School Officials Head Off a Crisis: Fast action and preventive measures at Hull High School were credited with averting a crisis and possible panic following the death of a student from a cause later confirmed as being a form of infectious meningitis. The confirmation came from Norfolk County Medical Examiner Dr. Archie Kiegan in a preliminary autopsy report. Upon learning of the medical examiner’s finding and after talks with the state Communicable Disease Division doctors, Hull school and health department officials swung into action swiftly Monday night and Tuesday morning. Superintendent Richard Charlton, Principal Thomas Ballerino, and school doctor Sidney Dushan, after further talks with Hull’s Health Board chairman, Dr. Samuel Kagan, and health director Joseph Lanata called an assembly at the school and told the students of the tragic death. They also advised students of the symptoms of the disease and told them that facilities were ready at the school for emergency treatment and that parents were also being alerted in two advisory messages, which they were to take home at the end of the school day.
Open Study Plan Left to Principal: An evaluation of a Student Council Open Study Plan by Hull High School Principal Thomas Ballerino was accepted by the School Committee Monday, and its activation left to the principal’s discretion. Student Council President Robert Moog and senior class agent William Raymond argued for a plan that would, in effect, give students with free periods the option of leaving the school premises, studying in the school library, or lounging in the cafeteria, with the latter to include smoking and refreshments, with a coffee break at 10:45 a.m. Principal Ballerino’s plan vetoed the smoking and would give students the opportunity of doing research in the library, studying in the auditorium, or socializing in the cafeteria.
Move to Expand Town Dump Area: After a warning by Highway Superintendent Matthew Muncy last night that debris piles are ascending to within 10 feet of the tops of nearby utility poles, selectmen stepped up plans for town meeting action to take private land near the dump by eminent domain. Dump saturation will be further increased in 1971 when 32 more building hulks are torn down, as the town plans.
Sewage Treatment Plant Site Approved: Selectmen said last night that the state Health Department and Department of Natural Resources have approved a Stony Beach site near the Hull Cemetery for the new sanitary sewage treatment plant. The Water Resources Commission has approved land acquisition.
Medical Center Plans Expanded: Plans for Hull’s new medical center have been expanded to include new facilities that will put it in the status of a mini-hospital, including clinic and X-ray rooms and a laboratory. Medical Center Corp. Chairman Frank Kerr, of Hull, said that construction on the new center will start in the early summer of 1971 and that a drive will be started to raise an additional $150,000 for the expanded plans.
Barge Fires Plague Subsiding: The barge fires plague off Boston Light in Boston Harbor seems definitely to be abating, with measurable relief on the horizon for South and North Shore residents, notably those of Hull and Winthrop. The denial Tuesday by the state Health Department of a request by the Aeroc Co. for an extended burning permit was commended by Hull officials. Residents who have protested the burning nuisance for more than six years.
Hull Tops for Youth Voter Registration: Selectmen commended Town Clerk Darcy and the Board of Registrars for a good record in the registration of young voters. Recent state reports show that Hull leads the state in the registration of 123 voters in the 18-, 19-, and 20-year-old brackets. Wakefield is second with 88.
Leahy Named to Vets Jobs: Selectmen last night named John T. Leahy, of 63 Whitehead Ave., to the twin posts of veterans’ agent and services director, at the current salary of $1,000 for both jobs and expenses.
Sewing Club Feted: Entertaining the Whitehead Sewing Club last evening was Mrs. Ann Scully, who served a delicious Chinese supper.
Hull Youth Excels at Hockey: In the Hockey Lineup at Massachusetts State College at Bridgewater is Michael Dunphy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dunphy. The 18-year-old 6-foot freshman plays the position of defense on the team.
