Mayor Beauregard Names Acting Police Chief Ahead of Retirement
METHUEN — Mayor D.J. Beauregard has appointed Captain James "Jamie" Moore as acting chief of the Methuen Police Department, effective when Chief Scott J. McNamara retires on August 24, 2026.
TOWN HALL
The leadership change at the top of the police department is the most consequential item to come out of city hall this week. According to the city's announcement, Captain Moore will step into the acting chief role the moment Chief McNamara's retirement takes effect, ensuring continuity in department leadership during the transition. The city did not indicate in its release whether a permanent successor search is underway or how long Moore is expected to serve in the acting capacity.
Separately, the city continues to move forward on its new curbside composting program with Black Earth Compost, for which preregistration is now open to residents looking to cut down on household waste. The city also flagged an upcoming mosquito control application at parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and school recreation areas, though that treatment was scheduled for late July and may have already occurred by the time of this report.
SCHOOLS
Methuen Public Schools' online calendar shows the district is already looking ahead to the fall, with new-teacher orientation at Methuen High School set for August 25 and 26, followed by the first day for all staff on September 1 and the first day for students on September 2. The district's FY26 approved budget and its 2025 report card remain posted for families reviewing the year ahead, alongside the district's 2024-2027 strategy for improvement plan.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Miguela Mendez Obituary (2026) — Dewhirst Boles Funeral Home and Cremation Service," per a Legacy.com listing, notes visiting hours from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Broadway funeral home (read it at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/miguela-mendez-obituary?id=62073302).
"Joanna D'Attorre Obituary (2026) — Methuen, MA — Methuen Family Funeral Home," according to Legacy.com, lists services through the Lawrence Street funeral home (read it at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/joanna-d-attorre-obituary?id=62073153).
COMING UP
Methuen High School's new-teacher orientation runs August 25-26, with the first day for all staff on September 1 and the first day for students on September 2, per the district's master calendar. The School Committee's next business meeting is set for September 14 at 6 p.m. in the MHS Media Center.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.