GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA--News

Kirk: Union decision leaves city vulnerable

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT

Mayor Carolyn Kirk yesterday said the firefighter union's rejection of a $25,000 overtime giveback had pushed the city into an extreme state of vulnerability to fires and medical emergencies that's likely to last through June 30, the end of the current budget cycle.

AUDIO SLIDESHOW: The scoop behind Richardson's ice cream

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT

Jazzy Joe's in Gloucester given time to settle with creditors

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:39:00 EDT

Surrounded by impatient creditors, Jazzy Joe's owner has promised to settle with all of them and reopen the West End bar and music club, which was locked by a deputy sheriff last month.
"The goal is to pay off all creditors in two weeks," owner Sonia Anderson told the Licensing Board on Tuesday night. She was summoned to appear before the board after her former lawyer, Patricia Johnstone, won a court ruling and had the club closed and the liquor license confiscated.

Town clerk's harsh remarks on finance panel spat stun some

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:31:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — Each year, it's customary for Town Clerk Fred Frithsen to give a speech before the newly elected officials take the oath of office, but many residents who attended Tuesday night's ceremony were stunned by Frithsen's comments, saying he went too far in speaking about the controversy surrounding former Finance Committee Chairman Sandy Jacques.

Manchester police/fire

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:15:00 EDT

MANCHESTER — Firefighters responded at 3:35 p.m. Tuesday to a Forster Road residence after a carbon monoxide detector was activated. They did not find any problems in the building.
r Police and firefighters responded to Ocean Street yesterday at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday after a tractor-trailer became stuck in the railroad bridge there. The truck was extricated from the bridge.

Gloucester police/fire

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:11:00 EDT

Arrest
r Police arrested Fredy Orellana, 40, of 19 Maplewood Ave. after investigating a report of an intruder at a Millett Street house Tuesday at 12:23 a.m. Orellana was charged with breaking and entering and disturbing the peace.

Rockport Police/Fire

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:08:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — Police arrested an Everett man at 6:55 a.m. Tuesday following a routine traffic stop on Granite Street.
Adilio Neto, 24, of 160 Garland St., No. 3, Everett, was arrested by Officer Daniel Mahoney on charges of driving without a license and a light violation. Mahoney stopped the vehicle Neto was driving after noticing a brake light was not working.

Today in history

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:06:00 EDT

Today is Thursday, May 15, the 136th day of 2008. There are 230 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On May 15, 1918, U.S. airmail began service between Washington, Philadelphia and New York.

Fish arrivals

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:04:00 EDT

Gloucester Seafood Display Auction
The Gloucester Seafood Display Auction handled 30,500 pounds of fish Friday.
The average price per pound of the top five species sold:
Medium pollock: 14,800 pounds (93 cents)

EXTENDED MARINE FORECAST

Thu, 15 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT

From Merrimack River to Watch Hill, R.I.
Today, southwest winds around 5 knots, becoming south in the late morning and afternoon. Seas 3 to 5 feet.
Tonight, south winds 5 to 10 knots, becoming northwest late. Seas 2 to 4 feet.

Safety watchdog says Salem power plant failed to protect employees

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:15:00 EDT

SALEM — A federal agency yesterday cited the owner of Salem Harbor Station for "serious violations" in connection with the steam explosion from a ruptured boiler tube that killed three workers last fall.

Thailand's long-reigning king has a Gloucester connection

Thu, 15 May 2008 00:12:00 EDT

Gloucester is famous for many reasons — among them being the oldest seaport in the nation, its thriving art colonies, its maritime tradition and seaside beauty — in other words, a place fit for a king.

Shakeup at Gloucester Public Works comes while city tries to adjust timetable of mandates

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:45:00 EDT

Mayor Carolyn Kirk has asked the federal government to allow adjusted schedules for a series of mandated water and sewer projects so costly at an estimated $100 million, she argued, that paying for them all at once would put a crushing burden on ratepayers.

Randall rides big Essex turnout to re-election

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:37:00 EDT

ESSEX — Propelled by the largest number of voters to cast ballots in an annual town election in 10 years, incumbent Raymond Randall retained his selectman's seat Monday with a convincing victory over challenger Ed Neal in a vote that reaffirmed support for the style and policies of the current Board of Selectmen.

Gloucester intruder prompts Peabody High lockdown

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:36:00 EDT

PEABODY — Peabody High administrators put the school in lockdown yesterday morning after a 15-year-old Gloucester boy lied his way into the building shortly before 9 and couldn't be found for nearly 30 minutes.

Federal agency faults CAI in Danversport explosion

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:33:00 EDT

DANVERS — It was the middle of a Tuesday afternoon when the production manager at CAI Inc., a Danversport ink manufacturer, opened the steam valve on Mix Tank No. 3 to heat a new batch of chemicals.

Gloucester: Police/Fire

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:19:00 EDT

Arrests
r A routine traffic stop on Poplar Street led to the arrest of a Gloucester man on Monday afternoon.
Police arrested Aaron T. Pinegar, 18, of 64 Dennison St., on charges of possession of a class D substance and speeding at 5:40 p.m.

Gloucester District Court

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:17:00 EDT

A 51-year-old South Chatham man charged with purchasing tuna from a fishing vessel, though he didn't hold the proper state fishing permits, had his case dismissed by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court yesterday upon payment of $100.

Maine Marine Patrol to search for missing lobsterman

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:16:00 EDT

KITTERY, Maine (AP) — The Maine Marine Patrol will take up the search tomorrow for a 46-year-old Maine lobsterman missing and presumed drowned when his boat capsized in waters near the New Hampshire line.

Essex police/fire

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:15:00 EDT

ESSEX — Police received a report Monday at 1:35 p.m. from a National Grid electrical worker who said he was bitten by a Chihuahua on Kings Court. The man was not seriously injured and the animal control officer was notified.

Manchester police/fire

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:14:00 EDT

MANCHESTER — An ambulance responded to The Plains on Old Essex Road at 2:30 p.m. Monday and transported a woman to Beverly Hospital.
r Police and rescuers responded to Bridge Street at 2:49 p.m.

Rockport Police/Fire

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:10:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — The Fire Department responded to a smoke detector alarm at a Smith Street Court residence at 2:26 a.m. Monday. Firefighters determined it was a false alarm and cleared the scene.
r

EXTENDED MARINE FORECAST

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:09:00 EDT
From Merrimack River to Watch Hill, R.I.
Today, northeast winds 5 to 10 knots. Seas 5 to 8 feet, subsiding to 4 to 6 feet in the afternoon.
Tonight, south winds around 5 knots, increasing to 5 to 10 knots after midnight. Seas 4 to 6 feet.

Today in history

Wed, 14 May 2008 05:07:00 EDT
Today is Wednesday, May 14, the 135th day of 2008. There are 231 days left in the year.
Today's Highlight in History:
On May 14, 1948, according to the common-era calendar, the independent state of Israel was proclaimed in Tel Aviv.

Jacobs' birthday party to benefit Rockport Art Association

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:55:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — The last time philanthropist Neal Jacobs hosted a birthday party fundraiser, the Rockport Public Library gift fund received a sizable boost. Now, only two years later, Jacobs is at it again, but this time the chief beneficiary will be the Rockport Art Association's Buildings Renovation Program.

Ruling due in latest round of Southern Ave. cleanup battle

Tue, 13 May 2008 23:38:00 EDT
ESSEX — A Superior Court judge could rule this week on the latest push in the town's 30-year battle to clean up William Allen's Southern Avenue property and remove the aging trucks, Dumpsters, lumber, metal, tires and a listing barn that officials say present imminent safety hazards.

Randall retains Essex Selectman's seat

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:43:00 EDT
ESSEX — Incumbent Raymond Randall outpolled challenger Ed Neal by a margin of better than 2 to 1 last night to retain his seat on the Essex Board of Selectmen.
Randall, who has served on the board since 2005, drew 530 votes to Neal's 201 to easily win the town's only contested ballot race in yesterday's elections. Neal also served on the board from 1994 through 1997; he is also a former member of the School Committee and the town's Board of Health.

Gloucester senior advocacy group wants to hear public's concerns

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:37:00 EDT
In its continuing effort to address the needs of Cape Ann seniors, the Gloucester Triad Council has invited area seniors to join community leaders at its monthly meeting at Rose Baker Senior Center on Thursday morning.

Manchester board weighs new disposal fees

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:33:00 EDT
MANCHESTER — Selectmen are considering a recommendation by the town's public works director to start charging disposal fees for a number of items now accepted for free.
Public Works Director Steven Kenney's proposed fees for items such as televisions and computer monitors, truck tires, refrigerators, propane canisters and petroleum products, aim to narrow the gap between the revenues collected at the transfer station and the actual costs of the disposal.

Rockport selectmen to review pros, cons of Senior Center sites

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:32:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — Town officials agree — Rockport's senior citizens deserve a larger Senior Center.
There is disagreement, however, as to what is the best and most fiscally feasible location for the new center. The issue will be among the first topics addressed when selectmen meet tonight.

Search is on for missing fisherman Debris from sunken boat found on Salisbury Beach

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:27:00 EDT
SALISBURY — Debris from a lobster boat that sank off the Isles of Shoals washed up on Salisbury Beach yesterday afternoon, prompting a search there for more debris and the body of the vessel's missing captain.

Bill would help protect, manage coastal waters

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:22:00 EDT
BOSTON — A landmark bill designed to better manage everything from wind farms to whale watching in the coastal waters off Massachusetts is making its way through the Statehouse and could emerge from a key legislative committee as soon as this week.

Gloucester police/fire

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:12:00 EDT
Arrests
r Juan Genao, 31, of 471/2 Prospect St., Apt. 1L, was arrested on Prospect Street at 4:56 p.m. Sunday on a charge of possession of marijuana.
r Police were sent to Washington Street at 10:29 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report of a disturbance near the intersection with Whittemore Street. They arrested Frank Pacheco, 32, of 186 Washington St. on a charge of driving with a suspended license.

Manchester police/fire

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:10:00 EDT
MANCHESTER — Police received a report Sunday at 6:01 p.m. of a car hitting a parked car on School Street and leaving the scene. No one was injured in the collision and officers were unable to locate the car that initiated the contact. The incident is under investigation.

Essex police/fire

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:09:00 EDT
ESSEX — Police received a report Sunday at 11:52 a.m. of two men and one woman trespassing on property at Robbins Island Road. When an officer arrived, the people dispersed.
r Police responded to John Wise Avenue at 5:51 p.m. Sunday after receiving a report from Ipswich police that a car being driven erratically was crossing the town line. John Downs, 59, of 6 Ashland Ave., Manchester, was swerving across the road and nearly hit a parked car, according to police. Downs, who had a cast on his foot, was arrested on charges of drunken driving, driving to endanger, driving with a suspended licence, driving while impeded due to his cast and a marked lane violation.

Fish arrivals

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:04:00 EDT
Gloucester Seafood Display Auction
The Gloucester Seafood Display Auction handled 56,500 pounds of fish Wednesday.
The average price per pound of the top five species sold:
Scrod haddock: 45,800 pounds ($1.82)

EXTENDED MARINE FORECAST

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:02:00 EDT
From Merrimack River to Watch Hill, R.I.
Today, north winds 25 to 30 knots, becoming northeast 20 to 25 knots late. Seas 9 to 14 feet.
Tonight, north winds 15 to 20 knots, diminishing to 10 to 15 knots around midnight, then increasing to 15 to 20 knots late. Gusts to 25 knots. Seas 8 to 11 feet, subsiding to 6 to 9 feet after midnight.

Union rejects giveback deal to keep fire stations open

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:38:00 EDT
Turning down a deal negotiated by their leaders, the local firefighters union has overwhelmingly rejected a request to give the city $25,000 in training money to help eliminate an overtime deficit.
The give-back would have allowed more firefighters to work and stations to stay open more often through June 30, the end of the fiscal year. Without the give-back, no overtime will be allowed except to fight multiple-alarm fires.

Businesses join to market 'Seaport Gloucester' as destination

Mon, 12 May 2008 23:37:00 EDT
To the frustration of hospitality providers such as Linn Parisi and merchants such as Janice Shea, this great seaport, for all its attractions and charms, has forever been a brand without a plan.
But now, amid signs of a harborfront revival, at the start of another season — this one promising to see Gloucester's profile elevated once again by literature — a plan with long- and short-term elements, covering details and the big picture, is quickly taking shape.

Morgan to lead Plum Cove

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
The city's regionwide search for a new principal for Plum Cove Elementary School ended inside the building.
Superintendent Christopher Farmer announced Tammy Morgan, vice principal at Beeman Memorial and Plum Cove elementary schools, was chosen from 22 other applicants to take over as principal of Plum Cove for the next academic year.

Red tide forces N.H. harvesting ban

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
Red tide is again sweeping into some of New England's coastal waters, forcing New Hampshire state officials to ban harvesting of mussels, clams and oysters from that state's coastal waters and Hampton/Seabrook Harbor.

Ethics Committee hasn't found anything wrong since 1991: Female lawmaker's complaint could be test case for secretive panel

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT
BOSTON — 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.

Gloucester Police

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT
One man from Salem and another from Beverly face charges of receiving stolen property and trespassing after being arrested by Gloucester Police on Saturday.
Corey P. Hickey, 21, of 151 North St., Salem, and Martin R. Hickey, 20, of 651 Broadway, were also both charged with threatening to commit a crime. The police log did not indicate more specifics of the case; it also was not clear whether the Hickeys are related.

Cable TV listings

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT
Cape Ann TV
Monday, May 12
Channel 12:
5 p.m. — "Physician Focus: Health Care for the Aging" — Geriatric Care
5:30 p.m. — Rose Baker Senior Center activities
6 p.m. — Emergency communications

Huge fertilizer price hikes will make food prices grow

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT
NEWBURYPORT— Nearly everything it takes to run a farm has gone up over the past year.
Gas. Utilities. Labor. And now, even the price of fertilizer is spiking.
Farmers are feeling the pinch and preparing to raise prices, though the actual increase hasn't been determined yet.

GHS, RHS students earn Times scholarships: RHS senior 'Blossom' pursues theater, music

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:46:00 EDT
Her first name means "Beautiful Blossom" in Japanese, and she has some unusual interests for an 18-year-old Rockport High School senior.
For example, Misaki Nishimiya doesn't even own an iPod and expresses little or no excitement for the Red Sox or their expensive Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka.

GHS, RHS students earn Times scholarships: GHS senior loves art, horses — and hockey

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:45:00 EDT
Gloucester High senior Cecely Nutting has a wide variety of interests, from art and photography to horseback riding, antique sports cars and hockey.
But this fall, she says, she will be concentrating on interior design as she enters Mount Ida College in Newton — with a $1,000 Gloucester Daily Times scholarship tucked into her back pocket.

Aerial acrobats: Rockport teens shine in Junior Olympic Games

Sun, 11 May 2008 22:42:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — For the average skier, finding oneself airborne and upside-down on a mountain slope usually means just one thing — a hard, potentially painful landing awaits.
Rockport teens Brendan Wall and Kyle Keating, however, are not your average skiers. Their aerial acrobatic talents earned them a trip to this year's Freestyle Junior Olympic Games.

Behind the Paint Factory deal; City volunteers played key roles to forge site's future

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:44:00 EDT
Chalk one up for the city of Gloucester's volunteers — the appointed officers who work for nothing, and private citizens who do work the city needs done.
At the turning point in the long and recently lusterless history of the Paint Factory, genuine caring was converted into clout by a changing chain of people with more passion than authority.

Essex contest pits incumbent against former selectman

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:41:00 EDT
ESSEX — Voters casting a ballot Monday in this year's contest for selectman will choose between a consensus-building incumbent who strives for common ground and a straight-shooting challenger unafraid to take controversial positions on tough issues.

North Shore Arts Association opens 86th season

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:39:00 EDT
Mother's Day tomorrow marks the opening of the North Shore Arts Association for its 86th year.
"This year is exclusively for our members, including having individual members hang shows," said Andrea Van Gestel, president of the arts association. Although the association is known to host large shows of visiting works, this year the focus will be local, including four individual solo shows.

Rockport Public School lunch menus

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:36:00 EDT
Week of May 12-16
Rockport public schools
Monday: Chicken teriyaki, seasoned rice, Oriental vegetables
Tuesday: Rotini and sauce with meatballs, tossed salad, breadstick
Wednesday: Barbecue rib on a bun, corn

Ebb & Flow: Treasures trigger memories

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:33:00 EDT
Two treasures of a different sort that were stored in a basement and a fish shack, respectively, have recently surfaced.
One of the items has since created more questions than answers, while the other has been returned to the best-selling author who painted on it in the first place.

'Empty Bowl' fills Cruiseport

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:30:00 EDT
More than 1,000 people passed through Gloucester's Cruiseport Thursday night for the eight annual Empty Bowl Dinner, a fundraiser for the Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry.
That number included 942 ticketholders and 63 volunteers, who raised a gross total of $24,200, according to food pantry Executive Director Julie LaFontaine. The funding total included sponsorship, the dinner itself and a silent auction.

Forum speaker: Energy and climate, a national security issue, not a lifestyle issue

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:25:00 EDT
Michael Klare, a professor of peace and world security studies at five major colleges, warned of the United States' dependency on foreign oil in a book he wrote four years ago.
The social critic will stop in Gloucester tomorrow when he will be Cape Ann Forum's guest speaker. Klare will present a critique of U.S. energy policy drawn from his new book "Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy," from 7 to 9 p.m. at Gloucester City Hall. The subject includes the impact of energy costs in a changing global economy.

Town Talk: Rotary goes tiki

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:25:00 EDT
Manchester Essex Rotary Club is going tropical tonight at its fourth annual fundraising auction at Manchester American Legion Hall.
The theme of the auction is "Summer in Paradise" and the Rotary Club hopes beach music and the chance that state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, performing as auctioneer, will show up in Hawaiian shirt, will draw interest from all over Cape Ann.

Rockport Ramblings: Outgoing selectmen thanked for years of service

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:22:00 EDT
At the conclusion of their final Board of Selectmen meeting April 29, Selectmen Chairman Joseph Lisi and Selectman Roxanne Tieri — both of whom did not seek re-election this year — were honored and thanked by fellow board members and Town Administrator Michael Racicot for their years of dedicated service.

Manchester police/fire

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:16:00 EDT
MANCHESTER — Police and firefighters responded to a report of a car fire on Route 128 at 11:17 a.m. Thursday and found a vehicle smoking, but not on fire, from transmission trouble. The car was towed.

Extended Marine Forecast

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:12:00 EDT
From Merrimack River, out 25 nautical miles, to Plymouth, out 40 nautical miles, including Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary:
Gale warning remains in effect through this afternoon:

District Court

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:11:00 EDT
r A Gloucester man, arrested with his 18-year-old son on drug possession charges, could end up in jail if he doesn't stay out of trouble for the next year.
Brian D. Moody, 43, of 24 Myrtle Square, pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of being present where heroin was kept. His son, Jason N. Moody, of 20 Gould Court, Gloucester, was arrested with him on a charge of possession of heroin.

Gloucester police/fire

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:10:00 EDT
Police arrested a man Thursday night while investigating a report of someone entering cars on Main Street and Eastern Avenue.
Michael R. Kuch, 21, of 7 Angle St., Gloucester, was arrested on charges of breaking into a truck, carrying a dangerous weapon and possession of drugs.

Essex police/fire

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:09:00 EDT
ESSEX — Police yesterday at 12:15 a.m. discovered that vandals had carved epithets in the door to the women's bathrooms at Memorial Park. The damage is under investigation.

Rockport Police/Fire

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:07:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — Police investigated a hit-and-run incident that resulted in property damage at a High Street Court residence early Thursday.
The homeowners called police at 1:04 a.m. to report that a

Pet of the week

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:04:00 EDT
My name is Ringo Starr and I am almost 1 year old. I am a little on the shy side. My owner could not care for me because of allergies, so I am looking for another loving family to adopt me. I am happy at the shelter; they are so kind to me, but it would be nice to have a family of my own. Please stop by Cape Ann Animal Aid, or visit www.capeannanimalaid.com and meet me.

Gloucester Public Schools lunch menus

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:03:00 EDT
Week of May 12-16
Elementary schools
Monday: Barbecue burger with lettuce, tomato and cheese, all-beef hot dog on a roll, Sunbutter and jelly sandwich, canned pears, milk
Tuesday: Chef's special, all-beef hot dog on a roll, Sunbutter and jelly sandwich, green beans, grapes, milk

Manchester Essex school menus

Sat, 10 May 2008 05:02:00 EDT
Week of May 12-16
Elementary schools
Monday: Chicken nuggets, hamburger on a wheat roll, yogurt and pretzel, pizza bagel, smile fries, steamed vegetables
Tuesday: Mozzarella sticks with dip, hamburger on wheat roll, yogurt and bagel, pizza bagel, brown rice pilaf, peas and carrots

Gloucester Police/Fire

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:10:00 EDT
Incidents
r Police were called to break up a group of people fighting on Railroad Avenue at 4:26 p.m. Wednesday. Police were called back to Railroad Avenue at 9:20 that night to restore the peace between a couple who were fighting near the train station.

Extended Marine Forecast

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:09:00 EDT
From Merrimack River, out 25 nautical miles, to Plymouth, out 40 nautical miles, including Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary:
A small craft advisory remains in effect from this afternoon through this evening.

Fish arrivals

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:08:00 EDT
Gloucester Seafood Display Auction
The Gloucester Seafood Display Auction handled 118,600 pounds of fish Thursday.
The average price per pound of the top five species sold:
Medium pollock: 33,700 pounds (70 cents)

Manchester police/fire

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:07:00 EDT
MANCHESTER — Police responded to Summer Street at 1:48 p.m. Wednesday and arrested Robert Korszeniewski, 27, of 39 Wallis St., Beverly, on outstanding traffic violation warrants from Ipswich District Court.

Essex police/fire

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:06:00 EDT
ESSEX — An ambulance responded to Wood Drive at 3:04 p.m. Wednesday and transported a woman to Beverly Hospital.
r Police responded to Conomo Point Road at 11:24 a.m. Wednesday after receiving a report that a jogger had been bitten by a German shepherd. The jogger was not injured, and the town animal control officer was notified.

Rockport Police/Fire

Fri, 09 May 2008 05:05:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — The Forest Fire Unit was dispatched to the High Street area at 7:34 p.m. Wednesday in response to a report of a strong smell of wood burning. Firefighters were unable to locate any fi

Cycling for a cause: Tarr aide's cross country trip targets homelessness

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:47:00 EDT
It's a big country out there, and Brendan McGonigle is going to see most of it over the handlebars of his bicycle.
McGonigle is taking a leave of absence from his job as an aide to state Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, to bike across country to raise money for the National Center on Family Homelessness.

Constable pushes for overnight curfew on watershed lands

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:38:00 EDT
At first glance, the boulder nestled about 100 yards into the woods between the Babson Reservoir and Dory Road looks just like a big rock, but the large blue tarp kept taut by tent poles and strings tied to tree branches indicates the rock is part of something more — a home.

Deal in works for Paint Factory; Ocean Alliance group to move research HQ to Rocky Neck

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:26:00 EDT
The Ocean Alliance, a nonprofit research organization based in Lincoln, has agreed to acquire and move into the Paint Factory, whose 19th century buildings on the harbor's headlands have become the landmark image of Gloucester's working waterfront.

Pictures of the Week, May 2 — May 8

Thu, 08 May 2008 19:54:00 EDT
Manchester: Manchester Essex Regional Middle School's Brittany Collens is only a seventh-grader but is playing No. 1 singles for the Hornets high school girls tennis team. The 13-year-old has helped lead Manchester Essex to a 6-1 record, while posting a 7-0 personal record. Photo by Mary Muckenhoupt/Gloucester Daily Times Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Kirk: Delayed city budget will bring big cuts

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:44:00 EDT
Mayor Carolyn Kirk has notified City Council that the municipal budget she is preparing will be much more than a day late — and more than a few dollars short.
By memo, she forewarned councilors her first budget will likely not be submitted until June 2 at the earliest — nearly a month later than this year's budget.

'Mandate' for change: Newly elected selectmen pledge to renew residents' faith in board

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:43:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — The day after becoming Rockport's newest selectmen, Conservation Commission member Andrew Heinze and former state lawmaker Ellen Canavan agreed Tuesday's vote was a "mandate" from voters eager for change in Rockport's government.

Zoning remains elusive

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:43:00 EDT
ESSEX — Despite repeated calls from residents of all stripes for increased zoning controls in Essex, Town Meeting defeated an article to prevent new commercial development on John Wise Avenue.
Proponents failed to secure a two-thirds majority Tuesday night for the article, brought to voters by citizen petition. It would have created an overlay zoning district allowing only agricultural and residential development along John Wise Avenue, a swath of Route 133, from Western Avenue to the Ipswich line.

Rockporters OK $2.7M debt exclusion

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:40:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — Voters here overwhelmingly supported two incumbents for the School Committee, and passed a $2.7 million Proposition 21/2 debt exclusion override on an election day that drew 34 percent of those registered to the polls.

Group raises bar for Gloucester High public safety display

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:32:00 EDT
Rescue crews will be cutting apart a wrecked car outside Gloucester High School tomorrow morning.
But there'll be no need for alarm — and this story isn't clairvoyant when it comes to life-threatening car crashes.

Fish arrivals

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:10:00 EDT
Gloucester Seafood Display Auction
No landings were reported Friday at the Gloucester Seafood Display Auction.
Other landings
No landings were reported yesterday at the New England Fish Exchange in Boston.

Essex police/fire

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:08:00 EDT
ESSEX - An ambulance responded to Choate Street at 10:42 a.m. Tuesday and transported a woman to Beverly Hospital.
r An ambulance responded to Dodge Street at 12:58 p.m. Tuesday and transported a woman to Beverly Hospital.

Manchester police/fire

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:07:00 EDT
MANCHESTER - Police received a report at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday that a mattress was blocking the left-hand lane on Route 128 north. An officer removed it from the road.
r Police arrested Michael Bixbee, 1

Tierney still waiting to make a choice for president

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:07:00 EDT
Tuesday's primary results in Indiana and North Carolina couldn't nudge Congressman John Tierney off the sideline in the hotly contested race for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Tierney, one of six uncommitted superdelegates from Massachusetts, yesterday held onto his neutrality as the odds grew longer for Sen. Hillary Clinton, and conventional wisdom solidified Sen. Barack Obama as the presumptive nominee for president.

Gloucester police/fire

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:04:00 EDT
Arrests
r Officers responded to Centennial Avenue yesterday at 10:32 a.m. and arrested Joanna Snyder, 44, of 19 Riggs St., on outstanding warrants. Details of the charges connected to the warrants were not available yesterday.

Exotic cats surrendered by hoarder are up for adoption

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:02:00 EDT
METHUEN — Many of these exotic felines can easily run you $600 to $1,000.
But for a limited time, dozens of Sphynxes, Himalayans, Munchkins, Devon Rexes, Ragdolls and Siamese are at Nevins Farm for a mere $125 adoption fee.

Extended Marine Forecast

Thu, 08 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT
From Merrimack River, out 25 nautical miles, to Plymouth, out 40 nautical miles, including Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary:
Today, southwest winds 15 to 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. A chance of showers in the morning.

Weekend festival to showcase schoolchildren's artworks

Thu, 08 May 2008 00:33:00 EDT
A special event will showcase the involvement of children in the arts, in everything from pottery to ballroom dancing, at several downtown venues this Saturday.
And in the wake of that event, Beeman Elementary School student actors and West Parish Elementary School student musicians will stage an original new work, written by a Gloucester educator, at O'Maley Middle School on May 16 and 17.

Methuen police chief fired today

Wed, 07 May 2008 14:36:00 EDT
METHUEN — Mayor William Manzi fired police Chief Joseph Solomon today.
Solomon has been accused of a litany of charges, including mismanaging grant money and conflicts of interest. The 22-year veteran of the police department fought for his job during a seven-day discipline hearing, which started in February and ended April 14.

Debt exclusion OK'd in Rockport; voters choose Heinze, Canavan for selectmen

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:07:00 EDT
Rockport voters last night overwhelming supported a $2.7 million Proposition 21/2 debt exclusion, backed two incumbents for the town's School Committee, and chose Conservation Commission member Andrew Heinze and former state lawmaker Ellen Canavan as selectmen.

Grow pledges petition drive to pull chiefs out of Civil Service

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:44:00 EDT
City Councilor Jason Grow has promised an initiative petition campaign to break uniformed career insiders' exclusive access to the chiefs' positions in Gloucester's Police and Fire departments.
Grow scoffed at warnings by officers of both departments that opening up the process would politicize the system, and asserted that politics always plays a role, and did so in the selection of police Chief Robert Beaudette and his predecessor, Michael McLeod, by former Mayor John Bell. (See related story).

Essex Town Meeting approves wind turbine rules

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:43:00 EDT
ESSEX — Last night, the second session of this year's Town Meeting approved a bylaw governing windmills, as voters continued to make their way through a hefty 43-article warrant.
The first session of the meeting approved the town's $5 million operating budget, a $5.7 million assessment to fund the Manchester Essex Regional School District budget, and the search for a planner to draw new lot lines for town-owned land on Conomo Point.

Councilor claims '03 political 'deal' for post

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:41:00 EDT
Former Mayor John Bell's decision to appoint police Lt. Michael McLeod to be the acting chief in early 2003 was politically motivated, according to Councilor Jason Grow.
The unannounced part of the arrangement, Grow claimed during a public meeting Monday night, was McLeod's pre-agreement not to run for mayor against Bell in 2005 in exchange for the interim promotion.

Festival suit settlement: Neighbors bought out for $1.2M

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:37:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — The Rockport Chamber Music Festival bought neighbors Gary and Marcia Puryear's private residence for $1.2 million to settle a lawsuit that could have blocked construction of the festival's Shalin Liu Performance Center.

Senate approves $1 per pack cigarette tax increase; part of $472M revenue package

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:32:00 EDT
BOSTON — The Senate approved a $1 per pack cigarette tax increase yesterday, part of a $472 million tax hike that would be the largest in the last six years.
The Senate voted 31-6 for the tax bill, which would raise $175 million through higher cigarette taxes and $297 million from closing so-called corporate tax loopholes.

Plankton failure could lead to fewer haddock at Georges Bank

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:23:00 EDT
WOODS HOLE — Federal fishery researchers say last fall's plankton bloom failed to develop on the region's prime fish breeding and feeding ground of Georges Bank, which could reduce the amount of haddock there.

Report offers assessment of human impact on marine sanctuary

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:20:00 EDT
BOSTON (AP) — A report on protecting a marine preserve off the coast of Massachusetts finds too many fish are being taken from it and whales there are in danger from fishing gear entanglements.
The report on the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a fishing ground located about 15 miles southeast of Gloucester to about six miles north of Provincetown, also says fishing gear is disturbing the sites of historic shipwrecks.

Rockport High School honor roll

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:19:00 EDT
These students have been named to the third-quarter honor roll at Rockport High School:
Highest Honors
Freshmen — Nicolette Ambrose, Olivia Linville, Sabrina McCarthy, Alek Razdan and Elizabeth Saville.

Police/Fire

Wed, 07 May 2008 05:11:00 EDT
ROCKPORT — Police brought a criminal complaint against a Rockport man stemming from a driving infraction.
David Williams, 70, of 188R Granite St., was issued a criminal complaint for driving aft