Fire destroys Braintree home; no injuries

January 21, 2008

A single-family home in Braintree was destroyed early yesterday in a two-alarm fire, officials said. The fire began in the basement of the home on Elm Street shortly before 4:30 a.m., and quickly spread to the attic. Firefighters had the blaze under control by about 6:30 a.m., with assistance from engines from Quincy and Weymouth. The homeowner, who was alone in the building at the time, was treated for minor smoke inhalation, fire officials said. The damage to the 2 1/2-story Colonial was estimated at $475,000.

A 36-year-old man died early yesterday after being shot outside a 7-Eleven store in Lowell, the Middlesex district attorney's office and Lowell police reported. Responding at 2 a.m. to a report of gunshots outside the store at the corner of Westford and Chelmsford streets, officers found Jose A. Villanueva with multiple gunshot wounds, said Corey Welford, spokesman for the district attorney. Villanueva was pronounced dead at Lowell General Hospital, said Welford. Villanueva's death is the fourth homicide this year in Lowell, said Lieutenant William Busby.

Maine's wilderness planning agency has wrapped up the last of four public hearings on Plum Creek Timber's plan to create 975 house lots and two resorts in the Moosehead Lake region. Speakers at the Saturday hearing in Greenville were split on whether they viewed the project as an economic boon for a depressed region or an environmental disaster that would mar an area that attracts sportsmen and nature lovers. The Land Use Regulation Commission will hold four sessions next week where lawyers and specialists will have a chance to question witnesses. (AP)

The body of a Biddeford woman was recovered from a sport utility vehicle that plunged into the Saco River early Sunday, and divers were searching for the driver and any other possible passengers. The vehicle was headed east on Pine Street shortly before 1:30 a.m. when it crossed US 1, struck a bridge guardrail, and plummeted into 10 feet of water, landing upside down. The vehicle was hauled out of the river, and the victim was found with her seat belt on in the front passenger seat. She was identified through photographs as Sherry Little, 38, police said. (AP)

New Hampshire is making it easier for snowmobilers in trouble to get help. The state's E-911 program and the Department of Resources and Economic Development have been mapping snowmobile trails in 50-foot increments, the same method used to mark town and city streets. The state says the pilot program will be expanded until all of the state's 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails have 9-1-1 addresses. ATV trails will be included. (AP)

Stratford police say a man is being held on $1 million bond, charged with fatally stabbing another man during a fight on a city street Saturday. Authorities say Ryan Pepe, 27, died at Bridgeport Hospital after the stabbing in front of a Dover Street home before dawn Saturday. Police arrested and charged Lee Grenier of Watertown with murder, unlawful restraint, and carrying a dangerous weapon. Authorities say Grenier went to the Stratford home to confront his ex-girlfriend, then stabbed Pepe during a dispute. (AP)