An Untimely Death, a Hit and Run and a School Budget

Here is a look at the top headlines from the last week on Wilmington Patch.

Police Investigating Overnight Hit and Run on Pedestrian

Wilmington Police are seeking the public's help for any information involving Tuesday's early morning hit and run on Ballardvale Street that left a man hospitalized. According to Police Lt. Brian Pupa, a call came in just after 3 a.m. on Tuesday when passing truck drivers located an injured man on the side of the road.

Pupa said police believe a 28-year-old man may have run out of gas on I-93 and was walking towards the industrial area of town in an effort to find a gas station when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The man was transported to Lahey Clinic with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

"We have no description and no witnesses," said Pupa.

Despite Delays, Some Movement Coming in High School Project

After more than a year in limbo, things are starting to heat up for the Wilmington High School project.

While the appeal of abutter Gerry O’Reilly remains at the Superior Court level, there are several upcoming milestones for the project. Thursday is the date that the town will be able to unseal bids for trade construction. If the town is satisfied with the winning bids, it can plan on moving forward and accepting them.

When the town opens the bids, they will know whether or not their projections for the cost increases associated with the appeals over the last year were accurate.

“The general response I’ve been getting from the community (about plans to move forward with bids and demolition) has been very positive,” said Newhouse. “People are pleased to be moving forward. On a project like this, we have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. The inordinate delays have people chomping at the bit to move ahead.”

Funeral Services Scheduled Thursday for WHS Senior

Services were held Thursday for Joseph "Murph" Murphy, the Wilmington High School senior who died unexpectedly on Monday.

During Wednesday night’s School Committee meeting, board members held a moment of silence in Murphy’s honor. Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton said flags at the school will be flown at half staff on Thursday. 

Benton read remarks from several teachers who recalled what Murphy, 17, was like inside the hallways of Wilmington High School.

“I will remember Joe as a bright, good natured, friendly young man,” said one teacher. “I am so glad I had the opportunity to teach him and get to know him for the wonderful man he was. He will be missed.”

Police Log: Indecent Assault and Battery and a Break-In

Featured in one of the week's police logs was the arrest of a local teen.

At 4:51 a.m. Sunday on Marie Drive, officers assisted Lynn Police in the arrest of Patrick Dunn, 18, of 6 Marie Drive. He was charged with indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years old.

Benton Requests Budget Increase of 3.25 Percent

Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton updated School Committee members on her proposed budget, a figure that has decreased since she originally presented it several weeks ago.

Benton is requesting a budget of $33,628,350, which is a potential increase of $1,058,520. That total would be a 3.25 percent increase over last year’s budget of $33,628,350.

During her initial budget presentation in December, Benton proposed a 4.61 percent increase. When voters approved last year’s budget, it was a 3.50 percent spike over Fiscal Year 2012.

“Continuing to support 21^st century learning initiatives throughout the district must continue to be a priority with the FY14 budget,” Benton wrote during her presentation to the School Committee on Wednesday night. “We must define what constitutes a 21^st century education and provide the teachers with the tools they need to accomplish this.”