An armed gunman, described as having “a mental health episode,” took his own life last night after barricading himself at a North Andover home. North Andover Police said in a press release this morning the 36-year-old man, whose identity was not officially released, fired at a police cruiser, injuring an officer who was struck in the head with metal shards. The officer, also unnamed, was taken to Lawrence General Hospital where he was treated and released.

As the state enacts legislation aimed at giving cannabis shop permits to those most negatively impacted by the, so-called, “War on Drugs,” Haverhill officials are facing a state deadline to decide how the city will support such applicants. According to a draft of Haverhill’s social equity policy, conditions...

Haverhill’s Public Works Department is adding a few streets to this week’s paving and repair list. Work is set for Carleton Street, from Broadway to Lowell Avenue; Berkeley Avenue, from Mill to Windsor Street; Travers Street, from Kenoza Avenue to Ashland Street; and Sherman Avenue, from Brook to Willie Street.

Businesses wondering if they qualify for tax incentives; in need of good employees; trying to access resources available to women, minority or veteran-owned business; or that need capital may find answers during a May business expo in Haverhill. State Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba will provide a keynote address,...

The Plaistow Public Library and Plaistow Police Department are helping drivers keep their youngest passengers safe. Trained and certified child safety seat technicians from the Plaistow Police Department will staff a checkpoint at the Plaistow Public Library to inspect the safety devices in local operators’ cars. For those having trouble safely installing the seats, the same trained personnel will lend a hand to make sure they are installed properly.

A joint effort of Plaistow, N.H., first responders rescued several ducklings this past Monday that took a wrong turn and became trapped in a Plaistow Road sewer. Plaistow Fire Chief Chris Knutsen told WHAV his department was able to provide Animal Control Officer Maura Wentworth with seven personnel and equipment to help recover the wayward flock from a storm drain system on Route 125.

Families looking for a fun activity near the end of New Hampshire’s school vacation week can take in a laser concert. Lasermania, by Prismatic Magic, will feature current musical hits and colorful lasers that appear to react to the sound. The show is tonight, April 25, from 4 to...

Six people, including a 22-year-old Methuen man, were arrested Wednesday after 121 indictments were handed down related to alleged break-ins at various convenience stores where about $50,000 lottery tickets were stolen. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker said indictments charged “known” gang members and associates with breaking and entering...

The North Andover School Committee is scheduled Thursday to discuss placing the school superintendent on paid leave, but an official would not confirm the circumstances giving rise to the item. A new business agenda item referenced two items, “Placing the superintendent on paid administrative leave pursuant to Section D of...

As Haverhill completes its Open Space and Recreation Plan, City Councilors Devan M. Ferreira and Melissa J. Lewandowski advocated at last night’s meeting for a revival of the forest stewardship program, which was created in 2009 but has since become inactive. Ferreira said of Haverhill’s residents, “As much as...

Amid a rocky selection process, the Haverhill School Committee will again hear candidates for one of the city’s two seats on the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Board, as well as vote Thursday on a proposed change to the policy governing how it fills those positions. It appears...

The Haverhill Republican City Committee says it is standing firm in support of Israel following the recent Iranian-launched drone strike on the country. In a statement released by Jeri Levasseur, Haverhill Republican City Committee chair and State Committeewoman for Second Essex and Middlesex Senatorial District, the group cited Iranian aggression in the form of a barrage of 300 drones and missiles fired at Israel.

The Groveland Economic Development Committee and Chesterton Company are inviting business owners and residents to a free small business workshop featuring a panel of experts discussing how to start, expand, grow and recover businesses. U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Development Specialist Lisa Gonzalez Welch, Northeast SCORE Mentor and Beverly Branch...

The Haverhill Firefighting Museum is offering $3,500 in cash as its first prize during its spring raffle fundraiser to support its mission. A second prize of $1,000, third prize of a book of scratch tickets valued at $750 and five chances to win $100 will also be offered with tickets selling at $100 each before the drawing Saturday, June 8. Winners will be drawn that day, beginning at 8 p.m., during the Scottish vs. Irish Whiskey and Beer Tasting, taking place from 6-8 p.m., at the museum, 75 Kenoza Ave., Haverhill. Tickets to the tasting at $35 each. Venmo, Paypal, check or cash are accepted.

Dr. Guy L. Fish, who became president and CEO of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center in 2021, is leaving the position. The Health Center’s board of directors said Tuesday it will assess the organization’s current and future needs and undertake a comprehensive search. In a statement, the board said members “appreciate the leadership Dr. Fish has provided over the last three years, especially as the Health Center navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and the transition from the pandemic, and we thank him for his leadership in the development of our strategic plan and our new Accountable Care Organization partnership.”

The owner of a sprawling apartment redevelopment in downtown Haverhill is seeking permission to reduce its required number of tenant parking spaces by 73 spaces. The Forest City Residential Group project, now known as Halstead Haverhill, originally provided 394 parking spaces, including 72 offsite on city property and in the Granite Street public parking garage. Attorney Connor A. MacIsaac, however, says a parking demand study shows the offsite parking spaces are not necessary. In a letter last Thursday to city councilors, city Economic Development and Planning Director William Pillsbury Jr. said he “strongly recommends” councilors deny the request.

(Additional photograph below.) The sky is still dark when Larry Corcoran, a bus driver for Merrimack Valley Transit, starts his route outbound from Haverhill at six a.m. For the few who ride this early in the morning, the transportation is essential. When MeVa leaders went before state lawmakers to request...

While it won’t plug a looming revenue shortfall, Haverhill could receive $5.3 million more in state education aid over last year if the House Ways and Means Committee gets its way. The House last week proposed a formula that would give Haverhill $88 million in so-called Chapter 70 aid...

The Northern Essex Community College Theater production of “Hurricane Diane” has won nine national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival. Honors include The Citizen’s Award; Outstanding Achievement in Performance, Mirrorajah Metcalfe, liberal arts writing major; Distinguished Achievement in Dramaturgy, Jessica Newey; Outstanding Achievement in Ensemble Performance; Distinguished Achievement in Performance, Gwynnethe Glickman; Distinguished Achievement in Performance, Olivia Barberian; Distinguished Achievement in Direction of a Play, Brianne Beatrice, Northern Essex Community College professor; Special Achievement in Production of a Play; and Outstanding Achievement in the Facilitation of a Brave Rehearsal Space.

Haverhill this week began the first phase of its annual street and sidewalk resurfacing projects. Street paving is set for Offer Street; Hilldale Avenue, from Vale Street to the New Hampshire border; Glen Meadow Road; Twin Brook Circle; and Ferry Road, from South Riverview Street to Cross Road. Sidewalk repairs...