HomeNews

News in Hopkinton, MA

GPS Disabled in all Hopkinton Police Vehicles

On February 27, HopNews requested 13 months of Hopkinton Police vehicle GPS data, which was denied as the department doesn't log such information. Officers confirmed the systems were disabled. In contrast, the Fire Department's GPS is operational. The police GPS's inoperability affects emergency response efficiency, officer accountability, and public safety. The issue will be addressed by the Select Board. Restoring GPS is vital for safety and trust in the police force.

MetroWest YMCA announces $5MM in federal funding, Honors Hoyt’s at Marathon Community Breakfast

The MetroWest YMCA hosted their Marathon Community Breakfast and Annual Campaign Kick-off at The Sheraton in Framingham, March 14. A room packed with local and state elected officials, notable members of the Boston Marathon community, and various supporters, listened to President & CEO of the...

Keep exploring

Fogg: Hopkinton Belongs to All of Us, Not Just The HDTC

Nancy Drawe criticized Hopkinton citizens for their unkind behavior at Select Board meetings, but Ashley Fogg defends the public's right to speak out. Drawe's suggestion that dissenters run for office is called tone-deaf, citing harassment by the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) against non-endorsed candidates as a deterrent to civic engagement. The author asserts that free speech must be respected without intimidation or harassment, especially as a new election cycle approaches.

Gronk Named as Grand Marshal for 2024 Boston Marathon

Rob Gronkowski has been honored with the 2024 Patriots’ Award by the B.A.A. for patriotism, philanthropy, and inspiration. Known for his football prowess, he's impactful off-field, founding the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation and the Gronk Playground project. He'll also serve as Grand Marshal for the Boston Marathon, embodying sportsmanship and community support.

Dedicated Volunteer Barbara Wirzburger passes at 83

Barbara F. Wirzburger, aged 83, passed away in Hopkinton. A Northeastern graduate, she was an Activities Director, Registrar of Voters, volunteer, and club member. An animal lover, artist, and family-oriented woman, she leaves behind three daughters, two stepsons, and seven grandchildren. Services are on March 15; donations preferred to Baypath Humane Society.

Hopkinton Police Incident Log for March 11, 2024

Hopkinton PD's zany week: A missing wife turns up at the library (Spoiler: she wasn't 'booked' for anything), a smoke scare turned out to be a dryer's steamy performance, and a suspicious car saga concluded with an Amazon package pass-off. Seatbelt squabbles and evasive deer in the aqua-abyss also kept the officers on their toes!

Geraldine Docherty passes at 88

Geraldine E. Docherty, 88, of Upton, passed away and is survived by her children and 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A former valedictorian nurse, she was active in her community, including the Hopkinton Senior Center. A visitation is scheduled for March 15, with a private burial to follow. Donations can be made to Friends of the Hopkinton Seniors.

Backtracking, Select Board will not Review Police Chief on Tuesday

During the Hopkinton Select Board's mid-year review, Chair Muriel Kramer detailed Chief Joseph Bennett's failures, including hiring issues, no body cams, an absent drug policy, and alleged insubordination. The Board delayed their review to March 12, but the subsequent agenda omitted it, focusing on other matters, frustrating local residents who openly criticized Bennett's self-assessment.

Opinion: Chief Joe Bennett’s Self Review – A Lesson in Arrogance

Residents Gayle and Scott Ober criticized Chief Joe Bennett's mid-year self-review for lacking substance and specificity. They detailed that his self-assessment failed to provide tangible evidence of accomplishments or meaningful progress in important areas such as community outreach and officer recruitment. The Obers accused Bennett and the Select Board of using vague claims and trivial matters to mask inactivity and a lack of proactive policing in Hopkinton. They pointed out violations of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a toxic work culture, expressing distrust in the Board's oversight and asking for accountability.

Project Just Because Club Announces upcoming Walkathon

The Project Just Because Club at Hopkinton High School is hosting a fundraising Saint Patrick’s Day Walkathon on March 13, from 3-5 p.m. at the HHS Athletic Center. Participants can form teams to walk for donations, with the top fundraisers keeping 20% for a charity of choice. Registration and sponsorship details are available online, with further information obtainable from walkathon coordinators.

Episode 10 of The HopTake: No Action Indeed

On this episode, Peter and Amy are joined by State Representative James Arena-DeRosa, who represents Middlesex's 8th District. The trio discuss the Eversource LNG plant, his work at the state house to help Hopkinton mitigate PFAS in our water, and his ideas for sustainably funding HCAM-TV. In the news, we cover the Select Board's decision to take "no action" on the police chief, Governor Maura Healey swings through town, and we explore the plans for a replacement building for Hopkinton Drug. Plus, a brief history of the monuments that adorn the Town Common.

Select Board Clarifies “No Action” Decision on Chief

The Hopkinton Select Board announced it won't act against Police Chief Joseph Bennett until the Northwestern District Attorney’s report in May, respecting its request to avoid interfering with the ongoing investigation. Despite public pressure, the statement didn't preclude Bennett's continuance as the First Assistant District Attorney Gagne confirmed the statement's validity.

Gov. Healey Swings Through Hopkinton, Promotes Life Sciences Bill

Today, Governor Maura Healey visited Hopkinton on a roadshow to promote the Mass Leads...

The Marathon and the Mess We’re In

The Hopkinton Select Board held an Executive Session to discuss Police Chief Joseph Bennett's employment after facing criticism over his performance and handling of sensitive information. Despite recent issues, former officer Pat O'Brien defended Bennett, citing his role in the upcoming Boston Marathon security and suggesting others may also be culpable. Issues like understaffed leadership positions and lack of a succession plan were raised. Timothy Boivin, a Hopkinton resident, criticizes Bennett for poor leadership and supports the Select Board’s potential decision to suspend him.

Latest articles

GPS Disabled in all Hopkinton Police Vehicles

On February 27, HopNews requested 13 months of Hopkinton Police vehicle GPS data, which was denied as the department doesn't log such information. Officers confirmed the systems were disabled. In contrast, the Fire Department's GPS is operational. The police GPS's inoperability affects emergency response efficiency, officer accountability, and public safety. The issue will be addressed by the Select Board. Restoring GPS is vital for safety and trust in the police force.

MetroWest YMCA announces $5MM in federal funding, Honors Hoyt’s at Marathon Community Breakfast

The MetroWest YMCA hosted their Marathon Community Breakfast and Annual Campaign Kick-off at The...

Fogg: Hopkinton Belongs to All of Us, Not Just The HDTC

Nancy Drawe criticized Hopkinton citizens for their unkind behavior at Select Board meetings, but Ashley Fogg defends the public's right to speak out. Drawe's suggestion that dissenters run for office is called tone-deaf, citing harassment by the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) against non-endorsed candidates as a deterrent to civic engagement. The author asserts that free speech must be respected without intimidation or harassment, especially as a new election cycle approaches.