The week's top stories from across the Merrimack Valley. Subscribers get their own version, picked for their towns and topics.
Groveland · Haverhill · Major Developments · Oct 4
The state awarded $3.5 million for a group of projects in Haverhill, covering downtown improvements, a water supply project and a café redevelopment. Nearly $2 million is allocated to rebuild the Washington Square pedestrian plaza. One million dollars is designated for a planned Merrimack River radial collector well.
Amesbury · Andover · Community · Oct 4
State agricultural officials have confirmed the invasive spotted lanternfly in Topsfield and are urging residents to stay watchful as adults become most active and begin laying eggs this season, the…
Methuen · Local Government · Oct 2
Methuen Mayor D.J. Beauregard and City Councilor Mike Simard filed a letter and a joint resolution for the City Council to consider at its October 5, 2026 meeting.
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Andover · Health · Oct 1
The Town of Andover says it has been notified about a discharge of untreated or partially treated wastewater from the Lowell Wastewater Treatment Facility.
Methuen · Community · Oct 1
Methuen city officials and the regional YWCA announced a new Women’s Empowerment Facility and said they will open an office at 5 Wallace Street to provide domestic violence and sexual assault…
Newburyport · Salisbury · Community · Sep 29
A rare September nor'easter is moving through the Greater Newburyport area, bringing sustained high winds and driving rain, The Daily News of Newburyport reported.
Lawrence · Community · Oct 2
On 2026-09-23 the City of Lawrence published a notice titled "Smoke Alarms Save Lives!".
Haverhill · Community · Sep 30
When it meets Wednesday night, the Haverhill Historic Commission is slated to consider proposals to tear down and rebuild the former Elks lodge where Summer and Newcomb Streets meet.
Haverhill · Community · Sep 30
Haverhill’s Fire Department will receive nearly $813,000 to fund breathing equipment for firefighters.
Methuen · Roads · Oct 1
City of Methuen reported that construction has begun on a record $5.7 million project to improve streets and sidewalks across the city.
Haverhill · Methuen · Roads · Sep 30
Traffic on Interstate 495 between Haverhill and Methuen will face lane closings over the next two weeks, WHAV reported. Temporary nightly lane closings are planned to begin Monday, Sept. 28.
Methuen · Local Government · Oct 1
The City of Methuen says it is ending its use of Flock Safety, whose license plate reader cameras are currently installed in the city.
Haverhill · Local Government · Oct 3
Haverhill said yesterday that it secured an $813,000 federal grant and credited its team for the award.
Amesbury · Georgetown · Education · Sep 30
The Daily News of Newburyport reported that a feasibility study was presented at the Amesbury School Committee’s Monday meeting.
Salisbury · Elections · Sep 30
The Town of Salisbury has posted voter guidance for the State Election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The material is available to Salisbury residents as a resource ahead of the election.
Methuen · Elections · Sep 30
The City of Methuen says it plans to provide early voting at Sanborn Hall from October 17 through October 30 ahead of the State Election planned for November 3.
Haverhill · Utilities · Sep 30
National Grid plans to hold an open house Wednesday night in Haverhill to meet with residents and answer questions about its line project.
Lawrence · Utilities · Sep 30
The Massachusetts attorney general’s office said it agreed to a $525,000 settlement with a trash-hauling company.
Utilities · Oct 2
The U.S. Department of Energy awarded funding to National Grid for a project called Dynamic Rating Enhancement Advancements and Modernization, or DREAM. The award is estimated to be about $49 million.
Salisbury · Utilities · Sep 30
The Town of Salisbury reported a water main break on North End Boulevard. The town's notice is dated September 29, 2026. The report concerns a local utilities and infrastructure issue in Salisbury.
Methuen · Utilities · Sep 30
The City of Methuen says its Community Choice Power Supply Program produced more than $1.14 million in savings for participating customers during the January through June 2026 period.
Haverhill · Utilities · Sep 30
Downed tree limbs, power outages and business alarms were reported in Haverhill over the last few days.
Newburyport · West Newbury · Bridges · Oct 3
The Middle Street bridge has reopened, restoring the crossing between Newburyport and neighboring West Newbury.
Salisbury · Town Government · Sep 30
The Daily News of Newburyport reported on Sept. 23, 2026 that Salisbury selectmen approved fees on Tuesday for those who will benefit from the Lafayette Road and Main Street sewer project.
Merrimac · Town Government · Oct 4
Merrimac will address cryptocurrency kiosks at a Special Town Meeting scheduled for Oct. 19 at Dr. Frederick N. Sweetsir School.
Newburyport · Local Organizations · Sep 30
The Daily News of Newburyport reports the city was recently awarded a $2,000 Essex Heritage Partnership grant for fiscal 2026.
Haverhill · Public Schools · Sep 30
WHAV reports Haverhill Public Schools faces a new challenge in its effort to raise the district’s MCAS scores.
Andover · Major Employers · Sep 30
WHAV reported that a firm in Andover is slated to receive a $1.9 million state tax incentive tied to a plan to create 62 life science jobs.
Haverhill · Lawrence · Major Employers · Sep 30
Merrimack Health and the former Holy Family Hospital reported stronger financial results in the most recent fiscal year.
Newburyport · Zoning · Sep 29
Local lawmakers recently introduced an ordinance in Newburyport that would revise zoning guidelines for one of the city’s newest districts.
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