Whose bright idea was it to put a traffic light at Lowell and Medford streets?  It’s not so bad now but wait until the flashing goes to working red/green.  The talk of the Square is, why? As if it’s not tough enough for businesses here in the city, now someone wants to stall traffic even. We heard that it’s the work of one person, and some have even nicknamed the light after him, at least that is what we hear. We bet that the person responsible doesn’t have a business in the square.

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Dave Carnevale for State Senate

David Carnevale’s challenge to state senator Patricia D. Jehlen is about more than anti-incumbent fervor. Over the past year, as local families and institutions struggled to fight through the recession, Jehlen has relentlessly fought to add and maintain increased taxes for families, seniors and employers while dismissing other revenue options, such as casinos, without serious consideration.

Jehlen voted to increase taxes or deny tax breaks nine times in 2009 and 2010. She even spurned some of our most vulnerable Massachusetts residents, senior citizens, when she voted against making more seniors eligible for tax breaks.

Somerville man guilty in Arkansas drug deal

By George P. Hassett

Ralph Francis DeLeo

Ralph Francis DeLeo, 66, a former Russell Street resident, faces anywhere from five to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced sometime in the next 90 days.

DeLeo is also facing federal charges in Massachusetts, where authorities say he ran a crew affiliated with the Colombo Family of New York.

Pristine Mei finished second in last week's 22-33 GBL title clinching win over Malden.

By Mike Rubin

Pristine Mei finished second in last week’s 22-33 GBL title clinching win over Malden.

For the second consecutive season, the Somerville High School girls cross country team continues to light area courses on fire. Led by several solid efforts, the Highlanders emerged with a 22-33 win last week over Malden at Pine Banks Park.

With the win, the Highlanders won the Greater Boston league title and finished the dual meet season at 4-0 before the Division 1 Eastern Championships in two weeks at Franklin Park.

The last time I saw Jack Powers was the last night I worked at McLean Hospital in the summer of 2009. Out of the blue he visited me with his companion Margaret at Waverly House, the hospital program that I worked at for the past seven years. The house was empty save for my co-worker Richard Wilhelm, who also has been involved with my Ibbetson Street Press since its inception in 1998. Jack obviously had seen better times. He had suffered several strokes, so this always articulate man was alarmingly mute. That was the last time I remember seeing him. I knew he was in a nursing home in the North End of Boston. My friend, the poet and artist Deborah Priestly recently told me he was near the end. She later told me that he passed.

By Mike Rubin

With the quickness and agility of James Alphonse, the St. Clement football team cruised to a homecoming victory.

Alphonse rushed for 197 yards and also delivered a solid defensive performance with 12 tackles as the Anchormen cruised to a 28-14 win over Cathedral in Saturday’s match-up at Dilboy Field. The Anchormen improved to 3-3 overall and will face-off against Marian next week.

October 24 SomerStreets event celebrates Halloween

By Elizabeth Sheeran

If there is a Great Pumpkin, he was smiling down on Somerville this week. Kids of all ages braved a mid-autumn chill and a sprinkling of rain on Sunday, October 24, to get an early start to Halloween festivities at the fourth and final SomerStreets event of 2010.

The Somerville High School girls soccer team is on the verge of tournament qualification.

By Mike Rubin

Despite injuries and obstacles, the Somerville High School girls soccer team is on the verge of tournament qualification.

After suffering a tough 2-1 loss to Watertown, Somerville bounced back with a convincing 5-0 win over Latin Academy in a non Greater Boston League match last Wednesday. As of press time, the Highlanders currently stand at 6-5-3 overall.

In the Latin Academy victory, freshman Shianne Harrington recorded the game’s first goal, scoring midway through the first half off a feed by senior Jessica Menjivar. Minutes later, the Highlanders struck again for a 2-0 lead as freshman Ella Tyler scored on a tip-in off the far post by Natalie Henrique.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Zero New Washington Street and Off Leash Recreation Center is near completion. Work crews are working at a quick pace to get the city’s newest dog park ready for Somerville pet lovers to take advantage on the peaceful surroundings.

- Photo William Tauro