By Jim Clark 

Somerville police officers were dispatched to 59 Union Square last week in response to a reported stabbing.

A witness reportedly flagged the officers down as they arrived on the scene and told them that someone had been “cut” and then led them to the alleged victim who was bloodied, kneeling down, and holding a paper towel to his face, police said.

From left to right: Attorney General Martha Coakley, Sen. Benjamin Downing, Rep. Carl Sciortino, and Gov. Depaval Patrick joined together to celebrate the passage of the new bill.– Photo by Andrew Firestone

By Andrew Firestone

Thursday, January 19, saw a host of state politicians and activists rally around Rep. Carl Sciortino (D – Somerville), as he acted as master of ceremonies for the celebratory signing of a bill he wrote and sponsored, “An Act Relative to Gender Identity” by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The Somerville High Evening School is just off to another semester. The head of the evening school, Sophia Carafotes, is making a final check to see if anyone would like to register for the many fine courses she has going.  One in particular is the real estate licensing course that is still looking for potential students. This course offered by the City School Department is much cheaper than from any one of the other real estate schools around. If you’ve thought about getting into real estate full time or part time, now is your chance to get your license for the rebounding economy that will need many more agents out there. Go directly up to the high school or call the evening school and register this week, anytime in person after 5:30 p.m. in the main office off the concourse. And remember, there are dozens of other courses available as well.

The West Branch Library was among several City of Somerville institutions spared the axe as negotiators came up with a plan to accommodate the new accord with the firefighters union. – Photo by Harry Kane

No immediate layoffs from city

By Harry Kane

Last minute closed-door negotiations have saved the day this week. The West Branch Library, two police substations and the Lowell street fire station will remain open.

Mayor Curtatone is seeking more cooperation and collaboration between schools, city agencies, and non-profit organizations.

By Cathleen Twardzik

As part of an ongoing focus on the continued improvement of schools in Somerville, Mayor Curtatone recently announced that the city of Somerville will be pursuing greater collaboration between schools and city agencies, as well as nonprofits.

An endless locavore feast amongst the Aesir Gods and Valkyries in Odin’s mighty hall

By Harry Kane

The once a year Viking culinary feast brought locals to the Armory this past Saturday for a ten-course meal. Upon entering Valhalla, dinner guests (the newly deceased) were greeted by gnomes for this inaugural banquet.

We feel a great sense of relief as severe cuts in city services were fortunately averted this past week. The city’s negotiators managed to hammer out an equitable deal with the firefighters union Local 76, while assuring at the same time that many essential services and institutions would remain intact. For the time being at least.

By Harry Kane

The Highlanders were defeated in game ten of a thrilling basketball match with their arch nemesis, the East Boston Jets. Coming off a two game winning streak the Highlanders were flying high with self-confidence as they took the court on a cold evening in January.

By Jim Clark 

A reported case of assault was investigated last week as Somerville police officers responded to a call claiming that a man had committed an assault and was on Washington Street, sitting in a pickup truck.

Arrests:
*

Richard Mahoney, 38, of 4 Linden, Magnolia, January 16, 6:50 p.m., arrested at 60 Washington St. on charges of assault and battery and attempted murder.

Bernard Costello, 51, of 66 Simpson Ave., January 16, 10:14 p.m., arrested at home on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.