Zoe Found Safe After 40 Winter North Shore Nights: Patch PM

SALEM, MA — Today is Tuesday, Jan. 12. Here are the stories Patch has been covering on the North Shore and across Massachusetts.

In the face of a missing dog owner's despair, Kristin Ericson advises never to give up hope as long as there's a chance the missing puppy is out there somewhere looking to be found.

On Monday, 40 days after a black Labrador retriever/collie mix went missing from the Salem/Swampscott line, Zoe reaffirmed Ericson's perpetual optimism for a happy ending for every report to Missing Dogs Massachusetts.

"This definitely is the feel-good story we all need to hear these days," the Missing Dogs Massachusetts founder, who lives in Peabody, told Patch on Tuesday.

Read the full story here.

Also on the North Shore

Swampscott Part Of 'Adopt-A-Grandparent' Balloon Buddy Campaign

Carolina Velasquez spent much of the spring and summer bringing a little brightness to birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and other special occasions that could not be celebrated as they typically would amid the coronavirus health crisis.

Now her balloon party business is part of a campaign aimed at bringing some of that same spirit to senior citizens who are isolated from their families and many of their friends because of social distancing and other virus-related protocols.

Swampscott's Fairytale Moments is participating in an initiative throughout the balloon community to bring balloons to senior living facilities through individual sponsorships.

Marblehead Fire Battles Overnight Blaze On Johns Road

The Marblehead Fire Department said it quickly knocked down an overnight fire at a home on Johns Road.

Marblehead fire said companies were sent to the home shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning and found the fire originating from between the basement and first floor.

Beverly Seeks Residents' Help In Preserving Obear Park Coastline

Beverly is looking for residents to help develop plans to best utilize a grant to protect Obear Park from erosion.

'A Huge Thing': Vaccine Day For Many North Shore First Responders

For nearly 11 months, North Shore first responders have arrived at calls facing a risk that goes beyond that which they accept whenever they respond to a public request for help.

This week, several dozen first responders from area cities and towns arrived in shifts at the Marblehead Council on Aging for a shot at taking down that risk of contracting the coronavirus.

Across Massachusetts

Bedford Flag Spotted Next To Trump Flag At Capitol Riots

The Bedford Flag was one of dozens spotted on Capitol Hill during the riots that left five dead and dozens arrested.

The gathering turned and ended in a violent riot after pro-Trump extremists breached and desecrated the U.S. Capitol. The riot left five dead, dozens arrested and a delayed electoral count that eventually certified Joe Biden as the President-elect. D.C. police issued a 6 p.m. curfew on Jan. 6, but many rioters stayed well past dark.

Somerville Board Member Under Fire For Attending Trump Rally

An appointed member of a Somerville board that manages affordable housing funds is taking heat for attending the "Stop the Steal" rally in Washington, D.C. last week that led to rioters storming the U.S. Capitol building.

Jessica Turner, who serves on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, said she participated in the rally but was not among the group that stormed the Capitol.

Popular Revere Beach Ice Cream Shop Closes

A popular seaside ice cream shop has closed after decades at Revere Beach.

Banana Boat announced its closure Tuesday, with a statement from the shop saying in part: "It is with a heavy heart we have made the tough decision to close Banana Boat Ice Cream. Words will never be enough to express our gratitude to our family, hard-working employees, dedicated customers, suppliers, and each person who has supported us over the years."

Malden Hobby Shop Thieves Target 'Magic: The Gathering' Cards

A hobby store in Malden was broken into by thieves who were after one thing: "Magic: The Gathering" cards. Photos from Hobby Bunker show the glass on the shop's front door smashed following the break-in last Friday.