The Universalist Unitarian Church of Haverhill aims to provide a safe and warm space for the unhoused population during spouts of extreme cold—a program praised by city councilors this week for meeting a critical need. The Kenoza Avenue church unexpectedly took on the warming center task this season, opening it from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., on nights temperatures are forecast to drop below 25 degrees. Haverhill City Councilor Devan M. Ferreira, a center volunteer, told her colleagues the mostly church-financed operation fills a gap. “Folks are welcome to come and go as they please,” she said.
The 40-year-old man, charged in the wrong-way crash that killed an Endicott College police sergeant last Thanksgiving, will be arraigned at the end of the month in Essex County Superior Court. Keoma Duarte of New Bedford faces charges of manslaughter while driving under the influence in connection with the crash that killed Endicott College Police Sgt. Jeremy Cole.
A 42-year-old Haverhill man recently pleaded guilty to making false statements in connection with a Massachusetts Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claim he submitted in 2020 on behalf of a man who was living in Brazil at the time, and therefore ineligible to receive such benefits. Julio Roncaly Morais, who was indicted by a federal grand jury last June, pleaded guilty to false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for May 28.
This year’s Frozen Shamrock Three-Mile Run, centered in downtown Haverhill, will honor the late R. John “Coach O” Ottaviani, former Haverhill High School coach and athletic director. Race directors of the Wild Rover Series, organizers of the 18th Annual Frozen Shamrock Three-Mile Run, said Ottaviani, who died Jan. 21, will be recognized at the starting line with reflections on his life and service and a moment of silence.