Scenes from Marblehead’s 2026 Epiphany tree burning
From massive flames lighting the beach to intimate moments among families and firefighters, photographer Paula Muller captured the many sides of the Epiphany fire.
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Shelter seeks homes for ‘momma cats’ to start new year
The Marblehead Animal Shelter is ringing in 2025 with a New Year adoption push, asking residents to consider making a resolution that helps four adult cats find permanent homes. A shelter flyer spotlights four “momma cats” available for adoption: Stella Blue, Hen, Snow White and Flower. The message, aimed at
NEW LAWS: Marblehead boaters face new education requirement in 2026
State certification covering navigation rules, right-of-way and safety gear becomes mandatory for most motorized vessel operators, with staggered deadlines tied to age.
Marblehead schools pare $1.7M budget gap to $879,000
Enrollment has dropped by 487 students since 2018-19, but the superintendent said staffing cuts are limited because student needs — especially in special education — have become more complex.
Public Works Committee opens town’s first meeting of the year, signs off on warrant article
Vote advances a governance rewrite for voter consideration this spring, reshaping how infrastructure leaders coordinate labor, equipment and long-range planning.
Landing to host Burns Night celebration Jan. 15
A Marblehead tradition for the last 18 years and a Scottish one since 1801, Burns Night will be celebrated again at The Landing restaurant on Thursday, Jan. 15. Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, songwriter and music collector, lived in the second half of the 18th century and wrote more than
POLICE LOG: Speaker disappears from library, resident reports missing Christmas cookware
This reporting takes time, access and context. Independent, reader-supported journalism means no paywalls, no algorithms — just facts, for everyone in Marblehead. You’re able to read this work free because 72 Marbleheaders make it possible through annual and monthly contributions — and we endeavor to reach 100 members by the
2025 year-in-review: Three months of showing up for Marblehead
Early coverage emphasized decision-making before votes were final, producing strong engagement around governance, finance and policy details.
Galvin urges taxpayers to review higher state, local tax deduction cap
BOSTON — Secretary of the Commonwealth William F. Galvin is urging Massachusetts residents preparing to file their 2025 tax returns to review recent changes in federal tax law that could significantly affect their filings. Under a tax reform package signed into law in July, taxpayers who itemize deductions may now deduct
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.
OBITUARY: Joan (Colt) Hooper, 96
Joan (Colt) Hooper was imposing—in stature, in talent and in grace, a woman of gentle good humor. For all of her 96 years she enthusiastically loved her family, her friends and her dogs. She was an energetic artist, who shared her skills with others and continued to challenge herself
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
OBITUARY: Joseph Carpineto, 55
Joseph Carpineto, age 55, of Marblehead passed away unexpectedly on Monday December 22. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 22 years, Sherri (Levy) Carpineto, his most adored and cherished sons Harrison and Will Carpineto and his mom Joann Carpineto. He also leaves behind an abundance of loved family and
Computers 101: Saved … but where?
File→Save where? (and also) Fun tech gifts! This week’s column has two parts. First, a question I hear all the time: where does a file actually go when you click Save? Second, a bonus section with a short list of tech gadgets I genuinely love and use every
COLLEEN'S GARDEN: Wrapping it up!
Road deicers protect drivers but can scorch perennials and pollute runoff. Consider sand for grip or calcium magnesium acetate, which is less corrosive to stone, paws and plants.
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.