Award-Winning Light Display Leads To Traffic Jams: Patch PM

WILMINGTON, MA — It's Friday, Dec. 11. Here's what Patch has been covering in the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts today.

Wilmington police warned of traffic backups around the award-winning Concord Street light display after the display won ABC's "Great Christmas Light Fight" Wednesday.

This is not the first year the display has caused traffic, according to Deputy Chief Brian Pupa — the display has received local media attention in the past — but they anticipated an uptick with the national spotlight.

The Fiore family's display, which features a constructed "Christmas village" in front of their home, earned them $50,000 on ABC's annual decorating competition Wednesday. The episode was filmed last year but Charles Fiore, who spearheads the display, said they built almost exactly the same thing this year so people could see what they saw on television in person. Read More.

Also in the Merrimack Valley

Tewksbury School Committee: We're Investigating Union Complaints

The Tewksbury School Committee said they are investigating the teachers union's complaints about the administration Wednesday, but they are not ready to take action.

The Tewksbury Teachers Association voted no confidence in the superintendent and assistant superintendent Nov. 23. The Committee commented on the vote Wednesday in response to a public commenters questions at their regular meeting.

Union members who attended the Nov. 23 meeting voted overwhelmingly in favor of the no confidence motion. Union officials cited unprofessional behavior as the reason for the Tewskbury Teacher Association's vote.

Five Guys Location To Open In North Andover Monday

A new Five Guys Burgers and Fries location is set to open in North Andover Monday, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

Five Guys offers burgers, fries, hot dogs, sandwiches and milkshakes, as well as complimentary peanuts.

The nearest locations to the new North Andover restaurant are in Dracut and Salem, New Hampshire.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera Will Head MassDevelopment

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera was named the new CEO of MassDevelopment, the agency said Thursday. Gov. Charlie Baker nominated Rivera and the agency's board voted unanimously to confirm him.

The Democratic mayor, an ally of the Republican governor, will succeed Lauren Liss as CEO of the semi-public development and finance agency. The agency helps finance housing, cultural and business development.

Westford Begins Search For New Superintendent Of Schools

Superintendent Bill Olsen is retiring at the end of this school year, and the school committee hopes to find a permanent replacement by next July.

Andover Police Tips On Stopping Holiday Season Porch Pirates

Andover police have not received any complaints about package theft recently — but they usually see an increase this time of year.

Tewksbury Man Indicted on Bank Robbery Charge

A 37-year-old Tewksbury man was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday in connection with a Sept. 22 bank robbery.

Across Massachusetts

Two Former State Police Troopers Charged In Overtime Scheme

The troopers are accused of shredding and burning evidence of embezzlement and fraud, among other things.

Man Charged With Murdering His Parents In Middleborough Home

Ryan True, 21, was arrested after his parents' bodies were found in their home Thursday morning.

Boston Conference Led To 330K+ Coronavirus Infections: Study

The Biogen conference in February was a coronavirus superspreader event like few others, according to a study in the journal Science.

Santa Speedo Run Still On In Boston Area This Weekend

But organizers are nixing the usual run through the city featuring hordes of Santas in skimpy outfits.

John Oliver Is Running For Newton City Council

No, not the TV Host. This John Oliver has lived in Newton for the past 18 years and plans to prioritize affordable housing, he said.

And finally today:

Patch is still collecting submissions for our tour of the Merrimack Valley's best holiday light displays, with recent additions in Haverhill and Andover. Check out the current guide and learn how to get your display on the list.