News -- GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA

Poor records thwart probe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

An investigation by Massachusetts Inspector General Gregory Sullivan into allegations of double-dipping by senior Gloucester Police officers has been thwarted by the department's inadequate record keeping, according to findings.

Limits looser for common poolers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

NEWPORT, R.I. — The New England Fishery Management Council has removed a powerful disincentive for fishermen who have chosen to remain outside the catch share system and instead fish independently in the common pool next year.

Taking fish back to school

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:01:00 EST

The golden chunks of fried, frozen fish speeding off conveyor belts at Good Harbor Fillet's Gloucester plant are the company's bet on bringing seafood back to school cafeterias.
The frozen fish processor, whose business plan has included revolutionizing the fish stick, is getting a new boost from the federal government to reach a generation often suspicious of eating things that come from the ocean.

Rockport drivers now have a smoother Eden Road

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:04:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A roadway enjoyed by motorists looking to drive along the ocean's edge and catch a glimpse of the town's iconic Twin Lights is now a whole lot easier to travel.
The town has completed temporary repairs of the private portion of Eden Road. And the repairs were carried out at no cost to the street's residents, officials said yesterday, citing a clause in a bylaw that allows patch work using town money on private roads, as long as the street has been used as a public throughway for at least six years.

Noise disputes echo at The Farm

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:03:00 EST

ESSEX — Since opening eight months ago, The Farm Bar & Grille has been regular focus of neighbors' concern and calls to police.
During that time, The Farm has been charged with serving alcohol to underage patrons, trash has been left behind in the parking lot, and at least a dozen noise complaints have been made to police over the past couple of months.

Water work means shutoffs for some streets

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

Gloucester's latest move in tackling its combined sewer overflow project will mean a temporary shutdown of water service for part of the city Tuesday night.
And residents of the streets involved got a taste of the work — or had no sip of the city's water — during a test of the system last night.

Hospitals lay off 22 management workers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

Northeast Hospital Corp. laid off 22 people on Tuesday in what hospital officials called a "management restructuring."
Chief Operating Officer Pauline Pike said the layoffs included directors, managers and supervisors at Addison-Gilbert Hospital here on Cape Ann, Beverly Hospital, BayRidge Hospital in Lynn and Beverly Hospital's medical center in Danvers. Those locations employ 2,800 people in all.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

Arrest
Dwayne Ortiz, 42, of 127 Concord St., Gloucester, was arrested yesterday on an outstanding warrant. Ortiz turned himself in to police at 1:50 p.m. yesterday.
Incidents
An East Main Street man was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital by rescue squad after he had a seizure while driving on Bass Avenue. A passing vehicle's side window was clipped in the incident.

Essex Police/Fire

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:20:00 EST

ESSEX — A deer was hit on Southern Avenue at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Department of Public Works was notified.
Police responded to two neighbors arguing over property lines at 10:32 a.m. on John

Rockport Police/Fire

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:20:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A strong odor of ammonia in a room at the Emerson Inn by the Sea was reported at 2:35 Wednesday afternoon. Firefighters investigating the scene determined the room's mini refrigerator was leaking ammonia refrigerant. The refrigerator was removed from the room.

Manchester Police/Fire

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:15:00 EST

MANCHESTER — At 6:53 a.m. Thursday, a male was transported to Beverly Hospital from Summer Street.
A female was transported to the Beverly Hospital emergency room from Desmond Avenue at 5:41 p.m. Wednesday.

City plans 4-hr. water shutdown for 6 streets tonight

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:41:00 EST

A four-hour shutdown of the city's water system has been scheduled for tonight for at least six downtown streets, part of a plan to replace water valves in connection with the city's Combined Sewer Overflow project.

Council says no to meals tax

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

Local restaurant owners, it turns out, don't like new taxes any more than innkeepers.
A proposed .75 percent local meal tax was beaten back this week by restaurateurs afraid it will drive diners out of Gloucester and to Rockport, Essex or further.

Study needed to get to school building money from state

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:51:00 EST

The state agency that funds new school construction formally invited Gloucester to study building a new West Parish Elementary School yesterday.
The announcement, from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, gives the city 120 days to commit to the study and receive reimbursement from the state for around half the cost.

Town administrator to earn $95,000

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — The town's new administrator, Linda Sanders, will earn $95,000 a year, under a new 31�Ñ2-year contract selectmen agreed to Tuesday night.
Sanders' term commences Jan. 1 and expires June 30, 2013. While the former town administrator's last contract was only for three years, it's not the first time selectmen have approved a 31�Ñ2-year term. Sanders said the extra six months were proposed in an effort to coincide the contract's expiration date with the end of the 2013 fiscal year.

In catch limit fight, yellowtail lose out to 'cash cow' scallops

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

NEWPORT, R.I. — A frustrated New England Fishery Management Council yesterday found reasons to rethink the seven-year rebuilding program for yellowtail flounder.
The 10-7 vote to "initiate an action" to adjust the rebuilding strategy reflected a deeply conflicted council and was taken after hours of fruitless discussion and debate aimed at controlling the bycatch of yellowtail in the scallop fishery.

Social service agency opens Rockport office

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Starting today, Rockporters who find themselves in need will be able to find help much closer to home.
Action Inc., the Gloucester-based community action program, has opened new satellite offices in Rockport and Ipswich, made possible with money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Standing tall for 200 years

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Off the village green sits a tall white church that has been there since the early 1800s. And to this day, its steeple has been beacon for boats in the harbor, commercial planes flying overhead and people driving or walking through the center of town.

Wind proposal too close for Salisbury's comfort

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

SALISBURY — Salisbury officials have only recently become aware that 10 wind turbines could be built less than a quarter-mile off Salisbury Beach if the state's draft Ocean Management Plan were adopted.

Youth Commission plans 'turkey hunt'

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

ESSEX — Today is the deadline to sign up for a chance to win a free Thanksgiving turkey.
The Essex Youth Commission is giving away four real turkeys to four people who find are smart enough to follow a series of clues and find four fake birds hidden around town.

Town hopes to make hay by selling fertilizer

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A mixture of various decaying organic substances will be sold to the highest bidder at a live auction this morning at the town's transfer station.
The Department of Public Works will attempt to sell the town's excess compost today at 10 a.m.

Lantigua to endorse Coakley for Senate

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

BOSTON — Lawrence Mayor-elect William Lantigua will join a group of community leaders today to endorse the candidacy of state Attorney General Martha Coakley for U.S. Senate.
Coakley's campaign announced yesterday that Lantigua will join Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong and former Boston City Councilor Bruce Bolling in endorsing her.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Arrest
Police are seeking a criminal complaint against a Gloucester man for larceny after he turned in items to police that he admittedly stole.
Daniel A. Bubb, no age given, of 17 Main St,, turned in $3,247 of stolen items yesterday morning, according to police.

Manchester Police/Fire

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Firefighters responded to Blossom Lane for an electrical car fire at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday. The fire was extinguished.
At 5:19 p.m. Tuesday, fire responded to a false alarm on Central

Rockport Police/Fire

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Rescuers transported women from Main and Gott streets to Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester on Tuesday.

Essex Police/Fire

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — Police received a call at 3:13 p.m. Tuesday from the Gloucester Police Department to be on the lookout for two females in a car who were suspected of recently breaking into a building in Gloucester. They were headed toward Essex in the car and although Essex Police looked for them, the vehicle was never located.

Clarification

Thu, 19 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.
In yesterday's story about the Glouceste

Correction

Thu, 19 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.
Due to an editing error, the name of Rockport's fire chief was misspelled in Tuesday's Rockport police log. The fire chief's name is Jim Doyle.

Education Board sticks with charter

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:59:00 EST

MALDEN — The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted not to revoke its approval of the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School yesterday despite a warning from Massachusetts Inspector General Gregory Sullivan that he has launched an investigation into how the charter was granted.

Auction of gift-laden trees benefits Cape Ann Symphony

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:52:00 EST

Beginning Saturday, downtown visitors can bid on decorated tabletop, 4-foot Christmas trees and aid a Cape Ann institution.
The Cape Ann Symphony is hosting a Festival of Holiday Trees silent auction this Saturday through Dec. 5. The auction features 20 trees imaginatively decorated in a variety of styles by people and businesses of Cape Ann.

Leadership changes at Building Center

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

The Building Center is looking for a new chief executive again.
Less than a year after Ken Wilbanks was hired to run the venerable downtown home improvement and construction supply company, the Georgia native this month left the organization to return to the consulting business.

Town officials: National Grid must power up communication

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

MANCHESTER — The lights are back on.
National Grid said the problem which caused about 320 customers to be without electric power for 30-plus hours in some cases was a result of two separate cable failures starting Saturday night and extending into yesterday afternoon.

Decision time for Peabody voke program

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

PEABODY — They are the classrooms that were left behind nearly 40 years ago when Peabody High School moved to its current home on Lowell Street.
In a rear wing of the sprawling Higgins Middle School, three shops — for automotive technology, carpentry and auto body — have continued to serve high school students in Peabody's vocational program. No one in the city considers the situation, especially the separation of these students from their peers at the high school, ideal.

Seabrook sirens to be tested this afternoon

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

SEABROOK — At 12:30 p.m. today, residents from Portsmouth, N.H., to Newbury and possibly beyond will hear a screeching wail coming from the Seabrook Station emergency alarms.
Local officials are hoping residents have been warned and will not flood 911 dispatchers with calls.

Body of popular shopkeeper found in Salem Harbor

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

SALEM — The body of a Pickering Wharf shop owner who often fished along the waterfront was found floating in the harbor early yesterday morning.
Michael Narinkiewicz, 57, of 26 Arbella St. was pronounced dead at the scene, only a short distance from The Cat N' The Fiddle, the 61 Wharf St. gift shop he operated with his wife.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Incidents
A Gloucester man reported someone stole an envelope containing $3,200 after he accidently left it on a counter at the First National Bank of Ipswich on Main Street yesterday afternoon.
Police viewed video surveillance footage of the incident, which clearly showed the man forgetting the envelope on the counter and a second person quickly walking by and swiping the cash.

Gloucester District Court

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

A Gloucester man who pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault, resisting arrest and three counts of threatening to commit a crime received a one year suspended sentence and was put on probation for two years by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court yesterday.

Rockport Police/Fire

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A gas card reported stolen from a vehicle on Aug. 4 by a Granite Street resident was used this week; the card owner reported the development to police on Monday night.
A pan left on the stove too long triggered a fire alarm and response from the Fire Department. Firefighters checked the home and cleared the scene.

Essex Police/Fire

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — A Harlow Street resident was transported to Beverly Hospital at 1:43 p.m. Monday.

Manchester Police/Fire

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Vandalism to a road grader parked at the railroad crossing on Sea Street was reported at 10:31 a.m. Monday. No further details were available.
One patient was transported to Beverly Hospital from Church Street at 9:25 p.m. Monday.

Correction

Wed, 18 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.

Lee Crockett is the director

How to spell relief? Herring

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:58:00 EST

NEWPORT, R.I. — The herring fleet and the lobster industry, which takes the vast majority of the catch for bait, were given some small, but important relief yesterday from harsh projected cutbacks in catch limits for the next three years.

It's official: $858K home sells for $10K and new owner has 45 days to move it

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:55:00 EST

MANCHESTER — The house at 156 Pine St. might soon become 136 Pine St. But the numbers aren't switching — the house will be moving.
The bid from CN Building Movers in Dracut for $10,718 to buy the large yellow house from the town and move it was approved by selectmen Monday night. This house is one of three homes located on contaminated land that the town bought from their owners; the town purchased it in July for $858,000 from David and Julie Gesner. The town was ordered to clean up the lots the homes sit on by the Department of Environmental Protection because of contamination caused when the land was used as a burn dump in the 1950s.

State: Charter for Gloucester school to stand

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:28:00 EST

MALDEN — The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education this morning voted not to revoke its approval of the Gloucester Community Arts Charter School despite a now active investigation by the Massachusetts Inspector General into whether the charter was improperly granted last winter.

Fishing panel to set limits on catch

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

The New England Fishery Management Council opens a three-day meeting in Newport, R.I., this morning with a roster of devilish details, notably catch limits on groundfish species as well as pollock and herring, to establish the start of the hotly disputed era of catch shares, expected to begin next May.

Sign of a winter -- without any signs

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — If the holiday decorations adorning many area businesses aren't enough of a reminder that snow is near, the start of Rockport's winter overnight parking ban this past weekend should have served as a reality check.

Weekend crashes send three to area hospitals

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A pair of weekend car crashes just hours apart sent three people to area hospitals — and have led to charges against two drivers.
John Williamson, 21, of 704 Sandy Bay Terrace, was allegedly speeding on the Nugent Stretch section of Main Street shortly after 12:30 p.m. Saturday when he lost control of his friend's 1993 Chevrolet Camaro, slid into a rock wall — snapping both driver's side axles — and flipped three times before finally coming to rest upside down in the woods.

Chance to predict, prevent red tide?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Researchers are claiming a breakthrough in the understanding of red tide-causing algae that could help predict — and, in the future, possibly prevent — the blooms that wreak havoc on shellfishing communities nearly every spring.

Serial rapist pleads not guilty in attack at Plum Island park

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

IPSWICH — The serial rapist accused of trying to rape a jogger on Plum Island in September pleaded not guilty at his arraignment yesterday in Salem Superior Court.
Scott Gagnon, 51, of Tewksbury was indicted last month in the Sept. 28 incident, which occurred at the southern tip of Plum Island in Ipswich.

New lawsuit filed in Danvers blast case

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

DANVERS — A class-action lawsuit filed in Salem Superior Court yesterday says Ashland Inc. was negligent in delivering a volatile mix of heptane and alcohols to an ink and paint plant that blew up three years ago.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Arrests
A Gloucester man was arrested yesterday morning after police said he exposed himself on East Main Street.
David L. Marion, 51, of 114 East Main St., is facing indecent exposure and disorderly conduct charges. Marion was arrested at 10:05 a.m. yesterday after police received reports that he was exposing himself.

Gloucester District Court

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

A Gloucester man was sentenced to jail time by Judge Joseph Jennings in Gloucester District Court yesterday after pleading guilty to charges of driving with a suspended license.
Pietro Favazza, 32, of 19 Commonwealth Ave., Gloucester, was sentenced to 10 days in jail and placed on probation for one year. The charges against Favazza stem from Friday night when police arrested him for driving with a revoked license.

Manchester Police/Fire

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Michael Defort of Beverly and Gina Masella of Salem were arrested at 9:18 p.m. Saturday on active warrants after police pulled over the car they were in.
The Fire Department assisted two homeowners in pumping out their flooded basements yesterday morning on Central Street and on Summer Street.

Rockport Police/Fire: Weekend storm wreaks havoc on utility poles

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Crews from National Grid responded to Rockport several times this weekend to repair utility poles damaged in Saturday's coastal storm.
Police and fire crews responded to a report of a utility pole on fire on Penzance Road at 6:55 a.m. Saturday.

Essex Police/Fire

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — There was a report of no power around Apple Street at 5:03 a.m. Saturday. National Grid was notified.
At 9:29 p.m. Friday, there was a call for a domestic disturbance on Forest Avenue. Police spoke to the party and the argument was settled. No arrests were made.

State senator driven home by cops, before accident

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

BOSTON — Cambridge police gave a state senator a ride home because they were worried he was too drunk to drive — about 13 hours before he was involved in a hit-and-run accident last month.

Security threats for 9/11 trial

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

NEW YORK — Hot sauce and a comb were all an al-Qaida suspect in New York needed to nearly kill one of his guards nine years ago. The bloody episode suggests that security worries in bringing Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and other 9/11 suspects to trial here could be just as big inside the courthouse as outside.

Corrections

Tue, 17 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.
Health-care activist and Times Health/Science page columnist Susan Wadia-Ells spoke as the representative of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alan Khazei during Saturday's candidate forum hosted by the Rockport Democratic Town Committee at the Rockport Public Library. Her name and Khazei's were not included in a photo package that spotlighted candidates and speakers at the event in yesterday's edition.

Cable failure causes outage

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:40:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Power outages have left some residents in the dark again — for 30 hours or more at times.
The major outage took place from 8:15 a.m. Sunday until around 3 p.m. yesterday and affected about 320 customers in the Summer Street, Ocean Street, Brook Street and Forest Avenue area, according to Amy Zorich, a National Grid spokeswomen.

Tree goes up at Kent Circle

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:38:00 EST

This year's Christmas tree has a tie to Gloucester beyond that of trees past, and something new will be added to this year's lighting ceremony
For the last several years, the city has received a spruce from the town of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, in exchange for books it provides to the Shelburne library,

Power restored after 30-plus hrs. to Manchester customers

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:01:00 EST

Power has been restored to more than 350 customers in Manchester -- including some who had been without electricity since 8 a.m. Sunday -- National Grid officials confirmed this afternoon.

City eyes local meals tax hike

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

A new .75 percent local tax on restaurant meals, unable to gain traction in City Council while twinned with a hotel tax hike, is coming back on its own.
The hotel room tax, which would raise the tax rate on room stays in the city from the state's 4 percent to an overall 6 percent, has been strongly opposed by local proprietors of inns and motels. Last week councilors, unable to come to a consensus over either tax or what the revenue generated by them should be spent on, tabled the entire package until next year.

State ed reform measure hovers over charter talks

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Even as the state's Board of Elementary and Secondary Education meets tomorrow to weigh its options on its approval of a charter school for Gloucester, state lawmakers are also poised this week to consider education legislation rooted in Gov. Deval Patrick's overall charter-school plan.

School task force launches survey

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — A town-wide survey set for release tomorrow is aimed at helping bridge a perceived communication gap between Rockporters and the Rockport schools, according to Cameron Smith, head of the Rockport Schools Community Connection.

Gloucester on the agenda

Mon, 16 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.):
Tonight, 6 p.m. — The City Council's Ordinance and Administration subcommittee will hold a special meeting in the Council Conference Room, first floor, City Hall. On the agenda is "Adoption of Local Meal Tax Option." (See News story, Page 1)

Gloucester Police/Fire

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Arrests
Nicolette Tirri, 51, of 378 Mill St., Hamilton, was arrested Friday night and charged with trespassing.
Tirri was arrested at 7 p.m. Friday after she refused to leave the doorstep of an Old Nugent Farm home according to police reports.

Rockport on the agenda

Mon, 16 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.
Tomorrow
Board of Selectmen (Introduction of new Town Administrator), 7 p.m., Conference Room A, Town Hall.

Manchester on the agenda

Mon, 16 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.
Coastal Stream Team, 7:15 p.m., Room 7, Town Hall,

Essex On the Agenda

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ESSEX — These municipal meetings, open to the public, are scheduled this week in Essex:
Today
Selectmen, 7 p.m., TOHP Burnham Library.
Tomorrow
School Committee, 7:30 p.m., Manchester Essex Regional High School Community Room.

Paper shows Big Green's 'inside' push for catch shares

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:37:00 EST

1Since at least the 1990s, EDF has been pushing globally to have commonly owned ocean fish stocks converted into catch quotas that could be assigned as rights, creating tradeable market products that attract capital investment. New England has become the primary battleground.

The art of independence

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:36:00 EST

BEVERLY — Last October, Laurie Bouchard asked her sister-in-law, Nancy Bouchard, to help drive her daughters around after school in exchange for dinner a couple of times a week.
But when Nancy started showing up on Tuesday thinking it was Friday, it became clear something was wrong.

Abutters: Fight over church 'not over'

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

Neighbors opposed to the Orthodox Congregational Church of Lanesville's plan for a new fellowship hall on Washington Street vowed to keep fighting the project Thursday night, even after the city settled with the church to end a federal religious discrimination lawsuit.

Rockport's new administrator Sanders signs on

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Linda Sanders has signed a contract and will be introduced to residents Tuesday night as Rockport's new town administrator.
Selectmen Chairman Sandy Jacques would not divulge the details of the contract, noting the agreement had not yet been signed by all board members, but indicated the board would likely sign off on the document at its meeting Tuesday night.

Rockport Ramblings: Fettig family sharing 'yard sale' funds with community

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

ROCKPORT — The Fettig family, whose Stockholm Avenue home was destroyed by fire in February 2008, is hosting an "Overflow Yard Sale" tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring all the items that survived the fire, many of the things given to them in kindness, and goods the family has made.

Town Talk: Manchester self-guided tour books spotlight community's history

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

The Manchester Historical Society has made it easier to learn the history of the town — while enjoying a stroll down its streets lined with homes, shops and public buildings that date back to the 17th century.

Teens accused of beating student, stealing Chinese food

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

MARBLEHEAD — Two Marblehead teenagers are facing multiple criminal charges for a violent beating that left the victim with a concussion, a swollen-shut left eye, and abrasions on his face, neck and hands, according to police.

Voter registration deadline looms for Senate race

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:30:00 EST

Less than two weeks after Gloucester's city elections, the local election officials are already gearing up for another round of voting that's now just three weeks away.
And as the race for the late Edward M. Kennedy's seat in the U.S. Senate drawing more and more interest, local residents should be aware of an important deadline looming next week.

Essex Police/Fire

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

ESSEX — Police responded to a Southern Avenue business at 11:40 a.m., Friday for a burglar alarm, but it proved to be a false alarm.
A noise complaint was called in at 5:18 a.m. Friday against a Main Street business. A trash company was emptying a dumpster.

Gloucester District Court

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

GLOUCESTER — Sameh Y. Kinawy, 20, of 77 Centennial Ave., Gloucester, was sentenced to six months pretrial probation on assault and battery charges.
The charges against Kinawy stem from an August incident in which police said they saw Kinawy grab his girlfriend and pull her toward him during an argument on Prospect Street.

Rockport Police/Fire

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Rescuers transported a Caleb's Lane man to Addison Gilbert Hospital at 3:07 p.m. Thursday.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

Arrests
Robert S. Riley, 60, of the Heights of Cape Ann, Gloucester, was arrested yesterday and is facing charges of driving with a revoked license. Riley was arrested at 1:40 p.m. yesterday after being pulled over on Essex Avenue.

Manchester Police/Fire

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:25:00 EST

MANCHESTER — A juvenile was issued a civil citation from police for possession of marijuana yesterday after a party of young people from Peabody in a motor vehicle pulled over and asked an officer on a work detail for directions.

Correction

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:20:00 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.
Thursday's story about Veterans Day incorrectly said Lt. Col. Kathryn Van Auken graduated from Gloucester High School in 1989.

Tiger Marston: Cape Ann's affable pile driver

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:37:00 EST

It takes the "Tiger" to drive wharf pilings into the muddy and sometimes grouty bottoms of Cape Ann's coves and harbors.
Tiger's career — that's 51-year-old Norris "Tiger" Marston Jr. of Gloucester — has flowed from fisherman to flight instructor and aeronautical engineer to owner and operator of a marine company.

A whole new Story

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:36:00 EST

After a tour of the new Manchester Essex Regional High and Middle School, 91-year-old Mary Helming proclaimed she wishes she could be a student all over again.
"I think it is simply marvelous," she said of the $49 million new school that opened in September. "It's just wonderful."

French company controls water

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

The company now running the city's drinking and wastewater treatment plants is the largest water company in the world, a French giant with origins in the reign of Napoleon III.
Veolia Water took over the city's beleaguered drinking water system at the beginning of the month after a city selection panel chose its bid over proposals from three other companies, including the former contractor, United Water.

Canine crackdown

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Those who let their dogs run loose in Beech Grove Cemetery should think again — or be prepared to pay a fine.
That's the word from town dog officer Mindy Trafton.
Trafton noted yesterday that dogs are prohibited from entering all town cemeteries — and, for the most part, their owners have obeyed that rule. But recently, Trafton began receiving reports from frightened residents and agitated public works employees who complained that dogs were running loose through the cemetery, relieving themselves on the graves, and barking and chasing parents and children on their way to school.

Alaskans' visit spotlights differences in fisheries

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Coming across country, two Alaskans describing their deep, different and varied experiences in the nation's newest, biggest volume and value fishery also underscored how different their catch share system histories are from the one the New England groundfishermen have to look forward to.

Wellspring House receives $5,000 grant

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

The Gloucester-based Wellspring House is one of four regional nonprofit agencies receiving a share of $20,000 from the Heritage Salem Five Charitable Foundation.
The four receiving organizations are Wellspring House in Gloucester, Beverly Bootstraps, Salem Cyberspace and The Salem Mission.

Power outages keep parts of Manchester in the dark

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

MANCHESTER — Several power outages around town have caused the Fire Department to respond to numerous carbon monoxide and smoke dectector alarms this week.
Fire officials said that in most cases, the alarms were caused by batteries in the alarms being drained of power.

Gloucester Police/Fire

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:40:00 EST

Incidents
Police investigated a motor vehicle accident on Gaffney Street at 7:55 p.m. Wednesday. According to police reports there were no injuries.
A Green Street woman was transported to Addison Gilbert Hospital by rescue squad at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday with an eye injury.

Rockport Police/Fire

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

ROCKPORT — The Fire Department responded to a false alarm at the First Congregational Church at 4:26 p.m. Wednesday.

Manchester Police/Fire

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:35:00 EST

MANCHESTER — A 6-year-old girl on Rosedale Avenue was transported to Beverly Hospital at 12:27 a.m. Thursday, with flu-like symptoms.
There was a report of a transformer explosion on Currier Street at 6:44 a.m. Thursday. No fire was reported.

Rafting the fast lane -- at 80

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:42:00 EST

A few weeks ago, just in advance of her 80th birthday, Margaet Eddie zoomed down Africa's Zambezi River in a whitewater adventure, caping off her latetst intrepid travel escapade.

"I've always been an outdoor person," says Eddie, who lives in Rockport and worked nearly 30 years in the Gloucester public schools. "I was lobstering summers here for a while when I came here to teach around 1959. I made my own traps."

Medical Center to move in early 2010

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:41:00 EST

Cape Ann Medical Center is set to move across the street at the first of next year to the former Blackburn Industrial Park home of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regional offices.

Manchester house price: $10,718, not including moving costs

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:40:00 EST

MANCHESTER — A house for $10,718? A garage for $1?
Those were the winning — and only — bids opened yesterday from buyers willing to acquire and remove the town-owned houses and related buildings sitting on contaminated Pine Street land.

Hospitals, schools step up swine flu precautions

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:55:00 EST

Addison Gilbert and other hospitals with the Northeast Health System company have revised their visitation policies, and Manchester Essex school officials are planning for vaccination clinics as area institutions continue stepping up their response to growing concern over the spread of the H1N1 — or swine flu — virus.

Ashby administrator accepts Rockport position

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

ROCKPORT — Linda Sanders, the woman serving as town administrator in the Central Massachusetts community of Ashby, has accepted an invitation from Rockport's selectmen to become the town's fourth permanent town administrator.

NMFS pushes back deadline for appealing landing data

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:50:00 EST

Ten-year catch histories, chosen by the New England Fishery Management Council as the determining factor in the region's tentative first distribution of an overall catch limit in individual catch shares next year, are rife with inaccuracies — with many permits enjoying unearned credit and others unfairly pinched, according to an informal survey by the Times.

Drug disposal, emergency bag program set for tomorrow

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:45:00 EST

While Gloucester Police and other law enforcement agencies continue to tackle the issue of drugs on Gloucester's streets, a local coalition of local health groups is coordinating a prescription and drug disposal program to emphasis the need for another aspect of drug safety.