The Hopkinton Select Board bid farewell to Town Manager Norman Khumalo, commended for guiding the town through growth and sound financial management. Public Forum had calls for a Citizen of the Year initiative, debate on police chief's administrative leave, a police union complaint on promotion processes, and Member Mannan recounting racial attacks. Elaine Lazarus was named Interim Town Manager, and after interviews, Sergeant Scott van Raalten was appointed as Lieutenant.

Hopkinton celebrated the addition of two new fire trucks with a traditional Push-In Ceremony, attended by townspeople, officials, and firefighters. Chief Daugherty highlighted the trucks' significance as symbols of commitment to fire safety, advanced rescue capabilities, and community support. The event was marked by a live dispatch, underscoring the responders' readiness and dedication. Select Board Chair Kramer reflected on the connection between the town's heritage and future, emphasizing the importance of seeing firefighters in action.

Over twenty Hopkinton firefighters engaged in annual drills at the Auburn training facility, practicing skills like search and rescue. The session also allowed them to use new equipment. While field fires are rare, the training is crucial for maintaining vital skills and provides a safe space to learn from mistakes.

The Select Board revisited Police Chief Bennett's performance, addressing his accomplishments and challenged hiring initiatives. Bennett faced criticism for unfulfilled leadership roles, notably the prolonged vacancy of the Lieutenant spot. Tensions rose around accusations of Bennett fostering a hostile work environment and retaliation, resulting in a conflict-laden review that questioned the department's leadership effectiveness and transparency.

On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the Hopkinton Select Board attempted to conduct a performance...

This week in Mayberry, Shane got nabbed for boosting $1,200 worth of loot, and Robson was busted for a boozy joyride. Meanwhile, the town dealt with phantom smells, icy roads, and canine chaos (dogs running amok!). Fraudsters posed as electricians, and potholes claimed another victim's tire – talk about rolling through the week with surprises around every corner!

In Hopkinton, amidst discussions on leadership and departmental morale, the Select Board appointed Kyle Quinzani as a new police officer. This comes at a time when the Hopkinton Police Department is experiencing notable turnover, having lost 11 officers between 2021 and 2022. The challenges facing the department are multi-faceted, involving both internal issues such as morale, affected by tragedies and limited promotion opportunities, and external pressures like financial constraints linked to historical policies. This situation paints a picture of a department in transition, grappling with both legacy issues and the need for modern solutions to retain and motivate staff. For those interested in the dynamics of local governance, public administration, and community policing, the full story behind Hopkinton's efforts to stabilize its police department offers valuable insights. Log in or subscribe for access to an in-depth exploration of how the town and our leaders are addressed this complex issue.

This week in Mayberry: Excavator escort, raccoon ruckus, and matrimonial mystery. Lost pups and lurking vans stir the pot, while the quest for cash turns suspicious. Oh, and another raccoon!

In the Hopkinton hustle, Officer Diaz multitasks as a plumber while our canine friends enjoy unsanctioned strolls and mistaken contractors start hot tub parties uninvited. An array of bizarre incidents keeps the local PD hopping, from vehicular animal crashes to impromptu trespassing DoorDash escapades. Meanwhile, wild bobcats mistake roads for habitats, and inanimate seat cushions dream of jaywalking.

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.

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!