News -- GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

Safe water could cost $6 million

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

The latest problems identified in city drinking water — elevated levels of "disinfection byproducts" detected while the city fought bacteria blooms this summer — are not new to Gloucester.

Leaders: New catch limits will sink common poolers

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST

The common pool of fishermen who stayed out of sectors, the voluntary cooperatives that will work under a catch share system, will be severely constrained under limitations approved this week by an advisory committee of the New England Fishery Management Council.

Revisiting the Point: Essex Town Meeting renews focus on Conomo's future

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:03:00 EST

Essex officials are asking residents for more money to continue looking into the future of Conomo Point.
This time, some of the money will be used to look into plans for the northern part of Conomo Point near the waterfront.

Gloucester's Laura Nyro among Rock Hall nominees

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

Singer-songwriter Laura Nyro, who lived in Gloucester in the early 1970s, is one of 12 acts nominated for the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame for 2010.
Nyro was nominated along with Swedish pop group ABBA, Boston disco queen Donna Summer, heavy metal band Kiss, British rock group Genesis, California rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers, early punk rockers The Stooges, Phil Spector protege Darlene Love, rapper LL Cool J, British invasion band The Hollies, reggae star Jimmy Cliff, and '50s female R&B group The Chantels.

Intershell steps into new era on Gloucester harborfront

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Intershell International Corp.'s attractive, modern one-acre seafood complex at 52 Commercial St. is just about done.
Its office, processing, receiving and shipping center, marina building and refurbished wharf, soon-to-open fish market — and its paved parking lot and roadway between the buildings — mark a complete revolution from what was there, creating an asset for Gloucester and its working waterfront.

Feds: Wolffish doesn't need protections

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A deep-water fish that's known as much for its ugly mug as its ability to gobble up whole urchins and crabs in a few swift chomps will not be getting federal protection after all.

A 50-year milestone for Rockport High's Class of '59

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

Twenty-three members of Rockport High School's Class of 1959 and their guests — including teacher Paul Gahm SEmD enjoyed a festive reunion at Roy Moore's Fish Shack last month.
Participants were greeted in Dock Square with a blast from the past — four vintage automobiles, a 1948 Oldsmobile 66, a 1950 lime and black Ford Crestliner, a 1951 powder blue Lincoln Lido, and a 1952 green Packard, owned respectively by John Erkkila, Don Smith, Bruce Newman and Grant Newman.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

Incidents
A Gloucester man reported to police at 10:05 p.m. Thursday that somebody threw an unknown object at his car while he was driving north on the Route 128 extension. Police searched the area and found no suspects.

Scout spruces up Grove for Eagle project

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

Centennial Grove just keeps getting better.
Daniel White, 17, a senior at the Manchester Essex Regional High School and member of Boy Scout Troop 39 in Essex, decided to repair the pavilion on the property for his Eagle Scout project. He replaced broken or rotten boards and painted both the interior and exterior of the structure.

A memory worth preserving

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:23:00 EST

In the summer of 1969, Cheryl Dyment nearly drowned while swimming at Good Harbor Beach. The 19-year-old was splashing in the waves with a friend when a riptide pulled her out to sea.
She watched grown men next to her scream for help as they were pulled away from shore. She heard the cries of her friend, trapped in water no deeper than her knees. She started to panic herself, as her arms and legs failed to move her anywhere but out.

Gloucester District Court

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:15:00 EST

Bruce P. Nichols, 21, of 76 North St., Georgetown, had assault and battery charges continued without a finding for six months in Gloucester District Court yesterday.
Nichols was arrested in May after police say he grabbed his 16-year-old brother by the throat at Jim's Bagel and Bake Shoppe while his brother was working behind the counter.

Rockport Police/Fire

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:10:00 EST

ROCKPORT — The Fire Department responded to School Street at 5:39 p.m. Thursday after reports of a strong chemical odor in the area. Firefighters were unable to find a problem and cleared the scene.

Essex Police/Fire

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:08:00 EST

ESSEX — At 3:23 p.m. Thursday, emergency crews responded to an accidental 911 call that was made from Western Avenue.
At 6:27 p.m. Thursday, Essex Fire Department was dispatched to help the Ipswich Fire Department with a fire on Bayview Road in Ipswich.

Manchester Police/Fire

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:03:00 EST

MANCHESTER — At 3:48 p.m. Thursday, an ambulance transported a female for Family Medical Associates to Beverly Hospital.
At 11:51 a.m. yesterday, the ambulance transported a person from Old Wenham Way to Beverly Hospital.

Extended marine forecast

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:04:00 EST

Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Today, west winds 5 to 10 knots, becoming southwest10 to 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 4 feet.

Looking back

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:44:00 EST

Courtesy of Gloucester Rotary
Rudy Macchi, left, and Gloucester Rotary president Brad Pierce show off the more than 125 furry stuffed animals Rotary members collected in 1989 to be donated to Wellspring, NUVA, and the Police Department.

Charter on state panel's plate again

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

The state board that, with little public debate, approved the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School last winter appears at City Hall tomorrow to face the local leaders who have called that process a political "charade."

State: Water failed other tests, more substances found

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:51:00 EST

Gloucester's drinking water this year failed tests for substances other than the coliform bacteria that caused a boil water order this summer, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

'Photo safari,' trips top Rockport auction tonight

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Are you interested in taking a South African "photo safari?"
Playing rounds of golf at Cape Ann golf clubs?
Are you interested in acquiring paintings and other works by local artists?
More than $66,000 worth of donated items will be up for bid tonight at the annual goods and services auction for the Rockport Chamber of Commerce — slated this year for the Rockport Golf Course, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The live auction will start at 7:15.

Rockport turmoil: Selectmen's chairman under increasing fire over leadership

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Selectmen Chairman Sandy Jacques is under increasing fire from his colleagues for his "unilateral" leadership style and alleged lack of communication with fellow members.
And two — those seen as Jacques' closest allies on the Board of Selectmen — acknowledge there could be a move to revisit the selection process and Jacques' position as board chief.

Retirement board transfers investment control to state

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

DANVERS — The Essex Regional Retirement Board, beset by local officials for months, finally did yesterday morning what those officials have asked it to do since last summer:
On a 3-1 vote, the board agreed to transfer control of its investments to the state's Pension Reserves Investment Trust.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Incidents
An Exchange Street woman had a pair of sunglasses and an MP3 music player stolen from her car sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
A Centennial Avenue resident who complained of breathing difficulty was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital by rescue squad at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday.

Essex Police/Fire

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — At 6:29 a.m. yesterday, police responded to a burglar alarm at a Western Avenue business. It was a false alarm and they were called off by the security company.
At 9:18 a.m. Thursday, f

Rockport Police/Fire

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Construction workers pulling foundation forms were asked by police to halt their work Wednesday after a nearby Granite Street resident filed a noise complaint at 11:12 p.m. Peace was restored without incident.

Manchester Police/Fire

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — At 10:45 a.m. yesterday, police and fire personnel were dispatched to the intersection of School and Vine streets for a reported smell of gas. Police and firefighters found nothing.

Correction

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

The Gloucester Daily Times aims to be accurate. If you are aware of a factual error in a story, please call Times Editor Ray Lamont at 978-283-7000, ext. 3438.
Due to an editing error, a potion of a c

Congressman Frank to NOAA chief: Many questions on catch shares

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:54:00 EST

In a pointed letter to the Obama administration's top fisheries administrator, Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank has added his voice to a growing chorus of concerns about the transition of the New England groundfishery to a "catch share" regulatory system.

Gloucester man guilty in 2008 boat fatality

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:51:00 EST

The Gloucester skipper of the power boat involved in a fatal 2008 collision in Buzzards Bay pleaded guilty yesterday to negligent operation of a vessel, death involved, and was given a one-year suspended sentence and 10 years probation.

DEP: More 'substances' in city water

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:22:00 EST

Gloucester's drinking water this year failed tests for substances other than the coliform bacteria that prompted a boil-water order this summer, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Update: Boater sentenced, loses licenses over boating fatality

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:07:00 EST

NEW BEDFORD — A power boat operator from Gloucester pleaded guilty today to negligent operation of a vessel in a 2008 boat crash that killed a Dartmouth sailor.
Fred Bevins, 61, of Honeysuckle Road and the owner of The Car Shop on Maplewood Avenue, entered his plea today to New Bedford District Judge Thomas Kirkman and was given a one-year suspended sentence and 10 years probation.

Catch share slow-up hailed

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

A consumer group, Food & Water Watch, yesterday seconded the Pew Environment Group's motion that the Obama administration ease its ardor at commodifying public fisheries to achieve ecosystem restoration with investor principles.

Two finalists make their case for Rockport town administrator's post

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Now that the finalists for the position have expressed why they believe they're the best person to fill Rockport's chief executive post, selectmen say they hope to choose a new town administrator next week.

Cameras help nab Rockport teen in latest center break

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A young man already facing felony charges stemming from his alleged role in a Bearskin Neck burglary this summer was arrested again after admitting he broke into the YMCA Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center over the weekend.

Seafood firms get a lift for water losses

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

A state development financing agency has agreed to extend $100,000 in subsidized loans to Gloucester seafood businesses hurt financially by this summer's drinking water crisis.
The loans, administered through the Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund with capital from MassDevelopment, had been a goal of state Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante since the city suffered through 20 days of a boil water order, starting in August.

As repair costs mount, cops, seniors ask for new vehicles

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ESSEX — There's a campaign underway in Essex — and the candidate is a new van.
Volunteers at the Council of Aging have printed many brightly colored fliers urging residents, "Please Vote! New Van for Seniors."

Gloucester police/fire

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Incidents
Police responded to Chestnut Street yesterday when they received a call for a possible fight at 4 p.m.
A woman told officers a group of people she had been having a disagreement with were waiting outside for her.

Manchester Police/Fire

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — At 6:33 a.m. Wednesday, there was a call about a fire on School Street. It was only smoke coming out of a chimney.
At 9:06 a.m. Wednesday, a transformer on Ocean Street caught on f

Correction

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

The Gloucester Daily Times aims to be accurate. If you are aware of a factual error in a story, please call Times Editor Ray Lamont at 978-283-7000, ext. 3438.
Russell Anderson, who retired as Rockpor

Study: Watchers don't cause harm

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:50:00 EST

Each year, thousands of people set sail from Cape Ann aboard whale-watch tour boats with hopes of catching an up close glimpse of one of the planet's largest mammals, but the long-term effects of such substantial whale watch exposure had been relatively unknown — until now.

Kirk backers' role seen in council race

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:49:00 EST

A day after one of her leading political rivals was voted off the City Council and another finished fourth in a five-way at-large race, Mayor Carolyn Kirk denied suggestions she used her clout and political operation to influence the outcome.

Kirk's vote total sets 20-year low; one third are write-ins or blanks

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:41:00 EST

More than one third of voters in yesterday's local election cast either write-in or blank votes for mayor instead of choosing unopposed incumbent Carolyn Kirk, according to official election results released by the city clerk's office today.

Garberg, Clancy join Gilman on school board; Harrison out

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

An alliance of two Gloucester Education Foundation members, Roger Garberg and Kathy Clancy, and first-term incumbent Val Gilman swept the first three-places in last night's School Committee race.
Clancy and Garberg become the newest members of the committee. Nancy Harrison of East Gloucester finished seventh in the race for six seats and is off the committee.

Residents entertain idea of outsider as police chief

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:53:00 EST

Future city police chiefs will not be protected by the state Civil Service system, voters decided yesterday, meaning the next chief could come from outside the ranks of the Gloucester Police Department.

Pew: Go slow on catch shares

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:51:00 EST

The Pew Environment Group yesterday urged the Obama administration to "go slow" on fishermen's catch shares, the economic system of fisheries management pushed by the Environmental Defense Fund and Jane Lubchenco, its former vice chairman, now the national administrator for fisheries.

'Taste' no longer feeds Woodman's scholarships

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ESSEX — After 20 years, the Taste of Essex is no more.
But the L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship Fund, which usually hosts the annual event as one of its main fundraisers, will continue providing scholarships to local students.

Gloucester Police/Fire: Unlocked cars ransacked

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Nine cars were broken into sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning, some downtown and the others in Magnolia.
Police said items taken from the cars ranged from a GPS, the most expensive item reported stolen, to loose change to a baseball hat.

Gloucester District Court

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

A Salem man was sentenced to jail time by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to two counts of assault and battery.
Joshua R. Taylor, 24, no known address, Salem, was sentenced to two years in jail with nine months to be served and the balance suspended for two years.

Rockport Police/Fire

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Someone broke into the YMCA Ben Beyea Youth & Teen Center on Sunday night and stole $20 from a cash box located in the kitchen. Staff from the center reported the burglary at 4:20

Essex Police/Fire

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — At 6:23 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a false burglar alarm at a Western Avenue establishment.

Manchester Police/Fire

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — A motor vehicle rolled over and hit a utility pole on Summer Street, near University Lane, at 1:37 p.m. Tuesday. Emergency vehicles were dispatched; a woman was transported to Beverly Hospital.

Trial to start in negligent homicide by boat case

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:08:00 EST

The trial of a Gloucester power boat operator facing a homicide charge in connection with a fatal collision last year in Buzzards Bay is slated to start tomorrow.
Fred Bevins III, 60, of 22 Honeysuckle Road, faces a charge of boat homicide by negligent operation when his trial starts tomorrow in New Bedford District Court.

Native takes Ward 2 race over newcomer

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:23:00 EST

Two years ago, she came within a whisker of unseating a 16-term incumbent.
Last night, she reached the top of the hill, earning the right to succeed 34-year councilor John "Gus" Foote.
Ann Frontiero Mulcahey, the Fort resident who fell just 16 votes shy of knocking Foote out of office in 2007, defeated Roger Hussey last night to capture the Ward 2 City Council seat that Foote has held for more than three decades.

Whynott in, Grow out

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:21:00 EST

By slim margins, voters elected retired City Clerk Bob Whynott to an at-large City Council last night and turned out Jason Grow, the two-term Ward 1 councilor who had become the council's top budget watchdog and architect of recent Police and Fire department reform efforts.

Whynott gets at-large seat; Grow out; Chief's post out of Civil Service

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:54:00 EST

Retired City Clerk Robert Whynott ran a strong second to earn an at-large seat in the City Council and Ann Frontiero Mulcahey earned the right to succeed Gus Foote as Ward 2 councilor tonight when she defeated Roger Hussey amid Gloucester's city elections.

Carroll cleared of charges

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

Former Gloucester firefighters' union president Clinton Carroll was cleared of indecent child assault charges in court yesterday, then vowed to fight the City Hall forces he says are trying to keep him from returning to the Fire Department.

Protest brings out hidden show of force

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

While a regional fishermen's protest progressed peacefully Friday morning outside the front door of the headquarters for federal fishery managers in Blackburn Industrial Park, congenial, sympathetic Gloucester police officers patrolled the private area to control parking and traffic.

'Enriching' Manchester Essex schools: New endowment fund seen ensuring student programs

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Leaders of Manchester Essex Regional Schools are looking to enrich some of their district's programs that face monetary challenges in today's tough economic times.
Now, they've set up a new endowment or "enrichment" fund to do it.

Online voting coverage tonight at gloucestertimes.com

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

For up-to-the minute Gloucester election results tonight, look to Breaking News beginning around 8:30 p.m. at gloucestertimes.com.
To have text alerts on election results and other Breaking News items sent to your mobile phone, sign up for the Times' free text-alert service on the home page at gloucestertimes.com.

City man gets jail time in restraining-order case

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

A Gloucester man was sentenced to serve more than a month in jail by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to charges of violating a restraining order.
Dennis W. MacKillop, 31, of 319 Washington St., was handed a one-year sentence, with 40 days to serve and the balance suspended for a year.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Incidents
One person was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital after being involved in what police call a four-car chain reaction accident in the southbound lane of the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge yesterday at 1 p.m.

Radio call heard before scallop boat sank

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

CAPE MAY, N.J. — In the pre-dawn ocean darkness 60 miles off the New Jersey coast, the captain of a Massachusetts fishing boat heard a brief, panicked radio transmission, lasting less than a second.

Rockport Police/Fire

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

Arrests
A Rockport man was arrested in the IGA market parking lot early Sunday after he reportedly got into a verbal argument with two women and struck one of them.
Christopher W. Rowell, 25, of 207 Sandy Bay Terrace, was charged with domestic assault, and assault and battery at 12:25 a.m. According to the police report, a young woman walking home from the train station with a friend called police to report a man was harassing her and being verbally abusive. Rowell allegedly hit the woman's friend after she tried to intervene.

Manchester Police/Fire

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — A lobster boat with no one aboard sank off Gales Ledge Saturday, apparently just before 4 p.m.
The harbormaster boat was dispatched to investigate alongside the U.S. Coast Guard after Manchester police got the call at 3:47 p.m., but the harbormaster turned around shortly after being dispatched because of bad conditions. The Coast Guard continued the search once the harbormaster left.

Essex Police/Fire

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — At 12:38 a.m. Saturday, there was a noise complaint against a Western Avenue establishment. The music was shut down immediately.
An ambulance was called to Route 128 between West Gloucester and Manchester at 11:24 a.m. Saturday, for a minor who passed out in the back of their parent's car. The victim was transported to an area hospital.

Tribes claim wind farm would destroy sacred ritual

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

MASHPEE — From a blustery perch over a Cape Cod beach, Chuckie Green gestures toward a stretch of horizon where he says construction of the nation's first offshore wind farm would destroy his Indian tribe's religion.

Correction

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

The Gloucester Daily Times aims to be accurate. If you are aware of a factual error in a story, please call Times Editor Ray Lamont at 978-283-7000, ext. 3438.
Saturday's preview of the at-large City

Driver's wild Rockport ride tears through Haven property

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:38:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Police are still trying to sort out the circumstances that led to a Boston man's wild Sunday morning ride — when he lost control of his car on Haven Avenue, tore through a garden, clipped a shed, then launched over a fence and granite wall before coming to rest at the base of a tree in a former selectman's back yard.

Veteran firefighter named Rockport's new chief

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A firefighter who's been part of Rockport's Fire Department for more than three decades has been named by his peers to lead the department.
Assistant Chief James "Jim" Doyle was the senior member of the town's Board of Fire Engineers, which manages the department and is charged with appointing its leader. Now, the three-member board has selected Doyle to be the town's next fire chief.

Update: Carroll, clear of charges, vows to fight for job

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST

Former Gloucester firefighters' union president Clinton Carroll was cleared of indecent child assault charges in court today, then vowed to fight the City Hall forces he says are trying to keep him from returning to the Fire Department.

Criminal charges dropped vs. ex-firefighter Carroll

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:53:00 EST

Former Gloucester firefighters' union president Clinton Carroll was cleared of all indecent child assault charges this morning in Gloucester District Court.
In a court filing explaining why they were throwing out the charges against Carroll, prosecutors from District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office said that pursuing the case "is not in the best interest of the (victim) at this time."

Governor's latest cuts spare local aid — for now

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Gov. Deval Patrick has launched his plan to close the state's $600 million budget gap with a blend of cuts in state services and up to 2,000 job cuts, while thus far leaving aid to cities and towns unscathed.

2 more hopefuls interview tomorrow

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Two of three finalists vying for the position of town administrator will have an opportunity to speak before selectmen and answer questions tomorrow night.
Robert Canevazzi, most recently the town administrator in the Cape Cod town of Dennis, will interview a second time with selectmen at 7:15 p.m., while Linda Sanders will answer selectmen's questions about her career, managerial style and future aspirations, following Canevazzi at 8:15 tomorrow in Conference Room A of Town Hall.

Navy visit to Rockport for festival hailed despite obstacles

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

ROCKPORT — The Rockport Navy Committee didn't get the ship's visit members had been hoping for — and duties over Harvest Festival weekend Oct. 17 and 18 kept many sailors invited from the Portsmouth Navy Yard from making the trip as well.

Unseasonably mild

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

SALEM — City officials yesterday called Halloween an overall success, despite two stabbings and an assault that occurred as crowds were dispersing from the city.
Police Chief Paul Tucker estimated that as many as 100,000 people came to Salem throughout the day on Saturday. Given the record size of the crowd, Tucker said it was remarkably peaceful — and police made fewer arrests than on previous Halloweens, including an arrest in an armed robbery near Derby Lofts.

Gloucester on the Agenda

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Submitted by the city of Gloucester's Committee on Citizen Participation and Public Information.
Featured Public Meetings: (The public is invited to attend any public meeting.)
Tomorrow — Election Day. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (See news story Page 1).

Police/Fire

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Arrests
A Gloucester man and a homeless man from Woburn were arrested for malicious destruction of property and possession of an open container of alcohol Saturday evening.
At 7:15 p.m., police responded to a call that two man broke a black wrought-iron fence on Railroad Avenue. On arrival, police found Michael McGrath-Dyer of Woburn urinating in the middle of the parking lot and also found a 1�Ñ2 gallon bottle of liquor, which was mostly consumed.

Rockport on the agenda

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — These municipal meetings, open to the public, are scheduled this week in Rockport:
Today
Capital Improvement Planning Committee, 4 p.m., Conference Room A, Town Hall.
Open Space and Recreation Committee, 7:30 p.m., Rockport Public Library.

Essex on the agenda

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — These municipal meetings, open to the public, are scheduled this week in Essex:
Today
Town Building Committee, 7 p.m., TOHP Burnham Library.
Tomorrow
Shellfish Advisory Group, 7 p.m., Essex Fire Station.

Manchester on the agenda

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — These municipal meetings, open to the public, are scheduled this week in Manchester:
Today
Selectmen, 6:30 p.m., Room 5, Town Hall.
4th of July Committee, 7:30 p.m., Room 7, Town Hall.

Correction

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

The Gloucester Daily Times aims to be accurate. If you are aware of a factual error in a story, please call Times Editor Ray Lamont at 978-283-7000, ext. 3438.
Both the headline and a paragraph of Sat

Free ride on Election Day for mayor, four ward councilors

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:34:00 EST

For the first time since 1997, Gloucester's sitting mayor does not have an opponent on the ballot in a local general election.
In some years, serial contender Daniel Ruberti, who has run unsuccessfully in 19 consecutive campaigns, has provided an option on the ballot for anyone who wanted to lodge a "protest vote."

City gets $500k lift for sewer plant

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:18:00 EST

Gloucester has received a boost from the federal government to help fix up the city's aging water and sewer infrastructure.
Congressman John Tierney, in a visit to the city Friday, announced that $500,000 in federal State and Tribal Assistant Grant (STAG) for water and wastewater infrastructure funding has been secured to help upgrade Gloucester's George P. Riley Jr. Wastewater Facility on Essex Avenue, which was built in 1984.

Well-known five fight for four at-large Council seats

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:45:00 EDT

Tuesday's at-large City Council election will see the departure from city government — at least for a while — of one well-known and long-serving public servant.
It could be one of the four multi-term incumbents in the race or the 17-year veteran former city clerk who himself has served two terms on the council.

Voters to decide if top cop loses Civil Service protections

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:40:00 EDT

Three decades after they granted Gloucester police chiefs the protection of the state Civil Service system, voters will decide at the ballot box Tuesday if those protections will remain.
The only referendum in this year's city election, the Civil Service question has sparked lively debate among police and city officials, enough that it was decided that the electorate should make the call.

Election Eve tradition on tap for Monday in Gloucester

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:35:00 EDT

In many ways, this has been a nontraditional Gloucester city election campaign.
But one of the city's election traditions will be repeated once again Monday night.
The event will be the "fun" forum and Election Eve rally, hosted by outgoing Ward 2 City Councilor John "Gus" Foote at Cameron's restaurant on Main Street.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:24:00 EDT

Incidents
A Summit Street woman complaining of chest pains was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital by the rescue squad at 4 p.m. Thursday.
Police investigated a motor vehicle accident on the A. Piatt Andrew Bridge at 4:05 p.m. Thursday. According to police reports, a Poplar Street woman's vehicle collided with a construction truck pulling into the traffic lane from the construction lane. The front end of the woman's car was damaged. No injuries were reported.

Gloucester District Court

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:20:00 EDT

A Salisbury woman was sentenced to jail time by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court for breaking into two Gloucester homes on Oct. 1.
Kerri A. Baez, 33, of 56 Railroad Ave., Salisbury, pleaded guilty to two counts of felony breaking and entering, two counts of possessing burglary tools and one count of larceny. She was sentenced to a year in jail with four months to be served and the balance suspended for one year.

Seeking tales of a Rockport activist

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:14:00 EDT

Ann Fisk, one of Rockport's most respected and admired civic activists, died peacefully in her home Oct. 8 just weeks after her 80th birthday after a year-long battle with multiple myeloma. During her funeral last Saturday, friends and family enjoyed telling stories about Fisk's life and her impact on the town. She was remembered by many as a caring, energetic, passionate and creative woman with a wonderful sense of humor.

Rockport Police/Fire

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:10:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — Rescuers transported a woman from the High School Apartments building on Broadway to Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester at 6:52 p.m. Thursday.

Essex Police/Fire

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT

ESSEX — At 7:48 a.m. yesterday, an Apple Street resident reported that someone damaged a mailbox and stone wall on his property overnight.

Manchester Police/Fire

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:55:00 EDT

MANCHESTER — An elderly lady fell and hit her head on Putnam Court at 8:35 p.m. Thursday. She was transported to Beverly Hospital by ambulance.
An ambulance transported a male student from the

Extended marine forecast

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:08:00 EDT

Coastal waters east of Ipswich Bay and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Small craft advisory in effect through this evening.
Today, south winds 15 to 20 knots increasing to 20 to 25 knots in the afternoon. Gusts to 30 knots. Seas 4 to 6 feet.

Swordfishermen find success taking it to the Banks

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:05:00 EDT

This year's mid-August to mid-October U.S. Grand Banks swordfishery period has generally left its catchers, consumers and purveyors smiling.
"The fishes' quality was typical for then, but the volume (landings) was higher this year," explained Joe Mason, a seafood buyer for Pigeon Cove Whole Foods in Gloucester.

A treat before trick-or-treating

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:04:00 EDT

Happy Halloween!
In Essex, the Youth Commission will hold its annual Halloween celebration today. The event will start at 4:30 p.m. with a costume parade starting at Essex Elementary School and ending at the Fire Station. From 5 to 6 p.m., before trick-or-treating, there will be many family-friendly events including hayrides and games at the Fire Station. Pizza slices will be available for $1.50 and all drinks will be $1.

Fishermen protest catch rules

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:02:00 EDT

Hundreds of grumpy fishermen, their spirits visibly buoyed yesterday by the assemblage, rallied for justice from the National Marine Fisheries Service at the front door of its regional headquarters here.

Fishermen's rally targets policies, lobbies

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:12:00 EDT

From up and down the coast, commercial fishermen convened this morning at the regional headquarters of federal fishery regulators of the National Marine Fisheries Service to protest the influence of environmental lobbies on policies that were said to threaten the survival of the group and their colleagues.

Fishing rules lawsuit in works

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:55:00 EDT

A nonprofit corporation formed by Rhode Island fishermen is working with a major Boston law firm on a legal and constitutional challenge to the recently voted federal groundfish management plan that would transform the commonly held resources of the sea into privately held fishermen's catch shares.

Open Door event spotlights new faces of Cape Ann needy

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:00 EDT

The more than 200 local political, community and business leaders who packed Seaport Gloucester yesterday morning for The Open Door organization's annual Autumn Breakfast heard of how the local food pantry and support agency for needy provided services for 3,692 people in 1,472 households last year.

Leaders map capital wish lists

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — The season of giving may still be more than a month away, but Rockport's department heads have already turned in their wish lists.
The Fire Department would like to see the Pigeon Cove station repaired and relocated; the Department of Public Works wants a bucket lift truck and a new sanding attachment; and the library needs a new server for its complex computer system. And those are just a few of the dozens of items submitted for consideration by the town's Capital Improvement Planning Committee.

Challenging 'slate' frames school race debate

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 05:50:00 EDT

Two challengers with a shared analysis of Gloucester's public school needs and education foundation resumes are framing the debate in this year's School Committee race.
Roger Garberg and Kathy Clancy are both East Gloucester residents with professional backgrounds, graduate degrees and links to the Gloucester Education Foundation.