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

By George P. Hassett

Somerville police set up a sting operation last week to nab three men allegedly trying to sell a stolen laptop computer on Craig’s List.

Police said the laptop was stolen in a home break-in at 75 Central St. on Oct. 15. Four days later, the victim allegedly saw the laptop for sale on Craig’s List.

Somerville Police Detective James Donovan called the number on the posting and expressed interest in buying the laptop, police said.

Arrests

Michael Baptista, 20, of 71 Wolcott St., Malden, Oct. 19, 6:08 p.m., arrested on Mystic Avenue and charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Magnuson Viera, 22, of 168 Walnut St., Oct. 19, 6:08 p.m., arrested on Mystic Avenue and charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Benjamin Ribeiro, 20, of 3 Marcella St., Cambridge, Oct. 19, 6:08 p.m., arrested on Mystic Avenue and charged with receiving stolen property and conspiracy.

Joseph Cardosi, 46, of 37 Montgomary St., Cambridge, Oct. 19, 9:44 p.m., arrested on Elm Street and charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.