5MW battery storage plan promising $500K in annual savings presented to light board
Commissioners reviewed a revenue-sharing model that would let the storage unit lower peak costs while giving the utility emergency control during grid shortages.
Super JJ saves Marblehead: 4-year-old cancer fighter’s wish day draws hundreds
A young child’s imagined alter ego became a public event as residents lined streets and shops to support his recovery journey beyond months of intensive treatment.
Marblehead Board of Health tackles youth drinking enforcement, health misinformation
Officials reviewed research on childhood immunization, shared updates on seasonal illness trends and outlined next steps for gathering townwide health data.
Marblehead library crafts stars to showcase shelter cats
The Abbot Public Library is launching a December craft project that invites children to decorate paper stars with photos of cats from the Marblehead Animal Shelter in an effort to help the animals find new homes. The program, promoted through a flyer provided to the library’s patrons, encourages kids
OBSERVER CORPS REPORT: Task Force Against Discrimination — Nov. 20, 2025
LWVM observer: Shari Pressman Members in attendance: Helaine Hazlett, Diane Gora, Chief Dennis King, Deacon Joe Whipple, Chris Buell, Reece Dahlberg, Jean Guastaferri, Louis Meyi, Jay Morrison Update on Marblehead Police Department news: King had no new incidents to report. The Marblehead Police Department earned state accreditation requiring 257 strict
Marblehead chimney fire prompts safety reminder
Fire crews responded to a chimney fire on Lincoln Avenue last night, containing the blaze before it spread beyond the chimney, according to the Marblehead Fire Department. With colder weather increasing fireplace use, the department is urging residents to take the following precautions: * Schedule an annual chimney inspection and cleaning
Our Lady Star of the Sea announces community Christmas fair
Our Lady Star of the Sea will hold its annual Christmas fair on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is open to the community and will include food and activities for all ages. Local vendors will offer handcrafted items and gifts. Food and
GUEST COLUMN: With 2026 warrant open, moderator invites residents to seek guidance
As Marblehead’s town moderator, I want to take this opportunity to update residents on an important milestone in our annual civic calendar. Last week, the Select Board officially opened the warrant for our 2026 Annual Town Meeting. The warrant is now open for resident submissions until noon on Friday,
FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK: The story behind the Independent's new nameplate
In the mid-2000s, when the Old Town House reopened after a round of accessibility and town-funded renovations, I walked down to Market Square with nothing but my cell phone, a pen and a reporter’s notebook. The building had just regained its place as one of the longest-serving polling stations
TO THE EDITOR: ‘Thanksgiving Grace’
To the editor: As we gather for Thanksgiving, it’s worth pausing to reflect on the people whose work and care make this day — and every day —possible. For farmers, for truckers, store workers, and such, today, without them, we’d not have very much. We Are Thankful For those
POLICE LOG: Hat envy leads to threat; man challenges officer to fight
Reports detail disputes ranging from damaged property to confrontations involving agitated residents during routine responses.
School Committee approves MHS roof project's $8.97M contract, Select Board vote next
The low bid from Homer Contracting came in well under the construction budget, following a unanimous recommendation from the subcommittee earlier in the week.
Christmas Walk schedule approved, launching Marblehead’s holiday season
Get our free local reporting delivered straight to your inbox. No noise, no spam — just clear, independent coverage of Marblehead. Sign up for our once-a-week newsletter. The Select Board on Wednesday signed off on the full schedule for the 54th annual Marblehead Christmas Walk — authorizing decorations, traffic plans and the
The forgotten story of Marblehead's cod trade
Researchers highlight a long-running maritime link connecting North Shore communities with Bilbao, revealing archival material that reshapes regional history.
Computers 101: Thinking inside the box
What's inside the box? You might feel like it’s unnecessary to know how the inside of a computer works, but just as I’m a fan of the Dummies books, I’m also a believer in knowing at least the basics of how something functions. That way,
Abbot Public Library to host program on eco-friendly lawn alternatives
Abbot Public Library and Sustainable Marblehead will host "Transition Your Lawn: Plant Hope," a December program designed to show residents how small landscape changes can support healthier ecosystems. The event focuses on shifting from manicured turf lawns to environmentally beneficial yard practices. According to the announcement, the program
Knitters Boutique Sale & Holiday Open House
The knitters’ group at the Marblehead Council on Aging will be selling its wares at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 1 through 5. Get an early start to your holiday shopping! Lots of hats, scarves, shawls, baby blankets, etc. All proceeds go to the Friends