The week's top stories from across the Merrimack Valley. Subscribers get their own version, picked for their towns and topics.
Methuen · Town Government · Oct 9
The City of Methuen announced an early voting schedule for the November 2026 election. Early voting is scheduled to run from October 17 through October 30, 2026, and the city said all registered voters may participate. Voting during the early period will be held at Sanborn Hall, 90 Hampshire Street.
Haverhill · Local Government · Oct 8
A heated exchange marked the Haverhill City Council meeting Tuesday as members debated whether households on private wells should be left out of newly proposed municipal water-use limits.
North Andover · Elections · Oct 8
North Andover News reports that the town has scheduled in-person early voting for the state election on November 3, 2026.
Newburyport · West Newbury · Bridges · Oct 7
A new bridge linking Middle Street and Plummer Springs reopened to vehicles after a final inspection conducted Sept.
West Newbury · Bridges · Oct 6
The Town of West Newbury posted a notice on 2026-10-05 saying Rocks Village Bridge is subject to single‑lane alternating traffic and intermittent closures.
Newburyport · Salisbury · Community · Oct 7
The Town Common reports that a Plum Island resident, Ruth Gamper, has started a Change.org petition that has gathered nearly 2,000 signatures calling on state and federal officials to act on…
Haverhill · Community · Oct 8
Northern Essex Community College has begun building a new outdoor athletic complex on its Haverhill campus. The project will cost $6.7 million.
Haverhill · Town Government · Oct 7
On Tuesday the Haverhill City Council voted unanimously to give the city police authority to remove electric bikes and scooters left on property owned by the city.
Salisbury · Town Government · Oct 9
The Town of Salisbury says it plans to hold its annual fall meeting on October 26, 2026. The town plans for the meeting to begin at 7:00 pm.
North Andover · Town Government · Oct 9
North Andover News reported the town plans to close non‑essential town buildings and offices Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of the Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day holiday.
Haverhill · Methuen · Business · Oct 6
WHAV reported that owner Deanna Faro Gaiero and her family took part in a ceremonial groundbreaking Monday morning at a site off Route for a development called Oxford Crossing.
Haverhill · Business · Oct 8
Historic New England is launching a new market at its Haverhill Center called "Handmade in New England: A Holiday Market," WHAV reported.
West Newbury · Elections · Oct 6
The Town of West Newbury says ballots have been mailed for the November 3 State Election. The State Election is scheduled for November 3.
Haverhill · Elections · Oct 9
The Secretary of State’s office said more than 600,000 ballots are being sent to voters across Massachusetts.
Haverhill · Development · Oct 5
The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill has obtained $100,000 to support its plan to build a modern, expanded club. The new facility is planned for a 6.5-acre site near Interstate 495.
Haverhill · Major Employers · Oct 7
Haverhill has signed an agreement with GoNetspeed to bring fiber-to-the-home service to the city.
Newburyport · Major Employers · Oct 9
Megan Gray has been promoted to president and chief operating officer at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport. Anna Jaques is part of Beth Israel Lahey Health.
Local Government · Oct 6
Paul F. Tucker, Essex County’s district attorney, said Friday he does not plan to pursue a third four‑year term if he is re‑elected in the November general election. WHAV reported the announcement.
Lawrence · North Andover · Local Government · Oct 5
North Andover News reported on Oct. 5, 2026 that a fifth member position exists on the Greater Lawrence Sanitary District Employees’ Retirement Board.
Haverhill · Housing · Oct 6
Haverhill’s city council is scheduled Tuesday night to review a plan to demolish the structure at 27 Marshland Street and replace it with three attached, three‑bedroom townhouses.
Haverhill · Community Events · Oct 5
Haverhill dedicated First Nations Park Saturday, and city events during the ceremony highlighted the Atlantic shortnose sturgeon.
Haverhill · Community Events · Oct 8
WHAV reports Haverhill’s Public Health Department is planning a Community Health Resource Fair and a separate vaccine clinic. The two programs are scheduled on different dates over the next few weeks.
Haverhill · Community Events · Oct 9
WHAV reported the gathering, now marking its fifth year, is planned for next month in both Beverly and Haverhill. Organizers intend to hold activities on Nov.
Haverhill · Community Events · Oct 5
Haverhill Public Schools plans to introduce field hockey for middle school students beginning next spring.
Community Events · Oct 9
Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School plans to hold its annual open house on Nov. 1, WHAV reported. The event is intended for prospective students, their families and the general public.
Georgetown · Community Events · Oct 7
The Georgetown Senior Center plans to begin a six-week workshop for adults and caregivers starting Wed., Oct. 21.
Newburyport · Salisbury · Community Projects · Oct 11
The Massachusetts Oyster Project began its Ipswich restoration work in 2025 amid a global backdrop of roughly an 85% decline in oyster populations from overfishing, water pollution and habitat loss.
Haverhill · Education · Oct 8
Marc J. Gwamaka, who serves as chief of staff for the Aegis Trust and the Kigali Genocide Memorial and is identified as a Rwandan peace leader, is conducting classroom sessions on forgiveness and…
Haverhill · Business Openings · Oct 7
Organizers of the Haverhill Farmers Market are again pursuing a winter venue so vendors and customers can continue during colder months.
Salisbury · Utilities · Oct 7
The Town of Salisbury issued quarterly water and sewer bills on Oct. 6, 2026.
9 more stories came out this week. See all the latest stories