Boston police investigating death of person whose body was found in Ronan Park in Dorhester

Boston police are investigating the death of a person whose body was found in Ronan Park in Dorchester. Police are currently investigating the death as a possible suicide. ( 07/01/2013 8:33 AM )

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals added to Russell 3000, Russell 2000, and Russell Global Indexes

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company in Watertown, announced in a Monday press release that it was added to the Russell 3000, Russell 2000, and Russell Global Indexes when the Russell Investment Group reconstituted its family of US indexes after stock market close on June 28. Annual reconstitution of Russell's U.S. indexes captures the 4,000 largest U.S. stocks as...  ( Business Wire 07/01/2013 7:49 AM )

83-year-old Salem woman victim of hit-and-run

SALEM, Mass. (AP) -- Police are looking for the vehicle they say fled the scene after striking and killing an 83-year-old Salem woman crossing a street in front of her home. ( AP 07/01/2013 7:15 AM )

7 arrested in connection with Springfield shooting

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Police say seven people have been arrested in connection with a late-night shooting in Springfield. ( The Springfield (Mass.) Republican 07/01/2013 6:54 AM )

Taunton man arrested in Brockton slaying

BROCKTON, Mass. (AP) -- A 19-year-old Taunton man is headed to court to face a murder charge in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting in Brockton. ( The (Brockton, Mass.) Enterprise 07/01/2013 6:48 AM )

Thole's error gives Red Sox 5-4 win over Blue Jays

BOSTON (AP) -- The Red Sox have 50 wins by the end of June after getting 69 all last year. They're in first place in the AL East one season after finishing last. ( AP 07/01/2013 5:19 AM )

Extensive cleanup indicated for Everett casino site Casino site heavily polluted

Ash, arsenic, and lead are among the remnants of toxins tainting the land where Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn proposes to build a glamorous $1.2 billion resort casino in Everett, according to an environmental consultant hired by the Wynn group. Monsanto Chemical Co. operated a chemical processing plant on the land for decades until closing it in 1992. "The site is quite contaminated," said Chris Gordon, the project manager for Wynn, at a meeting with state environmental officials Wednesday in Everett that included a tour of the site. "It's predictable for this type of site . . . We want to make sure the site is cleaned to a very high standard."(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Winchester says no to technology override

Voters in in Winchester on Tuesday rejected a proposal to permanently increase property taxes to address the town's many technological challenges Winchester Selectman James A. Johnson III had proposed the town set aside money every year in a stabilization fund to improve technology at Town Hall and in the public schools. The proposal was defeated, with 3,415 residents voting against the measure and 2,885 in favor, according to preliminary election results from the town clerk's office. The question called for a $350,000override of Proposition 2½. The vote continued Winchester's long history of rejecting permanent tax increases. Over the past 15 years, voters have been asked to approve 15 overrides. Of those, only two passed.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Melrose artist Clint Chadsey transforms boxes from simple to surreal

For years, Clint Chadseydelivered bags of letters as a carrier for the Postal Service. Now retired, the Melrose resident places different kinds of letters into old wooden boxes to form intricate "art in a box.'' Using bits and pieces of "just about anything that's caught my eye" at yard sales, flea markets, or antique shows, Chadsey creates complex, surrealistic art known as box art or assemblage. "Whit, Whimsey . . . Whatever,'' Chadsey's retrospective exhibition, was featured throughout June at the Virginia A. Carten Gallery at Marblehead's Abbot Library.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Marblehead voters approve $3.64 million in overrides Marblehead voters approve override projects for repairs

For the second time in two years, Marblehead residents voted to override Proposition 2½, endorsing $3.64 million in proposals to repair Abbot Hall's iconic town clock, and to remove hazardous waste that was left on a privately owned parcel next to the town dump. The $3.64 million that the town plans to borrow will be paid back by taxpayers over the next 20 years. Owners of a single-family home valued at $653,642, the median price in town, will pay an additional $23.40 annually for the next 20 years, a total of about $468. Abbot Hall, which functions as Marblehead's Town Hall, has had a bell that has wrung on the hour since 1877.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Biologists on the hunt for vernal pools at Middlesex Fells Reservation

Biologist Matt Burne, vice president of the Vernal Pool Associationand conservation director for the Walden Woods Project, is participating in the first formal vernal pool survey of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, which he initiated in the spring of 2012. Vernal pools, small temporary ponds that fill with water in fall and spring and typically dry up by late summer, are found throughout Massachusetts and serve as breeding areas for a variety of amphibians, including salamanders, frogs, and toads, as well as insects and other invertebrates. Some of these animals, like spotted salamanders and wood frogs, are fairly common, while others, such as spadefoot toads and marbled salamanders, are endangered in Massachusetts. Whether rare or abundant, vernal pool organisms rely on these ephemeral wetlands as a critical part of their life cycle, making vernal pools an important conservation target.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Siobhan McDonough of Andover gets ready to play for University of Pittsburgh

While Siobhan McDonough starred on the soccer pitch for Governor's Academy, she would often travel to Newton with her high school teammates to cheer on Boston College as the Eagles women soccer team easily dispensed of their opponents. The Andover native was awed by the talent in the ultra-competitive Atlantic Coast Conference, which sent nine teams to the NCAA championship tournament last season, including North Carolina, who won its 21st national title. What was once a dream is now a reality for McDonough, who is gearing up for her freshman campaign at the University of Pittsburgh, which split from the Big East conference and will officially join the ACC July 1.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

The season begins at Gloucester Stage with 'Spring Awakening'

Gloucester Stage kicks off its season with the musical "Spring Awakening" through July 14. The landmark musical follows a group of late 19th-century German students along the road from adolescence to adulthood, including sexual awakening in an atmosphere of repression. More than 20 hit songs from the 1950s and 1960s are featured in the musical comedy, "The Marvelous Wonderettes," at the Stoneham Theatre Friday through July 28.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Species found in Middlesex Fells vernal pools

Species found in Middlesex Fells vernal pools(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Foxborough, NFL stepping up security procedures at Gillette Stadium Security levels tightened at Gillette New bans at stadium New bans at stadium

FOXBOROUGH -- Gillette Stadium is no airport, but it could soon feel like one as heightened security upgrades following the Boston Marathon bombings impose restrictions that stop short of having fans remove their shoes. The new rules being implemented by Foxborough police, in conjunction with the National Football League, include a ban on backpacks and large purses, in addition to existing bans on coolers and seat cushions. Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches -- and permissible things that fit in them -- will be allowed in the stadium after Aug. 16, unless a medical necessity requires a nonconforming bag. The rules go into effect the day the New England Patriots meet the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first preseason home opener.(   06/30/2013 3:49 AM )

City council approves $258 million budget

City councilors unanimously approved the $258 million budget for fiscal 2014, which begins Monday, a 4.4 percent increase from this year. No cuts were made to the budget, which provides shows increases in nearly every department. "To a large degree, it's a restoration budget," said Christopher Walker, spokesman for Mayor Thomas Koch. "In areas we had major cuts, we're getting to where we were, especially in public safety and education." The budget will enable the city to hire for several positions, including teachers, police officersmen, and firefighters. The city will also hire a new energy manager and system technician charged with making buildings more energy-efficient. There was a 49 percent jump in the budget for the Planning Department, which will hire a research assistant and a planner for economic development. The city also increased the snow-removal budget to $1.5 million from $1.25 million.(   06/30/2013 1:17 AM )

Security measures at Gillette Stadium

New security measures are coming to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.(   06/30/2013 1:17 AM )

Marathon bombings spur area venues to reconsider security measures

The Boston Marathon bombings that shocked the world also shook communities that host entertainment venues, seeing firsthand as they did how easy it was to bring explosives into a crowd - and set them off. Since the April 15 attack, the National Football League has banned a number of carry-in items from all its arenas, including Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, offering up a new, strict policy that allows fans to bring belongings in small, clear plastic bags only. Managers of other performance and sports venues south of Boston are also taking a hard look at their policies, with some intent on making changes to improve security, and others saying their restrictions are already stringent.(   06/30/2013 1:17 AM )

Security measures at Gillette Stadium

What's allowed and not allowed at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.(   06/30/2013 1:17 AM )

T-Mobile likely to build cell antenna in East Dedham

With little enthusiasm, Dedham officials are moving ahead with plans for a T-Mobile cellular phone antenna to be built atop the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center in East Dedham. At their June 20 meeting, selectmen signed an agreement that will be sent to T-Mobile. Town officials declined to provide a copy of the contract, but Town Administrator William Keegan said Dedham would receive $25,000 per year for leasing the space to T-Mobile. Selectman James MacDonald said the town is taking this approach in order to have more control over the location and to get revenue from the company.(   06/30/2013 1:16 AM )

No lifeguard for Sand Hills

A lifeguard shortage across the region will leave Sand Hills Beach in Scituate unattended this summer. "We certainly want folks to be aware," said Town Administrator Patricia Vinchesi. Meanwhile, Minot, Peggotty, and Humarock beaches will should have lifeguards be guarded seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Egypt Beach will be guarded on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.We certainly want folks to be aware," said Town Administrator Patricia Vinchesi. Though lifeguards are generally scheduled during those times, the staffing is subject to change. Alterations to the schedule will be posted updated at the beaches as well as on the town's website, www.town.scituate.ma.us. Scituate and other coastal communities on the South Shore have been struggling to find lifeguards from now until Labor Day. Even if beaches are not staffed, they will still be open to the public, officials said.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Demand lags for license plates

The special license plate commemorating Plymouth's 400th anniversary hasn't been received as well as people hoped. For the plate to go into production, Plymouth's 400th anniversary organizers must receive at least 1,500 prepaid orders by the end of September. But as of last week, they had received fewer than 700. "We're trying to get up to that 1,500," said Alexandra Rollins, managing director of Plymouth 400 Inc., the nonprofit that's planning the townwide celebration for in 2020. The limited-edition license plate design features a light-blue image of the Mayflower ship with a silhouette of a Native American man, and bears the words "1620 Plymouth 2020." They cost $40 apiece, and a portion of each plate fee will help fund the town's 400th anniversary festivities. To order a plate, visit http://www.plymouthma400.org/get-licensed.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Authors' summer reading lists

We asked several local authors for some summer reading ideas, either well loved books or titles they're excited to dive into. Here's what on their lists: Nichole Bernier recommends "The Light Between Oceans" by M.L. Stedman, "The Engagements" by J. Courtney Sullivan, and "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. David Fleming recommends "Twerp" by Mark Goldblatt, "Doll Bones" by Holly Black, and "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman. Marjan Kamali recommends "The View from Penthouse B" by Elinor Lipman, "Cascade" by Maryanne O'Hara, and "The First Rule of Swimming" by Courtney Angela Brkic. Ben Coes recommends "Damn Few" by Rorke Denver, "The Right Hand" by Derek Haas, and "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy.(   06/30/2013 1:16 AM )

Revisiting Jazz Age classics at library

The Gleason Public Library kicks off its summer community reading program for adults this week is exploring two Jazz Age classics for its summer community reading program, starting with Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms'' and then "The Great Gatsby'' by F. Scott Fitzgerald in August. Related events include a discussion of Hemingway's novel from the 1with an exploration of a classic novel of the 1920s, Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms,"on July 17 at 7 p.m., and Other July events next month include music educator Richard Travers discussing 1920s jazz at 7 p.m. a talk on the jazz music of the 1920s on July 24 at 7 p.m. All programs are free and will be held at the library, 22 Bedford Road. Advance registration is suggested. For more information, call the library at 978-369-4898 or go to www.gleasonlibrary.org.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Volunteers sought for senior medical fair

Shirley's 's Council on Aging is seeking volunteers for a senior medical fair scheduled for Nov. 2. The goal is to provide a range of information to seniors regarding medical services, providers, and programs to coincide with the Medicare open enrollment period. The organizers also plan to arrange a trade show, offer a small breakfast, and provide transportation to seniors who cannot drive to the event. To volunteer or discuss the fair, call the town's senior center at 978-425-1390.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

No moratorium on pot dispensaries

Special Town Meeting voters Monday night rejected , by a 93-45 vote, a measure that called for a one-year moratorium on allowing a medical marijuana treatment center to open in the community. The state law legalizing medical marijuana, approved in a statewide referendum that legalized medical marijuana last fall set certain guidelines for the dispensaries, but regulations on how communities can restrict their location are still being developed; the delay sought by local officials while new zoning rules are drafted was defeated by a 93-45 vote. but the , the state will decide where these community centers will be located. Also Approved by voters Monday night was a request for $8.8 millionproposal to fund to cover the town's portion of the Ayer Shirley Regional School District for the next fiscal year, and raise . The total includes included $195,396 through a Proposition 2½ debt-exclusion override to go toward the regional district's o pay for that would be raised through a Proposition 2½ debt exclusion tax increase to cover the town's payment for the regional middle school. The session drew In all, 143 of the town's 5,068 registered voters attended Monday's meeting, out of 5,068 registered voters.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Work to begin on Town House

Work to restore the exterior of the Concord Town House is expected to get underway in the next few weeks and continue throughout the summer and fall. Construction crews will soon begin installing fencing around the perimeter. The public will still be able to use both the side and front entrances during construction. Brownstone and bricks will be repaired and replaced, mortar joints refurbished, and all exterior wood trim painted in the original brown colors shades used when the building was constructed in 1851. of the 1851 Town House(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Nasta completes firefighter course

Nashoba resident Steven Nastaof Dunstable has graduated from a state training class for call and volunteer firefighters training class. The program provides a standard recruit training curriculum, meeting national standards, on nights and weekends to accommodate the schedule of firefighters in suburban and rural areas. There were 31 graduates from 18 fire departments at the ceremony on June 20. State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy director Edmund M. Walker presented certificates of completion to the graduates.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Volunteers needed for town committees

There are more than two dozen openings spread across 19 town panels, committees and commissions, including the Agricultural Advisory Commission, and Conservation Commissions, Cultural Council, Economic Development Committee, Transfer Station Committee, MBTA Advisory Board, and Energy Advisory Committee, and the local representative on the MBTA Advisory Board, according to a posting on the town's website. Residents Anyone interested in any of these positions may complete the town's volunteer form and submit it to contact Julie Doucet, executive assistant to the Board of Selectmen, through links at www.harvard.ma.us. For more information, e-mail jdoucet@harvard.ma.us or call her at 978-456-4100, ext. 312., 13 Ayer Road, Harvard, MA 01451(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )

Outdoor concerts for all ages

Seven outdoor concerts are scheduled for two local parks in Hudson next month in Wood Park and Cellucci Park. Wood Park will host 6:30 p.m. performances aton concerts are planned for 6:30 p.m. on July 10, July 17, July 24, and July 31, with bands including the Rivers Edge Arts Alliance, Fab4ever, and Slograss. The Cellucci Park concerts, geared toward families with young children, are scheduled for noon on July 11, July 18, and July 25. A full listing of the summer concerts is available on the Recreation Division's page on the municipal website, online at the town of Hudson's website, www.townofhudson.org.(   06/30/2013 12:00 AM )