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Fiorentini Justifies Skipping Silver Hill State Aid Request: ‘Not a Wise Investment’

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Mayor James J. Fiorentini and Superintendent Margaret Marotta addressed the City Council on Jan. 15. (WHAV News file photograph)

Shortly after City Councilors backed four Haverhill school roof replacements, including over Mayor James J. Fiorentini’s objection, the city’s top leader is arguing that spending taxpayer money to fix Silver Hill’s 25-year-old roof is simply not wise. Commenting on WHAV’s recap article of Tuesday’s Council meeting via Facebook, Fiorentini said aggressive strategy is key when petitioning the state’s School Building Authority for aid. “You have to be strategic about when you ask and what you ask for,” Fiorentini posted in a comment thread that saw him interacting with several constituents about the issue.

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Haverhill Police to Purchase, Install Car Seats for Local Families in Need

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A new state grant allows the Haverhill Police Department to purchase and install car seats for area families. (File photograph)

The Haverhill Police Department is ready to help neighbors in need. Using funds from a recent Child Passenger Safety grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety, members of the department plan to purchase and install car seats for city families free of charge. A certified car seat inspection site, the Bailey Boulevard police station is one of 58 local police and fire departments to benefit from a share of $190,000 in funding. “This grant helps us better serve families who find it difficult to afford car and booster seats to protect their children.

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Sacred Hearts Hosting New Student Open House Tuesday, Jan. 29

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Families with children in nursery school through eighth grade are invited to learn about the offerings from Bradford’s Sacred Hearts at the Catholic school’s open house on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Staff is available to answer questions about the faith-based educational programs, foreign language instruction and extra curricular offerings—including sports, theater and band—during two information sessions from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The event at 31 South Chestnut St., takes place during Catholic Schools Week. More information is available by calling 978-372-5451.

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New Jersey Magician Brings ‘Reading Rocks’ Assembly to Pentucket Lake

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Magician Joe Holiday performed for Pentucket Lake students on Jan. 15. (Courtesy photograph)

Reading turned into a magical experience for students at Haverhill’s Pentucket Lake elementary school this week when New Jersey-based illusionist Joe Holiday stopped by. Part of a literacy assembly sponsored by the Pentucket Lake PTO, Holiday’s visit to the Concord Street school featured a “Reading Rocks” magic show that blended comedy, magic and music. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade were all able to enjoy Holiday’s act throughout the school day on Jan.

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No Injuries Reported After Shots Fired Thursday in Mount Washington

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No injuries or property damage were reported after Haverhill Police responded to multiple 911 calls for shots fired in the city’s Mount Washington neighborhood overnight. According to Capt. Stephen J. Doherty Jr., officers were dispatched to the area of Washington and Ayer Streets just after 2:30 a.m. Jan. 17 and found the scene secure.

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With Marijuana Zones Confirmed, Councilors Look Ahead to Special Permits

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Special permits are next up in Haverhill’s road to retail marijuana shops. Caroline Pineau (pictured addressing the Council Jan. 15) is filing for her shop Stem. (WHAV News photograph)

Haverhill City Councilors voted to zone seven areas for recreational marijuana sales Tuesday night, with several members hinting at what they’ll look for during the upcoming special permit process. Initially tasked with determining zones, the Council will soon evaluate and grant special permits to companies that have negotiated host community agreements with Mayor James J. Fiorentini.

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Commonwealth Launches Text to 911 Program Statewide

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All Massachusetts communities are now able to accept 911 texts from residents. (File photograph)

Need help but unable to speak in an emergency? Assistance is available courtesy of a new program that allows Massachusetts residents to text 911 using their cellular device. Upgrades over the last three years helped make the program a reality, the Baker-Polito Administration said this week. Officials heralded the initiative as a lifeline for victims of domestic violence as well as residents who are deaf or speech-impaired.