Mason
GOVERNMENT
Jury reaches split verdict in baby abandonment case involving Dennis Eckersley's daughter
A jury reached a split verdict on Friday in a case involving a mother charged with abandoning a newborn child in the woods in subfreezing temperatures. Jurors found 27-year-old Alexandra Eckersley guilty of reckless conduct, endangering the welfare of a child and falsifying physical evidence, but not guilty of two felony assault charges. Eckersley, the daughter of Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley, visibly exhaled and held her defense counsel’s hand in a Manchester, New Hampshire, courtroom as the not guilty verdicts were read. She was allowed to leave the court until her sentencing at a later date. She had testified during her trial last month that she didn’t know she was pregnant and thought the child had died after she gave birth in the Manchester woods on Christmas night 2022. A psychologist testified that Eckersley was suffering from substance use disorder and mental health and developmental issues, and that she wasn’t receiving treatment.
3 Northern New England Cities Rank Top 10 Least-Stressed in the US
Stress. We all have it, but the past few years have really ramped it up. From a pandemic to inflation, natural disasters, and crime rates, it's been a wild ride. But there's some good news to come out of our corner of the country. Two of our local gems, Nashua, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine, are living the good life, and just ranked in the top 10 least-stressed cities in the US.
Firefighter’s Memorial Set to Move to Benson Park
The Benson Park Committee met on July 19 to hear an update on the relocation of the Firefighter’s Memorial in Benson Park. Selectman, David Morin, was at the meeting to give a presentation on how the long-planned project was progressing. “There is a committee which includes the Fire Department,...
Selectmen Look at Possible Cost of Infrastructure Study
During the July 23 Hudson Board of Selectmen meeting one of the agenda items was in regard to the citizen’s petition warrant article regarding the Comprehensive Infrastructure Study. “At the July 9, 2024, Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Jakoby requested that an item be placed on the Board’s agenda...
Editorial: Shades of livability take root by increasing urban centers’ canopy
Former mill towns like Lowell, Leominster and Fitchburg continually strive to add curb appeal in their efforts to create a more welcoming, destination-city vibe. Sometimes that involves a major project, like Leominster’s restoration of Monument Square, or a major event like Lowell’s annual Folk Festival. However, sometimes it’s...