Top Stories - Marblehead Current

06 Jan

Winter weather advisory for Marblehead, much of state

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

The National Weather Service has announced a winter weather advisory for much of Massachusetts, including Marblehead, starting Tuesday at 7 p.m. and running through Wednesday at 10 a.m. "Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous," according to the advisory. "Plan on slipper road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes." Mixed precipitation is expected with snow accumulations up to an inch and ice accumulations up to 2/10s of an inch.

06 Jan

State approval clears way for expanded Board of Health at June election

Leigh BlanderHealth, Top Stories

The state Legislature has approved an expansion of the Marblehead Board of Health from three to five members, beginning with this June’s town election. In May 2024, Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly (522-90) to add two seats to the board. The measure, however, required approval from the Legislature and was never advanced. The Legislature has approved the expansion of Marblehead's Board of Health. After the lapse, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said he was developing a new protocol to ensure that all Town Meeting articles are fully…

06 Jan

All systems go for Tuesday night’s tree bonfire

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

Marblehead's annual tree burning is set for Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m., at Riverhead Beach. "Citizens are more than welcome to bring their trees the night of the tree burning and we will throw it on for them," Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current. Republic Services crews are picking up trees curbside now through Jan. 16. Trees must be bare — with no lights, ornaments, bags or stands. Wreaths and garlands are not being collected. After Jan. 16, residents must take their trees to…

06 Jan

New year brings high-stakes choices on housing, budget

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Top Stories

As the calendar turns to 2026, Marblehead faces two consequential decisions that could shape its financial future and housing landscape for years to come. The state is expected to notify the town by Thursday, Jan. 8, whether Marblehead’s latest proposal to rezone part of Tedesco Country Club for multifamily housing satisfies the requirements of the controversial MBTA Communities Act. The revised plan, submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, establishes two zoning districts. The first — and largest — encompasses the Marblehead…

05 Jan

Marblehead schools look to trim $1.7M from budget

Leigh BlanderEducation, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

Marblehead Public Schools need to cut about $1.7 million to reach a level-funded budget for fiscal year 2027, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Mike Pfifferling announced at a Jan. 5 meeting. The town’s Finance Committee has directed all departments to prepare level-funded budgets for approval at Town Meeting in May. After consulting with the five school principals and other administrators, Pfifferling and Superintendent John Robidouix were able to identify “efficiencies” that will bring that budget gap down to about $879,000. Some of those efficiencies include: Not…

05 Jan

Cold water, fresh start: Locals dive into new year

Leigh BlanderHealth, Top Stories

Marblehead’s Wolfpack rang in the new year with a splash, diving into the frigid waters near the steps at Fort Sewall. Wolfpack members Judy Doane, left, and Laurie Swope brave the 38-degree water on New Year’s Day. COURTESY PHOTO / FRACISCO URENA On Jan. 1, the air temperature hovered around 26 degrees, while the water measured about 38 degrees. The cold conditions did little to deter participants, many of whom donned festive outfits before jumping in. “Most of us dip several times a week for…

03 Jan

Marblehead family with ties to Venezuela reacts to U.S. attack

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

Saturday morning, Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents the 6th District including Marblehead, responded to the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela capturing that country’s president Nicolas Maduro and his wife. “Congress did not authorize this war,” Moulton wrote on X. “Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States. This is reckless, elective regime change risking American lives (Iraq 2.0) with no plan for the day after. Wars cost more than trophies.” Moulton served in Iraq as a Marine. Paul Hare, who lives in Marblehead, served…

01 Jan

Turning the page to 2026: Resolutions from across Marblehead

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Culture, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Food, Linda Bassett, Marblehead Public Schools, Public safety, Top Stories

The holiday celebrations may be over, but the spirit of renewal is just beginning in Marblehead. As 2026 unfolds, the Current spoke with town leaders, educators, artists and community members about the resolutions guiding their work, families and passions in the year ahead. Here’s a sampling of responses we received. Cynda Rohmer, Marblehead Arts Festival presidentDo you have any resolutions related to the Arts Festival? Stay organized! Advertise and talk up the new events in 2026. How about for yourself? Get back to the gym…

30 Dec

Some of Marblehead’s notable deaths in 2025

Leigh BlanderObituaries, Top Stories

From dedicated town volunteers and community leaders to a highly decorated veteran, renowned journalist, artist and social worker, Marblehead lost many notable residents in 2025. This list is not comprehensive. Readers who wish to suggest an addition may email info@marbleheadnews.org. Ed Bell, 84 Ed Bell was an award-winning journalist and community volunteer whose career in news spanned five decades. A co-founder and president of the Marblehead Current, Bell worked in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, leading coverage of some of the most consequential stories of…

30 Dec

Year in review: Top photos of 2025

Grey CollinsTop Stories

In 2025, photography with the Marblehead Current showed me how many different worlds exist side-by-side across one small town. Through my lens, I witnessed long-standing traditions like the Christmas Walk parade and the tree burning, moments of pride and celebration like the Marines 250th birthday celebration at Fort Sewall and our high school graduation, and so many other moments revealing the community that makes Marblehead special. Choosing just 12 images from 2025 was no easy task, but these photos show our town’s character and captured…