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Politics in Hopkinton, MA

Select Board Member charged with OUI

LaFreniere stated, "I fully accept this. It's my fault entirely." LaFreniere told police that she did not want any special treatment. She will attend tonight’s Select Board meeting, knowing that there will be comments aimed at her during the public forum. She said, “I'll be judged harshly. Let the chips fall where they may.”

LTE to SB: How will you fix Miserable Failure by our Senior-most Town Officials?

Timothy Boivin addressed the Hopkinton Select Board to express frustration about repeated appearances over seven months seeking accountability for the mishandling of personal information in a child rape case. He criticized various officials and the Town Government for lack of responsibility and transparency, calling for resignations and systemic improvements.

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A Dark Day for America

The editor reflects on witnessing an assassination attempt on former President Trump, drawing parallels with past attacks on presidents Reagan and Roosevelt.

HDTC Flexes; McSweeney Appointed to School Committee

In a 5-4 vote split along party lines, Kyla McSweeney was selected to fill Adam Munroe’s term on the School Committee, defeating Brendan Tedstone. Despite pressure on key members, McSweeney garnered support primarily from the Democratic Town Committee, while some highlighted Tedstone's negotiation experience. McSweeney will serve until May 2025.

DTC Launches Campaign to Push McSweeney for School Committee

The Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC) urged members to support Kyla McSweeney for School Committee through letter writing or public comment. Concurrently, a whisper campaign against her opponent, Brendan Tedstone, citing a past incident, has emerged. The Select Board and School Committee will vote tonight amid reported political pressures.

School Committee Candidate has History of Legal Trouble

A School Committee candidate has a complex history including a serious mental health diagnosis, multiple legal issues, and unclear residency status.

Brennan Back on the Agenda

Newly elected Select Board members Brian Herr and Joe Clark will lead a review of the handling of former Police Officer Timothy Brennan's case on June 4. They criticized the past board's decisions, stating it failed to reflect public sentiment. The meeting will be available live on HCAM and via Zoom.

Rte. 85 Billboard Replacement

Wit Wolfe is a satirist who shares his observations on the lighter side of...

By the Numbers: Voter Turnout Propelled Herr, Clark and Hopkins School

On Monday, May 20, Hopkinton saw a substantial voter turnout of 2,919, a notable 49% increase from the previous May 2023 election, marking the highest recent turnout, though not surpassing the historical record set in 1998. High engagement was driven by a competitive Select Board race and several crucial propositions. Voter participation reached 21.8% of registered voters. Town Clerk Connor Degan highlighted that any turnout above 20% is considered good for local elections.

Casady Resigns from the HDTC

Ilana Casady resigned from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee, citing misalignment with its values and leadership issues. This follows the recent resignations of Shahidul and Nasiba Mannan from the same committee. Casady criticized the previous chair for damaging the group's credibility and expressed hope for better representation in the town.

Mannans Resign from HDTC

Following a defeat in securing the Chair of the Select Board, Shahidul Mannan and his wife, Nasiba, announced their resignations from the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee (HDTC).

Watch: Residents Demand Herr for Chair – and Get It

In tonight's Select Board meeting, residents overwhelmingly supported Brian Herr for Chair, citing his extensive experience and recent electoral success. After adjusting the meeting’s agenda, public support was evident during the forum. The board vote deadlocked at 2-2, with Mary Jo Lafreniere casting the decisive vote for Herr, citing the need for a period of calm in the town. Herr then assumed leadership, and Mary Jo Lafreniere was elected Vice Chair, supported by Herr, in what might be her last year on the board.

Clark and Herr Earn Seats on the Select Board

In the 2024 Town Election, Joe Clark and Brian Herr won seats on the Hopkinton Select Board, securing 34% and 33% of the votes respectively. Precincts showed varying support, with Clark winning in three of the five precincts. Both victors emphasized their dedication to budget management and the successful completion of school projects. The Select Board will choose their Chair and Vice Chair in an upcoming meeting. Votes not yet counted are unlikely to impact the overall election result.

Polls Are Open; Watch Live Election Results

Today is Election Day in Hopkinton with polls open at Hopkinton Middle School until 8:00 PM. Over 800 mail-in ballots have been collected, about 40% of those distributed. Voter assistance is available for those with vision or hearing impairments. Live election results will be broadcast tonight at 8:00 PM on HCAM-TV.

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Hopkintoon: Thank You, Tim Kilduff!

Tim Kilduff steps down as Chair of the Chamber of Commerce to dedicate his time to the new International Marathon Center.

Walter & Nicholas: A Tale (Tail) of Two Dogs

Walter and his BFF, Nicholas, are two adorable dogs, whose lives of struggle caused them to cross paths creating a friendship that is truly special. Although their individual struggles are composed of widely different experiences, they share a mutually beneficial relationship with each other, and we at Baypath hope to find a family where they can remain together.

Linda L. Morales, 76, of Hopkinton, passed away on Sunday, January 12

In her younger years, Linda enjoyed camping throughout New England with her family, bowling, and various crafts including sewing and crocheting macramé chairs. Later on, you might find her chasing the shade in the yard while reading a good book or sitting on the deck overlooking Lake Maspenock enjoying the view.

Anthony Shaker, 80, passed away on Saturday, January 11

Anthony is survived by his daughter, Lindsay McDermott of Hopkinton; his siblings, Joyce Bodak and her husband Michael of Southwick, MA, Thomas Shaker and his wife Nancy of Westfield, MA; sister-in-law, Jane Maheu of New Seabury, MA; 5 grandchildren, Conor, Taylor, Madison, Piper and Brody of Hopkinton; as well as his nieces and nephews, Cheryl Sunshine, Mark Bodak, Tyler, Nicole and Ryan Maheu, and Courtney Sullivan. He is predeceased by his brother-in-law, Ronald Maheu, and nephew, Ben Shaker.