Crime

Haverhill Motorcyclist, 28, Receives Serious Injuries in Plaistow; Other Driver Faces DWI Charge

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A 28-year-old Haverhill man is being treated at a Boston hospital for, what were described as, “serious injuries” after he and the motorcycle he was driving were struck by an allegedly drunk driver early Friday morning in Plaistow, N.H.

Matthew J. Wilson suffered “serious injuries to his lower extremities” and was flown to Tufts Medical Center by Boston MedFlight, where he was listed in serious condition, according to a statement by Plaistow Police. Police said 27-year-old Joshua Somma of Fremont, N.H., was arrested and charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony-level charge. Police said they came upon the crash at approximately 12:30 a.m., on Route 125 south, near 20 Plaistow Road. They said Somma was driving north and making a left-hand turn. Initial reports described the accident as a head-on collision with Wilson being thrown and suffering compound leg fractures.

Haverhill

Fireworks, Food and Music Tonight in Haverhill; Sunday Night in North Andover and Lawrence

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Haverhill’s annual Independence Day fireworks are set for tonight with bonus bands and food trucks. The free event begins at 5 p.m., at Riverside Park, 155 Lincoln Ave., adjacent to the Stadium, in Haverhill. The Chase Campbell Band opens the night, followed by the Abraxas Santana Tribute Band at 7:30. A fireworks display typically takes place after dusk. Residents are advised to bring their own lawn chairs.

Region

Mass. Attorney General Offers Savings Tips and Resources as Home Energy Costs Rise

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With electricity rates set to soar to record high prices this summer, Attorney General Maura Healey has launched a campaign to educate customers about programs available to reduce energy usage and lower bills. Inflation, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and other factors are driving up fossil fuel prices and, in turn, energy rates for customers across the country this summer. As part of a new education campaign, the attorney general’s office is airing radio PSAs, including over WHAV; distributing multilingual flyers; updating its website; and conducting trainings and webinars. “As temperatures rise this summer, so will your monthly bills. We want families who are worried about paying their monthly bills to know that help is available to manage these record high energy rates,” said Healey.

Business Bulletin

Lawrence Community Access Television Hosts Merrimack Valley Chamber July 7

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Lawrence Community Access Television is hosting members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce for a free business networking mixer. There will be tours, an overview of service provided by Lawrence Community Access Television, appetizers, business card drawing for door prizes and networking among attendees. The event takes place Thursday, July 7, from 4-6 p.m., at Lawrence Community Access Television, 468 Essex St., Lawrence. Parking is available on street or in an adjacent paid parking lot. Those wishing to register for the free event may visit merrimackvalleychamber.com or call 978-686-0900.

Homepage Featured

State to Close Interstate 93 Ramps to I-495 Overnights This Week

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Those who take Interstate 93 to reach I-495 are advised there will be a series of ramp closings next week to excavate and install electrical conduits and do other work on the right shoulder of the ramps. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation said there will be temporary, one-at-a-time closings of the I-93 southbound ramp at exit 40A to I-495 northbound and the I-93 northbound ramp to I-495 southbound. Traffic will be directed to detours. Work takes place nightly from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m., Tuesday, July 5, to Friday, July 8. Transportation officials advise drivers to seek alternate routes, reduce speed and use caution at and near the work zone.

Region

Methuen Independence Day Festivities Now Set for July 9 at the Loop With Bands and Food

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Methuen has updated its Fourth of July plans with fireworks and festivities taking place Saturday, July 9. The event features the city’s Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks display along with music by the B Street Bombers and Veterans Den Band and food trucks. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, July 9, The Loop in Methuen. The on and off ramps of Route 213, exit 4, will be closed from noon – midnight that day for set-up. During that time, motorists are advised to use exit 3, Pleasant Valley Street.

COVID-19

State Awards COVID-19 Grants to Haverhill and Lawrence Nonprofits Among Others

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Haverhill’s Leaving the Streets Ministries and two Lawrence organizations are among those receiving additional state grants targeted to communities hardest hit by COVID-19. The money comes from the Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative, aimed at increasing awareness and access to the COVID-19 vaccine and mitigating impacts of the pandemic. The latest grants are part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s $58 million vow to promote vaccine access and confidence, primarily in communities of color. Grants of between $38,500 and $125,000 were awarded to Leaving the Streets Ministries, founded by Chaplain Jesus Ruiz and his wife Wanda; Asociacion Ministerial Evangelica Del Area de Lawrence; and Centro de Apoyo Familiar of Lawrence. “Throughout the pandemic, we have turned to trusted community-based organizations who know their communities best,” said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke.