By George P. Hassett

Two Somerville brothers had their drug dealing convictions overturned on appeal Tuesday on the grounds that their constitutional rights were violated when they did not have a chance to cross examine chemists who tested the drugs seized at their home.

Ronald Mendes and Raymond B. Mendes were arrested Oct. 21, 2006 in their second floor apartment at 98 Albion St. In their bedrooms police found what they believed to be cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and large amounts of cash. While the search warrant was being executed, Somerville Police Detective James Hyde monitored the Mendes’ cell phones  and allegedly received 10 to 12 requests for drugs from prospective customers.

- Photo by Bobbie Toner

Readers sound off in cyberspace
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We asked our Facebook friends to give us their opinion on how the city handled the weekend snow storm. Here are some responses:

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville woman carrying bags of Christmas gifts into her Century Street home was robbed at knife point on Dec. 23, police said.

The woman said a gray Nissan containing three men pulled up next to her as she was carrying gifts inside her house. A man in his 30s with a stocking cap exited, pulled out a knife and put it to the woman’s waist, police said.

By Mike Rubin

Despite a spirited effort by senior captain Kelsey Garrity, the Highlanders suffered a tough 67-39 defeat to St. Mary’s of Lynn in Thursday night’s non-league match-up at Tony Conigliaro Gym.

Now after a tough 0-3 start, the Lady Highlanders are searching for answers on the court.

It is winter. Have I got a poem for you! Poet Susan Tepper (although from the New York City area) has a Somerville connection. She read in the Somerville News Writers Festival, and she is an editor with Gloria Mindock (a Somerville poet) of the Istanbul Literary review. She also invited me down to Hunter College in New York City this June to be on a small press panel. Tepper also hosts FIZZ, a reading series at the KGB Bar down in the Big Apple, that I was pleased to read for.

By Mike Rubin

After a promising start, the Somerville High School boys hockey team suffered a bit of a setback. Despite a solid effort, the Highlanders suffered a tough 6-3 defeat to Beverly in Wednesday night’s match-up at the Somerville Rink. With the loss, the Highlanders currently stand at 2-1 overall.

In the first period, the Panthers grabbed a 1-0 lead as Andrew Irving scored off a pass from Mitch Hamor.

Arrests

Shannon Gallant, 26, of 24C North St., Dec. 20, 2:31 p.m., arrested at 77 Middlesex Ave. and charged with shoplifting.

Eric Belanger, 44, of 87 Beck Road, Louden, NH, Dec. 21, 8:35 a.m., arrested on Foley Street on warrant charges.

Robin Barnard, 38, of 28 Bartlett St., Dec. 21, 10:53 a.m., arrested at home on a warrant charge.

Matthew Berry, 30, of 14 Chester St., Allston, Dec. 21, 3:58 p.m., arrested on Simpson Avenue and charged with larceny over $250 by a single scheme.

The Somerville Girls Track team kicked off its season on December 18th in the annual MSTCA Coaches Meet at the Reggie Lewis Center.

By Mike Rubin

Led by several solid performances, the Somerville High girls track team earned a solid performance in the MSTCA Winter Festival held on December 18 at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Earning a top performance in the 55-meter hurdles was Nicole Genard, with a winning time of 8.53 and another win in the long jump, with a winning leap of 17-0.

- Photo by Chuck Roche

By William Tauro

Swans swim on Somerville’s section of the Mystic river on Christmas Eve day. The calm before the storm as the city and parts of the state brace for a Noreaster  that is packing the potential of delivering up to 12 inches of snow.