50-Pound Cocaine Package Sent To Wilmington Business: Patch PM

WILMIGNTON, MA — It's Monday, Oct. 19. Here's what Patch has been covering in the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts today.

A Lawrence man was arrested Wednesday and charged in federal court in relation to a 23 kilogram, or 50 pound, parcel of cocaine shipped to a Wilmington business.

In May, Anthony Rafael Corcino, 32, attempted to obtain the parcel, federal prosecutors said in a statement. After initially failing to get the parcel, Corcino then communicated with an undercover federal agent in a further attempt to get the drugs.

Court documents valued the 23 kilograms of cocaine at over $500,000. Corcino was held following a hearing Friday. Read more.

Also in the Merrimack Valley

1 Week After Reopening, Just 12 Active Cases At Merrimack College

Merrimack College had just 12 active coronavirus cases, Thursday, more than a week after the school resumed in-person classes, North Andover reported. The College went remote-only Sept. 28, following a coronavirus outbreak at its Monican Hall dormitory. At that point, 88 active cases were linked to the virus.

With new cases falling, in-person classes resumed Oct. 7 and the outbreak appears to have remained under control.

Andover Superintendent Resigns, Will Remain Until End Of December

Superintendent Sheldon Berman will leave Andover schools in the middle of the year, after five years with the district, citing his wife's work. Berman's tenure was marked by controversy, most recently when the teachers union voted no confidence in him over the administration's handling of reopening.

The union staged an action where they refused to enter buildings for professional development. The state labor relations board declared the action, which lasted only a day, an illegal strike.

Across Massachusetts

More Than 550K Ballots Cast In Massachusetts Mail-In, Early Voting

For a second straight day, Boston voters cast ballots at Fenway Park Sunday. More than 4,000 people voted there this weekend.

First-Of-Its-Kind Program Gets Some Chelsea Families 'No Strings Attached'

More than 2,000 families chosen by a lottery system will be able to use this money for food and other necessities.

Girl, 11, Abducted Off Worcester Street, Fights Off Kidnappers

Police have arrested a 51-year-old Hudson man in connection to the attempted kidnapping.

Man Accused Of Leaving Needles At Gov. Baker's Swampscott Home

The Hyde Park man was hit with a stay-away order after he was accused of leaving the needles near the lawn as part of a protest last month.

Woman Charged With Attacking Vietnam Vet Trump Supporter

A Douglas woman is facing charges after she allegedly assaulted a Vietnam veteran supporting President Donald Trump, police said.

And finally today: It's not too late to get out and see some beautiful fall foliage. The 2020 Fall Foliage Prediction Map is out so you can plan trips to see autumn in all its splendor in Massachusetts and other U.S. states.