Fire Trucks, Balloons, School Protests, Debates: Andover's 2019

ANDOVER, MA — In 2019, Andover schools saw more than their fair share share of turmoil and controversy. The town also made the news when it bought a fire truck too tall for one of the town's bridges, and when a hot air balloon landed on the highway. Young Andover natives saw success on the national stage. And some of the biggest stories are ongoing: settlement applications for the 2018 gas explosions remain open, and the school committee has yet to make a decision on start times for the 2020 school year.

New Andover Fire Truck Doesn't Fit Under Bridge

In July, the town found its new ladder truck didn't fit under Horn Bridge: it was five inches too tall for the 11 foot six inch bridge. Fortunately, the manufacturer agreed to fix the problem. But when the firefighters union voted "no confidence" in their chief in October, the truck snafu was one of the first problems they mentioned.

Balloon That Landed On Andover Highway Was Art Project

Also in July, a hot air balloon landed next to the on-ramp connecting Routes 125 and 28, blocking the ramp as it deflated. Police were called about the balloon, but it turned out the landing was part of a travelling art project, the "New Horizon."

Police: Man Found Dead In Andover Woods Killed NH Couple

Andover saw a few serious crimes in 2019, including this one early in the year. After a high-speed police chase, a man was found dead by apparent suicide in a wooded area. Police requested a wellness check on the owners of the car they had chased and later found abandoned. New Hampshire police found the owners, an elderly couple, both dead from blunt force trauma.

Another sad story: Tewksbury Teen Killed In Andover Crash Identified

Parents, Students Will Rally To Support Andover Coaches

Many of the biggest stories in Andover this year involved the schools, and none was bigger than the firing of hockey coach Chris Kuchar in March. In response to Kuchar not being asked back, some 200 high school students walked out, "Respect Our Coaches" was painted on the rock outside the school and parents and students rallied.

Andover High Students Paint Rock, Walk Out In Fallout Of Fight

Students walked out and painted the rock again in October, in response to perceived unequal discipline following a fight at the high school. The district did not say what the punishments were, but one student, whose mother described him as "Hispanic, dark-skinned," received a 2-week suspension. Students painted "Black Lives Matter" and walked out of school in support of the student.

Parents To School Committee: Don't Change Elementary Start Times

This story is ongoing: The school committee is exploring changing start times, so that secondary school students can start later and get more sleep. But they've experienced huge push back from elementary school parents who don't want their kids' schedules changed. While the committee initially hoped to make the decision by the end of the year, they opened applications for a new advisory committee in December.

Union, Supporters Rally At South School Against Investigation

There's also an ongoing battle related to a hostile work investigation at South Elementary School. The district announced the investigation in early December, and says it has nothing to do with union activities, but the Andover Education Association has sued to stop it, calling it an attempt to chill the union.

Gas Explosion Settlement Payments Will Range From $50 To $15,000

Cleanup and legal fallout for the 2018 fatal Merrimack Valley gas explosions are still ongoing. Applications for settlement payouts are due on Jan. 9.

2019 was a good year for young Andover natives:

Andover Native Justine Silva Wins 'Making It' Season 2

Andover's Mike Yastrzemski's Remarkable Rookie Season is Over

Andover Native In Running To Play Chicago's Roxie On Broadway

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.