Haverhill

Updated: Feds Cancel $2 Million in Grants to UTEC for Anti-Gang Programs in Haverhill, Lawrence

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Editor’s note: Since this story first appeared officials at UTEC say the federal government’s cancellation of a third grant, where UTEC is a subgrantee, brings the total amount the agency stands to lose is $2 million. A spokesperson for UTEC said “We are going to appeal the decisions and work with other organizations to advocate for reinstatement.”

The operator of anti-gang and gun violence prevention programs in Haverhill, Lawrence and other areas said it will lose about $2 million after the federal government cancelled contracts for community violence intervention services and related programs.

Nonprofit UTEC said the U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday pulled back grants to community organizations and local governments, including money for gun-violence prevention programs, crime-victim advocacy and efforts to combat opioid addiction. “The Department of Justice’s decision to immediately cancel hundreds of grants, including critical funding for gun violence prevention and community-based intervention programs, is deeply disappointing. This negatively impacts our communities in a time where we are working so intentionally to combat the harms that affect our young people. These cuts directly affect communities like ours across the country that are working to prevent violence and who are working to support young people most at risk,” said UTEC CEO Gregg Croteau in a statement.

Haverhill

U.S. Rep. Trahan Nominates Haverhill, Methuen Students to United States Service Academies

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Congresswoman Lori Trahan hosted a ceremony this week to nominate students from across the Third District to United States Service Academies. Trahan nominated students to the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy and United States Merchant Marine Academy. “It’s one of my greatest honors and most serious responsibilities to nominate outstanding young men and women from our district to our nation’s service academies,” said Trahan. “These students are driven by something bigger than themselves—by a desire to serve, to lead, and to contribute to the common good. Their commitment to country and community inspires hope for the future of our armed forces and our nation.”

West Point nominees included Samuel Richenburg of Haverhill, St.

Business Bulletin

Burtons Grill Hosts Merrimack Valley Chamber Members Friday Morning

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Burtons Grill is hosting members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce Friday for a networking breakfast. In addition to exchanging leads, members will enjoy breakfast and are eligible to win prizes. The program takes place Friday, April 25, from 8-9:15 a.m., at Burtons Grill, 145 Turnpike St., North Andover. Admission is $10 per person for Merrimack Valley Chamber members or $20 per person for non-members. Reservations may be made online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.

Crime

Methuen Resident Pleads Guilty to Returning to U.S. After 2017 Deportation

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A citizen of the Dominican Republic residing in Methuen pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Thirty-nine-year-old Florencio Antonio Nuñez Guerrero pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for July 8. Nuñez Guerrero was indicted last month by a federal grand jury. He was deported from the United States March 3, 2017 after serving a federal sentence for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin.

Education

House Leader Looks to Put Brakes on Vocational School Admission Changes

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by Michael Jonas, CommonWealth Beacon
April 16, 2025
THE GOVERNOR proposes, the Legislature disposes. So goes the saying that points to who ultimately wields power on Beacon Hill. On most issues, lawmakers can have the final say. That’s true for things introduced by the governor, but it also extends to other players in state government. A case in point is the ongoing debate over vocational high school admission policies, which a top House official is suddenly looking to upend through one legislative lever or another.

Region

Methuen High School Scene of Active Shooter Response Training with Police, Fire

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Methuen High School was the setting of an active shooter drill Wednesday that saw about 60 people involved as well as student role-players and simulated casualties. Methuen Police, fire and school departments took part in the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training—or ALERRT—training teaches practical skills and strategies to “rapidly identify, isolate and neutralize active shooters.” Methuen Mayor David P. “D.J.” Beauregard Jr. said he directed Police Chief Scott J. McNamara, Fire Chief Tim Sheehy and school Superintendent Brandi Kwong to conduct the exercise. “We will continue to prioritize training, collaboration and resources to keep our schools and community secure,” Beauregard said in a release. Earlier this year, the departments also teamed up to conduct smaller-scale lockdown drills at each school in the district. Annual ALERRT drills are planned.

Haverhill

Essex County Greenbelt to Conduct Tours of Hoyt Farm in Merrimac; Land Protects Haverhill Water

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The public is invited to tour the 120-acre Hoyt Farm in Merrimac, currently leased to local farmers Wally and Steph Lesiczka who own and operate Wally’s Vegetables in Haverhill. Essex County Greenbelt is working to protect Hoyt Farm, which they call, one of the largest remaining unprotected single-ownership farms in the Merrimack Valley. Greenbelt has so far protected 22 acres of forestland on the property, but has until this June to secure the remaining 100 acres. “In addition to preserving this vibrant farm for agricultural use and ensuring access to fresh, locally grown food, protecting the property will enable Greenbelt to expand public trails, safeguard wetlands that feed the East Meadow River—Haverhill’s primary drinking water source—and help mitigate the impacts of climate change,” says Vanessa Johnson-Hall, Greenbelt’s director of land conservation. A former dairy farm, the property has been continuously farmed for more than 200 years, with the same family tending the land for the past century.