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Dave Watkins

Boxford Posts Sept. 1 Primary Ballots, Opens FY27 Budget For Review

Boxford posted sample ballots for the Sept. 1 state primary as its fiscal 2027 budget opened for review. Town Hall also continued posting updates on the shift to North Shore Regional 911 for emergency dispatch and called for residents to serve as election workers, with inquiries going t…

Newbury Planning Board Continues Central Street Subdivision Hearing to August 19

Newbury Planning Board continues Central Street subdivision hearing, orders detailed intersection safety plan.

Groveland Board of Health Approves ADU Deed Restriction, Septic Variances at July Meeting

GROVELAND — July 15, 2026 — Groveland Board of Health approves deed restriction and septic variances while flagging state silence during massive sewage spill. At its July 15 meeting, the board unanimously approved a deed restriction capping a residential property at two bedrooms, clearing the way for an accessory dwelling unit to

Crabtree Issues Air Quality Alert Amid Ongoing Heat Advisory

Saugus faces back-to-back weather advisories as summer heat intensifies across town. Town Manager Scott Crabtree issued an air quality alert on July 15, one day after warning residents of a high heat advisory forecast, urging caution for vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, the Saugus Pub…

Salem School Committee Offers Superintendent Job To Boston Official

Salem's School Committee tapped a new district leader as Heritage Days planning accelerates citywide. The committee voted Wednesday night to offer the superintendent post to Thomas Welch, a Boston Public Schools associate superintendent, who pledged "student-centered leadership," per "'…

Court Ruling Preserves Public Access to Rockport's Andrews Point Shoreline

Court ruling preserves public access to Rockport's Andrews Point shoreline, per WCVB report. The decision upholds what the station described as a 135-year tradition of public access along the town's rocky Cape Ann coastline, a corridor long used by residents and visitors for walking, fi…

Newburyport Rejoins Regional Health Alliance, Lifts Beach Swimming Advisory

Newburyport has rejoined a regional health alliance and lifted a swimming advisory at its beaches, according to news coverage this week. The Daily News of Newburyport reported the city's return to the alliance, a move that could affect how local public health services are coordinated, a…

Beauregard Announces Plan to End FY27 Furloughs, Add School Funds

Mayor Beauregard moves to end unpaid furloughs and boost school funding as Methuen preps for a busy stretch of civic upkeep. Mayor Neil Perry Beauregard announced legislation Wednesday to eliminate fiscal year 2027 unpaid employee furloughs while increasing investment in public educatio…

State Budget Directs $175,000 to Lynnfield Projects

State budget allocation and a new library trustee vacancy mark a quiet week in Lynnfield governance. The fiscal year 2027 state budget includes $175,000 earmarked for Lynnfield projects along with increased Chapter 70 and unrestricted local aid, per the office of House Minority Leader B…

MBTA Restores Route 465 Bus Service To Danvers This Fall

MBTA bus service returns to Danvers this fall after a six-year absence. Route 465 will resume carrying riders into the heart of downtown Danvers, restoring a direct transit connection that disappeared from the town six years ago, according to a report from Patch, whose headline, "MBTA B…

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