Marblehead to hold annual Christmas tree burning Jan. 6
Fire and public works officials say the event combines safety, disposal and a shared community tradition.
Will Dowd
I started my full-time reporting career in Marblehead in 2012 and have failed spectacularly at leaving. Now I cover the town through The Independent, following its people and stories with the curiosity that makes this place impossible to quit.
Federal grant to fund bulk of Marblehead’s rail-trail power line undergrounding project
The municipal electric utility laid out a three-step effort to harden lines between Salem and Marblehead, shifting thousands of feet of sub-transmission wires into underground conduits along the former rail corridor.
Sean Casey, principal architect of Marblehead charter draft, dies at 68
His work became the backbone of the committee’s effort to bring Marblehead’s bylaws, special acts and practices into one reference document.
In Marblehead Independent poll, respondents narrowly favor country club zoning plan to meet state housing law
Findings point to modest support alongside notable uncertainty, highlighting differing views on development likelihood, local impacts and the town’s loss of state funding since July.
New MBTA zoning map would center housing district on Tedesco Country Club
Local officials sought advance feedback from Boston before going back to residents, hoping to avoid another long public process built around a concept that might not meet Section 3A.
Beauport Ambulance cuts ribbon on renovated Marblehead base
Sewall Street site becomes 24/7 home for town’s dedicated EMS crew, with living quarters designed for long shifts and overnight coverage.
POLICE LOG: CVS tweezers trip spirals into shouting match, scuffle and on-the-spot quitting
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The Marblehead block where going dark for Christmas is not an option
What began as a playful contest between two neighbors is now a meticulously managed neighborhood ritual, complete with tongue-in-cheek rule memos from self-appointed “Chairman of the Cord.”
MBTA zoning repeal among record number of 2026 ballot questions
Measures that qualify will join a firearms referendum already certified, creating an extensive statewide slate for consideration.
Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board advances fiscal 2027 budget, plans mooring fee increase
Capital work centers on maintaining aging piers, docks and electrical systems, with estimates based on early contractor conversations and pending bid responses.
Marblehead tops $42,500 goal to honor veterans with wreaths on Dec. 13
The milestone reflects weeks of community events, including a fundraiser at the local veterans post that drew a full house and steady contributions.
Shelter urges holiday adoptions for four cats
The Marblehead Animal Shelter is seeking homes for four adult cats featured in its holiday adoption campaign: Snow White, Nick, Flower and Stella Blue. The shelter said the cats are available during its regular adoption hours at 44 Village St. The facility is open Tuesday 6-8 p.m., Friday 5-7
Median tax bill to rise $84 in FY2026 despite rate falling 46 cents
Select Board kept a single $8.59 per $1,000 property levy for homes and businesses, as assessments based on 2024 sales push the typical single-family tab above $11,000.
Marblehead volunteers wrap season of giving for town’s elders
A grassroots memorial fund started by the community’s first Council on Aging director now organizes December cookie deliveries to more than 900 residents age 80 and older.
Moulton reviews Burlington ICE facility, cites ongoing concerns
The visit included discussions with staff about intake practices, food service, legal access and communication procedures.
Subcommittee weighs FY27 budget amid enrollment decline, service expectations
Spreadsheets, testimony and staffing data revealed how officials are mapping educational priorities against limited revenue as planning for the coming fiscal cycle begins.