News in brief - Marblehead Current

28 Sep

NEWS IN BRIEF: Public Power Week, new faith leader, MAA applications

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News, News in brief, Religion

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. No changes to MPS cellphone rules — for nowThe Marblehead Public Schools are sticking with their current cellphone rules for now while administrators monitor how well they are working and state lawmakers consider broader restrictions. Superintendent John Robidoux told the School Committee that students in kindergarten through eighth grade must keep phones “off and away” throughout the school day. Administrators are also addressing smartwatches, Meta smart glasses and other connected devices. At…

21 Sep

NEWS IN BRIEF: Household hazardous waste, Fall Fair, Marbleshred

Leigh BlanderHealth, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. Household Hazardous Waste CollectionThe Marblehead Health Department has scheduled the next Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Transfer Station.There is a long list of items that may be disposed of that evening, including oil-based paint, antifreeze, lighter fluid and furniture polish. For the full list, visit marbleheadma.gov/2026-october-household-hazardous-waste-day. Free parenting classesThe Board of Health is sponsoring a series of parenting classes, including a new prenatal program that…

08 Sep

NEWS IN BRIEF: New town hires, schools return $800K, Green Communities vote coming

Leigh BlanderArt, Education, Environment, Local History, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. Town hires treasurerThe town has hired a new treasurer, Shaun Strobel. Strobel has more than 20 years experience as a treasurer in various municipalities, including Worcester, Sharon and, most recently, Marshfield. For the last several years, Marblehead has combined the positions of treasurer and collector. Cami Iannarelli remains as collector. The collector is responsible for billing and collecting money owed to the town, including property taxes. The treasurer manages that money. School business managerOn Aug.…

31 Aug

NEWS IN BRIEF: Sept. 11 anniversary, local Dems’ picnic, planning for Marblehead’s 400th

Leigh BlanderLocal News, News in brief

The Current accepts News in Brief submissions of 150-200 words at info@marbleheadnews.org. Sept. 11 25th anniversaryThe community is invited to Marblehead’s annual Sept. 11 memorial ceremony, which marks the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks.The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park. Select Board Chair Dan Fox at last year's Sept. 11 remembrance. CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Cultural Council accepting grant applicationsThe Marblehead Cultural Council is accepting grant applications through Oct. 15 for the 2027 calendar year.Each year, MCC awards individuals and…

25 Aug

NEWS IN BRIEF: MHS drops in ranking, MLT celebrates 70 years

Leigh BlanderBusiness, Community Resources, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, News in brief, Sports

The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Marblehead High drops in state rankingIn the new U.S. News World Report ranking, Marblehead has dropped to the 78th best school in Massachusetts. That’s down 17 spots from No. 61 in the 2025 ranking.The new ranking is based on 2024-25 school-year data. The ranking looks at six categories, including college readiness, state assessment performance and graduation rate.Swampscott schools came in at 58th this year. Smaller trash, recycling bins…

18 Aug

NEWS IN BRIEF: Boat storage update, $41K in reserve funds OK’d for Kezer vacation pay

Leigh BlanderLocal News, News in brief

The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Finance Committee vacancies The Select Board is seeking letters of interest and resumes to fill two vacancies on the Finance Committee. The committee reviews the budgets of all town departments and holds a public hearing on all Town Meeting warrant articles calling for the expenditure of town funds. Applications are due Sept. 4. Send letters with a resume to: Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or email wileyk@marbleheadma.gov.…

12 Jul

NEWS IN BRIEF: Crocker dock pulled, tax bills contain error

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief

The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Damage leads to Crocker Park dock removal A flotation log broke free from the Crocker Park dock late July 7, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. COURTESY PHOTO / MARK SOUZA One of Marblehead's most popular swimming spots, the dock at Crocker Park, has been removed after suffering damage during a heavy rainstorm. A flotation log beneath the dock broke late July 7, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. "We are in…

06 Jul

NEWS IN BRIEF: Rate hike, post office honor and more

Leigh BlanderCommunity Service, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief

Water-and-sewer rates increaseMost Marblehead residents will see about a 5% increase in their water-and-sewer bills this fiscal year after the town's Water & Sewer Commission approved new rates that took effect July 1.Water & Sewer Supervisor Amy McHugh said the increase was necessary to cover rising employee health insurance costs, assessments from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the town of Marblehead, as well as capital investments in the town's sewer infrastructure. Post office honorMarblehead Post Office is one of seven across the state offering…

29 Jun

NEWS IN BRIEF: Town audit results, teacher honored, dog park update

Leigh BlanderEducation, Local News, News in brief, Recreation

The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Search to begin for new town administratorAt its June 24 meeting, the Select Board discussed next steps in the search for a new town administrator. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer announced last month that he plans to step down Dec. 31, 2026, about 18 months earlier than expected.The board will issue a “request for proposals” seeking bids from executive search firms and hopes to select one by the end of July.The…

22 Jun

NEWS IN BRIEF: Update on MHS Piper Field vandalism

Leigh BlanderLocal News, News in brief

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Second car suspected in Piper Field vandalism recoveredPolice Chief Dennis King told the Current that the second car believed to be involved in vandalism at the high school’s football field was recovered in Melrose. Another car suspected of driving onto Piper Field was found submerged in the ocean off Grace Oliver’s Beach. That car was stolen from Raynham.King says the incident is still under active investigation. Lobster raffleMarblehead Rotary Club’s lobster raffle…