NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA--News

Salisbury: Officials say state beach plan doesn't do enough to fight erosion

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:54:00 EDT

SALISBURY — Local officials are pleased to see the state finally file a plan with the Conservation Commission for the long-term management of state-owned Salisbury Beach, but they don't think it goes far enough to rescue the beach from its current state of erosion.

Governor fast-tracks work on two local bridges

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:54:00 EDT

BOSTON — Repairs to overburdened bridges in Amesbury and Newburyport will get top priority under a plan unveiled yesterday by Gov. Deval Patrick.
As part of the administration's proposal, the state would borrow $3 billion over the next eight years to put on the fast track repairs to between 250 and 300 bridges statewide that are structurally deficient. Those are bridges that are safe to use but have outlived their intended life spans.

Incumbents win in Newbury, Rowley elections

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:51:00 EDT

Incumbent Joseph Story won a second term as Newbury selectman yesterday, and Triton Regional School Committee Vice Chairman Diana "Dina" Sullivan won a decisive victory over her opponent.
The 58-year-old Story defeated challenger Steven St. Arnault 741-667, winning in both town precincts — although only 10 votes separated the candidates in Byfield.

Election results

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:50:00 EDT

Newbury
Selectman
(One for a three-year term)
Joseph Story II* 741
Steven St. Arnault 667
Rowley
Selectman
(Two for a three-year term)
Jack Cook* 519
Robert Snow 609

Amesbury man up for an Emmy

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:49:00 EDT

Going about his normal routine, Jack Ferraiolo admits it hasn't really sunk in yet that he could very well soon have an Emmy.
Ferraiolo, of Thompson Street in Amesbury, got the call two weeks ago telling him he has been nominated for a Daytime Emmy for the PBS children's show, "Wordgirl," which he helped develop. He served as the head writer in its first season.

Resolution on huge water bills expected tonight

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:47:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Mayor John Moak expects a solution to emerge from tonight's meeting with the Water and Sewer commissions to resolve the issue of huge water bills sent to dozens of residents.
Moak said options have been discussed by officials and that the commissioners "will definitely come up with something" at the meeting.

Council approves 33 percent raise for mayor Councilors delay vote on granting raises for themselves

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:43:00 EDT

AMESBURY — The next mayor of Amesbury will have a much bigger paycheck.
The Municipal Council agreed last night to give the town's top executive a salary boost. Starting in January, 2010, the mayor will make $80,000.

Unsung Heroine honored for work with African women

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Nancy Sullivan has spent her life teaching others.
First her teaching career began at Nock Middle School, where she taught life skills for 25 years. Then she retired and began volunteering for the International Rescue Committee's North Star Program. During the last four years, she has worked with Somali Bantu women teaching them English and helping them acclimate to the United States, as some had never had electricity or running water before.

In Salisbury, hardly any voter turnout

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

SALISBURY — The biggest story at Salisbury's town election last night wasn't who won, but who voted: nearly no one. Out of 5,638 registered voters, only 279 of them showed up to cast a ballot. That's about 5 percent turnout.

Port man charged after car crash

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

WEST NEWBURY — A Newburyport man is facing charges after police said he crashed his car into a River Road telephone pole over the weekend and fled the scene, later reporting the car stolen.
Police responded to the area of 183 River Road to find a car crashed into a telephone pole and "wires all over the road," Chief Lisa Holmes said. Jason Keohane, 27, of 17 Ferrell Ave., later reported the car stolen to Haverhill police. When he came to West Newbury to retrieve the car, he admitted that he lied about it being stolen, Holmes said.

Hearing next week on new ATV regulations

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

SEABROOK — Selectmen recently changed the time for the public hearing on proposed ATV regulations to accommodate those who want to comment on the new rules.
The meeting will be Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the Selectmen's Room on the second floor of Town Hall.

Arts Festival returns to Pentucket

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

WEST NEWBURY — It's time once again for Pentucket Regional High School's annual Arts Festival — a chance for the district to showcase the creativity of its students, the talent of its staff and the importance of its sequential arts program.

Reading program looks to gain momentum in second year

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

In an effort to encourage students to pick up at least one book during the summer, Pentucket librarian Rachel Costello instituted the Pentucket Reads Program in the summer of 2007.
Students were encouraged to sign up for a book from the list, which included both fiction and nonfiction titles as well as volumes on history, math, science and English. Each student read a book over the summer and wrote a review about it.

West Newbury man held in stabbing mother

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

WEST NEWBURY — A local man stabbed his mother in the head Friday and threatened to kill her, police said.
Christopher Andrukaitis, 18, of 24 Bailey's Lane, is being held without bail in Middleton Jail after the reported assault, police Chief Lisa Holmes said. Andrukaitis did not like his mother's comments about a friend and "pummeled" her at their house last Friday evening, Holmes said, punching her, strangling her and stabbing her in the head. Holmes said the woman lost so much blood that she passed out and did not wake up until Saturday afternoon.

Selectmen change meeting date for Little River

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

NEWBURY — Selectmen this week changed the date of a special Town Meeting for voting on zoning changes to accommodate the mixed-use development called The Village at Little River.
The change passed the three-member board on a 2-1 vote Monday night, which came after nearly an hour-and-a-half of debate among town officials and audience members.

Quick action saves Georgetown building

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

GEORGETOWN — An East Main Street building suffered moderate damage after a fire yesterday evening, but no one was injured, according to firefighters.
About 7:50 p.m., a bystander reported a fire at 35 East Main St., which had no one inside, said Deputy fire Chief Chris Dubois. The fire started outside the front of building and burned through the wall, climbing to the second story. Firefighters from Georgetown responded a minute later, and they and Groveland firefighters blocked off Main Street to put out the blaze.

Assistant principal moving on, replacement plan undecided

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

GEORGETOWN — Superintendent Carol Jacobs announced that middle/high school Assistant Principal John Faucher has resigned his position to take a job as principal of North Reading Middle School. Faucher will start his new job July 1.

Mayor asks for 3 percent spending hike

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

AMESBURY — No current positions will be eliminated, but numerous requests have been denied under the proposed fiscal year 2009 budget filed last night by Mayor Thatcher Kezer. It's a $48.9 million spending plan, or a 3.1 percent increase over the current budget.

Folk singer teaches kids about folklore

Wed, 14 May 2008 03:40:00 EDT

Students at Seabrook Elementary School enjoyed learning about American folklore and folk traditions through a much anticipated visit from legendary folk singer Adam Miller recently.
For more than a decade, Miller has captured the imagination of students with his entertaining, multicultural folk singing and storytelling. On Friday, Miller performed for two assemblies, engaging students by teaching history through music.

Local man spurs spruce-up of unkempt downtown plot

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:41:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Perhaps they'll call it Charles Nichols Park someday.
For the past eight years, Nichols, a resident at Merrimack Landing downtown, has pushed mayoral administrations, city councilors and other city leaders to transform a muddy, unkempt and highly visible plot of land on the river side of the Green Street parking lot into a manicured space.

Fatal DWI driver gets 5-7 years for violating probation / Drinking shows White 'just doesn't get it," judge says

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:34:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — William White will spend the next five to seven years of his life behind bars in state prison.
Judge David Lowy sentenced White, who killed Newburyport teen Trista Zinck and seriously injured Neil Bornstein in 2003 while driving drunk, for a probation violation. White was forbidden from drinking until 2012, but was spotted recently at the Seabrook 99 Restaurant drinking a 24-ounce "blockbuster" Samuel Adams beer. He was taken into custody last week.

Amesbury briefs

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:59:00 EDT

Free Kindermusik programs at library May 15
Kindermusik, an interactive music program helping children develop skills needed for learning, will present two free programs at the Amesbury Public Library on Thursday, May 15 — 10:30 a.m., "Creatures of the Ocean," for ages 18 months to 31/2 years; 11:15 a.m., "Confetti Days," for ages 31/2 to 5 years, all about clowns, bicycles and other fun. Space is limited; registration required. Call 978-388-8148, ext. 2. To learn more about Kindermusik, visit rockinghorse.kindermusik.net.

Merrimac news in brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:58:00 EDT

To publish Merrimac column items, e-mail items to Robin Thomas at rtthomas@aol.com or The Daily News at ndn@ecnnews.com; by fax to 978-465-8505 or mail items to 23 Liberty St., Newburyport, MA 01950.

Georgetown news in brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:58:00 EDT

To publish Georgetown column items, e-mail Courtney Nguyen at courtneyjnguyen@hotmail.com, fax items to 978-465-8505 or mail items to The Daily News, 23 Liberty St., Newburyport, MA 01950.
Paddle Safety Day May 17

Groveland news in brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:58:00 EDT

To publish Groveland column items, e-mail The Daily News at ndn@ecnnews.com or mail items to The Daily News, 23 Liberty St., Newburyport, MA 01950.
Council on Aging trips and activities
Upcoming Council on Aging trips and activities include:

NEWBURYPORT NEWS IN BRIEF

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:57:00 EDT

Worship Series May 15
The last talk in the "Understanding Others' Worship" series will be held on Thursday, May 15, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Newburyport Public Library. Geshe Gendun Dyatso, Spiritual Director of the Healing Dharma Center, West Newbury, will speak on Buddhism. The talk is free, and all are welcome.

NEWBURY NEWS IN BRIEF

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:57:00 EDT

Adult retreat June 17
The Center for Grief & Healing is offering a Healing Retreat on Tuesday, June 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Adelynrood Retreat Center in Byfield. The retreat is open to any adult who is grieving the loss of a family member or friend. Preregistration is required, and the event is open to only 20 people. The registration fee is $40 to cover the cost of materials but may be waived if needed. For more information, contact the Center for Grief & Healing at 978-774-5100 or e-mail grief@hns.org

Salisbury briefs

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:56:00 EDT

Rowley News in Brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:56:00 EDT

Free books for volunteers at book sale
The Friends of Rowley's Library seek volunteers to help run its annual Book and Bake Sale from May 3 to 4. Set up, break down, bake for the event, hang signs throughout town. Eight cashiers needed for two- to three-hour shifts. Select two free books for each day worked. Contact booksale@library.org, or call 978-948-2850.

South Hampton news in brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:55:00 EDT

Seabrook news in brief

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:55:00 EDT

West Newbury briefs

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:53:00 EDT

Coast Guard ends search for missing lobsterman

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:00:00 EDT

The U.S. Coast Guard officially called off its search late last night for a missing lobsterman whose ship capsized off the Isle of Shoals. The search included local waters after debris from the ship washed up on Salisbury Beach yesterday.

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

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:58:00 EDT

SALISBURY — Debris from a lobster boat that sank off the Isles of Shoals washed up on Salisbury Beach yesterday afternoon, prompting a search for more debris and the body of the vessel's missing captain.

Costello sticks by embattled House speaker DiMasi is key guest at Plum Island fundriaser

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:55:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — State Rep. Michael Costello said he is "very honored" that embattled House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi will appear at a reception for Costello on Monday evening.
DiMasi has been under fire recently, with Republicans calling for an ethics investigation into his conduct in dealing with a friend who is a lobbyist.

Ethics complaint tests secretive panel Costello serves on committee

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:52:00 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.

Heard Around Town: Newburyport worker survives heart attack

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:49:00 EDT

Quick thinking and immediate medical attention mean a heart attack victim will return home today after a scary ride to Portsmouth Regional Hospital from Newburyport on Friday.
Theodore Nawn, 51, of Canton, was doing work at the Mobil gas station at the corner of High and State streets when he complained of intermittent neck and chest pain. Colleagues called for help.

O'Reilly wins selectman's seat; debt exclusions fail

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:45:00 EDT

GEORGETOWN – Evan O'Reilly will take the spot vacated by Lonnie Brennan on the Board of Selectmen after beating opponent Daryl Barta, 743-551, in yesterday's town elections. Voter turnout was lackluster, with just 1,347 voters coming to the polls compared to last year's total of more than 2,500.

Grants promote 'sense of welcome' in city

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — The Commission for Diversity and Tolerance awarded several mini-grants last week that will help support local programs that promote diversity and peace in the city of Newburyport.
The recipients received their checks in a small ceremony at City Hall as part of May being declared Peace, Diversity and Tolerance Month in the city. Nine grants, totaling $15,000, were awarded through funding provided by the annual Friends for Peace Wet Paint auction.

Creative top 10 list wins $1,000 for makeover

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

When physical education teacher Kyle Campbell enters his storage closet to get equipment, some wonder if he'll make his way back out. That's because the room is so jam-packed with items that often the only way to get in to the closet is to move everything out.

Election Day for Triton towns

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

Voters in Newbury, Rowley and Salisbury will go to the polls tomorrow to cast their ballots in the annual town election. Polling sites and times are:
Newbury: Town Hall, 25 High Road and Byfield Town Hall, noon to 8 p.m.

Summer Kids Club now taking sign-ups

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

Registrations for Salisbury Elementary School's Summer Kids Club are now being accepted. The program runs from June 30 to Aug. 15. Each week will be filled with water play, arts and crafts, and old-fashioned kids games. Children will also have fun cooking and creating many of their own snacks. The Summer Kids Club is open to students in grades K-5. For more information, please contact Lisa Davis at ldavis@trsd.net or 978-463-5852, ext. 2147.

Car thief given suspended sentence

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

SEABROOK — A woman arrested in Seabrook for stealing a car in Maine was given a suspended sentenced to six months in the House of Correction.
Rosanna M. Brown, 25, of 90 Cenetary Road, Monmouth, Maine, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property, a car reported stolen from James Dennis of Waterville, Maine. Her suspended sentence was a plea agreement, conditioned upon good behavior for one year.

Chamber simplifies downtown gift cards

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

AMESBURY — With a growing mix of boutiques, restaurants and salons around town, the Chamber of Commerce is launching a program it hopes shoppers can use as a tool to help explore those businesses.

Assistant promoted to lead Special Ed department

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

Kathy Glennon will head the special education department for the school district next year.
The appointment of Glennon, currently the assistant director, was approved by the School Committee last Tuesday. She will replace Maureen Szymczak, who retires in June.

Battle against teen drinking continues

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

According to a survey completed in the fall at Newburyport High School, 67 percent of teens said alcohol was very or fairly easy to get.
Heading into prom season, the Beacon Coalition and Youth Services are reminding students about the dangers of drunken driving. The final night of the Beacon Coalition three-part series raising awareness about the dangers of underage drinking is tonight at 7 at City Hall.

State moving to eradicate invasive reeds at Reservation

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

Phragmites, the invasive reeds that dominate the salt marsh on either side of the access road to the Salisbury State Beach Reservation, are the target of eradication, according to officials from the state Department of Recreation and Conservation, which owns the town beach.

Assault suspect released on bail

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

An Amesbury man charged with assaulting a pregnant woman was released on $2,500 cash bail yesterday.
Jeremy Silva, 29, of 4 Pearl St., had been charged with intimidating and two counts of assault and battery on Saturday afternoon, according to police reports. Police said in their report that Silva choked the three-months pregnant woman, punched her in the jaw and asked her if she wanted to die.

Pentucket principal estimates class sizes for fall

Tue, 13 May 2008 03:36:00 EDT

WEST NEWBURY — With high school course registration completed for the upcoming school year, Principal-elect Jonathon Seymour last week gave the Pentucket Regional School Committee a sense of anticipated class sizes and staff levels.

Route 110 work chugs along, to be finished by fall

Tue, 13 May 2008 01:13:00 EDT

AMESBURY — Motorists are now used to seeing police details, traffic backups and considerable roadwork on Route 110.
But the end result will be worth the wait.
Construction began a few weeks ago and should last for the next few months. When finished, the busy state road — one of the most traveled in town — will be repaved, with new sections of sidewalk and curbs.

Voters head to polls tomorrow

Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:00 EDT

Voters in Newbury, Rowley and Salisbury will go to the polls tomorrow to cast their ballots in the annual town election.
In Newbury, Selectman Joseph Story II is being challenged in his quest for a second three-year term by Central Street resident Steven St. Arnault.

Port's Preservation Week kicks off tomorrow

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — The city's second-ever Preservation Week aims at alerting residents not only to the value of historic preservation, but also to the importance of educating homeowners about the right way to preserve their property.

Library trustee resigns, replacement sought

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Jeannine Bailey has submitted her resignation from the Library Board of Trustees, after serving about five years on the board.
Bailey, the former chair, cited growing work commitments for her departure.

Newburyport city notebook: Who will fill Fowler's shoes? Vacancy still unresolved

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

It has been more than a month — since March 31 — since Erford Fowler's term on the Newburyport Redevelopment Authority officially ended.
But the former city councilor is still serving in the position since Gov. Deval Patrick, who is charged with making the next appointment to the NRA, has yet to do so. According to a spokeswoman for the governor, there is no appointee, no short list and no time line for a new appointment to the board.

Holly Janvrin, unopposed candidate for Triton School Committee

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Holly Beth Janvrin
Address: 47 Pike St. Salisbury
Age: 44
Children: Three children. Oldest is Stephanie, graduated from Triton in 2005. Twins Joseph and Emily are in third grade at Salisbury Elementary School.

Fred Knowles, unopposed candidate for Board of Selectman

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

Fred Knowles
Address: 38 True Road
Age: 52
Education: Triton Regional High School, Salem State College class of 1978.
Occupation and work experience: Since 1983 with the state Department of Mental Health, currently working as a supervisor covering the Lawrence to Salisbury area as a DMH supervisor.

Police Logs

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT
The following items were recorded in the Newburyport police log:
r Josephine Klapec-Fay, 47, 1 Highlawn Terr., Newburyport, was arrested Saturday at 12:33 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol (second offense), driving with an open container and a marked lanes violation. Officers Matthew Simons and William Steeves made the arrest on High Street.

Bike accident sends PI man to hospital

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

A Plum Island man is in fair condition after being struck by a car while bicycling on the Plum Island Turnpike yesterday morning.
Parke Fisler, 46, of 26 Dartmouth Way, was hit by a car while both vehicles were travelling west on the Turnpike, according to police reports. The accident happened near the airport on the Newburyport side of the Turnpike at about 9:50 a.m., police said.

Cashman School celebrates kindergarten accreditation

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

AMESBURY — Indoor voices weren't being used at Cashman Elementary School a few weeks ago — there was a lot of cheering and screaming — maybe even some jumping up and down.
But it wasn't the students making the noise. It was the exuberant group of kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teachers celebrating the end of a long two-year process.

SEABROOK TOWN NOTEBOOK; New law considered to keep ATVs away from town wells

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

After off-road vehicles caused havoc at the town's well field in April, selectmen plan to prevent further trouble there. A public hearing on a proposed regulation is planned 10 a.m. during the selectmen next scheduled meeting Wednesday, May 21.

Meet the new High Street: Islanders complain of scant services for high taxes

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:43:00 EDT

PLUM ISLAND — If there's a street paved with gold in Newbury, it's the beachfront part of Fordham Way.
It runs parallel to the beach for about a quarter mile, near where the pristine Parker River Wildlife Refuge meets civilization.

Huge fertilizer price hikes will make food prices grow

Sun, 11 May 2008 23:41:00 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.

Art association goes for retro look

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:50:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — In a few weeks, one of the city's few surviving 18th century brick mercantile buildings will be made to look even older.
"It will be what it needs to be," said Dean Wills, executive director of the Newburyport Art Association. "We will have cedar shakes, so historically, it will look even more original."

Early red tide closes N.H. flats

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:50:00 EDT

SEABROOK — Red Tide is again sweeping through the region's coastal waters, forcing state officials to ban harvesting of mussels, clams and oysters from New Hampshire coastal waters and Hampton/Seabrook Harbor.

Bill Plante: What's best for Hillary?

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

Big Freddy's mouth was down at its corners as he folded his morning paper and signaled the waitress for a refill.
"Wrong horse?" I asked.
"End of this one for Hillary," Freddy said. "For a match race runoff, it's been everything it could have been and more."

Programs at Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Mass Audubon's Joppa Flats Education Center, One Plum Island Turnpike, is a natural history education and visitor center that is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and Monday holidays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m..Call 978-462-9998 for information about additional programs and events, or visit the Web site at www.massaudubon.org/joppaflats.

Cat of the Week

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

Simon is a handsome fellow of about 10 years old. He has a sweet face with lovely green eyes, and neat tiger markings on his head and tail. Simon loves attention, and will head-butt you when you pat h

Drug dealer gets two years in jail

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — A Salisbury woman will spend two years in jail after convictions on multiple counts for possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
Crissy M. Fitzgerald, 29, of 55 Atlantic Ave., Apt. 2, in Salisbury was convicted of two counts of possession of class B drugs, possession with intent to distribute class B drugs, one count of possession of class D drugs, two counts of possession of class E drugs, conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of a counterfeit note.

Newburyport District Court

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT: The following cases were heard in Newburyport District Court on Friday, May 2.
Judge Peter Doyle presided over the following jury-waived cases:
Sarah Boisclair, 22, 962 Granby Road, Chicopee, driving without insurance, dismissed with payment of $100 in court costs and $50 to the Victim-Witness Fund; driving with suspended registration, dismissed with payment of $100 in court costs; driving without registration, responsible (state police).

Police log

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT
The following items were recorded in the Newburyport police log:
r Keith T. Sullivan, 37, 25 Channel Center St. 405, Boston; was arrested Friday at 1:20 a.m. and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense; right turn on prohibited red. Officer William Steeves made the arrest on High Street and Eppa Way.

Church directory

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

ADVENT CHRISTIAN
Four Corners Advent Christian Church, 5 Farm Lane, Seabrook, 603-474-34518. Services: Sunday worship, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, midweek prayer and Bible study.
ANGLICAN
All Saints Anglican Church of Amesbury, 67 Friend St., Amesbury, 978-388-0009, www.allsaintsamesbury.org. Holy Eucharist, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

School lunch menus

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

On half pint of milk served with each meal. Menus are subject to change without notice.
Menus are for Monday, May 12, through Friday, May 16.
NEWBURYPORT
Elementary schools, K-3
Monday— Breakfast for lunch, Whole wheat french toast sticks, maple syrup, sausage patty, potato puffs, orange smile.

Elder menus: Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 16

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

Merrimack Valley Elderly Nutrition Program lunches are served in Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Newburyport, Merrimac, Salisbury and West Newbury.
Monday — Chicken Marsala, cranberry sauce, scalloped potatoes, zucchini and tomatoes, chilled peaches, dinner roll.

Heard Around Town: Grog gets a face-lift

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

The Grog is going natural. Owner Richard Simkins and a work crew of two blasted the paint off the ground-floor facade of the well known Middle Street restaurant and pub yesterday.
Simkins said he plans to put new mortar in the bricks at the first-floor level and then leave them their natural red color.

Births

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
The following birth was recorded at Lawrence General Hospital, Lawrence:
Torrisi: a son, Dominic James, Jan. 13, to Kathryn Dastoli-Torrisi and David Torrisi of 10 Joy Road, Salisbury; grandparents are Daniel and Deborah Dastoli of Salisbury, and David and Jane Torrisi of East Kingston, N.H. Older sibling is Chloe.

There is a hole in the cellar!

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

I love writing an article around this time of year especially because the birthday of the church is right around the corner. It is called Pentecost. We wear red as a symbol of the fire that can came upon each of the disciples when they were charged with the excitement of becoming empowered by the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Church notes

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

Church serving breakfast May 10
The First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, will hold its annual May Breakfast on Saturday, May 10, from 8 to 11 a.m. Eggs, ham, baked beans, home fries, fruit salad, baked goods, coffee, tea, juice. Adults, $6; children, $5; maximum for family, $20.

First big wave of migrants this week

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

Words on Birds
Steve Grinley
Tuesday was one of those magical mornings on Plum Island. Not that every day isn't special there — or so I thought when I lived on the island. But there are those remarkable days in May when the migration hits just right and nearly every tree and bush has birds moving through them. Such was the case on Tuesday. After the cold April that we had, and an especially miserable last weekend, many of the spring migrants were just not here yet. They had to be "backed up' somewhere south of here. Just a change in the weather pattern, some southerly winds, and they would come.

Warrant issued for suspected methadone dealer

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

SEABROOK — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Seabrook man for failing to make his court hearing on charges of conspiracy to sell the controlled drug methadone.
Russell Packer, 51, of 283 S. Main St., Seabrook was due in Hampton District Court on Monday to face charges of selling the prescription drug methadone, according to court officials.

Newburyport District Court

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT: The following cases were recorded at Newburyport District Court on Tuesday, May 6, 2008, with Judge Peter Doyle presiding over the jury-waived trials:
John R. Wesley, 23, 302 Hancock St., Rumford, Me.; unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, guilty, $200 fine, $50 victim-witness assessment fund (VWF); speeding in violation of a special regulation, responsible, $100 assessment (State Police).

Third bottle bomb found in Lawrence in last four months

Sat, 10 May 2008 03:39:00 EDT

LAWRENCE — Lawrence police are reviewing videos from security cameras at Bruce School to determine the identity of three people who set up bombs inside coke bottles in the schoolyard.
School custodian Brian Susi found two bottles in the middle of the schoolyard with a white substance around them when he arrived for work at 6:05 a.m. yesterday.

Girl flown to Boston hospital after club's van is struck

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:40:00 EDT

SALISBURY — An 8-year-old girl was taken by MedFlight to Massachusetts General Hospital yesterday afternoon after the Boys and Girls Club van she was riding in was struck head-on at the intersection of Route 286 and Route 1.

Innkeepers go behind the scenes with McConaughey, Douglas

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:38:00 EDT

ROWLEY — As far as celebrity hideaways go, Los Angeles' Chateau Marmont and Miami's Delano Hotel won't soon be compared with the Country Garden Inn and Spa.
But when it comes to keeping the stars hidden from the public eye, few can match this upscale Rowley destination.

Reviving St. Anna's Capital campaign to restore Civil War-era chapel kicks off this weekend

Fri, 09 May 2008 22:37:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Except for some carpeting and extra mortar, St. Anna's Chapel at St. Paul's Episcopal Church sits on High Street with the same look it did 145 years ago when it was built in 1863 — the same gray-colored Rockport granite, intricate stained glass windows, wooden rigid pews and its Victorian Gothic architecture.

Food, fuel costs squeezing local charities Hoping for many donations during post office food drive

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:55:00 EDT

AMESBURY — There's one word that Rosemary Werner uses most often to describe the state of things at Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury.
Scary.
"This year, more than ever, we're in dire need," said Werner, the director of the meals program and food pantry. "It's absolutely scary to pay the prices that we're paying."

Two top officials resign in Seabrook

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:51:00 EDT

SEABROOK — Two of the town's highest-ranking staff members resigned yesterday, leaving some officials questioning how Seabrook's town government runs.
Yesterday morning, Town Manager Scott Dunn tendered his resignation, citing personal reasons. He had been on the job for just a year.

Byfield arts groups clash over return of donations

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:50:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — The continuing conflict between the factions that want to use two Byfield village buildings as an arts center flared anew yesterday in Newburyport District Court.
An assistant clerk-magistrate set aside an April judgment against the board of the Yellow School Center for the Arts and its president, Richard Johnson, and held an hourlong trial on the issue of whether contributors were entitled to their money back for commemorative bricks that were never made.

Councilor can now give counsel

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:50:00 EDT

Kathleen O'Connor Ives paid close attention to her mailbox at the beginning of the month. Any day, the first-term Newburyport city councilor was expecting to get one of two envelopes in the mail: a fat one or a skinny one.

Sullivan: Schools improving but more work needed

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

Diana "Dina" Sullivan
Address: 21 Coleman Road, Byfield
Age: 44
Occupation: Dental hygienist
Residency: 13 years in Byfield
Education: Associate of science degree, dental hygiene certification

Levasseur seeks 'communication and accountability'

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

William Levasseur
Address: 20 Fatherland Drive, Byfield
Age: 44
Occupation: Construction worker
Personal: Married, five children
Residency: Five years in Byfield, previously 10 years in Rowley

Government at a glance: Pentucket School Committee

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

Pentucket Regional School Committee
May 6, 2008
APPROVED
r Executive Session for 50 minutes at the start of the meeting to discuss collective bargaining issues.
r Tom Atwood of West Newbury as chairman, Maureen Moran of Merrimac as vice chairwoman, Joe D'Amore of Groveland as secretary, and Jill Albert of West Newbury as assistant treasurer and person responsible for approving the payroll for the upcoming year.

Bridal show coming to downtown

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

AMESBURY — The downtown's evolution has made it fit for a new kind of event — a bridal show.
Local photographers, wedding consultants, florists and other vendors will all be participating at a "Spring Bridal Party" at Essencia Spa in downtown Amesbury on Sunday, May 18.

Overrides head to ballot Monday

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

GEORGETOWN — Residents will vote on six override questions, five of them one-time debt exclusions and one a permanent tax increase, at Monday's town election. If all the measures pass, taxpayers will see an average one-time increase of $145, plus a permanent increase of $30 per household.

Three Rowley candidates seeking two selectman seats

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

With two three-year selectman seats to be filled in Tuesday's election, voters will decide between three candidates: incumbent Jack Cook, Zoning Board of Appeals member Thomas Heidgerd and Planning Board Member Robert Snow.

'Terezin: Children of Holocaust' playwright honored by Anti-Defamation League

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

Five years after Newburyport's Anna Smulowitz Schutz stopped staging "Terezin: Children of the Holocaust," the production is still having an impact.
Schutz's original play, inspired by the stories of her parents and other concentration camp survivors during the Holocaust, played at schools and for organizations around Massachusetts for 10 years. It even traveled to Auschwitz, the Nazi concentration camp in Poland, where millions died during World War II.

Port paint company pays $267K EPA fine

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT — Valspar Corp., which makes paints and stains in Newburyport under the Cabot brand, paid a $267,000 settlement to the Environmental Protection Agency after the EPA alleged the company improperly labeled its products.

Four arrested in Salisbury drug bust

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

SALISBURY — Four Lawrence men were arrested Wednesday night after allegedly selling crack to an undercover officer, according to police reports.
Salisbury police, working with the Essex County Drug Task Force, arranged to make the buy on Broadway Wednesday night. About 7:30 p.m., a black Lincoln containing four men pulled up to the arranged spot, and one of the men gave the undercover officer $500 worth of crack cocaine, according to police reports. After the car pulled away, it was immediately stopped by Salisbury police.

Police Logs

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

NEWBURYPORT
The following item was recorded in the Newburyport police log:
r Richard Scogland, 35, 5 Market Square, Newburyport, was arrested yesterday at 12:29 a.m. and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol, failing to signal and a marked lanes violation. Officers Kevin Martin and William Steeves made the arrest in Market Square.

Newbury has only contested Triton race

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:30:00 EDT

NEWBURY — Voters will go to the polls Tuesday for the annual town election.
While there are 13 municipal offices on the ballot, only two are being contested: a seat on the Board of Selectmen and one on the Triton Regional School Committee.

World Series trophy coming to Salisbury Wednesday

Thu, 08 May 2008 23:42:00 EDT

SALISBURY — Winner's Circle owner Jeff Dufford got the call yesterday he'd been waiting for since the Red Sox won the World Series — the first time around.
"The Lottery contacted me and said the World Series trophies were going to be in the area in Danvers," Dufford said. "They had an appointment in Danvers at 5 p.m., so they wanted to see if we could host it here beforehand to let those in this area see it."