Fitchburg

A loyal partner: State police dog shot, killed by suspect

July 27, 2022 GMT

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) — A decorated Massachusetts State Police dog called “as loyal a partner as any Trooper ever had" by the agency's commander was shot and killed by a man who had barricaded himself inside a home.

Body of Marine killed in NATO crash in Norway returned to US

April 2, 2022 GMT

LEOMINSTER, Mass. (AP) — The body of a Marine officer killed last month during a NATO training exercise in Norway was returned Saturday to his home in Massachusetts.

‘That’s what dads do’: US man goes to Ukraine for daughter

March 12, 2022 GMT

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) — As millions of refugees flee Ukraine, a Massachusetts man has gone to the country to help his daughter and grandson escape.

William Hubbard recently flew to Poland and crossed the border to Ukraine on foot before joining his daughter, Aislinn, and her 8-month-old son, Seraphim, at their home near Kyiv, WCVB-TV reports.

Police: Man who struck officer with vehicle apprehended

February 18, 2022 GMT

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man who authorities say seriously injured a police officer when he struck him with a vehicle while fleeing earlier this week has been caught and now faces attempted murder and other charges, state police said Friday.

2 dead, 1 hurt in head-on crash in East Brookfield

February 15, 2022 GMT

EAST BROOKFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Two people died in a head-on crash on a Massachusetts highway when one vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, state police said.

An SUV and a pickup truck collided on Route 49 in East Brookfield at about 12:30 p.m.

Fitchburg man pleads not guilty to child rape charges

January 11, 2022 GMT

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A Fitchburg man has pleaded not guilty to 14 charges, including multiple counts of child rape and assault and battery on a child under age 14, according to authorities.

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in daughter’s death

December 10, 2021 GMT

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man who according to authorities allowed his wife to severely beat their two children for years, which eventually led to the death of their 6-year-old daughter in 2018, has been sent to prison for eight years.

Man convicted in killing retrial gets new 35-year sentence

December 1, 2021 GMT

AUBURN, Maine (AP) — A Massachusetts man who was convicted of a drug-related killing in a rare retrial of a murder case in Maine received a 35-year-sentence on Wednesday.

Marcus Asante, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was initially sentenced to 35 years stemming from the shooting death of Douglas Morin Jr.

Breeding population of invasive bug found in Massachusetts

September 29, 2021 GMT

FITCHBURG, Mass. (AP) — A small breeding population of an invasive insect that can damage native trees and crops has been found in Massachusetts for the first time, state agricultural officials said.

Massachusetts man faces retrial in killing in Maine

September 13, 2021 GMT

AUBURN, Maine (AP) — Jury selection began Monday in the retrial of a Massachusetts man whose murder conviction was overturned by the state supreme court in Maine.

Marcus Asante, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, was sentenced to 35 years as the convicted triggerman in a drug-related killing in Sherman, Maine, before his conviction was overturned last year.

Police say driver dies after interstate wrong-way chase

May 2, 2021 GMT

CANDIA, N.H. (AP) — A 39-year-old man is dead after driving the wrong-way on Interstate 93 and state Route 101 before crashing in Candia, New Hampshire State Police said...

Colleges move online, child advocate raises virus concerns

November 15, 2020 GMT

Developments on the coronavirus pandemic in New England:

MAINE:

The state announced more than 150 new confirmed cases Sunday...

Fitchburg Warriors Win Gold at Senior Games

Sentinel & Enterprise StaffMay 17, 2019 GMT

WORCESTER — The Fitchburg Warriors recently captured the gold medal in the Mass. Senior Games.

The undefeated Warriors played in the Over-60 division, beating the Hingham Hawks, 7-1, and the Bourne Buzzards, 4--2.

Hidden Garden Tour in Bloom at Fitchburg Library

Sentinel & EnterpriseMay 2, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Do you enjoy beautiful gardens? In an armchair tour at 6:30 p.m. on May 15 of some the best public gardens and hidden gems of the Northeast, you will learn about each garden's history, horticultural highlights and special events that will inspire you to plan your own visit.

Fitchburg High AD Ray Cosenza Announces Retirement

By Sean Sweeney, CorrespondentApril 6, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- When the late, great Doug Grutchfield, the former athletic director for the Fitchburg Public Schools, pulled off what many who wear Red and Gray consider his greatest coup in the spring of 1989, it started a countdown that not many thought about when Ray Cosenza led Fitchburg to gridiron glory on several occasions in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Longsjo Middle School Roof Work Near Completion After Delays

By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.comMarch 29, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- After weather delays and unforeseen issues in replacing the Longsjo Middle School's roof, the project is on track to be complete by the early summer.

"It's definitely nice to see the project coming to an end," Tom Peterson, the district's director of building maintenance, said Thursday.

American Ideals Topic of Great Decisions Forum

Sentinel & EnterpriseMarch 28, 2019 GMT

WESTMINSTER -- Professor Eric Budd of Fitchburg State University will discuss how American ideals, values and power have shaped the modern world on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m., at the Forbush Library.

Federal Funds Boost Fitchburg Community Investment

By Hannah Manning, Sun CorrespondentMarch 22, 2019 GMT

NewVue Communities Inc. in Fitchburg and the Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell have received federal grants as members of the national NeighborWorks America network, a public nonprofit organization dedicated to community development in its collection of almost 250 local and regional nonprofit partners.

For Friends of Fitchburg Dogs, Cash is King

By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.comFebruary 28, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- To his owners and the City Clerk's office, Cash the dog is number one.

The canine received the first dog license of the year through a fundraiser by the Friends of Fitchburg Dogs, the nonprofit organization that works with the city to maintain the dog park at Coolidge Park that opened in August.

Artist’s ‘Touchstones’ on Display at FSU CenterStage

Sentinel & EnterpriseFebruary 17, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg State University CenterStage presents an exhibit by artist Colleen Pearce in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery, 160 Pearl St.

"Touchstones" is on display through Wednesday, Feb.

Help Pouring in for Victims of 4-alarm Townsend Fire

The Lowell SunFebruary 7, 2019 GMT

A Sun Staff Report

FITCHBURG -- On Monday, the residents of Townsend experienced a devastating loss from a four-alarm fire at Pine Ridge Estates, an apartment complex on 48 Fitchburg Road, affecting 43 individuals.

Exhibit Displays the Art and History of Furniture

Sentinel & EnterpriseJanuary 14, 2019 GMT

By Nick Mallard

nmallard@sentinel andenterprise.com

FITCHBURG -- The idea of being a community museum is certainly being put into practice at the Fitchburg Art Museum.

Cultural Grants Up 6% in Fitchburg

By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.comJanuary 12, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- A 6 percent funding increase for the Cultural Council will allow it to give $34,000 worth of grants to arts, humanities, and science projects throughout the city, said Chairman Joe Bowen.

Fitchburg Councilors Tour Specialized CARES School

Sentinel & EnterpriseJanuary 10, 2019 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg City Councilors Sam Squailia and Beth Walsh visited Devereux's CARES School on 270 Airport Road recently to learn about the focus of this specialized school.

CARES provides state-of-the-art elementary and secondary education services for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Fitchburg Community Groups Pitch Project Ideas for Block Grants

By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.comDecember 15, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Community organizations shared ideas about how federal grant money could serve residents and improve their neighborhoods at a Tuesday forum.

The city is accepting requests for Community Development Block Grant funding through the U.S.

No Bail for Suspect in Deadly Stabbing

By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.comNovember 29, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- The girlfriend charged with the murder of a mother of three at the beginning of the month will remain held without bail, a judge determined at a Wednesday bail hearing.

"I see no reason at this point to entertain bail because she has no place to live," attorney John Swomley said of his client, 33-year-old Wanda Liz Gonzalez.

Credit Union Boosts Food Bank

Sentinel & EnterpriseNovember 28, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Workers Credit Union announces it has launched a fall and holiday partnership to raise funds for the Worcester County Food Bank.

From now until Dec. 31, the credit union will give the Worcester County Food Bank $5 for every new member or account and for every download of its mobile app.

Woman Charged with Murder in Fatal Stabbing

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comNovember 15, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- The girlfriend of the 34-year-old mother of three who was found lying on the street suffering from fatal stab wounds on the night of Nov. 6 was arraigned for murder on Wednesday, according to the Worcester County District Attorney's office.

FSU Holding Think-tank for Idealab

Sentinel & EnterpriseNovember 14, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- A "think-tank" for members of the Fitchburg State University campus and wider community to discuss potential future uses of the ideaLab at the Main Street Theater Block will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Over Five Years Later, No Murder Charges in Jeremiah Oliver’s Death

Sentinel & EnterpriseNovember 13, 2018 GMT

By Jordan Graham

Boston Herald

FITCHBURG -- More than five years after little 5-year-old Jeremiah Oliver was last seen alive, a woman who admitted to lying to investigators about the Fitchburg boy's disappearance was sentenced to only probation -- prompting a child-welfare advocate to lament that the state's youngest victims often "don't have a voice."

Lip-smacking BBQ Coming to Fitchburg

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comNovember 6, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Pit Master Scott Tefft bought a southern-style meat smoker 20 years ago, launching a journey into the carnivorous cuisine that will see him opening a barbecue restaurant in the city by the end of the year.

New Beginning for Warmer Winters

Sentinel & EnterpriseNovember 6, 2018 GMT

By Amanda Burke

aburke@sentinel andenterprise.com

FITCHBURG -- Warmer Winters has been running on a shoe-string budget the past year-and-a-half. But volunteers never stopped knitting hats, gloves and sweaters to give to anyone who needs them.

Two Fitchburg

The Lowell SunOctober 24, 2018 GMT

We are writing as a pair of Fitchburg City Councilors to voice our support for State Sen. Dean Tran in his bid for re-election to represent the Worcester Middlesex District in the Massachusetts State Senate.

Fitchburg Substance Abuse-prevention Chief Looks to Break Cycle

Sentinel & EnterpriseOctober 10, 2018 GMT

By Amanda Burke

aburke@sentinel andenterprise.com

FITCHBURG -- As an attorney, Susan Christensen sometimes represented clients unable to pay for their defense, many of whom struggled with substance abuse, she said.

For Andre Ravenelle, It’s Always Been About the Kids

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comOctober 6, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- For the first time in 13 years, André Ravenelle isn't expecting to field any crisis this weekend.

"I didn't realize that I was carrying an 800-pound gorilla on my back 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because I had gotten used to it," he said on Friday.

‘Men On Boats’? Well, Not Exactly

By Julia Sarcinelli, CorrespondentSeptember 27, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Explore the wildness of the Grand Canyon with a twist -- this weekend at the Stratton Players' performance of "Men On Boats."

"These are men who lived by the seat of their pants and moment to moment," said Joshua Weidenhamer, director for the play.

Ex-Fitchburg Man Jailed in Robberies

Sentinel & EnterpriseSeptember 20, 2018 GMT

WORCESTER -- A 28-year-old former Fitchburg man was sentenced to 8-10 years in state prison Wednesday after being found guilty last week of a string of armed gas station robberies while masked, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D.

WORCESTER -- A 28-year-old Former Fitchburg Man Was Sentenced to 8-10 Years in State Prison Today After Being Found Guilty Last Week of a String of Armed Gas Station Robberies While Masked, According to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early

Sentinel & EnterpriseSeptember 19, 2018 GMT

A Worcester Superior Court jury on Thursday found Zackery Barnes guilty of five robberies that occurred between Jan. 13 and Jan. 27, 2017 in Fitchburg and Leominster. He covered his face with a mask and brandished a knife during each of the robberies.

Local Roundup: Fitchburg State Rallies for Field Hockey Victory

Sentinel & EnterpriseSeptember 16, 2018 GMT

SALEM -- The Fitchburg State University field hockey team rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Vikings of Salem State University Saturday afternoon in Little East Conference action at Alumni Field.

Salem State opened the scoring at the 23:40 mark as midfielder Emily Rapoza, of Townsend, gathered a feed from Vanessa Yavorski and found the back of the net for her second tally of the season.

Critics: No Credit Card, No Health Care Treatment

By Peter Jasinski, pjasinski@sentinelandenterprise.comSeptember 9, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- By the time Tami Arguelles arrived at CareWell Urgent Care, the muscle pains her 10-year-old son was experiencing had worsened so much that he was having trouble breathing.

Malcolmson to Launch a Write-in Bid for Register of Deeds

Sentinel & EnterpriseSeptember 7, 2018 GMT

By Mina Corpuz

mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.com

LEOMINSTER -- After coming in second in the Democratic primary for North Worcester County Register of Deeds, Patti Buckley Malcolmson has announced she will launch a write-in campaign against incumbent Kathleen Daigneault.

Fitchburg’s Luk, Inc. Awarded 9/11 Grant

Sentinel & EnterpriseSeptember 6, 2018 GMT

WORCESTER -- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation has announced that Fitchburg's Luk, Inc. was awarded $500 from the Foundation's Community Spirit 9/11 mini-grant program.

Matthew Hill, an employee of Harvard Pilgrim Institute, nominated the organization for the award.

FSU Women Picked 5th in MASCAC Poll

Sentinel & EnterpriseAugust 28, 2018 GMT

The Fitchburg State women's cross country team was recently selected fifth with a total of 18 points in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASACAC) preseason coaches poll.

Worcester State, last season's MASCAC Women's Cross Country conference champions, claimed four of the seven-first place ballots to amass 34 points in this year's poll, while Westfield State collected 32 points to land in second place, which included the final three first-place votes.

Celebrating a Special Group

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comAugust 26, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- They graduated from Fitchburg High School 70 years ago. Their high school career began the year the nation tested the first atom bomb, and ended in the lead-up to the Korean War.

Man with Ties to Fitchburg, Ayer, Townsend on Most-wanted List

The Lowell SunAugust 24, 2018 GMT

TOWNSEND -- A man with ties to Fitchburg, Ayer and Townsend was added to the Massachusetts State Police most-wanted list Thursday.

Kevin Hamel, 49, is wanted on one count of kidnapping, one count of assault and battery on a household member, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and four counts of vandalizing property, according to State Police.

Fitchburg Redevelopment Director Daniel Curley is Mourned

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comAugust 8, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- Daniel Curley, the executive director of the city's redevelopment authority, died suddenly late last month. He was 59.

"He was a very amazing man, well-respected in the field, he's going to he hard to replace," said former Fitchburg Redevelopment Authority executive director Tom Szocik.

Avon Company Eyes Fitchburg Site to Sell Pot

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comJuly 30, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- An Avon-based cannabis company with roots out West wants to sell legal marijuana on Water Street.

"We're trying to get into the retail business, and we saw that Massachusetts was opening up," said Jack Carney, general manager of the Avon-based limited liability company Green Era.

Longjso Classic is Fast Approaching

By Nick Mallard, nmallard@sentinelandenterprise.comJune 21, 2018 GMT

The whir of tires will soon be here, with bicycles and their riders a blur of color and speed in both Leominster and Fitchburg.

The cyclists of the 2018 Longsjo Classic are set to take to the streets in less than two weeks, taking part in the 58th edition of the racing event named for Fitchburg's dual Olympian, Arthur Longsjo.

Beer and Wine Will Pour at Sunday’s 10th Annual Festival

Sentinel & EnterpriseJune 21, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- The Nashua River Brewers Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary Sunday, June 30, from 1 to 6 p.m., at Riverfront Park.

The festival features great music and great beers, with more than 40 Massachusetts brewers, cider makers and wines.

Fitchburg Police Recognized for Training to Help the Mentally Ill

By Amanda Burke, aburke@sentinelandenterprise.comJune 15, 2018 GMT

FITCHBURG -- City police are among four departments statewide recognized by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for partnering with medical professionals and training officers to help residents with mental illness instead of arresting them during a crisis.