Crime

Man, 36, Takes Own Life After Barricading Himself, Shooting at Police at North Andover Home

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An armed gunman, described as having “a mental health episode,” took his own life last night after barricading himself at a North Andover home. North Andover Police said in a press release this morning the 36-year-old man, whose identity was not officially released, fired at a police cruiser, injuring an officer who was struck in the head with metal shards. The officer, also unnamed, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital where he was treated and released. Police said they first received an emergency 9-1-1 call just before 10 p.m. from the Waverley Road home from a family member, reporting the situation and notifying officials the man was armed. Nearby residents were advised to shelter in place.

Business Bulletin

May 9 Expo at iHub Haverhill to Connect Businesses with Free Programs and Resources

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Businesses wondering if they qualify for tax incentives; in need of good employees; trying to access resources available to women, minority or veteran-owned business; or that need capital may find answers during a May business expo in Haverhill. State Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba will provide a keynote address, while Haverhill Mayor Melinda E. Barrett, a longtime downtown business owner, will also speak. UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill is partnering with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, City of Haverhill, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and Merrimack Valley Planning Commission for the regional business resource fair Thursday, May 9, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at UMass Lowell iHub, 2 Merrimack St., Haverhill. “It’s not always easy to find and access resources as entrepreneurs or small business owners,” said Stephanie Guyotte, associate director of the Innovation Hub. “Bringing these organizations together in one place, businesses and entrepreneurs and can come and get all of their questions answered, learn new things, and take advantage of all the resources that the state and others have to offer.”

Jerrard Whitten, executive director of the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission, added “This expo allows businesses to connect with state resources and partners to fuel sustained development, driving progress and prosperity throughout the valley.

Region

Plaistow, N.H., Team Effort Proves Successful in Rescuing Duckling From Sewer

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A joint effort of Plaistow, N.H., first responders rescued several ducklings this past Monday that took a wrong turn and became trapped in a Plaistow Road sewer. Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen told WHAV his department was able to provide Animal Control Officer Maura Wentworth with seven personnel and equipment to help recover the wayward flock from a storm drain system on Route 125. “In all, three different storm drains were accessed. We were able to recover all but two ducklings. Unfortunately, they ran into small drainage pipes that would not allow us the ability to access them.

Crime

Police Arrest Six, Including 22-Year-Old Methuen Man, For Alleged Theft of $50,000 in Lottery Tickets

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Six people, including a 22-year-old Methuen man, were arrested Wednesday after 121 indictments were handed down related to alleged break-ins at various convenience stores where about $50,000 lottery tickets were stolen. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said indictments charged “known” gang members and associates with breaking and entering in the night for felony, larceny in excess of $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property less than $1,200, common and notorious thief, money laundering and improper use of credit card less than $1,200. “These indictments and arrests are a reflection of the tremendous partnerships between state and local agencies and represent how law enforcement and prosecutors from my office work tirelessly and side-by-side to solve and prosecute crimes perpetrated by criminal networks,” Tucker said in a statement. Tucker’s office said it was involved in a three-month, multi-agency effort they called “Operation Smash & Cash” where at least 12 convenience stores throughout Essex and Middlesex counties in Massachusetts and four New Hampshire communities were struck February, March, and April of this year. Search warrants were used in Methuen, Lawrence, Revere, Swampscott and Lynn.

Haverhill

Haverhill Republicans Urge Support for Israel After Iranian Drone and Missile Strike

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The Haverhill Republican City Committee says it is standing firm in support of Israel following the recent Iranian-launched drone strike on the country. In a statement released by Jeri Levasseur, Haverhill Republican City Committee chair and State Committeewoman for Second Essex and Middlesex Senatorial District, the group cited Iranian aggression in the form of a barrage of 300 drones and missiles fired at Israel. “At the same time, the terrorist group Hamas rejects any peace talks or negotiations while they continue to hold Israeli and U.S. citizens hostage. We stand in solidarity with our Israeli allies and Jewish citizens in our city and across the region, and support their inherent right to self-defense under all circumstances,” the statement reads

Region

Groveland, Chesterton Company to Offer Free Small Business Workshop May 15

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The Groveland Economic Development Committee and Chesterton Company are inviting business owners and residents to a free small business workshop featuring a panel of experts discussing how to start, expand, grow and recover businesses. U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Development Specialist Lisa Gonzalez Welch, Northeast SCORE Mentor and Beverly Branch Manager Michael Thompson, and Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Regional Director Nancy Gerardi will discuss opportunities, outreach, loans and more. The workshop takes place Wednesday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at A.W. Chesterton Company, 860 Salem St., Groveland. Registration takes place online here.

Community Spotlight

Haverhill Firefighting Museum Plans Raffle with $3,500 Cash Top Prize, $1,000 Second Prize

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The Haverhill Firefighting Museum is offering $3,500 in cash as its first prize during its spring raffle fundraiser to support its mission. A second prize of $1,000, third prize of a book of scratch tickets valued at $750 and five chances to win $100 will also be offered with tickets selling at $100 each before the drawing Saturday, June 8. Winners will be drawn that day, beginning at 8 p.m., during the Scottish vs. Irish Whiskey and Beer Tasting, taking place from 6-8 p.m., at the museum, 75 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. Tickets to the tasting at $35 each.

Business Bulletin

Fish to Leave Greater Lawrence Family Health Center; Board Plans Needs Assessment and Search

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Dr. Guy L. Fish, who became president and CEO of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in 2021, is leaving the position. The Health Center’s board of directors said Tuesday it will assess the organization’s current and future needs and undertake a comprehensive search. In a statement, the board said members “appreciate the leadership Dr. Fish has provided over the last three years, especially as the Health Center navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and the transition from the pandemic, and we thank him for his leadership in the development of our strategic plan and our new Accountable Care Organization partnership.”

Fish succeeded John M. Silva. He previously served as acting CEO of Nextstage Therapeutics, CEO of Cellanyx Diagnostics and was a leader with profit and loss responsibilities for 17 years at the health care strategy consulting firm Fletcher Spaght. Greater Lawrence Family Health Center serves more than 68,000 patients with their primary health care needs at locations in Lawrence, Haverhill and Methuen.