Salem Observer : death

Marine laid to rest

Salem Editor — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:36:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

A little more than a week after Marine Cpl. Edmund Vandecasteele IV died in an automobile crash on the other side of the country, his body was laid to rest in the veteran’s section of Pine Grove Cemetery.

Family, friends and fellow Marines gathered at St. Matthew Church in nearby Windham on the morning of Aug. 10 to pay their final respects to a young man remembered by those who knew him as cheerful, hardworking and dedicated to the Marine Corps. Local and state officials, including the police chiefs from both communities as well as Gov. John Lynch, were also in attendance at the service.

Vandecasteele, 22, a native of Salem, was killed on Aug. 1 after the 2003 Ford Mustang he was riding in struck a tree in San Clemente, Calif., around 2:15 a.m. The accident occurred roughly 4 miles away from Camp Pendleton, where Vandecasteele had been stationed as an ammunition technician with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division since April. Prior to his death, Vandecasteele had spent two years serving at Okinawa.

A 2006 graduate of Salem High School, Vandecasteele enlisted before his 18th birthday, fulfilling a nearly lifelong dream of becoming a Marine, according to his mother, Lisa Desroisers. An active swimmer who enjoyed the challenge of serving in the Marine Corps, Desroisers said Vandecasteele had looked forward to joining the reconnaissance battalion.

Vandecasteele is not the first actively serving Marine from Salem killed in recent years. On May 1, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo, 21, died in Al Anbar when a land mine exploded underneath his Humvee. In an interview several days after learning of her son’s passing, Desroisers said that at the time, she had wondered if Moscillo’s death would change her son’s plans to enlist in the Marine Corps.

“It didn’t,” she said. “He attended the wake and stood on the side of the street as the funeral procession went by to honor him ... It was an honor to have him as my son.”

Vandecasteele’s body was escorted through Windham and into Salem – where many flags were flown at half-staff for the second time this summer – by local police officers and members of the Patriot Guard, a nationwide grassroots organization of motorcycle riders that offers support to military families at their request.

Ride Capt. Tom Kearney said his band of riders came together over the weekend to pay their respects to Vandecasteele’s memory. He described the turnout of Patriot Guard riders from across the state and New England as “outstanding” for such short notice.

“He deserves the same respect as a soldier who was killed in action and we want to give that to him,” Kearney said. “He volunteered for the marines and all we’re doing is riding motorcycles. Riding a motorcycle is nothing special, but what he did was special.”

Standing beneath a large American flag hung over Route 111 from the extended ladder of a Windham fire truck parked in front of the Searles School and Chapel, Chief Thomas McPherson said the department had turned out to show their support as well, offering Vandecasteele the same honor as a firefighter who has fallen in the line of duty.

“We know his mother lives in Windham and we came out to show our respects for the family,” he said.

Salem soldier laid to rest

Salem Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:27:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

Family and friends of Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo gathered to say goodbye before laying to rest the soldier described by those who knew him as a “true American hero.”

On Saturday, June 27, members of the community reached out to offer support to the family of the third Salem serviceman killed in Iraq since 2006. Residents waited at street corners and waved flags as the motorcade carrying Lo’s casket made its way to Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem.

Lo, 23, died on June 13 in Iraq after the bomb he was defusing detonated. A 2004 graduate of the Salem High School, Lo was serving with the U.S. Army’s 797th Ordnance Company, 79th Battalion, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

Homeowners stood in their driveways, some with hands and hats pressed over their hearts, as the procession passed.

Led through the center of town with local and state police escorts as well as Patriot Guard Riders, the motorcade passed through the parking lot of the high school where participants in Saturday’s Relay for Life lined the street. Both the Department of Public Works and the Fire Department turned out as well, waving flags from their vehicles parked along Geremonty Drive.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Puzzo, an aerospace instructor at Salem High School, recalled Lo as a quiet and competent leader from his days in the Junior ROTC program at the June 27 ceremony celebrating the fallen soldier’s life.

“On that fateful day two weeks ago, a proud American gave his life for his country,” Puzzo said during his eulogy for Lo. “It was a selfless act of courage that will forever make him a hero, a legitimate hero. “On the drill floor he would dedicate himself to helping one cadet with commitment and selflessness. That was the Cadet Lo I remember, and I have no doubt that was Staff Sgt. Lo,” he added.

A 2004 graduate of the high school, Lo commanded the color guard, drill team and operations squadron during his time in the ROTC program. At the calling hours Friday, June 26, fellow cadets, past and present, remembered him as a strong leader willing to do anything to reach out and help someone else.

“I was very good friends with him ... There are so many memories, but I can’t seem to remember one. It’s overwhelming,” said Dan King, a Marine and a 2003 graduate of both Salem High School and the ROTC program.

“He wanted to serve and that’s what he did,” said Army Specialist Mike Connors on Friday at the Douglas and Johnson Funeral Home on Main Street. “He had scholarship options and he turned them down.

Connors, who graduated from Salem High School in 2005, remembered Lo as a strong leader and bright young man from their days together in the Junior Air Force ROTC program. A year younger than Lo, Connors described looking up to him as a leader and a friend.

“He was a big part of the program. He was always early. He would come by my house at 5:30 in the morning to pick me up for practice before school,” Connors said. “He always knew what to do and did it right.”

Members of the program’s color guard turned out to salute Lo during Saturday’s services, standing alongside the U.S. Army honor guard as his casket arrived.

U.S. Army Brigadier General Jeffrey Snow, Lo’s division commander, said he regretted not knowing Lo personally, but praised him as one of the very best of the men and women in the armed forces.

“Ed was doing something he wanted to do, something he believed in ... As tragic as this loss is, I gain some solace in knowing that Ed was doing something he loved around those who loved him. His sacrifice will not be forgotten,” Snow said. “He dedicated his life to our protection. The land that was once called the last, best hope for mankind was built upon sacrifices like his.”

Gov. John Lynch – who gave his sympathies to the family at Friday night’s service along with Sen. Judd Gregg – also spoke, describing Lo as an articulate and dependable young man. On Friday, Lynch directed flags to be flown at half-staff across the state in honor of Lo.

“News of Edmond’s sacrifice has hit this community very hard. Edmond Lo joins a list of heroes from this town,” Lynch said, telling the family that “Salem and New Hampshire are here for you.”

As mourners drifted away from Lo’s gravesite in the veteran’s section of the Pine Grove cemetery, his older brother Raymond said the community and the military had been very supportive of his family, especially his parents. He said the services, which included a 21- gun salute and a rendition of “Taps” by members of the high school band, had been very nice.

“I thought it was very well done,” he said. “I thought it was done very honorably.”

Mass. woman killed in I-93 motorcycle crash

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:44:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

A motorcycle rollover on the southbound side of I-93 on Monday, June 22, killed a passenger and left the driver hospitalized with serious injuries.

Police said Cathyann Pandolfo, 49, of Uxbridge, Mass., sustained fatal injuries after the 1996 Honda Goldwing motorcycle she was traveling on rolled over and ejected both riders near the Windham weigh station at 10:11 a.m. Pandolfo was pronounced dead on the scene, according to authorities.

The driver, Derek J. Pandolfo, 48, of Uxbridge, Mass., was transported to Parkland Medical Center in Derry with serious injuries by Windham Fire and Rescue before being transferred to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, according to authorities.

A spokesman at Beth Israel said Pandolfo remained in critical condition as of Monday night.

Public safety officials believe the Pandolfos were husband and wife.

Witnesses told police the motorcycle drifted off to the left side of the highway and onto the gravel portion of the shoulder before rolling over. The accident left traffic backed up from Exit 3 on above for about 7 miles.

State troopers on the scene were directing vehicles through the weigh station and around the crash site in a single lane.

State police received assistance at the scene by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation as well as the Windham Fire Department and EMS.

Though the crash remains under investigation, alcohol and drugs are not believed to been a factor in the rollover, authorities said.

Officials are urging anyone with information regarding the accident to contact Trooper Derek Holston at 672- 3333.

Plaque planned for Salem man killed in Iraq

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:32:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

With memorial services for Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo set for this weekend, Bob Castricone wants to make sure that his sacrifice is never forgotten.

Castricone, treasurer for the Salem Veterans Association, is working with members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to have a bronze plaque bearing Lo’s name and service placed at the intersection of Geremonty Drive and Main Street. Castricone hopes to have the plaque in place by Veterans Day, Nov. 11, in time to let local veterans honor him with a small ceremony.

“We’re going to dedicate Veterans Day this year in his memory,” Castricone said. “Once we get that plaque we’ll put on a little ceremony there. We’ll have a little prayer, a firing squad and play taps.”

Lo, 23, died in Iraq on June 13 after a roadside bomb he was disarming detonated. A 2004 graduate of Salem High School, Lo will join Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo and Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis of the Army’s 82 Airborne Division as the third serviceman in the community immortalized by a plaque after dying in Iraq.

His will be the 28th plaque placed in town, memorializing the community’s war dead, according to Castricone. Castricone said the location for the bronze memorial was chosen due to its proximity to the Lo family home.

“What we tried to do is put the plaque as close to their home as possible,” Castricone said. “They were (in the past) just putting the names in town where they were visible. We put Nick Arvanitis’ plaque on Old Rockingham Road where he was living. The one we’re putting up now, it’s going to be put up on Geremonty Drive ... and that’s close to (Lo’s) home.”

The actual installation of the plaque and the maintenance of the location is handled by the Salem Department of Public Works. David Wholley, DPW operations manager, said the spot selected for Lo was also intended to keep the sacrifices of the current war in the public eye.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Puzzo, an aerospace science instructor at the Salem High School who knew Lo from his days in the Air Force Junior ROTC program, said the efforts to memorialize the staff sergeant were indicative of the community’s strong support for veterans and military families.

Puzzo, who is serving as a liaison between the family and the school district, said both he and the Lo family had been inundated with phone calls offering support since the news of Lo’s death was released.

“I know almost everyone in his graduation class have already been in touch with the family ... A lot of cadets have been by the school,” Puzzo said. “I’ve seen a lot support coming my way and to the family as well. There is very strong support in the community.”

Calling hours for Lo will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 26, at the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem. The funeral service is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the Mary Queen of Peace Church in Salem, followed by burial in the Pine Grove Cemetery.

Lo was ‘fine young man’

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:39:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

Across town, flags have been lowered to half-staff as members of the community pay their respects to the family of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo.

Lo, 23, was killed in Iraq on June 13 after a roadside bomb he was trying to defuse detonated. He is remembered by those in the community who knew him as a hard-working, intelligent and driven young man.

His older brother Raymond said Lo was a dedicated student and committed to serving his nation.

“Nothing could stop him,” Raymond said. “He never missed a day at school or a day at work. He was just something else. That’s what makes it so much harder.”

According to Raymond, his brother had some good experiences in his years as a member of the high school’s Air Force Junior ROTC program. Despite his excellent academic record, Lo chose to enter the military after graduation rather than head off to college.

“My mom tried to convince him to go to school, but this is just what he wanted to do,” Raymond said. “If he could help, he’d make himself available.”

Superintendent Michael Delahanty was Lo’s principal for five years, following him from his days at Woodbury Middle School until his graduation from Salem High School in 2004. Delahanty said he had the opportunity through those years to watch Lo grow into a “fine young man.”

“He was one of those kids who was so bright and articulate,” Delahanty said. “With so many graduates, he certainly stood out.”

According to Delahanty, district administrators and educators are planning to sit down in the coming days and discuss how to properly remember Lo, the third service member from the community killed in Iraq in the past three years.

On May 1, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo, 21, died in Al Anbar province, Iraq, when a landmine exploded underneath his Humvee.

On Oct. 6 of that same year, Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis, 22, of the Army’s 82 Airborne Division was shot and killed while on patrol in Iraq. Plaques commemorating both men’s service to the nation have been placed around the community since their deaths.

Salem residents and town officials reached out to the Lo family, offering whatever help they could in the days ahead.

“Whatever assistance we can provide we offer,” said Capt. Shawn Patten of the Salem Police Department. “It hits home when a hometown boy or girl is killed. It’s a tragedy and we have the utmost respect for him ... We have to make sure we never forget.”

“All of our hearts will be heavy as we remember Sgt. Lo,” said Assistant Fire Chief Paul Parisi. “We’ll be thinking about his family and his sacrifice.”

State leaders also extended their sympathies to the Lo family. Gov. John Lynch said the family remained in his thoughts and prayers as well as those of his wife, Susan.

Sen. Judd Gregg praised Lo as a gifted student and an extraordinary young man.

“He chose to delay his plans to begin college in order to serve his country, which he did with honor, dignity and courage, saving countless lives by working to disarm roadside bombs in Iraq,” he said.

Congressman Paul Hodes said Lo’s family, friends and those in the community who knew him remained in his thoughts.

“I join all of New Hampshire in honoring the brave service Sgt. Lo gave to his country,” Hodes said in a statement.

Raymond said the outpouring of support from members of the community and telephone calls from state leaders had made the tragedy easier for both him and his family as they make arrangements for his brother’s funeral.

“Everyone has been really helpful in offering support and lending a hand out to my parents,” he said.

Bomb blast in Iraq kills Salem soldier

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:34:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

A 23-year-old Army soldier from Salem was killed in Iraq on Saturday, June 13, when an improvised explosive device (IED) that his explosive ordnance disposal team was working to neutralize blew up.

Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo, who was assigned to the 797th Ordnance Company, 79th Ordnance Battalion at Fort Hood in Texas was a 2004 graduate of Salem High School where he was active in the Air Force Junior ROTC program. He was killed in Sammara City.

“Everybody who knew him in JROTC is devastated, understandably so,” said Marc Palermo, a friend and classmate of Lo’s who was also active in the program.

Lo joined the Army in 2004, according to Chief Tom Puzzo of the JROTC program at the school. As a cadet, Lo had been commander of the colorguard, participated in competition drill teams, and served as the operations squadron commander.

Puzzo described him as dedicated and hardworking, a leader who was infectious, not flashy. A quiet professional.

“He knew how to get the job done and others followed his lead,” said Puzzo, who taught Lo for two years. “He was a great kid all around. He was very popular. If you met him, you liked him.”

Lo is one of six children. He was three older sisters, an older brother, and a younger brother, Norman, who was a JROTC cadet.

Lo had the opportunity to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology but instead chose to join the military When Lo came home, he would visit Puzzo and stay for dinner.

“I think he was proud to be in the Army,” said Puzzo who saw him at Christmas.

According to published reports, Lo’s family was informed of his death on Saturday, June 13, and was escorted the next day to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where they saw the transfer of the flag-draped case containing his remains by a military honor guard.

“Sgt. Lo served his nation with dignity, courage and honor and sacrificed protecting all of us,” New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said in a written statement. “He is a hero to us all. On behalf of the citizens of New Hampshire, our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Lo family.”

Palermo, who has known Lo since third grade, described his friend as smart and driven and “one of the nicest, gentlest kids” he has known.

Lo liked video games, “goofing around,” and going to the movies. He enjoyed watching “Family Guy” and “The Simpsons” on television.

Both students were shy but through JROTC, Lo learned how to lead, grew, and some of his shyness wore off, Palermo said. He and the instructors help Palermo get motivated and into shape.

Palermo went on to Daniel Webster College in Nashua to study aviation management. He received letters from Lo when he went through basic training and saw him when he was on leave.

“He loved the (physical training), the work he did,” said Palermo. “You could truly see it in the way he talked. He truly loved what he did in the Army.”

Lo is the third Salem soldier to have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo, 21, was killed in May, 2006, when the Humvee he was riding in hit a land mine.

In October 2006, Army Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis, 23, was killed by gunfire. The two men were members of Salem High School’s Class of 2003.

Body found at Rockingham Park Racetrack

Salem Editor — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:03:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

Police officials are waiting for the autopsy and toxicology results on the body of a 23- year-old woman found dead at the Rockingham Park Racetrack on May 21, but are not considering her death as suspicious.

The body of the woman was discovered inside one of the cottages located on the back side of the racetrack sometime before 3:30 p.m., according to authorities. Officials said there was no evidence at the scene that made the death appear suspicious.

Authorities now believe it may have been a possible drug overdose.

Police officials expected to have the results from the tests in the next two to three weeks.

Former publisher of Salem Observer dies at 85

Salem Editor — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:25:00 GMT

BY DARRELL HALEN

Richard Noyes, a former state legislator and publisher of The Salem Observer who died recently, is being fondly remembered for his intelligence, pleasant demeanor and service to the Salem community by several people who used to work with him.

“I think he was a very personable gentleman,” said State Rep. Mary Griffin, R-Windham, who served with him in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. “He really was a gentleman and everybody liked him.”

Noyes was 85 when he died Friday, May 15, at Andover Manor in Andover, Mass.

He grew up in Peterborough and graduated from Peterborough High School as salutatorian in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army as a naval aviator and plane commander flying in the Pacific Theater during World War II, according to his obituary.

Noyes had been editor and publisher of the Monadnock Ledger newspaper, which grew into a chain of six weekly newspapers between 1956 and 1969 while he served at the helm, according to the newspaper’s Web site.

He was the editor and publisher of the Observer for 35 years. He purchased the newspaper from its founder, Robert Phinney.

“He was a very good man,” said Elsie Talanian, the paper’s retired social editor and columnist, of Noyes. “He was very smart, very knowledgeable about the workings of a newspaper. He was easy to work for as long as you fulfilled what he expected you to do.”

Arthur Mueller, who worked for Noyes and eventually purchased the paper from him, said Noyes had a philosophy about printing a weekly community newspaper: While daily newspapers provided the headlines, it was the job of the weekly to fill in the details.

“He used to say you were not doing your job until at least 50 percent of the people loved you and 50 percent of the people hated you,” said Mueller.

When Noyes was publisher, Mueller recalled, presidential candidates would come to the newspaper’s office to be interviewed. Some would come with large entourages. Some had Secret Service protection. Former Texas Gov. John Connally and Colorado Sen. Gary Hart were among the visitors.

Former long-time production employee Gail Stratos, who joined the paper in 1982, learned basic layout skills from Noyes.

“He was a humble, sweet guy,” recalled Stratos, whose husband, Danny, had also worked at the paper. “He was always willing to share his knowledge. He taught me about the business, what’s a good news story.”

Noyes was a member of VFW Post 8546 of Salem, a member and past president of the Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce, was a recipient of the Chamber’s Bill Brown Businessperson of the Year Award, and a member and past president of the Salem Board of Trade.

“He did an awful lot for the town of Salem,” said Mueller, who sold the Observer to the Union Leader Corp. about nine years ago.

“He made a lot of friends in Salem,” said Talanian. “A lot of people liked him – good personality.”

Noyes was also a former director of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation, an organization in New York City that advocates for economic justice by promoting awareness of the social philosophy and economic reforms advocated by the late political economist Henry George.

“He was a very smart person, he was a brilliant man,” recalled Mueller, noting that Noyes designed and built his own house. “He was into everything you could ever think of. He was an interesting man.”

In 1992, Noyes was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. A Republican, he served four consecutive two-year terms before returning to the House in 2003 and 2004 for a fifth and final term.

“It was wonderful when he came to the House,” said Griffin, who knew Noyes before arrived in the Legislature and served with him on the Municipal and County Government Committee.

“Very knowledgeable, seemed to know everything. It was a pleasure working with him.” Griffin recalled that Noyes listened and asked questions and never raised his voice in anger.

“He was very good,” said Griffin. “He delved into everything. He did his job and he did his homework.”

According to several editions of the Handbook of New Hampshire Elected Officials, his priorities included taxation, property rights, economics, and listening to colleagues and constituents.

The books carried a personal statement from Noyes in his biography: “As a seventh generation N.H. native, I want to help people appreciate how well we compare with other states.”

“He was a refined gentleman,” said Griffin. “That’s how I’ll remember him.”

Salem teen dies in crash

Salem Editor — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:40:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

The cause of a car crash in nearby Atkinson that left one local teen dead and another hospitalized on May 5 remains under investigation, though state police believe excessive speed contributed to the accident.

Robert C. Stuart, 18, of Salem was pronounced dead on the scene after the 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier he was driving veered off the eastbound shoulder of Island Pond Road and into a tree at 12:03 a.m. According to authorities, Stuart had been heading west before the accident.

A 16-year-old female passenger from Derry was transported to the Lawrence General Hospital in Lawrence, Mass., before being Med-Flighted to the Boston Medical Center.

Neither Stuart nor his passenger were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, state police said.

State police were assisted at the scene by Atkinson police and Atkinson Fire Rescue.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the crash to contact State Trooper Tamara Hester at 679- 3333.

Sword killer sentenced

Salem Editor — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:06:00 GMT

BY TRENT SPINER

Nearly breaking down into tears, Scott Hanks, 50, pleaded guilty to murder on Monday, March 23, while apologizing to the family of a man whom he stabbed multiple times in the abdomen with a Samurai sword.

But his words were not enough for the family of William Solberg Jr., who was 49 years old when he was killed last April in the driveway of a cabin on Canobie Lake in Salem.

“There is no punishment great enough for you,” said Solberg’s sister, Cheryl Hughes of Andover, Mass. “We accept your plea bargain not because it is just, but to spare our family any more hurt.”

Superior Court Justice Kenneth R. McHugh sentenced Hanks to state prison for 15 to 30 years at the request of prosecutors.

Hughes was joined by almost two dozen family members who fully packed four rows of seats inside the courtroom. She said nothing can take away the family’s pain of losing their brother, uncle and son -- a kind and funloving man who worked in the family business.

“You have changed our lives forever, but you will not ruin our lives forever,” she said. “You made a wrong decision and we hope you pay for it for the rest of your life.”

Solberg’s other sister was also given a chance by the court to speak to Hanks after his guilty plea but before a judge sentenced him.

“Mr. Hanks, you had choices, you didn’t have to plunge that sword into my brother,” said Marybeth Cosgrove of Melrose, Mass.

Solberg’s parents were in the courtroom, but they were too distressed to speak, said Cosgrove. He was their only son.

“It has almost been a year, and there hasn’t been a day that’s gone by when I don’t ask myself why this happened,” Cosgrove said.

She said she will miss looking into his blue eyes.

“We will only be able to hold him in our hearts and that’s one thing you will never be able to take away,” she said.

In the late afternoon on April 6, Solberg came to the cabin Hanks was renting in Salem to confront him about a woman, who was also in the home, according to prosecutor Kirsten B. Wilson. It was the second day Solberg had been to the house on Lake Shore Road and Hanks was “seeing red,” he told police.

Hanks, dressed in only sweatpants, grabbed a Samurai sword to confront an unarmed Solberg in the driveway. He popped the rear driver’s side tire so he could not escape, then the two started brawling, according to Wilson, a senior assistant attorney general.

Neighbors called police when they saw Hanks holding Solberg on the ground in a headlock while stabbing him with the sword in his right hand, Wilson said in court.

Before being sentenced, Hanks was allowed to make a statement to the family. Wearing an orange jailhouse jumpsuit but no handcuffs, he stood from the defendant’s table and turned to face Solberg’s family.

“Not a single day has passed that I have not grieved your loss, especially on holidays and special occasions,” he said, adding the feelings were especially strong on Mother’s Day.

Losing a sibling of his own has helped him understand their loss, said Hanks, partially reading from a one-page note.

“If I could leave with anything from this terrible mess, it would be that you know how deeply, truly sorry that I am,” he said, nearly breaking into tears.

McHugh, from the bench, warned others to be in control of themselves at all times because so many lives can be changed in a heartbeat.

Hanks said he planned to help other people in jail who are troubled so Solberg’s death was not in vain.

After the hearing, Cosgrove, Solberg’s sister, questioned whether Hanks’ apology was from the heart. Both sisters thanked members of the State Attorney General’s office.

Salem man dies from CO poisoning

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 13:14:00 GMT

BY DERRICK PERKINS

The death of a 77- year-old man from carbon monoxide poisoning occurred after power to his home had been restored, officials said.

Alexander Conca returned home at 13 Mason Drive on Tuesday, Dec. 16, to check up on his residence after power had been restored sometime earlier in the day, according to Fire Marshal Jeffrey Emanuelson. Conca had been staying with relatives during the prolonged power outage, Emanuelson said.

While a time of death is not yet known, officials believe Conca and his dog likely succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning sometime on the afternoon of Dec. 16 or in the early evening.

Emergency rescue personnel responded to the home at about 10:40 p.m. after relatives reported that they no longer had contact with Conca. There had also been reports of smoke coming from the house, according to authorities.

Officials believe a malfunctioning boiler resulted in Conca’s death. He did not have working smoke or carbon monoxide detectors in his house when he died, either of which would have alerted him to the danger, Emanuelson said.

Law enforcement officials said neighbors did report hearing a small explosion earlier Tuesday evening.

The Salem resident has become the fourth storm-related casualty in the state and the second to die as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. In Danville, Larry I. Jenkins died on Friday, Dec. 19, from what safety officials describe as a “silent killer” after operating a gas powered generator with the exhaust blocked in the RV he was living in at the time.

Conca’s death has public safety officials repeating calls for residents still without power to properly use portable heat sources, other alternative heat sources and to maintain chimneys and fireplaces.

“With carbon monoxide being odorless and colorless, you won’t notice it until it’s too late,” Emanuelson said. “As homes have been dormant for many days, when you get to refire these appliances, you need to make sure they’re working properly. If you have any doubt, notify your service providers. Just flipping the switch may or may not be enough.”

Officials throughout the week have reported finding dozens of residents improperly using portable generators and other alternative heating devices in Salem. In neighboring Windham, more than 20 cases of carbon monoxide had been reported and two individuals were hospitalized to use a hyperbaric chamber due to the level of gas in their system.

Conca’s death remains under investigation by the state fire marshal’s office.

Fatal stabbing details emerge

Salem Editor — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:56:00 GMT

BY JIM DEVINE

Police said the conflict over a girlfriend that led to a Pelham man’s stabbing death last week could have been resolved with just a phone call.

At the probable cause hearing for Scott Hanks, 49, which took place on Tuesday, April 15, Salem police Sgt. Steve Malisos detailed the investigation and interviews surrounding the struggle that led to William Solberg’s death on April 6.

Salem District Court Judge John Korbey set Hanks’$100,000 bail to cash.

“He chose rather than to resolve the issue over the phone or call police ... He came out armed with a samurai sword,” Senior Assistant Attorney General Susan Morrell said in concluding remarks to amend Hanks’ bail.

According to investigation interviews, Malisos said that when Solberg arrived at Hanks’ Lake Shore Road home that evening at 5 p.m., a shirtless Hanks came out and popped the rear driver’s side tire of Solberg’s truck with a sword.

Solberg then exited his truck and began a struggle that brought both men to the ground, Malisos said.

Malisos said witnesses saw Hanks holding Solberg in a headlock on the ground in a struggle before Solberg grew limp after Hanks hit him in the stomach.

Solberg was pronounced dead within 45 minutes of that moment at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, Mass., Malisos said.

The medical examiner’s office identified the stab wound as the cause of death, Malisos said.

Hanks faces felony charges for first-degree assault and negligent homicide after police allege he stabbed Solberg in the abdomen with a 15-inch sword.

Hanks appeared in court clean-shaven with glasses while dressed in a blue sport coat with grey pants.

Solberg’s death was the end of a long-brewing confrontation between the two men, as Hanks told police the Pelham construction worker had been following him and Patricia Walsh as a relationship developed between them.

In the days leading up to the fight, Solberg and Hanks confronted each other outside Levendi’s, a local bar and pizzeria, Malisos said.

Walsh told police Hanks would get especially angry when Solberg would call him “Scooterpie.”

Solberg also showed up at Hanks’ home looking for Walsh and peeled out of his driveway when Walsh wouldn’t come with him the day before the incident. “(Hanks) was somewhat irritated to what occurred the night before,” Malisos said. “He just stated he was very upset and he saw red and went out to confront him.”

Malisos said that when Solberg arrived in his truck on that night, Hanks ignored pleas from Walsh to try and resolve the conflict over her cellphone.

“They never had the opportunity to speak (over the phone),” Malisos said.