By George P. Hassett

An angry and physically animated Mayor Joe Curtatone told aldermen Tuesday night he was “personally offended” by criticism of the city’s hiring practices in the fire department.

Curtatone told critics to “bring it on” and “I won’t be backed into a corner” during an impromptu speech at tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting.

Posters displayed in remembrance of Krister at a Lexington Park vigil last week.

Decorated officer wounded in shooting is recovering

By George P. Hassett

One night after 100 law enforcement officers held a vigil at Massachusetts General Hospital for a wounded Somerville detective in serious condition, another vigil was held at Lexington Park: to remember the 21-year-old man who shot the officer and died in the shootout.

Candles were lit, pictures passed around and stories were shared to remember Matt Krister in the wake of a shooting that shocked a neighborhood and left a decorated detective fighting for his life.

A big get well wish goes out to Somerville Police Officer Mario Oliveira who was shot in the line of duty last week. We hear Mario is up and recovering and getting back to his old self. Knowing Mario, he’ll be eager to return to the job but we hope he takes his time and focuses on his recovery. Mario is a very well known police officer here in Somerville and there are a lot of people in this city he has helped get through traumatic and frightening events. Keep working on your recovery Mario, we know you’re determined to come back stronger than ever.

- Photo by Andrew Firestone

Open house introduces youth organizers to the neighborhood

By Andrew Firestone

Teenagers aren’t usually the ones advocating for civic participation and social change but that’s not the case on lower Broadway.

Teen Empowerment opened its doors to the youth of Somerville Thursday inviting local residents and businesses o their new headquarters at 165 Broadway.

By George P. Hassett

A 20-year-old gangster wannabe was arrested Nov. 5 after agitating a crowd of 250 youths at a Glen Street function hall.

Darren Thornton, 20, of 392 Rindge Avenue, Cambridge, told police he was an “OG” and had tattoos to prove it as officers tried to clear the crowd. Thornton also bragged that he had been to jail, police said.

Michael Still, 32, of 293 Fayette St., Quincy, Nov. 2, 12:06 p.m., arrested on Joy Street on warrant charges.

Tara Churn, 29, of 76 Lowther Rd., Framingham, Nov. 3, 4:26 p.m., arrested on Edmands Street and charged with being present where heroin is kept.

By Mike Rubin

Any hopes of a three game winning streak by the St. Clement’s football team quickly fell by the wayside.

Quarterback Robert McMaster completed 10 of 15 passes for 216 yards with two touchdowns and also rushed for 88 yards and a score as Pope John handed the Anchormen a tough 40-12 defeat in Saturday’s match-up at Dilboy Field. With the loss, the Anchormen fell to 3-5 overall.

Letter to the Editor:

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The Somerville Police Department held a Haunted House at the West District substation, 1154 Broadway on October 29th and 30th. This was a huge success with over 500 people going thru the Haunted House, and 300 treat bags given out to kids.