The Marblehead Current

From the Marblehead Light Department “We are currently responding to two repeat outages affecting approximately 50 customers total—about 25 customers in the Ticehurst area and 25 in the Mariners area. Our crews are aware of both outages and are actively working to restore service as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.” Also: “We are aware of a repeat at Pleasant at Essex affecting about 85 customers. We are aware and are addressing the situation.” Do you feel more informed?

After eight years on the job, legendary high school basketball coach Paul Moran, a Swampscott native, stepped down as the Marblehead High girls coach to return to his hometown to head up the Big Blue boys program once again. New MHS girls basketball head coach Phill Witt.

The heat wave didn’t stop locals from traveling around Marblehead to see the Arts Festival’s exhibits Thursday, July 2. The 60th Marblehead Arts Festival exhibits featured about 500 artworks from local artists, categorized into drawings, photography, printmaking and more. “It’s a big showcase opportunity for budding artists to come and show their art,” said Maggie Smist, festival co-chair. Smist added that this year saw a 10% increase in submissions over last year.

Only a handful of people were keeping cool Thursday evening inside the Brown School cafeteria, which is a makeshift emergency cooling center during the heatwave and power outage. The center is filled with cots and chairs. Bottled water is available. A mom and her two young daughters — one of whom was using a medical device — were there, along with an 85-year-old man and his grown sons.

The Marblehead Festival of Arts has announced that it is canceling Friday’s Street Festival, due to the heatwave. “After talking with our street performers and facilities team, the Marblehead Festival of Arts has decided we have no choice but to cancel the Street Festival tomorrow in consideration of our performers’ health. Stay safe, stay hydrated and enjoy the festival tomorrow,” according to a message on Facebook. Festival board member Joe Tavano said all other activities are on as scheduled.

A power outage has hit much of Marblehead this afternoon, as temperatures climb to near 100 degrees. According to Marblehead Light, crews are out assessing outages in the area of Lafayette and Humphrey streets, which also includes outlying streets. Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said the outage may’ve been caused by a wire that melted near the Village 13 power station along the Rail Trail. Residents along West Shore Drive and Pleasant Street are also reporting outages.

The family of Stephen Gardner Arnold and Karen Frances Arnold announces with deep sadness that they passed away within days of one another: Stephen on June 9, 2026, and Karen on June 22, 2026. Karen and Steve — or “The Girlfriend” and “The Boyfriend,” as they called one another — shared everything in life: love, marriage and family. In that way, there is comfort in believing they were called home together to continue their love story.

This Fourth of July, Marblehead will celebrate more than the nation’s birthday. As communities across the country commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Marblehead’s REV250 Committee is inviting residents and visitors to honor the town’s Revolutionary roots through a series of events that stretch well beyond Independence Day.

Public Health Director Andrew Petty has announced that Grace Oliver’s Beach is closed Thursday due to a high bacterial count in water tested yesterday. Petty said he will test again today and hopes to re-open the Grace Oliver’s tomorrow. Devereux Beach, Crocker Park, Gas House and Stramski Beach have been tested and remain open. Petty said he believes Tuesday’s heavy rain is responsible for the bacteria count. Do you feel more informed?

Wednesday night, the Marblehead Festival of Arts announced the 2026 award winners in the 11 exhibits. About 200 people gathered outside Abbot Hall to celebrate the artists. And on the harbor at the same time, the Festival’s Concerts @ Crocker Park series started with folk duo Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl. People sat on lawn chairs and picnic blankets, enjoying the music. Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl perform Wednesday night at the Concerts @ Crocker series.