Left to right: Brian Kilfoyle of Simplifile, Register Eugene C. Brune, Somerville Attorneys Isaac Machado, Adam Dash and Robert Costello and Greg Brown of Inge.

By William Tauro

Middlesex South Register of Deeds Eugene C. Brune recently held an “E-Recording Informational Session” at his office.

The event brought together e-vendors and those interested in electronically recording their real estate documents at the Registry of Deeds, thereby alleviating the need to come in person or mail documents, a great convenience to all.

By George P. Hassett

A 40-year-old Somerville man was arrested Jan. 17 after he tried to kick in a door to his home and yelled and cursed at responding officers.

Matthew Henebury, 40, of 70 Boston Ave., was “very drunk” and trying to kick in a door, police said. Police stopped Henebury at the corner of Highland Avenue and Walnut Street. He allegedly yelled and screamed at two officers. An officer asked Henebury if he was okay and Henebury allegedly replied by saying “Yeah I’m okay, you [expletive].”

Somerville Detective Mario Oliveira.

Somerville police are asking the public to join them in helping to support a decorated detective shot and almost killed in the line of duty Nov. 3.

A fundraiser for Detective Mario Oliveira will be held Jan. 28 at the Somerville City Club, 20 Inner Belt Rd., to help support his recovery. Oliveira has been honored as the department’s officer of the year and has received many commendations.

Initiative if first of its kind in U.S.

By George P. Hassett

City Hall wants to know if you’re happy – really. The city is launching a new effort, the first of its kind in the United States, to measure residents quality of life issues and well being. So, now is the time to speak up if parking or snow policies are making you miserable. 

Mary O'Brien served as a key asset for the Somerville High girls' basketball team, recording 10 points and five rebounds in the Highlanders 68-34 win over Everett last Tuesday.

By Mike Rubin

With the stellar efforts of Kelsey Garrity, the Somerville High girls basketball team delivered a crucial victory. Garrity recorded a season high 27 points as the Highlanders cruised to a 68-34 win over Everett in last Tuesday night’s Greater Boston League match-up at the Brune Field House. The Highlanders currently stand at 4-5 overall.

After a 16-6 first quarter lead, the Highlanders extended the edge to 22-10 at the half before erupting with a 16-4 surge to kick off the third.

By George P. Hassett

Prosecutors are deciding if they will upgrade charges against a Somerville man accused of killing his brother in a domestic dispute.

Kenneth Belski died Jan. 15, two days after a family argument in which his brother Mark Belski allegedly put him in a headlock.

After four terms, makes commitment to stay in Somerville
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Mayor Joe Curtatone is running for a fifth term.

By George P. Hassett

Mayor Joe Curtatone announced last week he will run for a fifth term in November and denied rumors he was interested in statewide political office.

Curtatone acknowledged that he heard rumors that he had interviewed for the Middlesex County Sheriff’s job but said he had no interest in the job and had not interviewed for it. The position was left vacant after the death of former Sheriff James DiPaola.

L to R: Firefighter Thomas Carroll (Retired), Lieutenant Mark Wall and Firefighter Thomas Kelley.

By William Tauro

Somerville Fire Department Lieutenant Mark Wall worked his last tour of duty on Sunday, January 23rd after 42 years of service. Lt. Wall worked the vast majority of his career as a firefighter and then lieutenant at Engine 3 in Union Square.

His final run was to Box 252, located at Washington Street and Kingman Road, in the very neighborhood where he grew up as a young boy.

At one point in his career in Somerville, Wall got caught in a flashover fire and was forced to bail out of a second floor window. He landed on his back with his air pack on. Wall broke his pelvic bone, spleen and just about everything else in his body.

In accordance with the City’s Snow Emergency Procedures, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has announced that a snow emergency will be in effect for the City of Somerville as of 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26^th.   During snow emergencies, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street only (unless otherwise posted).  Cars not moved by 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday will be ticketed and towed.  Residents unable to find a parking space on the odd-numbered side of the street may park in any municipal or school lot for the duration of the emergency, but cars parked in school lots prior to 3:00 on Wednesday will be towed, as school will be in session.  A list of available city lots and other relevant information may be found on the City’s website at http://www.somervillema.gov/.

Dickerman Park final plan.

By Andrew Firestone

After years in the planning, 2011 will see Somerville receiving a major facelift as several major development projects, both public and private, are scheduled to begin. From East Somerville to Davis Square, roads will be repaved, homes will be erected, and the long awaited Assembly Square project is projected to finally break ground.

Among the major public projects is an overhaul of Broadway through East Somerville. Currently at 75 percent design phase, the city hopes to take the street down to single lane traffic, while adding bike lanes and wider sidewalks, which would also include adding additional lights to the area. Private funding for the project will come from Stop & Shop, as well as the Federal Realty Investment Trust in connection with their Assembly Square project.