Haverhill’s Lemelson-MIT Interns Share Summer Experience at Assembly

(Additional photograph below.) When the final group of Haverhill High School students, taking part in an assembly to show off their summer work, prepared to step onto the stage, they realized their “show and tell” prototype had mysteriously gone missing. Turns out, their “enhanced” cardboard box, which students in the Lemelson-MIT internship program hoped to use to explain their efficiency idea for HVAC units, had been scooped up by a too-efficient custodian during a rogue fire alarm minutes earlier.

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Haverhill Youth Football and Cheer Look Ahead to ‘Real Football Weather’

(Additional photograph below.) Haverhill Youth Football and Cheer are in the fourth week of the season and ready for what this weekend has to offer. On the football side, the senior team, grades seven and eight, is currently 2-1 on the year. Director of Football Operations Christian Foresta said that after beating Amesbury 34-6 last week, he predicts league administrators will rank the team as third or fourth place.

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Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club Holds Open House Oct. 4

The Haverhill Hound, Rod and Gun Club is planning its annual, drop-in open house. The Club invites the public to see its property that offers rifle, archery and indoor ranges, along with monthly safety classes, kayak access for fishing in Chadwick Pond and other activities. There will be hot dogs and other refreshments. The free open house takes place Sunday, Oct.

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State Grand Jury Indicts Lawrence Mayor DePeña in Connection with Secret Recordings

Lawrence Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s legal troubles are growing with word Thursday a statewide grand jury returned 15 indictments against him in connection with the use and distribution of surveillance footage at Lawrence City Hall. Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office said DePeña is charged with 14 counts of distribution of a wiretapped communication and one of witness intimidation. He will be arraigned in court at a later date.

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BrightBridge Staff Take Part in Lazarus House, Sickle Cell Awareness Causes

BrightBridge Credit Union staff supported two causes last weekend—the 2026 Walk for Hope Fall Festival, benefiting Lazarus House Ministries, and Walk for Sickle Cell Disease, benefiting the Massachusetts Sickle Cell Association. On Saturday, the credit union was a $2,500 Walking Partner Sponsor of the Walk for Hope Fall Festival, an annual fundraiser supporting the work of Lazarus House Ministries throughout the Merrimack Valley.

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Alleged Bat Attack at Haverhill Lounge Brings Arrest, Report to Liquor Commission

A 22-year-old Haverhill man faces assault and battery and other charges after allegedly hitting a man’s hand with a bat, threatening another and damaging a glass door at a downtown Haverhill restaurant and lounge early last Saturday morning. Frantzdley Jean was arrested by Haverhill Police and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a dangerous weapon and malicious destruction of property following an encounter just before 1:30 a.m., at Afro-Infused, 30 Emerson St., not far from Washington Square.

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New Rosemont Street Bridge Over Little River in Haverhill Opens to Traffic

(Additional photograph below.) Haverhill’s new Rosemont Street bridge with classical features opens to traffic Thursday after workers completed installation of guardrails Wednesday. As WHAV reported this week, City Engineer Lisa E. DeMeo said the bridge could open as soon as guardrails were attached. She noted, however, riverbank restoration underneath can continue without disturbing traffic, but eventual relocation of electric wires to overhead poles will require a future closing when National Grid work takes place.

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Merrimack Valley Chamber Plans Annual State Representatives Lunch Oct. 3

Area state representatives are asked to weigh in on current issues when the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its Annual State Representatives Luncheon in October. The lunch kicks off with state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. Among those invited to attend are Reps. Andy X. Vargas, Ryan M. Hamilton, Frank A. Moran, Tram Nguyen, Francisco E.

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Machado, Murphy and Pelich Join NECC Foundation Board

Jonathan Machado, Karen Murphy and Joseph Pelich recently joined the Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board, which helps the college and students with additional resources. Machado, of Melrose, is a senior vice president and commercial lending manager at Rockland Trust. As a board and executive committee member of Lawrence Community Works, he has also been actively involved with the Lawrence Partnership and the Lawrence Venture Loan Fund.

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YWCA Converts Former Massage Parlor into Space for Victims

YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts, which serves Greater Lawrence, Haverhill and other Essex County communities, said it is opening a new domestic violence and sexual assault services office in Methuen where women can escape. The YMCA and Methuen said the basement at the 5 Wallace St. space was once used in an alleged human trafficking operation. It will now be used as a space for victims of sex crimes, domestic violence and human trafficking to meet with counselors and advocates and host workshops for survivors.

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Buttonwoods Museum Offers Haverhill in the Revolutionary War

As part of Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails & Sails, Buttonwoods Museum is holding a reprise talk on Haverhill during the battles of Lexington and Concord. The talk explores how Haverhill’s citizens responded to the first shots of the American Revolutionary War and discusses who the citizens were, how they mobilized and the journey they made toward the fighting in Lexington and Concord.

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Haverhill, Owner of Water Main Break-Damaged Home Reach $100,000 Accord

(Additional photographs below.) The City of Haverhill and the owner of a Groveland Street home, whose foundation was undermined by a water main break last May, last week came to an up to $100,000 agreement on engineering work, repairs and temporary housing, relocation, storage and other living expenses. Cleanup of debris and installation of temporary shoring supports, augmenting emergency measures the city took immediately after the break, began this week when Haverhill-based Ideal Property Care was retained.

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Haverhill Councilors Approve City’s First Bed and Breakfast

Haverhill is in line to get its first bed and breakfast lodging house. Before a standing room only audience, the Haverhill City Council Tuesday night voted unanimously Tuesday to grant Maryam Salehi-Ala-Yamin a license to operate a small four-bedroom inn at 421 E. Broadway on the condition she live on the premises and any events she holds for guests other than her lodgers be limited to 30.

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Paré Takes Oath as Permanent Haverhill Deputy Police Chief

(Additional photographs below.) Meaghan Paré was formally sworn in Tuesday as deputy chief of the Haverhill Police Department, saying she does not take her new responsibility lightly. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright Esposito administered the oath of office to Paré in the Theodore A. Pelosi Jr. Council Chambers in City Hall, filled with fellow officers, family, friends, department heads and other officials.

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Greater Haverhill Pentucket Youth Hockey Plans Music Bingo Fundraiser

Greater Haverhill Pentucket Youth Hockey is holding an October music bingo fundraiser, to support programs during the upcoming season. The night, open only to people age 21 and up, includes bingo, music, prizes, food and raffles. Money raised will be used to support players and the overall Thunder hockey program. It takes place Friday, Oct. 16, at Merrimack Valley Golf Club, 210 Howe St., Methuen.

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Trahan, Finegold Push AI Oversight Amid ‘Intense’ Industry Lobbying

Congress And Beacon Hill Both Debating Guardrails at AI ‘Tipping Point’ By Ella Adams The last few weeks have been “a tipping point” in the world of artificial intelligence, U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan said Tuesday as warnings mount in Massachusetts and lawmakers juggle various viewpoints in the midst of regulatory negotiations. “We should be in Washington right now. We should not be on a seven-week hiatus reconvening after the election,” Trahan said of Congress.

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Coveted National Preservation Award Honors Historic New England

Historic New England, which recently opened its Haverhill Center downtown, Tuesday night was one of eight institutions nationwide honored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Historic New England, owner of the historic Burgess and Lang buildings at 143 and 151 Essex St., in Haverhill, was awarded the Trustees’ Award for Organizational Excellence, calling the organization, a “national model for how preservation organizations can lead in the 21st century.”

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‘Tis the Season: Jarvi Productions Sets Dates for Thanksgiving Donations

Jarvi Productions is again seeking frozen turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings to ensure families of Haverhill Public School students “facing hardship can celebrate Thanksgiving with dignity and comfort.” This year’s annual collection drive takes place Sunday, Nov. 15, and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 21 and 22, from noon to 3 p.m., behind Haverhill City Hall, 4 Summer St. “This event is about bringing our community together and supporting our neighbors,” said Mike Jarvis, founder of Jarvi Productions.

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New Rosemont Bridge with ‘Texas Rails’ Nearly Ready; Utility Work Source of Delay

Haverhill’s new Rosemont Street bridge, sporting a traditional look with, what are called, “Texas Rails,” could be about two weeks from opening after the Little River crossing has been closed a year. Haverhill City Engineer Lisa E. DeMeo told WHAV there are still three components to be completed—installing guardrails on both sides, National Grid’s relocation of electric lines from a temporary bridge to utility poles and restoration of four riverbanks.

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Public Meetings This Week: Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup Set for Saturday

As local government meetings go, the first week of fall is a relatively quiet one for officials with the exception of the Haverhill City Council and School Committee. While not quite a meeting, officials invite residents to take part in Haverhill’s second annual Merrimack River Shoreline Cleanup, Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Merrimack River Park, 1318 River St., Haverhill.

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Jewett Becomes Groveland Police Lt.; Department Now Fully Staffed

Michael R. Jewett was recently named a full-time lieutenant in the Groveland Police Department, bringing the department up to its full complement of sworn officers. Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen said Monday Jewett brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience in New Hampshire and Massachusetts and extensive training and experience in a variety of police operations. “His experience, leadership and knowledge will be a tremendous addition to our department.

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Aroma Joe’s Plans National Coffee Day Giveaways Tuesday

Aroma Joe’s Plaistow Road and South Main Street locations in Haverhill are taking part in National Coffee Day next Tuesday with free 16-ounce hot or iced coffee while supplies last. Those who are AJ’s Rewards members are eligible to receive a free 24-ounce size anytime from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5. “National Coffee Day gives us the opportunity to highlight our amazing beans and celebrate our awesome communities,” said Aroma Joe’s Chief Marketing Officer Carrie Riley.

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Haverhill Council Gets First Look at New e-Bike Rules, Water Restrictions

Haverhill is moving ahead with regulations on e-bikes, e-scooters and other micromobility devices with a newly revised proposed ordinance formally appear on city councilors’ desk Tuesday. A draft ordinance by City Solictor Lisa L. Mead recognizes certain existing provisions in state law that allow, but also limit, city regulation of the vehicles. Mead told Mayor Melinda E. Barrett and City Council President Timothy J.

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Woofstock Attracts Dogs and People, Names First ‘Youth Entrepreneur’

(Additional photograph below.) One could say Haverhill’s Woofstock was unleashed Saturday as an extended community took part in demonstrations, contests, dog fun and games, shopping on behalf of beloved pets and more. This year, Woofstock also celebrated seven-year-old Pax Harris of Rhode Island with its first Youth Entrepreneur Spotlight. Founder and Producer Cyndie Morgan explained Pax’s mom reached out to her.

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Haverhill High Class of 1976 Reunion Oct. 9

Members of Haverhill High School’s Class of 1976 plans to reunite early next month. The class, known as “The Spirit of 1976,” in recognition of the nation’s bicentennial the same year, is noting many milestones during its time that still resonate with the community today. A year before graduation, classmates were among the first to enjoy the high school’s expansion and dedication of new named wings with then-Sen.

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Former Methuen Police Chief Solomon to Begin Serving Jail Time

Former Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon will begin serving 30 days in jail after, as expected, he pleaded guilty Friday to 17 charges, including hiring part-time intermittent officers and unlawfully appointing them to full-time jobs. As WHAV reported earlier this month, Solomon entered into a plea deal where he would plead guilty in Essex Superior Court to two counts of perjury by written affidavit, seven counts of obtaining unwarranted privileges in violation of the civil service laws, six counts of civil service law violations, uttering a forged document and procurement fraud.

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Paré to be Formally Sworn in Tuesday as Haverhill’s First Female Deputy Police Chief

Mayor Melinda E. Barrett made official Friday afternoon the appointment of Meaghan Paré as deputy of the Haverhill police department, the first woman to hold the job. Then-Capt. Paré was named acting deputy last October as Barrett ordered an investigation into “operations, policies and practices” after the Haverhill Police Patrolmen’s Association and the Haverhill Superior and Executive Officers Union raised concerns.

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Haverhill Police Believe ‘Rogue Coyote’ Dead, but Urge Caution

Haverhill Police say a coyote that approached at two-year-old and bit an adult defender Friday night is likely dead, but a search using a drone was unable to confirm the animal’s state and officials continue to urge caution. Police issued a warning via social media Friday night and update Saturday that a “rogue coyote” was in the area of Forest Street and Broadway, Route 97.

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Councilors Lean Toward Hilldale Avenue Site for Possible Battery Storage

Haverhill city councilors this past Tuesday moved ahead with plans to designate a Hilldale Avenue site as the best place to allow a battery energy storage system—or BESS—should any developers propose one. The Haverhill City Council gave a tacit greenlight to creating a special zoning district as the least environmentally objectionable as a subcommittee proposed last month. On a unanimous vote, councilors agreed to continue its public hearing on the matter until its Tuesday, Oct.

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Final Haverhill Art Walk of the Season Set for Sept. 26

Live music, pop-up exhibitions, interactive programming and an alleyway art market are coming the last weekend of the month to downtown with the final Haverhill Art Walk of the year. The seasonal event takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the downtown Riverfront Cultural District, incorporating Washington and Wingate Streets and bounded by Railroad and Washington Squares.

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