Region

Lawyers Who Pushed Haverhill into Ward Elections Win Ruling on Behalf of Martha’s Vineyard Immigrants

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The Boston law firm that pressured Haverhill into adopting mostly ward-based elections received federal court blessing to press legal claims against Vertol Systems Company for flying migrants from Florida to Martha’s Vineyard during the fall of 2022. Boston-based Lawyers for Civil Rights said Monday it will “immediately proceed with legal claims against the plane company” following a ruling dated Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs. She ruled Vertol “aided and abetted” an act harming the migrants who were victims of state-sponsored kidnapping when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sent about 50 people to Massachusetts on behalf of his “relocation program to transport illegal immigrants to sanctuary destinations.”

Following the plane’s landing, state Rep. Dylan Fernandes said on social media, “Currently immigrants are being dropped off on Martha’s Vineyard by chartered flights from Texas. Many don’t know where they are. They say they were told they would be given housing and jobs.”

The lawsuit was filed by the Martha’s Vineyard migrants and Alianza Americas.

Region

Plaistow Firefighters Association Hosts Annual Dog Rabies Clinic and Other Pet Services Saturday

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This Saturday is Plaistow, N.H.’s annual dog rabies clinic which will also feature dog licensing and an array of pet services. Besides rabies vaccination at $20 per dog with Dr. Sarah Grossman of All Creatures Mobile Vet, paid services include micro-chipping, $35, and nail clipping, $10. The town clerk’s office will be on hand for dog licensing Animal Control Officer Maura Wentworth will have information on pet laws and safety. The Plaistow Firefighters Association hosts the event Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Plaistow Public Safety Complex, 27 Elm St., Plaistow.

Business Bulletin

Whittier, Lawrence Tech Superintendents to Address Workforce Development at Forum

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The superintendents of Whittier Regional Vocational Technical and Greater Lawrence Technical Schools are scheduled to address education and workforce development at a forum this month by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. Whittier Tech Superintendent Maureen Lynch and Greater Lawrence Tech Superintendent John Lavoie discuss what business leaders need to know about vocational jobs and trades during the breakfast forum Friday, April 26, from 7:30-9 a.m., at Edwards Vacuum, 20 Creek Brook Drive, off Route 97, in Haverhill. Admission for members is $10 and non-members, $20, and may be reserved online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Region

Lawrence General Hospital to Receive $3 Million and Methuen $200K in Federal Help

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Lawrence General Hospital is receiving a nearly $3 million boost to buy new beds, while Methuen benefits from more than $200,000 for a new searchable database for the public. Sens. Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren said last week they succeeded in getting the amounts into the federal budget as part of securing more than $5.4 million for community-based health and human services, water and environmental infrastructure and government archives. Lawrence General Hospital will use the money to replace long-serving hospital beds in maternity, telemetry, intensive care and medical surgical care at the hospital. Methuen will make local history resources accessible to researchers, students, genealogists and the general public by setting up a new digital, searchable database of archival materials.

Beacon Hill News

State Grants Low-Interest Loans for $50 Million in Haverhill Sewer Work, $15 Million Groveland Well Project

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Haverhill is receiving millions of dollars in state financing help for its sewer projects this year, while Groveland will be receiving state help upgrading its well water treatment. Haverhill Public Works Director Robert E. Ward told WHAV most of the help comes in the form of low-interest rate financing—previously around 1.5% on a 20-year loan, but there is also a small amount of loan forgiveness granted to communities. “It is still a low-interest loan, but there is a little bit of forgiveness. Every little bit helps,” he said. Haverhill sewer projects include South Mill Street Pump Station, $14.6 million of a $57 million upgrade; Locke Street work including combined sewer separation, $23 million; closure of the northern mound of Groveland Road landfill, $10.1 million; and cured-in-place-pipe trenchless lining in various locations, $2.3 million.

Community Spotlight

Plaistow, N.H., Recreation Plans Easter Egg Hunt Saturday Morning

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An Easter Egg Hunt for Plaistow, N.H., children takes place Saturday morning. Plaistow Recreation is hosting the hunt Saturday, March 30, 9:30 a.m., at the Plaistow Town Green. Mr. Bunny plans to leave the Pollard School and the egg hunt begins when he arrives at the Gazebo. Parents are advised to bring an Easter pail for their children. After all the eggs have been found Mr. Bunny will be available for photos.

Education

Northern Essex Community College Signs Pact to Bolster Educational Opportunities for Dominicans

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The Institute of Dominicans Living Abroad, known as INDEX, and Northern Essex Community College recently signed a collaboration agreement aimed at bolstering educational opportunities for the Dominican community in Lawrence. Dr. Noemí Custodia-Lora, Northern Essex vice president of Lawrence Campus and Community Relations, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “This collaboration represents a powerful synergy between the college and our community. By joining forces with INDEX, we are not only expanding educational opportunities, but also fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the Lawrence community,” she explained. What was described as a “landmark agreement” marks a significant milestone in fostering cultural integration, strengthening community bonds and advancing professional education and training initiatives between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic.

Business Bulletin

Podcast: Merrimack Valley Chamber to Host National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony in May

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Small business owners from around Massachusetts are making plans to attend the annual National Small Business Week Awards ceremony, which is coming this year to the Merrimack Valley. This year, Merrimack Valley Chamber member Stephanie Vanderbilt, owner of Coastal Windows and Exteriors in Beverly will receive the Massachusetts Small Business Person of the Year award, earning her an invitation to the White House with other winners from around the country. The awards breakfast is being hosted by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Vice President Michael Bevilacqua spelled out the details this week on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. “There will be businesses coming in from all across Massachusetts. We have the Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao will be attending as well.