Friday's Top Stories for August 1, 2008

Prominent local resident Jim Thistle passes away at 66

By The Advocate

EVERETT - James Thistle, a prominent local resident who had a legendary career in television broadcast journalism, died Tuesday of cancer at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.  He was 66.

  Mr. Thistle held the distinction of having been the news director, at one time or another during his career, at all three of Boston’s major TV stations -Channels 4, 5, and 7

  He pioneered the move to extend television evening newscasts and was considered to be the premier hands-on, “old-school” news journalists in the Northeast.

  In addition to his TV career, he also taught journalism at his alma mater, Boston University.

  Locally, Mr. Thistle was appointed by former mayor John McCarthy in 1987 to put in the place the ECTV station.  He also was devoted to the Immaculate Conception Church in Everett where he participated as a guitarist during the 911 services.

  Mr. Thistle was a native and a lifelong resident of Everett, who was active in numerous local civic endeavors over the years.

  His funeral mass was held early this morning at Immaculate Conception Church on Broadway.

Council wants Wonderland Dog Track to pay up

By James David Mitchell

Jmitchell@advocatenews.net

  During Monday night’s city council meeting, Council President George V. Colella asked Mayor Thomas Ambrosino as to how Wonderland Dog Track continues to operate despite having unpaid 2007-2008 real estate taxes, water and sewer charges and license fees.

  The council president also noted that the dog track’s commuter parking lot is filled with cars probably netting a million dollars in cash a year. “They’re parking commuter cars and the city doesn’t see anything,” said Colella.

  “I don’t believe they (Wonderland Dog Track) should have any leeway and should be treated like any other taxpayer,” said Colella.

  Mayor Ambrosino assured the council that he would follow up on the matter.

  “Come December, their licenses will not be issued unless outstanding taxes are paid,” said the mayor.

  Councillor Colella also asked the mayor if the Mass. Racing Commission chairman has been notified of the track’s outstanding debt to the city. The mayor said that the chairman was “verbally advised”.

  But verbal warnings were not enough for Councillor Anthony Zambuto, stating that action should be taken immediately.

  “A cease and desist order should be issued,” said Zambuto. “It’s time for pressure.”

  Zambuto then stated that other businesses who were tax delinquent in the city have met with swift action and yet Wonderland has continued to remain untouched.

  “There are different rules for different people,” stated Zambuto.

  The mayor responded by stating, “Everyone’s treated the same.”

  The mayor added that a revocation hearing could take place.

  The council president went one step further, recommending that the city should revoke the track’s licenses immediately.

  “Let’s send this to the License Commission,” stated Colella.

Summer Folk and Jazz concert at Bell Rock Park Aug. 7  

MALDEN - The College All Start Jazz Ensemble will be playing its annual jazz concert at Bell Rock Memorial Park on Main Street in Ward One on Thursday, August 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Come listen to some of the best college players in the state!

 Opening up for the College All Start Jazz Ensemble will be 17-year-old Casey Sullivan who will be returning for her second straight year to sing a few folk songs as will first time singer Lenny Tetta who is a fifth grader at the Linden School. The opening acts will begin at 5:30 p.m.