Selectmen Put Heat On College Officials Over Outbreak | Patch PM

North Andover MA

28 October, 2020

5:03 PM

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NORTH ANDOVER, MA — It's Wednesday, Oct. 28. Here's what Patch has been covering in the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts today. North Andover's selectmen grilled officials from Merrimack College over the impact the college's coronavirus outbreak has had on the town and its businesses. Two college officials appeared before the Board, Monday, to discuss the over 100 cases linked to the Monican Hall dormitory. The outbreak, reported in September, put North Andover in the state's high-risk category and preventing further reopening, even though Monican is located in Andover. All of the school's cases are reported as North Andover cases for the purposes of state virus metrics, as the school's address is in North Andover. The selectmen asked the college to push the state to reclassify the cases. Read more. Also in the Merrimack Valley Towns Report Voter Turnout Over 60 Percent Of 2016 Election Towns across the area are already reporting voter turnout as high as two-thirds of the 2016 numbers, with nearly a week to go until election day. Wilmington has already had more than half of registered voters cast their ballots. Other towns already reporting high turnout include Andover, North Andover and Tewksbury. Lawrence Man Arrested, Charged With Attempted Arson A Lawrence man was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted arson in relation to a recent fire, officials said Wednesday. Lawrence firefighters responded Saturday morning to a suspected arson fire at 358-360 Andover Street in Lawrence. "Fortunately this fire was detected early and firefighters were able to keep it small," Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty said. "But it occurred in an occupied apartment building at a time when many people were asleep. This could so easily have been a tragedy." Chelmsford Increasing Police Patrols At Ballot Drop Boxes Merrimack Valley communities continue to ramp up election security, after a Boston ballot drop box was set on fire, Sunday. "The police will have an increased presence," Chelmsford Town Clerk Patricia Dzuris said. "The building is well lit outside and we have the box covered by surveillance cameras. The drop box is emptied frequently and we are here at least 12-15 hours a day before Election Day." Across Massachusetts Northeast States Take Notice Of MA's Coronavirus Struggle One neighboring state put Massachusetts on its travel advisory list, while another urged residents not to come here. Boston Marathon 2021 Postponed, Officials Hope For Fall Date A new date has not been determined, but the Boston Athletic Association plans on seeing if a fall date is "feasible." Worcester Man Arrested In NY, Accused Of Possessing Cocaine Police said over 4 pounds of cocaine was found hidden in cereal boxes. Man Pleads Guilty In Cyberstalking Campaign Against Natick Couple A California man on Tuesday pleaded guilty after participating in a cyberstalking campaign that included sending suspicious packages to, and surveilling, a Natick couple. Pro-Police Truck Hits The Road After Causing Stir A truck carrying a massive sign in support of police drew some frustration, some markings and at least two parking tickets in Melrose before finally hitting the road. And finally today: Wednesday was the deadline for vote-by-mail applications to arrive at local elections offices. But don't worry if you didn't apply: You still have until Friday to vote early in person, and the polls will be open on Election Day, Tuesday.