Tom Duggan (04-24) There’s a new worker at the Daybreak Homeless shelter in Lawrence and while his surname is quite familiar to those who have been there a while, his youth and enthusiasm make him a valuable member of the team at the Daybreak homeless shelter on Winter Street in Lawrence. Meet Mike Pappalardo, […]
Defendant previously convicted of heroin distribution conspiracy BOSTON – An illegal alien from the Dominican Republic was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for reentering the United States and distributing fentanyl after previously being deported. Juan Carlos Santos-Ocasio, a/k/a “Cristhian Aybar-Done,” 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to six […]
By: John Cuddy – 3/24 “Breakfast is the best meal of the day.” Tom Finn’s family has been hearing this for decades. They assumed it was an ode to health experts or to picking up the tab for the least expensive meal. But, no, it is a nod to the U.S. Army. Though the […]
How Come Nobody Investigates Corrupt Judges Anymore? By: Atty Gary Dolan – 3/24 Question: what’s the difference between a lawyer and a catfish? Answer: one is a slimy bottom feeder and the other’s a fish. The general public obviously has a dim view of the legal profession considering the whole genre of lawyer jokes […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes 3/24 Before I begin, I want to congratulate Tom Duggan and everyone at The Valley Patriot on your impressive achievement of celebrating your 20th Anniversary publishing news for the Merrimack Valley. I’m so excited to have attended the the 20th Anniversary Charity BASH on March 22nd at The Relief’s In […]
Valley Patriot investigation shows Lawrence Homeless Coordinator tried to steer federal funds to her own non-profit, funds administered through her department. Felon Kelly Birchall Frazier, Homeless Coordinator for the City of Lawrence, and her husband Donald Frazier of New Hampshire (also a convicted felon who goes by the “street name” Debo Brown) filed […]
HAVERHILL – Audits are a process typically thought of as painful inconveniences to businesses and organizations. Recently, however, several Merrimack Valley mayors joined with State Auditor Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen) to highlight the positive experience that went along with a routine audit of MeVa. “While audits can be daunting, Auditor DiZoglio and her office understood […]
By: State Senator Pavel Payano – 03/24 As the warmth of spring approaches, my dedicated team and I are working tirelessly to strengthen community bonds and advance key legislative initiatives. A recent and pivotal highlight was the historic unveiling of Frederick Douglass’s bust in the Massachusetts Senate, symbolizing not only our commitment to justice and equality […]
03-24 Kane Peaslee could not believe how energetic and motivated his new friend Commander Eileen Suarez is. Kane says,” It’s impressive how many purposeful tasks Eileen squeezes in each day.” Every morning Kane gets up at 6:00AM but really it’s just to eat, then he goes back to bed. Eileen does not go back […]
By: Senator Pavel Payano – Feb. 2024 In a series of landmark decisions, the Massachusetts State Senate recently passed three crucial bills aimed at enhancing consumer and animal protection across the Commonwealth. Here are some of the bills that passed the Senate and are waiting for the Massachusetts House of Representatives to further consider. 1. […]
By: State Rep. Estela Reyes – Feb. 2024 As we embark on another legislative session, I am filled with enthusiasm to serve you, the resilient members of our community. The 4th Essex District and the entire state of Massachusetts rely on elected officials to protect their needs and better their environment, schools, health, and […]
By: State Rep. Francisco Paulino -Feb, 2024 In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, a troubling disparity exists that undercuts the very principles of fairness and equality we hold dear. As it stands, women earn only 82 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts for the same work. This harsh inequality not only undermines the […]
02-2024 EDITORS NOTE: These are the thoughts and opinions of Mike Delaney and not the Firefighters’ Union or any other group he’s affiliated with. Congratulations to the Lawrence Police for finally securing a well-deserved contract from the city. It’s truly a commendable achievement for the department after years of advocating for fair compensation. However, it’s […]
EILEEN SUAREZ 2024 Every year The Valley Patriot newspaper hold an annual Charity BASH where we raise money for local students going to college. This year is our 20th Anniversary and we are raising funds for eight high school students in the Merrimack Valley going to college in the fall. The BASH is being held […]
BOSTON – A Lawrence man pleaded today in federal court in Boston to his role in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. Fraily Rodriguez Morillo, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue; […]