Beacon Hill News

Led by Finegold, State Senate Adjourns Thursday in Memory of late Sen. Nicholas J. Costello

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The memory of Nicholas J. Costello, former state senator and representative and Amesbury mayor, was honored Thursday during a memorial adjournment and moment of silence initiated by Sen. Barry R. Finegold. Finegold was joined in the Senate chamber by Costello’s son, former state Rep. Michael Costello. “A champion of environmental and social justice, Costello worked with local organizations for over 40 years to protect the natural beauty and quality of life for Merrimack Valley residents. As Senate chairman of the Legislature’s Committee on Energy, Sen. Costello was a visionary helping to negotiate and regulate clean and renewable energy. He was selected to serve as the Massachusetts Senate liaison in discussions with Canada on the Hydro-Quebec energy supply project,” Finegold said, in part.

Crime

Feds Charge Man, 41, Who Lived in Haverhill and Methuen, Allegedly Sold Fentanyl Pills with Child in Car

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A 41-year-old citizen of the Dominican Republic, living in Haverhill and Methuen, was arrested Tuesday and charged with allegedly conspiring to distribute approximately 600 counterfeit oxycodone pills that contained fentanyl. Jose Radhame Sanchez was charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston and was ordered held pending a hearing May 6. According to the court documents, Sanchez allegedly sold approximately 200 suspected fentanyl pills pressed to resemble 30 milligram oxycodone pills to a cooperating source April 9, in Lawrence. It is also alleged Sanchez had a minor child with him in the car during the transaction.

Education

NH Continues to Shift Education Funding to Local Property Taxpayers

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by GARRY RAYNO, InDepthNH.org, InDepthNH.org
April 29, 2025
By GARRY RAYNO, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD — If you are a property taxpayer in New Hampshire, the latest National Education Association annual report on school statistics across the country will not be a surprise. New Hampshire is a kind of reverse lottery: property taxpayers pay the highest percentage of public school costs of any other state in the country and New Hampshire state government contributes the least state aid to public education of any state. Property taxpayers pay 63 percent of the cost of public education, while the state contributes 28.8 percent, leaving a little over 8 percent for the federal government to contribute, the 45th lowest for states. The state’s historical reliance on local property taxes with wildly varying rates has led to numerous lawsuits over its education funding system which creates discrepancies and inequities in school districts across the state. The two latest lawsuits await decisions from the state Supreme Court on Superior Court rulings saying the current system is unconstitutional because it fails to comply with the proportional and reasonable requirement for taxation along the state failing to live up to its constitutional obligation to pay for an adequate education.

Region

NH Division of Motor Vehicles Opens Three Offices Saturday for REAL ID Services

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The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles plans to open branches Saturday in Concord, Manchester and Twin Mountain to accommodate resident requests for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and non-driver identification cards. Transactions Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., for appointments and walk-in services are limited to REAL ID services only. Appointments can be made online now through the DMV website. Effective May 7, a federally compliant driver’s license or non-driver identification card, or a passport, will be required by the Transportation Security Administration for all travelers 18 years of age or older to board an airplane for domestic flights. A REAL ID-compliant license or identification will also be required to enter a secure federal facility, such as a military base or courthouse.

Business Bulletin

Sebasky, 30-Year Health Pro, Joins Lawrence General, Holy Family Hospitals’ Board

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Greg Sebasky—who has worked three decades in healthcare, technology, and education—was recently named to the board of trustees Lawrence General Hospital and Holy Family Hospital. Sebasky currently serves as chairman of the board at Ascend Learning, a provider of online educational content, simulations and analytics for healthcare professionals, following his recent retirement as the company’s chief executive officer. He previously served as chairman of Philips North America and executive vice president for Philips Healthcare. “His exceptional leadership and deep experience in healthcare, technology and education will be a valuable addition to the board. We look forward to his insights and innovative thinking as we continue to serve our communities with high-quality, compassionate care,” Rosemarie Day, chair of the boards of trustees, said of Sebasky.

Community Spotlight

Groveland Garden Club Annual Plant Sale May 31

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Just in time for spring planting the Groveland Garden Club is bringing back its annual plant sale. The public is invited to participate two ways. A variety of native pollinator friendly perennials and custom crafted hanging baskets can be ordered ahead of time. Then, garden seedlings and perennials donated by Groveland Garden Club members will be offered for sale Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Little Red School House, 26 Broad St., Groveland. Detailed information about the nursery-grown plants for pre-order is available at Groveland Garden Club.

Crime

Judge sentences Windham, N.H. Man to Three-Year Prison Term for Defrauding United Way

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A 51-year-old Windham, N.H., man was sentenced last week in federal court for using his own company to defraud United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, where he also worked. Acting New Hampshire U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack said Imran Alrai, owner of DigitalNet Technology Solutions, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph N. Laplante to three years in federal prison and a year of supervised release. Alrai was also ordered to pay restitution of $2.3 million. In October 2024, Alrai was convicted by a federal jury of 12 counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering. “For six years, the defendant carried out a calculated and sophisticated scheme to steal millions from a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting our most vulnerable communities,” said McCormack.