By Andrew Firestone

State officials denied a contract extension for Green Line work last week to a firm that once worked on Boston’s bloated Big Dig project.

“Given the substantial increase in contract value represented by this amendment, the board believed it was prudent and responsible on behalf of taxpayers to re-bid this contract,” said MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo.

The cost of the long delayed extension has increased from $438 million in 2007 to a current estimate of $954 million.

By George P.  Hassett

Somerville police arrested a man in connection with a Sept. 8 robbery at Winter Hill Bank after he allegedly robbed a bank in Malden with another man. Somerville police would not release the robbery suspects name but said they had captured the man in connection with the Somerville robbery.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

I recently heard the news that Captain Michael Devereaux will no longer be the East District Commander. That is truly unfortunate news for the people and East Somerville. In the time that we have lived in East Somerville, Captain Devereaux has been extremely influential in the community and a great role model to the residents of Somerville. After our apartment was broken in to, he continued to be understanding of my fears and remained involved in the situation. He has helped us through a very difficult time and has been supportive throughout the year and a half we have lived here. Not many police captains would take time out of their busy day to walk a resident home because they are scared to enter their apartment, thank you again, Captain Devereaux.  It is evident and apparent in his relationships with the citizens and the work that he does that he truly cares about his role as a police captain are that he is passionate about serving the city of Somerville.  East Somerville will not be the same without you. I encourage residents of East Somerville to advocate on his behalf, for our community will be a different place without him serving as East District Commander.

Thank you,
Breanne Speicher

– Photos by Bobbie Toner and George P. Hassett

Somerville honored the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Saturday with a candlelight vigil with Somerville police and firefighters along the Community Path in Somerville this Saturday evening.

City residents, officials, firefighters and police gathered at the Cedar Street entrance of the Community Path with candles and a procession to Davis Square, where a ceremony will be held at Somerville’s 9/11 Memorial, located at the center island in the square opposite Mike’s Restaurant.

Groundwork Somerville is a local group dedicated to the regeneration and preservation. ~Photo by Jeffrey Sullivan

By Jeffrey Sullivan

 Groundwork Somerville, a community-oriented group focused on sustainability, held the Local Roots Food and Music Festival yesterday evening to an enthusiastic crowd at the Community Growing Center.  The event featured many local music acts as well as a plethora of food provided by Redbones BBQ, free homemade apple cider and Dave’s Fresh Pasta.

By George P. Hassett

A Somerville man driving drunk crashed into a metal pole and tree Sept. 9 at the intersection of Broadway and Medford Street, according to police.

Paul McGlashing, 26, of 7 Maine Ave., said he had been drinking at the Tavern after officers responded to the crash at 1:24 a.m., police said.

By Mike Rubin

Despite high hopes last season, the Somerville High School football team suffered a bit of a setback. Pegged to win the Greater Boston League title, the Highlanders suffered a multitude of injuries, which resulted in a 4-6 mark.

After a 2-6 start, the Highlanders finished the season on a high note, with wins in their final two contests.

With Harry Marchetti at the helm for the fifth season, the Highlanders are optimistic of an improvement.

By Mike Rubin

In an effort to bolster their fall athletic program, St. Clements recently expanded its selection by adding a varsity swimming squad. According to Athletic Director Shawn Thornton, the program is slated to commence during the winter season.

“Every year I try to see if a sport can be added to improve the quality of the program with the enrollment challenges we face in today’s economic society,” said Thornton.  “The swimming team will be a first for the school.”