Northern Essex’s Fall 2016 Dean’s List Announced

Northern Essex’s Fall 2016 Dean’s List Announced

Dr. William Heineman, vice president of academic and students affairs, Northern Essex Community College, is pleased to announce the appointment of students to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2016 term. To be included, students must attain a grade point average of 3.3 or higher within the term, carry six or more credits within the […]

Massachusetts Senate Opposes Trump’s National Security Measures

Massachusetts Senate Opposes Trump’s National Security Measures

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed a resolution Thursday to condemn the recent Executive Order issued by President Donald J. Trump which bars entry to the United States for certain nationals from seven Muslim-majority nations. The resolution recognizes the unique importance of immigration to the history of Massachusetts since its founding, through the present. […]

Congressman Recognizes WWII Hero John Katsaros of Haverhill

Congressman Recognizes WWII  Hero John Katsaros of Haverhill

In November, Congresswoman Tsongas submitted remarks to the Congressional Record recognizing Mr. Katsaros for his heroic service to our country and tireless efforts on behalf of veterans. The Congresswoman met with Mr. Katsaros yesterday (December 15) and presented him with the remarks. Congressional Record Statement in honor of the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society […]

Reducing Exposure to Toxins ~IN YOU’RE CORNER WITH KATY IVES

Reducing Exposure to Toxins ~IN YOU’RE CORNER WITH KATY IVES

By: State Senator Katy Ives (D-Newburyport) In my effort to continue to focus these columns on bills that I will file in the next legislative session, I want to discuss in this edition a bill I sponsored last session which sought to reduce human exposure to a dangerous chemical hidden in many items of daily […]

Big Issues for The 2017-2018 Legislative Session

Big Issues for The 2017-2018 Legislative Session

By: Rep. Linda Dean Campbell – Jan. 2017 Before I list several very challenging issues that we will likely face in this Session – some good news: Massachusetts was recently ranked the number one state in the country for quality of life by a fre quented website, 24/7 Wall St. This ranking was based upon […]

Methuen Parents Should Opt OUT of Mental Health Surveys

Methuen Parents Should Opt OUT of Mental Health Surveys

By: DJ Deeb – January, 2017 Although Methuen Public Schools are doing many terrific and important things, this month I have to offer constructive criticism on a program known as the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. In my view, this is a scam and constitutes just another wasteful liberal scheme to engage in […]

The Myths, Facts, and Decision to Renovate Lowell High

The Myths, Facts, and Decision to Renovate Lowell High

By: John MacDonald – Jan. 2017 STORY PHOTO: GEORGE DELUCA According to Wikipedia “damn those pesky websites with interesting historical information.” “ Lowell, Massachusetts was incorporated as a town in 1826 and Lowell High School opened shortly after in 1831. One of its earliest homes was a small brick building on Middlesex Street owned by […]

There’s a New Sheriff in Town, Now the Work Begins ~ VALLEY PATRIOT EDITORIAL (JAN-2017)

There’s a New Sheriff in Town, Now the Work Begins ~ VALLEY PATRIOT EDITORIAL (JAN-2017)

During the reign of Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins we have seen political relatives hired to major, high-paying jobs, sober houses located in crack neighborhoods in Lawrence, complaints of employees (or vendors) having relationships with inmates, sweetheart deals given to high price donors (like Wayne Capolupo), and a group of corrections officers who are overworked, […]

Ballot Question Committee Fined $125K for Trying to Hide Donor Information

Ballot Question Committee Fined $125K for Trying to Hide Donor Information

The Horse Racing Jobs and Education Ballot Question Committee has agreed to a $125,000 civil forfeiture, paid to the state’s general fund, to resolve campaign finance issues related to the 2016 state election, according to a disposition agreement between the committee and OCPF. OCPF concluded that the committee, which supported Question 1 concerning expanded gaming, […]

DiZoglio Pulmonary Hypertension Bill Signed into Law

DiZoglio Pulmonary Hypertension Bill Signed into Law

Inspired by Methuen Family Battling PH, Legislation Will Improve Services, Awareness (BOSTON) – Growing up, Methuen resident Ernesto Bencosme had always lived a healthy lifestyle and been athletic. Something would consistently, however, hold him back. Doctors told Bencosme he simply had bad asthma but, in reality, his heart was overcompensating his entire life and increasing […]

Bump Calls on Office of Court Interpreter Services to Improve Payment Processes

Bump Calls on Office of Court Interpreter Services to Improve Payment Processes

 Audit Report – HERE BOSTON, MA — Auditor Suzanne M. Bump today is calling on the Office of Court Interpreter Services (OCIS) to improve its payment processes, particularly for per diem court interpreters. Bump’s recommendations come as part of an audit of OCIS, which found expenditures were made without ensuring that OCIS obtained and verified […]