patching...
Update: Get Salem Patch in your inbox every morning. Sign up for our free daily newsletter! »
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Patch Hd

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Salem Makes Top 10 List for July 4th Fireworks

Salem lauded for "historical fun" by American Profile.

Salem's Independence Day festivities have been named one of the Top 10 Fireworks Displays in America by www.americanprofile.com. Washington D.C., Honolulu and New York also made the list.  Salem received special recognition in the "Most Historical Fun category," and the publication reports Salem's Fourth of July events are "just as spell-binding" as our Halloween events.  Destination Salem Director Kate Fox told the publication up to 30,000 people are expected in Salem for the festivities this year.  Click here for a complete rundown of Salem's Independence Day festivities from Salem Common to Derby Wharf.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

ADD IT: What's in Your Backyard?

Newton and Brookline have had some bear sightings — what wildlife is in your backyard? Let us know here.

Bears are all the rage with bear sightings in several Massachusetts communities. We might not have lions and tigers and bears (oh my!) but we've had our share of birds, with turkeys this spring and possibly a hawk in Collins Cove a couple weeks ago. We might be in a city, but we've got plenty of critters around. What kind of wildlife do you have in your backyard? We want to see. Tell us about the strangest wildlife you've seen in your backyard in the comments below, and upload your wildlife photos to this article.

Comment_arrow

William Legault

3:52 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012

David, that cardinal was spotted in the Salem Common area last summer.   more ›

Monday, June 25, 2012

Highland Avenue Has the Worst Speed Demons

We asked you where the speeders are the worst in Salem. Here's what you said.

Last Friday, we asked you what your thoughts and concerns are about speeding in the Witch City. A majority of those of you who weighed in — 78 percent to be exact — think speeding is a problem. The worst spot for speeding, according to readers, is Highland Avenue, which received 26 percent of the voice. Sgt. James Ayube II Memorial Way (Bridge Street Bypass) received 17 percent of the vote and Derby/New Derby Street clocked in with 11 percent. Reader Edward talked about the issues on specific areas of the road. "How about Highland Avenue between Willson Street/Cherry Hill Avenue and the Lynn line, both sides," he wrote. "Traffic signals are not a deterrent because drivers blow right through the red lights as if they're not even there. An …

Jroug

4:36 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

A big problem is the SPD method of policing traffic. A couple of hours every few weeks in problem areas is no deterrent to speeders (or any other driver that is breaking the law in MANY trouble spots all over the city). At best it's an inconvenience. They'd be better off picking four spots and sticking a cop at that each one for a FULL WEEK, then rotating to the other spots until incidents …   more ›

Friday, June 22, 2012

SOUND OFF: What's the Worst Speeding Spot in Salem?

Do you think speeding is an issue in Salem? If so, let us know where you think it's the worst.

It's officially the summer, and everyone is out. While Salemites go about their summer business, it's not uncommon to see vehicles zipping up and down city streets. Speeding. Do you think it's an issue in Salem? The administration and Salem Police Department seem to think it is. On June 1 the city launched its Go Fast, Get Fined Campaign for the second year. “Speeding is one of the top complaints we get from neighborhoods across the City. For the safety of Salem’s residents, I hope this campaign reminds drivers to slow down," Salem Police Chief Paul Tucker said in a press release for the campaign. We want to know if you think speeding is such a big deal and, if so, where you think it's worst in the city. Take our poll and Sound Off in the …

Barbara Mann

1:09 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012

we've posted a Go Fast Get Fined sign on the lower end of Endicott St. people look at it and then increase their speed. as residents we are extremely concerned. we fear it's just a matter of time before someone gets hurt.   more ›

Severe Thunderstorms Expected in Salem

An alert has been issued for Essex County.

The National Weather Service has issued a warning that severe thunderstorms may creep up on Salem and the rest of Essex County Friday afternoon and evening. "A few thunderstorms may become severe with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts," the warning says. "Heavy rainfall will also be a concern which could lead to isolated flooding if storms move over the same areas." The storms are expected to start between 2 and 3 p.m. and move toward the coast this evening. If you're planning to be outdoors, use caution and watch for gathering storm clouds. Flooding could be an issue, especially in vulnerable spots. If your power goes out, call National Grid's power outage hotline at 1-800-465-1212.

Got a Hot Tip?