They've been shuttling Santa around the town of Merrimac year after year. And frankly, the jolly old man's team of reindeer was starting to look a little haggard.

Everyone is invited to a Community Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow at 1 p.m. hosted by Community United Methodist Church, 11 Central St.

The Holy Redeemer Parish Holiday Fair will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nativity Parish Hall on Green Street in Merrimac.

A Greek luncheon and bake sale will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nicholson Hall at 7 Harris St.

The following item was recorded in the log of the Newbury police: Evan Kinlock, 20, 27 Central St., Byfield, was arrested Thursday at 4:16 p.m. on a warrant.

Selectmen at Monday's meeting were focused on upcoming or current financial issues in the town.

This summer in Haverhill there was a frightening incident with a woman who was walking her dog in a wooded area and was aggressively challenged by a pack of coyotes.

For the first time in recent years, Community Action Inc. Heating Assistance appointments are available in downtown Newburyport at the YWCA, 13 Federal St.

Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Units will form in front of fire headquarters at 9:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and proceed to Huntington Square down Main Street to the grounds of the middle school, where the ceremonies will take place.

The following items were recorded in the log of the Newburyport police: Louie J. Caron, 40, 81A Church St., Merrimac, was issued a summons yesterday at 3:47 a.m. on charges of driving after license suspension , furnishing a false name to police, driving with a revoked registration and not having a license in possession.

School officials have sent out notices to all parents notifying them of the district's response to the H1N1 virus.

What would happen to the emergency needs of the public if an epidemic or catastrophe sickens police officers and shuts down local police stations? Who responds to the roadside emergency 911 call if the local department's officers are all out with the H1N1 flu? With flu, swine and seasonal, striking in historic proportions, decimating school ...

Dan Potter grew up in a family of clowns, for real. The Merrimac resident describes himself as a third-generation clown, following in the antics of his grandmother, parents, aunt and uncle.

The applause grew louder with each vote count that was called into David's Tavern last night.

An Amesbury man was arrested early Sunday morning after a police chase from Merrimac that ended when his car reportedly hit a telephone pole near 113 Haverhill Road.

Why are you running for the City Council? To give a voice to the residents of Ward 2. Does the downtown need a parking garage, and if so, where should it go? Until I am satisfied that we have spoken with New England Development regarding their plans, I don't think we should be building anything.

Our Neighbors' Table has closed its mid-week food pantry due to a decrease in donations and an increase in food prices and the number of people wanting food.

The Rocks Village Bridge could be closed for a year if a state renovation plan for the structure is approved, reported Department of Public Works director Gary Bill.

The following item was recorded in the Newburyport police log: Ingrid Lor, 49, 13 Oak St., Newburyport, was arrested Thursday at 3:14 p.m. and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense, negligent driving, and reckless endangerment of children.

Merrimack Valley Elderly Nutrition Program lunches are served in Amesbury, Georgetown, Groveland, Newburyport, Merrimac, Salisbury and West Newbury.