EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA--Haverhill

Man charged with assaulting two Haverhill officers and pregnant girlfriend

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:41:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — A police officer was sucker punched in the face and knocked to the ground yesterday morning by a man the officer was trying to arrest, police said.
They said the man also kicked a second officer several times before he was arrested and charged with assaulting the officers, as well as assaulting his pregnant girlfriend — the original call that caused police to get involved. Police said the struggle happened on busy Winter Street in front of Dunkin' Donuts, where traffic stopped in both directions as people watched.

Haverhill Garden Club sale

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:40:00 EDT

Haverhill church has concert tomorrow

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:38:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The St. James Adult Choir will hold a free concert tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. inside the church, 161 Winter St.
The 10-member adult choir, directed by Cynthia Arsenault, will be joined by

Man sought in Haverhill home invasion surrenders

Sat, 17 May 2008 01:31:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — A man sought by police for his role in Monday's home invasion and shooting of a man on Primrose Street surrendered at Haverhill District Court yesterday afternoon, police said.
Officers were sent to arrest Hector "Edo" Colon, 23, of 5 4th Ave. at the courthouse and returned him to the police station to be booked.

Lawyer: Chief didn't lie; calls criticism of Groveland's Weeks "an absolute outrage"

Fri, 16 May 2008 17:11:00 EDT

GROVELAND — An attorney for retiring Groveland police Chief Ronald Weeks said he has advised Weeks to challenge retirement officials for questioning his honesty in an e-mail to a town official, while never confronting Weeks about it.

Former Hampstead man to face accuser in court

Fri, 16 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Prosecutors will try to prove they have enough evidence to bring well-known businessman and former Hampstead resident Thomas Minichiello Jr. to trial on assault and sex charges at a probable cause hearing June 19.

Haverhill alarmed by plans for adult entertainment shop Would be next to new apartment complex

Fri, 16 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — Radio Market opened more than 90 years ago and evolved into a popular delicatessen and gift basket store.
Now, it appears someone has plans to convert the vacant building, which has changed hands several times over the years, to an adult entertainment shop. A handwritten sign in the storefront's window reads: "Coming soon, 'Hidden Pleasures,' an adult entertainment specialty store."

Haverhill's Minichiello to face accuser in court on June 19

Fri, 16 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — Prosecutors will try to prove they have enough evidence to bring well-known Haverhill businessman Thomas Minichiello Jr. to trial on assault and sex charges at a probable cause hearing June 19.

Students' murals to be unveiled at Haverhill KidsFest

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Three colorful, outdoor paintings produced during the second phase of the Team Haverhill Mural Project will be unveiled at Sunday's KidsFest downtown.
Warren Gerety, co-chairman of the event, said unveiling the murals is a perfect activity to include in the day because children are involved in designing and creating the paintings, which are to be installed in a prominent downtown location.

Groveland church debates creation versus evolution

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

GROVELAND — It's an age-old argument that often pits science against religion: Were living things created by God or is evolution responsible for the world we live in?
The members of St. James Episcopal Church will take up the debate Sunday, when they host a panel discussion on the theories of creation and evolution. The event will be at 11 a.m., following the 9:30 a.m. worship service.

Groveland plant sale is tomorrow

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

GROVELAND — The Friends of Groveland Council on Aging are gearing up for the 10th annual plant sale to be held tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Central Fire Station, 181 Main St.
The event will happen rain or shine in the fire barn at the station.

Government at a Glance

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Merrimac Board of Selectmen
May 12, 2008
Approved
r Nominate former Planning Board Chairman Rick Pinciaro as alternate to the Planning Board.
r Send a letter to the Massachusetts Highway Department indicating that the town wants to go forward with the 25 percent design phase for the town center renovations and be on the Transportation Improvement Program for 2010.

Red tide is back on clam flats Shutdown could cost local economy millions

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Less than a week after shellfish harvesting was banned in Southern New Hampshire because of red tide, the algae poisonous to humans forced a shutdown of Essex County's $30 million shellfish harvesting industry yesterday.

Property stolen in Haverhill SUV break

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — A laptop computer, digital camera, GPS device, electrician's tools, a video game player and a men's gold bracelet were left in a locked Ford Expedition on Park Street, but they were gone when the owners returned to the vehicle Wednesday morning, police said.

Haverhill's KidsFest on for Sunday, rain or shine

Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

The city's annual Laurie Chase KidsFest, canceled two weeks ago because of rain, will take place downtown on Sunday — regardless of the weather.
HAVERHILL — Mother Nature won't get in the way this time.

Groveland chief's 'honesty' questioned; retirement official doubts officer was full time

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

GROVELAND — Retiring police Chief Ronald Weeks told county retirement officials that a reserve officer worked full time for Groveland for 91/2 years, when the officer actually averaged about six hours a week at times, according to town and county documents.

Groveland students thank sponsors for books

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:26:00 EDT

GROVELAND — Sixth-graders at Bagnall School were full of questions when their classroom sponsor, Bob Balletto, president of Groveland Savings Bank, came to visit.
They wanted to know what role math plays in banking, whether he ever had to fire someone, and if the bank had ever been robbed.

Haverhill Kiwanis Club plans golf tournament for charity

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:24:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The 19th annual golf tournament of the Haverhill Kiwanis Charitable Foundation is set for June 2 at Haverhill Country Club.
Proceeds from the tournament help advance the goals of the club in its work with children.

Yard sale items taken from Haverhill porch

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:24:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — A woman collecting items for a yard sale told police an air conditioner, television and other items were taken from the front porch of her Main Street home.
The woman told police she had left her home May 8 at 9 a.m. and returned at 7 p.m., when she noticed the television and air conditioner missing.

Haverhill plans Memorial Day parade

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:22:00 EDT

The Haverhill Veterans Council invites all veterans, including those serving in the armed forces, to march in the annual Memorial Day parade on May 26.
Anyone who cannot march and must ride is asked to bring his or her vehicle. The parade will form at 10:30 a.m. in front of VFW Lorraine Post 29, 64 Kenoza Ave. The Haverhill Veterans Council includes the VFW, American Legion, AmVets, Marine Corps League, DAV, Korean War Veterans and Jewish War Veterans.

Groveland chief's 'honesty' questioned Retirement official doubts officer was full time

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:37:00 EDT

Five Haverhill Highway Department workers suspended Lose pay in the Flaherty scandal

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The investigation into the city's Highway Department is hitting the wallets of workers there.
Mayor James Fiorentini said he has suspended five workers without pay for using sick time or being on the city clock while working on private jobs for James Flaherty and his son Kevin. The Flahertys are former Highway Department officials who have been charged criminally with using their city jobs for personal gain.

Haverhill-Newburyport area in line for new bridges Groveland Bridge, others to be replaced or repaired

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Drivers in Greater Haverhill and Newburyport are in line to get safer and smoother rides over the Merrimack River, as the state plans to spend millions of dollars for bridge repairs.
Work on the Whittier Bridge in Amesbury and Gillis Bridge in Newburyport could begin as soon as this summer, thanks to a $3 billion plan unveiled yesterday by Gov. Deval Patrick.

Police investigate counterfeit bills in Haverhill

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — Police have called in the Secret Service to help investigate counterfeit bills discovered at a local supermarket.
Three phony $20 bills — all with the same serial number — were discovered by workers at Market Basket at 400 Lowell Ave., police said.

Council wants education leaders' opinions on merging city, school offices Mayor says it will save money

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The City Council will wait to hear from school leaders before considering Mayor James Fiorentini's proposal to merge the School Department's finance and human resources departments with city government.

Haverhill plans anti-violence event

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Haverhill Community Violence Coalition Inc. is sponsoring "Respect-Protect-Connect ... Standing Strong for a Safer Haverhill" on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in GAR Park and the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St.

Street sweeping money on hold

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The City Council will wait two weeks before deciding whether to give Mayor James Fiorentini $7,500 to hire a private company to sweep city streets.
The chief critic of the mayor's proposal, Councilor William Macek, was away and therefore unable to attend last night's meeting. His colleagues said they did not want to vote until he is back. Macek has questioned the rate the city would pay the private street-sweeping company and why the city cannot use its own workers and street sweepers to do the job.

SALUTE TO SENIORS: Class of 2008

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT

Complete coverage of the class of 2008. The section includes class photos, multimedia, highlights, messages, a list of graduates and more. Check back for more stories as the seniors attend their proms and graduate.

Men invaded Haverhill home for money and cocaine, court documents say Police still searching for two others

Wed, 14 May 2008 01:59:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — Five men carrying handguns who invaded a Primrose Street home Monday intended to take money and cocaine, according to police reports.
Instead, they pistol whipped and shot a man, and then ran off after the invasion. Police caught three of them during a search that included dogs and a helicopter, but the other two men are on the run, police said.

Time to pay up Haverhill jumps through political hoops to find $327,675 for textbook bill

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — The good news is students in grades six to 12 received new textbooks this year, so they could give up old books that were in poor shape and contained outdated information.
The bad news is Haverhill still owes more than $300,000 on the books and is uncertain how it will pay the bill.

Haverhill sisters raise money for cancer fight

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Christine Benjamin and Lynn Greenlay-Bucuzzo, both of Haverhill, will hold a yard sale May 31 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 128-131 Winona Ave., to raise money for the Boston Breast Cancer 3-Day — a walk benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust.

Three booms and three flashes Tree falls on power lines, startles neighbors in Groveland

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

GROVELAND — To Bob Gagnon, it looked and sounded like a fast-moving thunderstorm — three big booms and three flashes of light.
But yesterday was clear, not a hint of a storm.
The flashes and booms were the result of a gust of wind knocking over a big pine tree, which fell on three major power lines running through the neighborhood of Ashcroft Terrace and Pandora Drive.

Haverhill police search neighborhoods after shooting

Mon, 12 May 2008 15:28:00 EDT

This afternoon police officers with drawn guns and search dogs combed neighborhoods off Hilldale Avenue looking for five men, one of whom who shot a man at a Primrose Street home, according to police.

Haverhill fights lawsuit brought by victim of former library director

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:36:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — Former public library Director Howard Curtis has gone to prison for sexually abusing a child, but a civil suit against the city over his actions remains — and $2.5 million hangs in the balance.

Haverhill: Citywide street-sweeping operation on hold Mayor will try for money again tomorrow

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:35:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — A spring-cleaning operation planned last week to sweep all public streets never happened because City Council refused to approve hiring a private company to do the work, Mayor James Fiorentini said.

GPS thefts — the new crime trend in Haverhill and Valley Lawrence police use 'bait car' to catch thieves

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:34:00 EDT

It has become one of the hottest targets in car burglaries.
The theft of GPS units — electronic devices that gather location information from global positioning satellites and display it on digital maps — has become a trendy crime in Haverhill and Lawrence.

Environmentalist visits Haverhill schools

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:33:00 EDT

Environmental educator Christopher Swain will visit St. Joseph's School of All Saints Parish and Consentino Middle School on Friday — 13 days before hiking from Burlington, Vt., to Washington, D.C.

Groveland Scouts collect old electronics from residents

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:33:00 EDT

GROVELAND — People can help both the environment and Cub Scout Pack 113 on Saturday by bringing old electronics to Perry Park on the corner of King Street and Route 113.
For a small fee, the Scouts will accept unwanted electronics such as computer monitors, TVs, microwaves and VCRs. The items collected will be recycled by Allied Computer Brokers.

Groveland meetings this week

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:32:00 EDT

Today:
Council on Aging Yoga Class, 10 a.m., main meeting room, Town Hall, 183 Main St.
Board of Selectmen, 6:15 p.m., selectmen's conference room, Town Hall.
Wednesday:
Housing Authority, 5 p.m., River Pines Community Building, 10 River Pines.

Haverhill meetings this week

Mon, 12 May 2008 01:32:00 EDT

Today:
Bradford Elementary School Site Council, 4:15 p.m., 118 Montvale St.
School Committee, budget workshop, 6 p.m., Haverhill High School conference room, 137 Monument St.
Tomorrow:
Hill View Montessori School Trustees Committee, 2:15 p.m., at the school, 551 Washington St.

They 'got in' Haverhill students among first Notre Dame High grads

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:54:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — When Ashley Farnsworth, Jennifer Reyes, Karen Santacruz, and Isimely Vargas walk to the podium to receive their high school diplomas, they will all be making history — twice.
The teenagers will become the first in their families to attend college. And the Haverhill residents will be members of the first graduating class of Notre Dame High School in Lawrence on June 7.

Trial run prepares Whittier Rehabilitation for the real thing

Sun, 11 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — If you live in Bradford or had occasion to be on the Route 125 stretch of that section of the city yesterday, you may have noticed a steady stream of ambulances passing through.
And if you live near Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital on Summer Street or had occasion to drive by, you may have noticed quite a commotion: Patients on stretchers being loaded into ambulances and patients in wheelchairs being rolled into medical vans, all under the watchful eye of the Haverhill Police Department's mobile command center set up in the parking lot.

Sen. Kerry carries Haverhill straw poll

Sun, 11 May 2008 05:57:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — If this city is the trendsetter that Democratic City Committee Chair Bill Cox says it is, then U.S. Sen. John Kerry must be very happy today.
Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee, received 76 of 91 votes cast in an informal straw poll for his Senate seat at the annual Haverhill Democratic breakfast yesterday at Maria's Family Restaurant.

Barney Gallagher: Heartfelt memories of a dedicated mom

Sun, 11 May 2008 05:46:00 EDT

As this Mother's Day arrives, I find myself wondering how my own mother managed as well as she did.
After helping to raise three children of my own, I take some time now to think back about the similar family situation when I was a child and I find myself impressed more than ever with how our family made it through those times.

Haverhill News in Brief

Sun, 11 May 2008 02:23:00 EDT

Teacher travels to Brazil through Rotary
Joanna Clement of Haverhill, a lead preschool teacher with Community Action's Head Start program, will join four other area residents on a Group Study Exchange trip to Minas Gerais, Brazil, for four weeks in May. Their trip is sponsored by Rotary International District 7930. Clement applied for the trip through the Rotary Club of Haverhill.

Haverhill schools in brief

Sun, 11 May 2008 02:10:00 EDT

Do you know what your children are doing this summer?
How to use the summer to prepare your children for the next school year is the subject of the District Parent Council's seventh and final Parent Academy this year on May 21. A location for the session has not yet been set. Certificates will be awarded to parents at the session who have attended four or more sessions this year. Baby-sitting and pizza will be provided for children under 12 who accompany their parents to the meeting. Registration and refreshments begin at 5:45 p.m. More information is available by calling District Parent Council President Joan Becker at 978-469-9095 or Herb Bergh at 978-372-0376.

Judge to decide if repeat drunken driver is a danger to society

Sat, 10 May 2008 00:38:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — He was stripped of his driver's license and spent time in jail on charges of drinking and driving, yet it didn't stop a Haverhill man from continuing to drive, police say.
Yesterday in Haverhill District Court, prosecutor John DePaulo told Judge Stephen Abany that the court system had tried everything to keep Barry Beede, 65, from putting others at risk by drinking and driving.

Atkinson man, 81, charged with soliciting officer for sex

Fri, 09 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

An 81-year-old Atkinson man was arrested after he made a sexual proposition to an undercover male police officer in a wooded area at a Haverhill, Mass., park, police said.
Robert Beaulieu of 25 Ridgewood Drive was charged with indecent assault and battery after the arrest Wednesday at 4:23 p.m. in Winnekenni Park.

'This Old House' plumber visits Haverhill Boys Club Inspects old building's renovations

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:27:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — In a manner of speaking, he leaped off the television screen and into the Haverhill Boys Club.
Yesterday, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey of the television series "This Old House" toured the building to inspect its new, high-tech heating system.

Moving special needs students proposed to save teaching jobs

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:21:00 EDT

HAVERHILL — School officials are considering moving 100 special needs students from the St. James School to Whittier Middle School to save some of the 43 public school teaching jobs on the chopping block.