Remembering Marblehead’s losses of 2025, Part 2: Teachers, artists and neighbors
The Independent remembers people who sustained the town through teaching, creating, listening and showing up.
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.
The Independent’s most-read stories of 2025
Since The Marblehead Independent went live in September, the stories that drew the most sustained attention have ranged from zoning disputes and municipal contracts to neighborhood traditions and local businesses. Many did not describe finished events, but moments within longer processes — decisions still unfolding, traditions still repeating and lives and
GoFundMe nears $60,000 goal after sudden death of Joe Carpineto
His wife, Sherri, wrote that she is seeking help while raising two teenagers, Harry and Will, without their father.
Holiday trash, recycling schedule adjusted for Christmas
Trash and recycling pickup in Marblehead will run one day late during the week of Christmas, according to the Marblehead Health Department. Collections will follow this schedule: Monday routes will be picked up Dec. 22; Tuesday routes Dec. 23; Wednesday routes Dec. 24; Thursday routes Dec. 26; and Friday routes
Remembering Marblehead’s losses of 2025, Part 1: Lives of service in town
A familiar face at the table, a voice you’ve heard for years — this piece reflects on neighbors whose presence became part of the town’s rhythm.
In season, and in tune: The music of Liz Tauro
Weekdays bring a full-time role at Marblehead Bank; nights bring three-hour sets spanning Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Nicks, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland.
POLICE LOG: Driver’s beach photo op ends with car buried in sand
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. We run on an $80,000 annual budget, and 95 percent of every dollar goes straight into journalism, not profit. You’re able to read this work free because
State certifies first five ballot questions for 2026
BOSTON — The Elections Division of the Secretary of the Commonwealth has certified the first five initiative petitions that have cleared the initial signature hurdle for the 2026 state election ballot, confirming each contains more than the 74,574 certified signatures required to advance to the next step in the process.
Marblehead teacher claims retaliation, antisemitism in lead teacher stipend dispute
The hearing came after an outside review authorized up to $25,000 last year. A report released early April 2025 found no substantiation for antisemitism, harassment, retaliatory conduct, though it cited flaws in prior handling.
School Committee examines AP participation growth, enrollment decline
Enrollment is trending down across grade levels at an average annual drop of about four percent, a pattern administrators said complicates staffing plans and raises questions about where resident students are choosing to go.
In 2025, record heat drives Marblehead’s peak demand to all-time high
After a summer marked by short bursts of extreme heat, officials say the town’s highest load landed at 34 megawatts this year.
MMLD will not increase rates in new year, formalizes payments to town
A fall survey found 89.7% overall approval, with reliability and restoration drawing the strongest marks; participation skewed toward higher-income homeowners and empty nesters.
Meet Pringles, a soft-spoken tabby looking for a home
Pringles, an adult male domestic short hair, is one of the newest cats available for adoption at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, located at 44 Village St., and is already making a quiet impression. With soft tabby fur, expressive eyes and an easygoing presence, Pringles is described by staff as a
Volunteer-built and Rotary-backed, a new Marblehead sign goes up
A patchwork of donated labor and services carried the build from plan to install, with Rotary filling the remaining gaps after town approval.
Marblehead committee reviews pedestrian safety upgrades near Veterans Middle School
DPW’s add ADA curb ramps, new curbing and smoother walking routes between Abbot Public Library and the Veterans Memorial campus.
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.