http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines A program coverin news and issues from The Eagle-Tribune newsroom. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:48:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 en hourly 1 Eagle-Tribune Multimedia Content Editor Noah R. Bombard goes Behind the Headlines of today's news and issues. A program coverin news and issues from The Eagle-Tribune newsroom. Noah R. Bombard no Noah R. Bombard nbombard@eagletribune.com http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/bill-would-require-increased-vision-tests-after-85th-birthday/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/bill-would-require-increased-vision-tests-after-85th-birthday/#comments Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:00:46 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=557 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/bill-would-require-increased-vision-tests-after-85th-birthday/feed/ A Danvers detective photographs this single car vehicle, which crashed through a Danvers Walmart June 2. The car was driven by a 93-year-old man who accidentally hit the gas instead of the break. Four people were taken to area hospitals. (Photo by Mark Lorenz/Salem News) The Massachusetts Legislature is considering increasing the licensing requirements for older drivers following a bizarre spate of accidents where older drivers were behind the wheel. The June 13 accident in Stoughton that resulted in the death of a 4-year-old girl may just be the boiling point for the issue. But as the state considers mandatory eye testing based on age alone, some are calling for a more widespread reform that targets drivers in specific risk groups outside of age. This week, Behind the Headlines sits down with Elizabeth Dugan who teaches at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America. Shes also author of The Driving Dilemma: The Complete Resource Guide for Older Drivers and their Families. Dugan and the group Safe Roads Now are asking the legislature to rethink a bill that will be heard before the states Joint Committee on Transportation this Tuesday. View Poll RELATED STORIES: Police investigation in Walmart crash wraps up; injured baby released from hospital Two more crashes involving elderly drivers B.U. professor says bill doesnt go far enough The Massachusetts Legislature is considering increasing the licensing requirements for older drivers following a bizarre spate of accidents where older drivers were behind the wheel. The June 13 accident in Stoughton that resulted in the death of a [...] Noah R. Bombard 14 min elderly driver, Elizabeth Dugan, elderly, driver, no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/lawtons-famous-frankfurters-faces-uncertainty/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/lawtons-famous-frankfurters-faces-uncertainty/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:00:42 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=545 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/lawtons-famous-frankfurters-faces-uncertainty/feed/ Michael Graffeo, manager of Lawton Landing Realty LLC, of Salem, N.H., speaks with Joanne Curley, who owns Lawtons Famous Frankfurters at the corner of Canal Street and Broadway in Lawrence. Land next to the restaurant is slumping into the river, imperiling the restaurant and forcing Curley to close it until further notice. (Eagle-Tribune photo by Angie Beaulieu) Its a Lawrence institution, but if you dropped by Lawtons Famous Frankfurters this week, you were greeted by a closed door and yellow caution tape. This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Lawtons owner Joanne Curley to talk about why the local landmarks doors are shut and what the future holds. Oh, and we also talk dogs. COMING MONDAY: Eagle-Tribune reporter Bill Kirk has the complete story in Monday mornings paper, or check eagletribune.com on Monday. UPDATE: Eagle-Tribune story by Bill Kirk Its a Lawrence institution, but if you dropped by Lawtons Famous Frankfurters this week, you were greeted by a closed door and yellow caution tape. This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Lawtons owner Joanne Curley to [...] http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/are-older-drivers-a-risk-to-themselves-and-others/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/are-older-drivers-a-risk-to-themselves-and-others/#comments Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:16:16 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=519 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/06/are-older-drivers-a-risk-to-themselves-and-others/feed/ A 1998 Toyota sits in the front of the Danvers Walmart after a 93-year-old man crashed into the store. On Tuesday, a 93-year-old man crashed his car into a Danvers Walmart sending six people to the hospital and injuring a 1-year-old child. One day later, a 73-year-old woman crashed into a crowd in Plymouth sending at least seven people to the hospital. The issue of older drivers and whether they should face additional licensing restrictions is once again rearing its head. This week, Behind the Headlines sits down with Eagle-Tribune reporter Bill Kirk, who reported on this often controversial issue in this mornings paper. RELATED: Accident reconstruction team to help in Danvers Walmart crash Seven hurt when car hits Plymouth crowd Mother, toddler escape car crashing into bakery Click here to view the embedded video. On Tuesday, a 93-year-old man crashed his car into a Danvers Walmart sending six people to the hospital and injuring a 1-year-old child. One day later, a 73-year-old woman crashed into a crowd in Plymouth sending at least seven people to the [...] Noah R. Bombard 12 no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/05/madam-awaiting-sentencing-for-running-underage-prostitution-ring/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/05/madam-awaiting-sentencing-for-running-underage-prostitution-ring/#comments Fri, 15 May 2009 20:14:12 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=501 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/05/madam-awaiting-sentencing-for-running-underage-prostitution-ring/feed/ Melissa Halstrom in 2007 after her arrest for running a prostitution ring in North Andover. The quaint Elm Street neighborhood in North Andover doesnt strike most as a place where youd find prostitution. But this week, Melissa Halstrom was found guilty of recruiting three young teens to work as prosititues before one of them finally reported the activity to police. This week, Behind the Headlines sits down with Crystal Bozek who has been covering the trial. The quaint Elm Street neighborhood in North Andover doesnt strike most as a place where youd find prostitution. But this week, Melissa Halstrom was found guilty of recruiting three young teens to work as prosititues before one of them [...] Noah R. Bombard 11 min. no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/methuen-trail-would-connect-lawrence-with-new-hampshire/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/methuen-trail-would-connect-lawrence-with-new-hampshire/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:04:15 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=448 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/methuen-trail-would-connect-lawrence-with-new-hampshire/feed/ View Methuen Rail Trail in a larger map Its just an overgrown railroad bed right now, but Methuen resident Joyce Godsey sees something much more a vibrant rail trail providing recreation and transportation to the city of Methuen and beyond. Godsey is behind an effort to convert the old Boston & Maine railroad bed into a trail that could become part of a much larger network. With thousands of dollars available in grant money for such projects and other towns taking the initiative, why not Methuen, Godsey asks. Aside from the recreational opportunities, rail trails increase home values and quality of life, she argues, and theres data to support that claim. The map above shows the proposed trail and how it would connect to the Greenway Spicket in Lawrence and the Salem Bike Ped Corridor, which is in development, and on to the Derry Rail Trail. In this weeks Behind the Headlines podcast (above) we talk to Godsey about her efforts, what challenge lie ahead and her own bike, Daisy. For more information on the trail efforts, follow Godsey on her Methuen Rail Trail blog. View Methuen Rail Trail in a larger map Its just an overgrown railroad bed right now, but Methuen resident Joyce Godsey sees something much more a vibrant rail trail providing recreation and transportation to the city of Methuen and [...] Noah R. Bombard 12 min Methuen no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/chilling-911-call-after-16-year-old-girl-is-run-over/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/chilling-911-call-after-16-year-old-girl-is-run-over/#comments Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:30:49 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=444 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/chilling-911-call-after-16-year-old-girl-is-run-over/feed/ Police mug shot of Gilbert Vega, who police say ran down his girlfriends 16-year-old daughter with his car. Gilbert Vega was found sitting in his car just down the street from where police say he ran down and killed the 16-year-old daughter of his girlfriend. He kept saying he was sorry, police said. Its the kind of thing sorry just cant fix. Details from this weekends horrible tragedy are continuing to trickle down. Eagle-Tribune reporter Jill Harmacinski updated the story this morning with added information about how police say Vegas car was towed the night before after he was seen leaving a nightclub apparently intoxicated and argumentative. By Sunday morning, he had his car back and a 16-year-old girl was dead. Vegas brother-in-law and friend told Harmacinski Vega is not a troublemaker. Hes in a lot of trouble now. Police have released the 911 call to the Eagle-Tribune. WARNING: Its a bit disturbing to listen to. Gilbert Vega was found sitting in his car just down the street from where police say he ran down and killed the 16-year-old daughter of his girlfriend. He kept saying he was sorry, police said. Its the kind of thing sorry just [...] no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/ripples-from-school-snooping-incident-continue/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/ripples-from-school-snooping-incident-continue/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:01:12 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=436 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/04/ripples-from-school-snooping-incident-continue/feed/ Mark Rivera, former assistant to Lawrence Superintendent of Schools Wilfredo Laboy. This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Eagle-Tribune reporter Jill Harmacinski, who broke the story about a Lawrence School Department employee using an online database to snoop on people. Mark Rivera, former assistant to the superintendent resigned this week following public outcry. But what was really accessed through the system? How was the information being used? And will the citys mayor step in? We talk about this and more in this weeks podcast. This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Eagle-Tribune reporter Jill Harmacinski, who broke the story about a Lawrence School Department employee using an online database to snoop on people. Mark Rivera, former assistant to the superintendent [...] Noah R. Bombard no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/was-civilian-dispatcher-lazy/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/was-civilian-dispatcher-lazy/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:14:27 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=401 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/was-civilian-dispatcher-lazy/feed/ Is this dispatcher lazy or just misunderstood? Take a listen and judge for yourself, but Lawrence Police were none too pleased upon hearing this dispatcher who took the call this morning of a suspicious package found in front of Lawrence District Court early this morning. Heres the memo from Capt. Scott J. McNamara to the dispatcher, whose name is not being released due to this being a personnel matter: The purpose of this memo is to serve as a written reprimand due to what I perceive as your improper handling of a 911 call. The 911 call was received on 3/27/09 at approximately 7:05am. Having reviewed an audio tape transcription of the call it is clear to me that you failed to recognize and act on an emergent condition (no car was immediately dispatched). Your failure to act is made even more implausible given the fact that the caller in question spoke clearly and concisely; identifying himself along with the condition he faced (a suspicious package was left outside of the Fenton Judicial Center). Your responses to the caller (coupled with the tone of your voice) indicate that either you misunderstood or were otherwise apathetic towards  the situation he faced. In either case, it is your professional responsibility to ascertain accurate, timely information in which to impart to the dispatcher. In this regard your failure is self evident. In fact, had the caller not called back at 7:06am and imparted even more information it is unlikely that the call would have been dispatched. As an experienced Call-Taker you should understand that your handling of 911 calls is integral to both the performance and reputation of the Lawrence Police Departetment. Your handling of the 911 call in question has needlessly led to adverse criticism of the department. This is particularly disheartening given that so many members of the department performed admirable on this day. You should know that I find your level of professionalism, as it relates to this incident, to be unacceptable. Additionally, you should understand that I consider this to be the first formal step in the progressive dicipline process. Any future violations will likely be met with more severe consequences. Signed, Capt. Scott J. McNamara Is this dispatcher lazy or just misunderstood? Take a listen and judge for yourself, but Lawrence Police were none too pleased upon hearing this dispatcher who took the call this morning of a suspicious package found in front of Lawrence District [...] http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/pigag/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/pigag/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:32:42 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=396 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/pigag/feed/ Marie Pigaga, on trial for vehicular homicide. In June 2007, Marie Pigagas car struck and killed a mom drying off her car while her 12-year-old daughter watched. This week, Behind the headlines talks with Eagle-Tribune reporter Paul Tennant who has been covering the trial. In June 2007, Marie Pigagas car struck and killed a mom drying off her car while her 12-year-old daughter watched. This week, Behind the headlines talks with Eagle-Tribune reporter Paul Tennant who has been covering the trial. Noah R. Bombard 11 Pigaga, Paul Tenant no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/with-a-low-iq-could-you-get-away-with-murder/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/with-a-low-iq-could-you-get-away-with-murder/#comments Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:06:05 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=352 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/03/with-a-low-iq-could-you-get-away-with-murder/feed/ Eric Falardeau This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Lisa Carter, whose husband William Beal, was killed nine years ago in a bar altercation. The man accused of beating him to death, 29-year-old Eric Falardeau, had charges against him dropped after a judge determined he was not able to stand trial due to a low IQ. The Department of Mental Retardation wont hold him either, saying he doesnt fit their qualifications. Today hes free. Carter says theres a hole in the system that needs to be fixed. BACK STORY: Experts say Falardeau could have stood trial with help Murder victims family says low IQ no excuse for no jail time This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Lisa Carter, whose husband William Beal, was killed nine years ago in a bar altercation. The man accused of beating him to death, 29-year-old Eric Falardeau, had charges against him dropped after a [...] Noah R. Bombard Falardeau, IQ, murder http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/taking-shots-at-city-hall/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/taking-shots-at-city-hall/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:03:37 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=329 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/taking-shots-at-city-hall/feed/ City Planner Michael Sweeney in his office where a bullet was shot through his window over the weekend. Photo by Roger Darrigrand. Have budget cut tensions in Lawrence gotten so high that people are shooting at City Hall? This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Eagle-Tribune reporters Jill Harmacinski and Jim Patten to talk about the bullet shot through the mayors office window. We also take a look at a bodega clerk who could be charged after shooting at two fleeing robbers. Have budget cut tensions in Lawrence gotten so high that people are shooting at City Hall? This week Behind the Headlines sits down with Eagle-Tribune reporters Jill Harmacinski and Jim Patten to talk about the bullet shot through the mayors [...] http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/details-in-tragic-deaths-have-yet-to-be-revealed/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/details-in-tragic-deaths-have-yet-to-be-revealed/#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2009 03:38:03 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=311 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/details-in-tragic-deaths-have-yet-to-be-revealed/feed/ Hussey Brook Pond in Andover, where Elizabeth Mun was found early Sunday morning. This week Behind the Headlines talks with Eagle-Tribune Editor Al White about two very tragic deaths, the publics reaction and speculations and what makes these losses so difficult to deal with. Behind the Headlines theme by Kevin MacLeod. More information at incompetech.com. This week Behind the Headlines talks with Eagle-Tribune Editor Al White about two very tragic deaths, the publics reaction and speculations and what makes these losses so difficult to deal with. Behind the Headlines theme by Kevin MacLeod. [...] Noah R. Bombard Caitlin Trask, Navy, Elizabeth Mun, Mackie http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/who-knew-the-historical-commission-could-be-so-controversial/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/who-knew-the-historical-commission-could-be-so-controversial/#comments Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:45:11 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=265 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/who-knew-the-historical-commission-could-be-so-controversial/feed/ In this weeks podcast, we talk to Eagle-Tribune Reporter Jill Harmacinski about how a Historical Commission appointment can lead to a building inspector getting fired. Also, Lawrence city employees may not be too psyched about some potential time off. Stories referred to in this weeks podcast: Lawrence city workers may be asked to take 10 days off without pay. Lawrence building inspector fired. Historical Commission gives Lupoli demolition OK Behind the Headlines theme by Kevin MacLeod. More info at incompetech.com In this weeks podcast, we talk to Eagle-Tribune Reporter Jill Harmacinski about how a Historical Commission appointment can lead to a building inspector getting fired. Also, Lawrence city employees may not be too psyched about some potential [...] http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/behind-the-headlines-podcast-for-feb-3/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/behind-the-headlines-podcast-for-feb-3/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:53:50 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=237 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/02/behind-the-headlines-podcast-for-feb-3/feed/ This week we sit down with Eagle-Tribune Staff Photographer Roger Darrigrand and Staff Reporter Brian Messenger and discuss the funeral of State Police Capt. Richard Cashin. The family of State Police Capt. Richard Cashin watch as his casket is placed inside the hearse following Cashins funeral held at the Sacred Hearts Church in Haverhill. (Staff photo by Deborah Parker) RELATED CONTENT: 13-year-old son eulogizes Cashin Final send-off for a fallen trooper Photo slideshow Video This week we sit down with Eagle-Tribune Staff Photographer Roger Darrigrand and Staff Reporter Brian Messenger and discuss the funeral of State Police Capt. Richard Cashin. RELATED CONTENT: 13-year-old son eulogizes Cashin Final send-off for a [...] Noah R. Bombard no http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/01/behind-the-headlines-podcast/ http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/01/behind-the-headlines-podcast/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:14:17 +0000 Noah R. Bombard http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/?p=168 http://blogs.eagletribune.com/headlines/2009/01/behind-the-headlines-podcast/feed/ This week marks the launch of the Behind the Headlines podcast, a weekly 10-minute chat about some of the leading stories and topics happening in the Merrimack Valley. This week, I sit down with Eagle-Tribune reporter J.J. Huggins who has been covering the Civil Service hearing for former Methuen Police Chief Joseph Solomon who was fired last year and is seeking to get his job back. This week marks the launch of the Behind the Headlines podcast, a weekly 10-minute chat about some of the leading stories and topics happening in the Merrimack Valley. This week, I sit down with Eagle-Tribune reporter J.J. Huggins who has been [...] Noah R. Bombard 10 min. Solomon no