Merrimack Valley Newsmakers

Caroline Pineau, owner and CEO of Stem, a Haverhill cannabis retailer, recently shared her story of navigating the struggles of breast cancer, while managing a company. She appeared on WHAV’s morning program. Pineau explained, after being diagnosed last October, she underwent a double mastectomy to avoid chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She was encouraged by medical professionals to have an early mammogram due to breast cancer running in her family. Pineau said her thankfulness in catch...

In one of only three contested ward city council tests this year in Haverhill, Oliver Aguilo, a city engineer with Lawrence and 20-year resident of Haverhill, is taking on incumbent Michael S. McGonagle, a Haverhill native, to represent Ward 6 on Haverhill’s City Council. McGonagle owns a real estate company. Both candidates appeared on WHAV’s morning show and answered a series of questions about issues facing the city. Here are their answers in the order the candidates appear on the ballot. ...

Political newcomer Brandon F. Burns is challenging incumbent Melinda E. Barrett for mayor of Haverhill in the city’s general election Tuesday, Nov. 4. A small business owner for 23 years, Barrett, 62, served on Haverhill’s City Council for 10 years before making history when she became the city’s first female chief executive. Burns, 23, graduated from Haverhill High School in 2020 as part of the classical academy program. He currently works as an accountant in Boston. Both Barrett and Burns s...

When signing up for a website or cell phone app Massachusetts consumers in the future would be able to decide how much of their personal information they want to share under a data privacy and security bill being sponsored by state Sen. Pavel M. Payano. Payano discussed the importance of the legislation being debated by the state Legislature during a recent interview during WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. The senator said even when consumers are careful, their personal data and even their...

Area nonprofits are looking for helping hands and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce is acting as matchmaker Tuesday. The 2025 Volunteer Fair showcases a variety of nonprofit organizations dedicated to almost every imaginable cause. Potential volunteers are invited to peruse the needs, ask questions and consider hoe they may help. Chamber President and CEO Katie Cook, who appeared last month on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program, explained how it works. “What a volunteer fair is. It’s ...

Three candidates are facing off in Ward 4 for two spots on the ballot in the general election Nov. 4. Incumbent Melissa J. Lewandowski is being challenged by Guy E. Cooper and Kenneth E. Quimby Jr. Lewandowski and Quimby are lifelong Haverhill residents. Cooper moved to Haverhill as a child and graduated from Haverhill High School. He is retired Haverhill police office. Quimby works for Bethany Homes in Haverhill and Lewandowski is an attorney who represents children in neglect and abuse case...

Registered voters in Haverhill’s Wards 4 and 6 will go to the polls Tuesday, Sept. 9, to whittle down the number of candidates in each ward from three to two. Haverhill City Clerk Kaitlin M. Wright was a recent guest on WHAV’s “Win for Breakfast” program. She discussed the various deadlines facing voters. “We have an upcoming preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 9, but this preliminary is only for voters that are in Wards 4 and 6. So what that means is if you go to vote at the Nettle Middle...