 years, the Lions Club has organized its charitable work in some odd places.
"We've met everywhere," member Thomas Ingham said. "In the garage, in the barn, in a tavern, even in a barroom."
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