Whittier Tech Committee Spares Engineering, Accepts Some Shop Mergers and Agrees to Close Others

The Engineering shop was spared, while Construction Craft Laborer will merge into a revised Masonry program and three other shops will eventually close following Wednesday night’s vote by the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Committee. Early Education and Care and Design and Visual Communications will close in 2027 after the few remaining students in the program graduate, pending approval from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Superintendent Maureen Lynch argued closing or changes in programs with declining enrollment are necessary so that resources can be targeted to growth areas. “There is a significant need for education teachers and early education teachers, there’s no denying that part. The issue really is having less than 10 students run in the trade area when I have other trade areas that really need those resources,” Lynch said.

Haverhill Council Approves $1.5 Million in Borrowing for J.G. Whitter, Silver Hill Schools

Rising construction costs are raising concerns among elected officials on whether Haverhill and other communities can continue to pay for school rehabilitation projects over the next decade. The City Council Tuesday approved $1.5 million in borrowing to both plan the future of the John Greenleaf Whittier School and pay for the schematic design of a new roof for the Silver Hill School. Both projects could lead to partial state reimbursement through the Massachusetts School Building Authority after construction. Council President Thomas J. Sullivan expressed disappointment the city is forced to borrow money upfront just to get state help. “What bothers me is that the city is required to use our own funds or borrow our own funds to be able to do this step,” he said.

Essex County Community Foundation Again Backs Haverhill Reading and Jobs Programs

Two Haverhill programs—one helping students attain reading proficiency by third grade and another helping residents move into new careers—this week were awarded renewed financial support from Essex County Community Foundation. Haverhill Promise will use $25,000 to help pay for the Waterford Upstart Family Literacy Program, aimed at preparing children for kindergarten, while MakeIt Haverhill will use $50,000 to help residents master computer and online skills. The amounts are part of $627,000 awarded by Essex County Community Foundation to 13 nonprofits working to help residents use digital tools needed to navigate everyday life. “We know that a computer and WiFi are absolute necessities in today’s world,” said Kate Machet, the Foundation’s vice president for systems initiatives and government relations. “And so is the training to know how to use technology safely and effectively.

Haverhill High’s Cinderella’s Closet Seeks Prom Dress, Suit, Accessory Donations

Haverhill High School’s Cinderella’s Closet, offering prom apparel to all students, opens its doors for the season after school every Monday, beginning in March. Cinderella’s Closet accepts donations of suits, ties, shirts, shoes, dresses, handbags and jewelry which are provided free to all students. In addition, the school seeks donations of clothing racks and hangers. All donations may be left at Haverhill High School’s main office, 137 Monument St., Haverhill. The shop is open to students Mondays, beginning March 3, after school until 4 p.m., or by appointment.

Planned Lane Closing This Weekend on Basiliere Bridge Delayed a Week Due to Expected Poor Weather

Expected inclement weather this weekend is forcing work on the Pfc. Ralph T. Basiliere Bridge to be postponed a week. State transportation officials said Wednesday this weekend’s planned closing of the bridge’s southbound side, heading from downtown Haverhill to Bradford, will now take place between Friday and Sunday nights, Feb. 21 to 23. Basiliere Bridge carries state Route 125 traffic over the Merrimack River.

Whittier Tech to Consider Closing Five Shops with Declining Interest to Bolster Other Programs

The possibility of closing five shops at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School is expected to be a top agenda item when members of Whittier Tech School Committee meet Wednesday night. Superintendent Maureen Lynch is scheduled to discuss the potential closing of Early Education and Care, Design and Visual Communications, Engineering, Construction Craft Laborer and Masonry programs. She told WHAV resources committed to the currently declining programs are needed to support plumbing and heating and HVAC. “There’s only so much funding that we have and we have to be good stewards for the taxpayers. I’m trying to take care of my kids and my staff,” Lynch said. Lynch noted her recommendations are subject to approval by the Whittier Tech School Committee and then a closing plan would be reviewed by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission Plans Ongoing Merrimack River Cleanup with Grant

A regional approach for Merrimack River cleanup is the aim of a nearly $200,000 state grant recently awarded to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. The Haverhill-based Commission, serving 15 communities, was awarded a $198,500 Community Compact Efficiency and Regionalization Grant in December for a Merrimack River Cleanup Project involving Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and Tyngsborough. According to the Commission, the program includes regular cleanup of floatable debris during the recreation season, piloting an annual shoreline cleanup event in each community, improvements to the Early Alert Tool model, production and circulation of outreach materials to community-based organizations and installation of informational signage at Merrimack River landings to promote awareness of Merrimack River water quality. The Merrimack Valley Planning Commission and Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will manage the Merrimack River Cleanup Project and take advantage of regional efficiencies to procure equipment and services and coordinate with participating communities to host pilot shoreline cleanup events. A project website is expected to launch in the spring.

Haverhill Man, 29, Pleads Guilty to Selling Illegal Drugs and Firearms

A 29-year-old Haverhill man pleaded guilty Monday in federal court in Boston to selling cocaine and illegal firearms in and around the Boston area. Cordell Miller pleaded guilty to distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, cocaine; aiding and abetting and trafficking in firearms and conspiracy to do so. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 7. Miller was arrested and charged in November 2023 along with Malcolm Desir and Alan Robinson. Prosecutors said Miller was identified as a firearms and ammunition trafficker in the metro Boston area.