Essex County

Newburyport Fire Department Offers Safety Reminders After EEE Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Area

⋅ Fire News ⋅ , , , , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Newburyport Fire Department
Christopher LeClaire, Fire Chief
3 Greenleaf St.
Newburyport, MA 01950

For Immediate Release

Friday, Sept. 6, 2019

Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Newburyport Fire Department Offers Safety Reminders After EEE Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Area

Newburyport’s Current Risk Level is “Low”

NEWBURYPORT — Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Christopher LeClaire would like to offer safety tips regarding avoiding mosquito bites after multiple towns in Essex County have confirmed that the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was found in mosquito samples.

Recently, mosquitoes from Andover, Boxford and Methuen have tested positive for the virus.

EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 or over 50 years of age are at the greatest risk for serious illness.

“Although mosquitoes in Newburyport have not tested positive for EEE, we would still like to offer residents some tips to avoid being exposed to the virus,” Chief LeClaire said. “City officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates to residents as needed.”

Chief LeClaire recommends the following safety precautions offered by the MDPH to protect yourself and your loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
  • Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks while outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied directly to your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Drain standing water: Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.
  • Install or repair window and door screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about EEE and reports of current and historical EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

###

 

Groveland Police and Essex District Attorney Investigating Homicide

⋅ Police News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Groveland Police Department
Jeffrey Gillen, Chief
Public Safety Building
181 Main St
Groveland, MA 01834

For Immediate Release

Saturday, June 22, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Groveland Police and Essex District Attorney Investigating Homicide

For planning purposes: Chief Gillen and DA Blodgett are not available for on-camera interviews.

GROVELAND — Groveland Police Chief Jeff Gillen and Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett announce that the murder of an elderly male resident is under investigation.

Just before midnight on Friday, Groveland Police responded to a report of an unresponsive male at 20 Governors Road.  They found an 82-year old male suffering from multiple wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Essex State Police Detective Unit and Groveland Police secured the home and initiated a homicide investigation.

The deceased is identified as Patsy Schena, 82, of the above address.

“Mr. Schena was the town building inspector for many years.  He was well-known and respected in the community,” Chief Gillen said.  “We are deeply saddened and shocked by this loss and our thoughts are with his family.”

Chief Gillen notes that this is the first murder in Groveland since 1992.

“This is a shocking and brutal crime,” said DA Blodgett.  “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr. Schena as they try to comprehend this horrific event.”

This is an active investigation therefore it would be speculation to comment on suspects or a possible motive at this time.

###

*TOMORROW* Essex Tech and GLTS Educators to Participate in Forum on Career Technical Education

⋅ Client News, School News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Friday, May 3, 2019

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Essex Tech and GLTS Educators to Participate in Forum on Career Technical Education

Event Open to the Public

DANVERS — Essex Tech Superintendent Heidi Riccio and Greater Lawrence Tech Superintendent John Lavoie would like to invite the community to attend a free presentation tomorrow on access to vocational and technical education.

WHEN:

Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Essex Tech, 565 Maple St., Danvers

WHAT:

Sponsored by the Education Working Group of Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, the discussion will focus on how to prepare this generation of students for the jobs of the future, specifically in Essex County.

Given today’s ever changing labor market, and a need for skilled workers, especially in advanced manufacturing, employers are often struggling to find qualified workers in their fields.

Essex Tech and Greater Lawrence Tech are two of a handful of schools in Essex County that prepare students for a wide range of careers while preparing students for the immediate job market, higher-level/trade career training or college. Each year, the number of applicants far outweighs the number of spots available at regional schools in Essex County.

During the forum, educators, including Superintendent Riccio, Superintendent Lavoie, Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development and Adult Education at Essex Tech, and Elizabeth Bennett, Director of Grants, Community and Workforce Development at GLTS will explore these and other issues and how vocational and technical schools are working to solve them.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the public to learn more about career technical education, career trends and how we as a state can provide all students with the opportunity for a 21st century education that meets the needs of today’s labor market,” Superintendent Riccio said. “We encourage anyone with an interest in the subject to attend and be a part of this conversation.”

Another panel made up of students, parents, and workers will then present their perspectives.

Panelists will also lead breakout sessions, where audience members will have the opportunity to participate and ask questions. To conclude the forum, leaders will provide a training session in public advocacy, followed by a tour of the Essex Tech facilities.

“We know that there is a significant need from employers in a number of industries who are looking for skilled workers,” Superintendent Lavoie said. “We also recognize that there is a growing desire from students throughout Essex County to obtain these skills prior to or in place of entering post-secondary education. We invite the public to be a part of the conversation as we work to address this situation both locally and at the state level.”

The forum is free of charge and open to the public. Free parking is available on site.

###

Methuen Police and District Attorney Investigating Early Morning Shooting

⋅ Police News ⋅ , , , , ⋅ 0 Comments

Methuen Police Department
Joseph Solomon, Chief of Police
Quinn Public Safety Building
90 Hampshire St.
Methuen, MA 01844

For Immediate Release

Friday, March 15, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Methuen Police and District Attorney Investigating Early Morning Shooting

METHUEN — District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon and Methuen Mayor James Jajuga report that the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Methuen Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into an early morning shooting in Methuen.

Methuen Police responded to Broadway and Oakland Avenue shortly before 3 a.m. for a reported shooting.  A 30-year old male was found suffering from a gunshot wound.  He was transported to a Boston hospital with life-threatening injuries.  Investigators do not believe the shooting was random.

“At this time, we do not believe the public is in danger, and we do not believe this was a random act of violence,” Chief Solomon said.

The Methuen Police Department K-9 unit assisted during the initial investigation at the scene.

The incident is under investigation by the Essex District Attorney’s Office, Essex State Police Detective Unit and other Massachusetts State Police assets and the Methuen Police Department.   When additional information becomes available, it will be released.  In the meantime, the agencies cannot comment on a possible motive or suspects.

###

 

1 2 3