News Nearby: Tisei's Campaign Shows Big Donation Gains

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

STONEHAM—Just a few weeks after announcing his campaign for Congress, Republican Richard Tisei has reason to smile—as well as an impressive pile of money, for a Republican running in a largely Democratic district.

The former State Senate minority leader and lieutenant governor candidate, who announced his candidacy for the state's 6th District congressional seat in mid-November, raked in $305,000 in the last seven weeks of 2011, according to a report by Roll Call.

MALDEN—The Malden Police Department announced the availability of a new iPhone and Android app for the department Thursday, as part of a broader effort to improve communication with residents across all mediums.

"My Police Department" or "MyPD" is available now for free in the iTunes and Android marketplace, and includes features for checking department news, social media postings, directions, department contacts, submitting feedback, asking questions, department surveys, submitting crime tips and more.

Users also have the availability to upload photos and GPS information with the app forms—for example, to report graffiti. It is not, however, for use in emergency calls.

MEDFORD—The technology of Medford Public Schools has been lagging, but will soon receive a shot of adrenaline.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night for the approval of $3.3 million to upgrade the schools’ aging technology infrastructure, including revamping the wireless internet system and adding new computers.  

WAKEFIELD—A Wakefield concrete company is in the process of cleaning more than 1,000 gallons of oil out of ground soil and testing the area's water supply and rivers after one of the company's underground tanks gave out last week.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Enviornmental Protection (Mass DEP), , located at 1 New Salem Street in Wakefield, filled a 1,000 gallon underground oil storage tank on Tuesday, January 3rd. By the next day, the entire tank was empty, indicating the oil had leaked out into the ground.