West Nile Found in Mosquito Near Chebacco Lake, More Spraying Planned

The Hamilton Board of Health announced on Friday that another mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus and another round of spraying will be conducted.

West Nile Virus has again been found in a mosquito in Hamilton, again on the east end of town. Health Agent Leslie Whalen said on Friday that the positive test means that officials plan to again spray next week. “We chose Wednesday because it looks like it could be too cold on Monday or Tuesday,” she said. Spraying can not be conducted when it is raining or is below 60 degrees. The spraying will occur along Essex Street and roads east of Essex Street between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Thursday, she said. It will be the fourth time that spraying has been conducted this summer and fall in Hamilton. Here are some safety tips for residents in the area planned to be sprayed: • People with asthma and/or other respiratory conditions may wish to stay …

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Camper Faces Underage Drinking Charges After Woods Rescue

One alleged underage drinker had to be rescued from Chebacco Woods on Tuesday night and the person who allegedly supplied the alcohol is facing charges.

A group of underage drinkers allegedly camping on the far side of Gravelly Pond on Tuesday night prompted the Fire Department to be called out because one of the partygoers had to be carried out of the woods. The first call came in to police at 6:27 p.m. and the rescue lasted until past 8 p.m. Shawn Morse, 17, of 639 Essex St. in Beverly will face charges in connection to the incident. He was arrested by Hamilton Police Officer Michael Girolimon and was charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol, furnishing alcohol to a minor and possession of a Class C drug (hasish). He was not injured and was released on personal recognizance and scheduled to be arraigned at Ipswich District Court in Newburyport on Thursday. The campers were …

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Patch Facts

Five Things to Know Today in Hamilton and Wenham: June 20

An essential get-me-going daily morning column from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

Today is Wednesday, June 20. Here are five things you need to know: 1. Summer: Wednesday marks the summer solstice – better known as the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Officially, summer arrives at 7:09 p.m. 2. Hot: Temperatures are forecasted to soar well into the 90s on Wednesday, the first of two days of what meteorologists say will be sweltering heat and humidity. Want to stay cool? Check out some local places to keep cool we came up with last summer as a heat wave approached. 3. Organics: With temperatures expected to rise above 90 on Wednesday and Thursday, here’s some tips from Gretel Clark about how to reduce or eliminate flies from getting in to your compost. Clark says she “strongly urges” anyone with …

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Police Intern Helps Improve Safety on Two Hamilton Roads

An intern from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School has spent recent months learning about all aspects of a town police department - along with coming up with two safety improvements on two main roads in town.

Safety improvements will be coming to Bay and Chebacco roads thanks to the work of a high school intern at the Hamilton Police Department. Zach Bird, a senior at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School, is the department’s second intern in recent years. Bird, who participated in last year’s Citizens Police Academy, is interested in a career in law enforcement and reached out to Chief Russell Stevens about the possibility of an internship with the department. After meeting with school officials and Bird’s parents, Bird came on board as an intern. Stevens says he holds high standards for interns – he expected Bird to dress professionally in a shirt and tie each day, keep a daily journal and write a reflection paper at the end. Bird wrapped up …

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Get Out

Woods Walk and Guitar Concert Top Weekend Events Calendar

A quick, fun look at local events in Hamilton and Wenham coming up this weekend, including a concert at the Community House and a walk in Chebacco Woods.

Spring is in full swing as we approach “Patriots Day Weekend,” which is a long weekend for some and the lead-in to April vacation for public schools. Close to home, there’s plenty to do, including a concert from a guitar virtuoso at the Community House and a walk in the woods led by a local resident. Plus, pick up some used book deals to benefit a local non-profit and hear a private school chorus at a Hamilton church. Get all the details below. Each Friday morning Hamilton-Wenham Patch’s “Get Out” weekend planner brings you a quick guide to local events and activities. We encourage you to look past this weekend guide into our full calendar of events, where we have other events listed. Remember, if you have great ideas of your own that you …

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