Police gain a new station but lose a finger

So you wanna be a cop, eh?

A Lowell man is charged with biting off the right index finger of Officer Richard Hovasse during a fight. The finger was reattached at Choate Hospital, prognosis unknown. Officer Clifford McKeon said he was kicked in the face by the same man. Donald M. Ryan, 40, of 23 Lenox Street, was arraigned at Woburn District Court on charges of drunkenness, disturbing the peace in a private home, trespassing — and assaulting a police officer. Assisting at the scene were officers Charles Chicariello and Louis Rose.

Officer Hovasse lost a finger on his left hand a few years prior, in another fight while on the job.

Two Texaco stations robbed

Four men, all about 20 years old, robbed the Texaco station at 102 Cambridge Street. Gas station attendant Paul Connor of Woburn says the four men pulled up in a white sedan at 10:20, when the station was about to close, displayed a pistol, and rode off with about $40 from the cash register. Inspector Jerry Crocker is investigating.

A few days later, Ned’s Texaco at 49 Middlesex Turnpike was broken into overnight. Thieves stole six tires worth around $180 total. Officer Carl Christiansen is investigating.

Lahey Clinic might come to Burlington

The hospital has outgrown its Kenmore Square location, says Spaulding & Slye, developers of New England Executive Park next to the Burlington Mall. The company bought some land from United Carr Inc. to set the stage for Lahey.

George Slye told selectmen the hospital would boost and stabilize the value of area properties and bring Burlington an annual payroll of about $8.5 million, and bring an influx of smart hospital professionals to live in and around Burlington.

Merit finalists

David Fitch of 44 Westwood Street and Bruce Hiscock of 13 Alcine Lane are finalists for National Merit Scholarship finalists. This means they’re been selected as honor students of exceptional intellectual attainment and promise. Every year, the organization hands out 1000 scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each.

BHS students plan literary magazine

The 35-page publication would round up materials from the English, art and photography departments and would cost money to buy. Journalism teacher Joanne Bahls would oversee the project. BHS senior Christine Meto would be aesthetics editor. Senior Carla Alberghini would be financial editor. David Blacklock would be art editor. Sophomore Brian Finlayson and freshman Frank Saia would handle advertising and photography. Bahls says the magazine will not compete with the two-year-old Devil’s Advocate newspaper, which handles hard news.

Phillips Academy and Andover’s public high school have launched literary magazines with some success, says Bahls. The Burlington group is hoping to sell copies to parents attending school functions and at least break even financially.