Merrimack Valley Newsmakers
News & Politics
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Thought-provoking words from the Merrimack Valley's most influential voices in education, politics, environment and more, as heard exclusively over 97.9 WHAV FM.
Episodes
- Haverhill Preps for Memorial Day with Event Lineup Starting Friday
Memorial Day observances are scheduled throughout Haverhill in the lead up to the holiday itself, next Monday. Jeffrey Hollett, Haverhill’s veteran services director, gave an overview of upcoming Memorial Day-related happenings during a re…
- Podcast: Northern Essex Community College Seeks Student Support on 5th Annual Giving Day
Northern Essex Community College is celebrating its Fifth Annual Giving Day with a 24-hour push to replenish its NECC Fund. It is also getting ready for its Fourth Annual Impact Awards Event. Shana Murrell, the college’s director of alumni…
- Kosmes Reflects on Evolution of Whittier Tech and Education as She Prepares to Retire
Kara Kosmes, who retires in August as business manager at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, has witnessed a sea change in career training as well as in the tools she uses to keep a watchful eye on finances. Born and raise…
- Acting Haverhill Police Tracy Says Crisis Intervention Training Training is a Key Focus
Haverhill’s new Acting Police Chief Wayne Tracy says his first few months at the helm have seen a focus on officer training and the introduction of three canines. Tracy, who addressed listeners live as a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Bre…
- Golden Hill School Parents Launch Fundraiser for Community Playground
What’s better than a new playground at an elementary school? How about a new playground open to the entire community regardless of mobility issues? The parents at Golden Hill Elementary School decided to expand their dreams of replacing th…
- Auditor DiZoglio Faces New Challenges in Audit Fight
DiZoglio, a Methuen Democrat, has been locked in a three-year battle with legislative leaders and state Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell over her initiative to undertake an administrative audit of the legislature. Legislators opposing…
- Urban College of Boston Brings All Degree and Certificate Programs Online
After holding traditional classes for more than three decades, Urban College of Boston has moved entirely online, bringing its two-year degree and certificate programs to a larger student base. Yves Salomon-Fernández, president of Urban Co…
- Greater Haverhill Chamber to Move to Washington Street Historic District Storefront
The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce moves next month from Harbor Place on Merrimack Street to a storied Washington Street storefront. Greater Haverhill Chamber President and CEO Katie Cook appeared on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” progr…
- Hollywood’s Tom Bergeron Returns as Haverhill’s Favorite Son for Photo Shoot
Television personality Tom Bergeron returned to his roots Tuesday, sitting down at WHAV with photographer Kelly Giordano to tell audiences about a recent photo shoot that celebrated his broadcasting career and Haverhill roots. Bergeron tol…
- Haverhill Santa Parade Organizer Details Behind-the-Scenes Planning for Nov. 23 Festivities
Santa Claus is getting ready to return to Haverhill later this month and bringing along some friends from the “Island of Misfit Toys,” the theme of the 61st Annual VFW Santa Parade. During an appearance on WHAV’s morning show, parade Chair…
- Diodati and Rodrigues Vie to Be New Haverhill City Council Face of Ward 2
Daniel R. Diodati, a fourth generation Hillie, is competing with Veronica A. Rodriguez, also a Haverhill native, to represent Ward 2 on the Haverhill City Council in January. The winner replaces Katrina Hobbs Everett who chose not to run a…
- McGonagle and Aguilo in Ward 6 City Council Race Detail Different Approaches
In one of only three contested ward city council tests this year in Haverhill, Oliver Aguilo, a city engineer with Lawrence and 20-year resident of Haverhill, is taking on incumbent Michael S. McGonagle, a Haverhill native, to represent Wa…
- Ward 4 Council Candidates Cooper and Lewandowski Outline Positions on Pressing Issues
Guy E. Cooper, a retired Haverhill police officer, is challenging incumbent Melissa J. Lewandowski for the Ward 4 seat on Haverhill’s City Council in next Tuesday’s general election. They each sat down with on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” an…
- Barrett and Burns Vie for Haverhill City Hall’s Corner Office
Political newcomer Brandon F. Burns is challenging incumbent Melinda E. Barrett for mayor of Haverhill in the city’s general election Tuesday, Nov. 4. A small business owner for 23 years, Barrett, 62, served on Haverhill’s City Council for…
- Essex County Sheriff Coppinger Tells WHAV Listeners How His Office is Different
Sheriffs in other counties are drawing scrutiny for their spending and other practices, but Sheriff Kevin F. Coppinger appeared live on WHAV to demonstrate how Essex County shines. This week, the legislature withheld $162 million request f…
- Sen. Payano Wants Residents to Have Greater Control Over Personal Information
When signing up for a website or cell phone app Massachusetts consumers in the future would be able to decide how much of their personal information they want to share under a data privacy and security bill being sponsored by state Sen. Pa…
- Merrimack Health CEO Richardson Outlines Possible Expansion Plans for Haverhill Hospital
The newly renamed Merrimack Health Haverhill Hospital could soon be home to the healthcare system’s expanded state-of-the art sleep study center. Diana L. Richardson, interim president and CEO of Merrimack Health, formerly Lawrence General…
- Haverhill Chamber Plays Matchmaker to Area Nonprofits and Volunteers Who Wish to Help
Area nonprofits are looking for helping hands and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is acting as matchmaker Tuesday. The 2025 Volunteer Fair showcases a variety of nonprofit organizations dedicated to almost every imaginable cause.…
- Haverhill’s Ward 6 Candidates Talk Bridges, Route 125 Traffic and Quality of Life
Voters in two Haverhill wards cast ballots Tuesday to narrow the field of City Council candidates in those neighborhoods. Three candidates are squaring off for two spots on the final ballot for Ward 6 city councilor in the general election…
- Haverhill’s Ward 4 Candidates Discuss Issues From Holy Family to Rural Charm
Three candidates are facing off in Ward 4 for two spots on the ballot in the general election Nov. 4. Incumbent Melissa J. Lewandowski is being challenged by Guy E. Cooper and Kenneth E. Quimby Jr. Lewandowski and Quimby are lifelong Haver…
- At WHAV, State IG Shapiro Calls Public His Eyes and Ears in Combatting Fraud and Abuse
If you suspect a local or state official is on the take or see another example of potential fraud or abuse in state or local government, Jeffrey S. Shapiro wants to hear about it. Shapiro is the Commonwealth’s inspector general and, in tha…
- Haverhill City Clerk Details Voter Deadlines Ahead of Sept. 9 Election
Registered voters in Haverhill’s Wards 4 and 6 will go to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 9, to whittle down the number of candidates in each ward from three to two. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Bre…
- Emmaus’ 37th Annual Cycle for Shelter Sept. 14 Helps Alleviate Homelessness
Upwards of 200 bicyclists will hit the road in September to help raise money to help prevent homelessness in Haverhill. Al Hanscom, president and CEO of Emmaus House in Haverhill, was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. H…
- Haverhill Chamber Makes Overture to Non-members; Seeks to Host More Open Events
To help promote the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and Haverhill itself, the organization is making sure business owners and their employees know they may attend functions without being a member. The reminder came from Katie Cook, n…
- Green-Byrd’s ‘Overcoming the Odds’ Relates Road to 60 Years of Community Service
Haverhill community activist Kalister Green-Byrd was a reluctant writer prodded to pen a memoir by friends. The 91-year-old’s book, “Overcoming the Odds,” relates her experiences from being raised in segregated Decatur, Ala., and coming to…
- Haverhill-Based BC Media Productions Help Netflix with Docu-Series About Shaq
Shaq is back with help from Haverhill’s BC Media Productions in a new Netflix docu-series, “Power Moves With Shaquille O’Neal.” The series, which focuses on Shaquille O’Neil’s recent appointment as president of the footwear and athletic br…
- Emergency Medicine Chief Schuur Outlines Haverhill Hospital Plan
The chief of emergency medicine at Lawrence General Hospital appeared on WHAV last week to allay public concerns over plans to reduce services at Holy Family Hospital Haverhill. Lawrence General has applied to change its state license to a…
- Somebody Cares New England Plans Summer Basketball Program
The Verge Youth Center at Somebody Cares New England is offering a basketball program this summer as part of expanded programing. Marlene J. Yeo, founder and executive director of Somebody Cares New England, and Lori Jane Simmer, director,…
- Haverhill’s Plug Pond Now Staffed with 7 Lifeguards as Peak Swimming Season Begins
Lifeguards are back at Plug Pond this summer. The Haverhill Recreation Department revived its guard program after it was abandoned for lack of staff following the COVID-19 pandemic. To make sure the city has enough certified lifeguards to…
- New Haverhill Theater Group Seeks Young Actors for Summer
The newly formed Haverhill Performing Arts Workshop is looking for young actors and a place to perform. Bobby Gariepy and Maddie Hanson launched the venture after their successful association with drama programs at Haverhill High School. G…
- Art Walk includes Haverhill’s First Pride Parade
Haverhill’s first Pride Parade kicks off the Fifth Annual June Art Walk this Saturday. Art Walk runs in downtown Haverhill on Washington and Wingate Streets, between Washington Square and Railroad Square. As WHAV has reported, it will be p…
- MeVA to Increase Frequency of Bus Trips Throughout Merrimack Valley
Beginning in July the frequency of bus service between Haverhill, Lawrence, Methuen and Lowell will increase during the week. Merrimack Valley Transit, or MeVA Administrator Noah S. Berger, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast progr…
- Hamilton Says Proposed House Budget Sets Aside Another $200,000 for Historic New England Plan
If state Rep. Ryan M. Hamilton has his way four local groups will receive $375,000 in earmarked grants in the next state budget. Hamilton, whose district includes parts of Haverhill and Methuen, was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakf…
- House Budget Includes More For Haverhill Schools and Money for Pinnacle, GHF
Haverhill Public Schools would receive an additional $6 million in state aid if a House of Representative proposal to increase state support for schools makes it into the final state budget. State Rep. Andy X. Vargas, whose district encomp…
- Habitat for Humanity Plans 7 Affordable Housing Units in Haverhill’s Mount Washington
Essex County Habitat for Humanity, currently in the midst of one Haverhill homebuilding project, is moving on to another in the city’s Mount Washington neighborhood. The nonprofit recently agreed to purchase a single-family home and proper…
- Sweet Paws Rescue Says Haverhill Farm Expansion Won’t Alter Foster Focus
The new 69-acre Sweet Paws Rescue pet sanctuary scheduled to open later this summer plans to offer space for abandoned dogs and cats to roam. But, Cynthia Sweet, founder and executive director of the local animal rescue group, says it won’…
- After Graduation Alternatives—Haverhill High School to Offer Post Secondary Expo
To help local high school students imagine the wider world of opportunities after graduation, the Haverhill High School guidance department is hosting its first Post Secondary Expo next during school hours. Representatives from nine appren…
- Angel Flight NE Arranges Timely Medical Flight for Haverhill Woman with Rare Illness
Two weeks after celebrating her successful finish of the 2018 Boston Marathon Kim Dahn was stricken with debilitating stomach pain, ongoing and acute discomfort not readily recognized by her doctors. It turns out she suffers from a rare ge…
- MeVa to Allow Open Strollers on Buses as Employee Helps Change Policy
Parents traveling with children in strollers will be allowed to drive their children onto buses operated by MeVa Transit beginning Sunday, April 13, instead of having to break down and fold the unit, in a policy change meant to make the fr…
- Trahan Notes Haverhill Firefighter Grant, Steward Failure in Ripping White House Freeze
A planned freeze of payments toward previously approved federal programs was rescinded Wednesday by the White House Office of Management and Budget after public outcry. CongreA planned freeze of payments toward previously approved federal…
- Haverhill’s Calvary Baptist Church Pays Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
In concert with Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, the oldest black church in the Merrimack Valley this Saturday offers its third annual celebration of the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader. Haverhill’s Calvary Baptist Churc…
- The New Year is Just Starting, but Haverhill’s Lemieux Already Has Boston Marathon Plans
It may be just the start of the new year, but for the thousands of people planning to run in the 2025 Boston Marathon in April, the season is already here. One of the Marathon participants will be Haverhill native Jillian Lemieux. For her,…
- Aulson Explains Goats Stay Warm and Amuse Themselves with Discarded Christmas Trees
Those looking for a different way to dispose of a Christmas tree, have some fun with goats and help the homeless at the same time, Goats to Go in Georgetown has a solution. As WHAV reported earlier, Goats to Go is collecting Christmas tree…
- Minority Leader Tarr Says Watch for How $4 Billion Jobs Bill Rolls Out
State Sen. Bruce E. Tarr says there are many positives in the recently approved $4 billion economic development bill, but there’s more ahead in January that will shape how the borrowing bill takes effect. Making an appearance on WHAV’s “Wi…
- Haverhill Fire Department Hockey Team Plays Saturday in Support of Veterans
The Haverhill Fire Department hockey team is preparing for this Saturday’s charity game in support of veterans. Haverhill Deputy Fire Chief Gregory R. Roberts, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, says the contest supports…
- Haverhill Schools Mark Progress with Modular Classrooms at Whittier and Rising Steel at New Consentino
Major milestones are taking place for Haverhill Public School students with integration of modular classrooms at John Greenleaf Whittier School and steel reaching its peak at the new Dr. Albert B. Consentino School. During an appearance th…
- Hunking Student Wins MLB’s Local Pitch, Hit and Run Contest; Goes to World Series
Haverhill has been home to a few major league baseball players, most recently Carlos Pena, and the late Mike Ryan, and there is another talented ball player in the wings. It’s 8-year-old Mollie MacIntosh, a third grader at the Caleb Dustin…
- Early Voting Continues Today; Haverhill Clerk Wright Explains Extended Election Season
The election season is in full swing at the Haverhill City Clerk’s office even though final election day is two weeks away. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright, a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, explained why the win…
- Mann Orchards’ Fitzgerald Previews Topsfield Fair and Looks Back 50 Years
If there was any reason to doubt it, the upcoming Topsfield Fair is a sure sign of fall. America’s oldest county fair, having started in 1818, opens Friday, Oct. 4, and runs through Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14. Although he hasn’t been ar…
- Haverhill Bank’s Mortimer Shares Stories From the City’s Deep Financial Institution History
The banking business in Greater Haverhill has seen a many changes over the years and, similar to the person hawking programs at a sporting event, Haverhill Bank President and CEO Thomas L. Mortimer knows “you can’t tell the players without…