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Good Deed for the Day
December 9, 2009 — The owners of the Hummer, Alice and Ron Cohen discovered that bungee cords could not survive the stress of this activity. Nonetheless, after a Town of Hopkinton snowplow arrived with chains and failed also, the Cohens gave it one more try, but with the chains this time. They succeeded in pulling the school bus to a point where it could negotiate Wedgewood Road without help. According to the Cohens, the two students who were on the bus at the beginning of the route waited outside while the towing went on. Contributed photo. |
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State Police Release Details of Last Night's Kidnapping Search
State
troopers began searching for a dark colored vehicle (they did not have a
much better description than that). Troopers on the Turnpike set up a
rolling roadblock in order to slow traffic and assist in locating the
vehicle. At some point, MSP learned that the woman was able to exit the
car in
An MSP dispatcher monitoring the search for the suspect then used a computer database to search for the alleged suspect’s unique first name (Willian, with an ‘n’) and, after going through hundreds of names with more conventional spellings (i.e., Willam) located a person by that name – WILLIAN VIEIRA -- living at a residence in Natick. The dispatcher then further determined the vehicle associated with that person as a dark colored Dodge.
The
dispatcher then relayed that information to the troopers on the scene,
who accessed that suspect’s driver’s license photo from an RMV database
on a mobile laptop in a cruiser. The alleged victim made a positive
identification of the suspect on the cruiser laptop. State troopers and
State
Police continue to urge motorists to reduce their speed, leave extra
space between themselves and the car in front of them, and leave extra
time for travel during today’s storm. Troopers in western and central |
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State Police Offer Winter Driving Safety Tips The Massachusetts State Police urges motorists to be safe on the roads of the Commonwealth this winter. If possible, do not travel, or keep travel to a minimum during periods of winter weather in order to allow snow removal crews to clear the roadway. For those who need to drive in adverse winter weather conditions, the State Police recommend the following winter driving safety tips:
· · Vehicle Preparation: With a forecast of inclement weather, motorists should ensure that their vehicles are well maintained and properly equipped for winter driving. Motorists should check the fluid levels of their vehicles, particularly washer fluid and anti-freeze, to make sure that they are at adequate levels. Tires should be inspected to ensure that they are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Motorists should equip their vehicles with a snow shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight and some warm clothing and blankets. Additionally, motorists are reminded to completely clear their vehicles of snow and ice prior to driving including all lights for visibility. Clearing vehicles of snow and ice enhances the safety of all motorists by providing an unobstructed view to the operator and prevents snow and ice from flying off vehicles at high speeds and posing a hazard to others on the road. · Reduce Speed: Anticipate delays. Most winter weather related crashes are caused by “spin-outs” and vehicles sliding off the road due to excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions. Speed Limits are set for driving under optimal, dry conditions. If road and weather conditions are adverse, it may be more reasonable and proper to operate at a speed that is well below the posted limit. · Leave Extra Space Between Vehicles: Under optimal driving conditions, motorists should leave at least one car length for every ten miles per hour between them and the vehicle in front of them. If the road and weather conditions are adverse, that distance should be significantly increased in order to afford for increased stopping distances. · Black Ice: Transparent ice may form on the roadway. If you notice ice forming on anything it’s possible it may be on the road as well. Bridges are usually the first surfaces to freeze. · Buckle Up: Ensuring everyone in your vehicle is properly restrained is the single most effective thing that motorists can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe on the roads. · Dial 911 in Roadway Emergencies: In any weather conditions, motorists who become disabled or encounter an emergency on the roadways should dial 911 and report their location and the nature of the emergency. Motorists should always be aware of their location, noting the route they are traveling on and the number of the exit they most recently passed. |
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Buying? Selling? Call one of our experts. Things are starting to Move!!! H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S H O M E S |
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Miss the CBS Evening News Last Night? Big storm heading to New England |
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State Police Locate Kidnap Victim in Natick With GPS
Cruisers were dispatched to the area to
attempt to locate this vehicle. The vehicle exited onto Route 90
westbound. At 8:02 pm the caller stated she was jumping out. The
vehicle continued to take exit 13, Route 30 in
Investigation by State Police and
dispatchers led to a residence in |
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New Lieutenant Town manager earmarks $160,000 for fiber network improvement Legacy Farms refinancing in place
Above, Hopkinton Fire Chief Ken Clark, calling him a "top notch person" pins a Lieutenant's badge on newly promoted Lieutenant Thomas Poirier, at tonight's meeting of the Board of Selectmen. "We expect great things from him," said Chief Clark. December 8, 2009 — The Selectmen gave kudos to Director of Planning, Elaine Lazarus, as well as Sasaki Associates, for receiving an award from the Massachusetts chapter of the American Planning Association for their "East Hopkinton Land Use Strategy and Zoning Recommendations and the Resulting Open Space Mixed Use Development Overlay District." In other words, the plan given due in part by Boulder Capital for their Legacy Farms development on land purchased from Weston Nurseries. Boulder Capital, said principal Roy S. MacDowell Jr following Mionday night's Planning Board presentation, has now become Baystone development. "We're getting out of the lending business and sticking with developing," said Mr. MacDowell. "We got a successful extension of our loan. We look forward to working with Wells Fargo," he said. Mr. MacDowell, who appeared before the Planning Board with several consultants Monday evening, said that he hopes to get the design guidelines for the Legacy Farms Master Plan Special Permit approved by the Planning Board by February, 2010.
Technology Improvements
Town
Manager Norman Khumalo (File photo) pitched to the Selectmen an initiative to use the
approximately $160,000 payment to the town by Verizon for the privilege
of installing their television network in Hopkinton. The deal
Mr. Khumalo said that the agreement with Verizon allowed the town to use the funds for three purposes: 1. Local PEG [Public Educational Governmental] programming. 2. Institutional Network 3. Cable-related facility equipment Mr. Khumalo asked Selectmen to release the full amount of the funds to him, with the specifics of the uses to be discussed with the Board, but to earmark the funds specifically for building the Town and School fiber optic networks. Selectmen agreed unanimously, but not before Selectman RJ Dourney said that he wanted to fill "needs" with the money, not "wants." He also insisted that the school system has priority, because of the needs of the students for modern access. Dr. John Phelan was on hand to endorse Mr. Khumalo's proposal to invest further in technology services. He suggested such possibilities as cloud computing, virtual desktops and VOIP telephones. He said there are no phones in the classrooms of the Middle School to reach the office. Implementing VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and other technology improvements would save thousands, he said. |
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One-Stop Shopping at High School Boosters Store
Hopkinton High School students (left to right) Eric Guilmette (kneeling), Anthony Hutchins, Samantha Dwyer and Jennifer Lynds model some of the popular Hiller items available at the High School Boosters store. Shop early for the best selection! The store is open every weekday during lunch and will be open additional hours during the holiday season (see related sidebar.) Holiday Hours for High School Boosters Store Shop early, shop late at the High School Boosters store -- open extended holiday hours -- for your convenience!
Regular Hours: Open weekdays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Two Wednesdays a month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Special Holiday Hours: Fri., Dec. 11 – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (during Boys Basketball) Sat., Dec. 12 – 9 a.m. to noon (Varsity Track Meet) Mon., Dec. 14 -- 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tues., Dec. 15 -- 1:30 to 3:30 / 6 to 8 pm (Girls Basketball) Wed., Dec. 16 – 1:30 to 5 p.m. (Indoor Track Meet) Thurs., Dec. 17 – 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Fri., Dec. 18 -- 1:30 to 3:30 / 6 to 8 p.m. (Girls Basketball) Mon., Dec. 21 –1:30 to 5 p.m. (Indoor Track Meet) Tues., Dec. 22 -- 1:30- 3:30 / 6 to 8 p.m. (Boys Basketball) Wed., Dec. 23 – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. |
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A Gift Certificate for Food - Best Gift Ever! Lunch for under $6? Yes, at the Golden Spoon. |
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MetroWest YMCA at Hopkinton 2009 December VACATION CLUB December 28, 29, 30 and 31 8:30am-6:00pm For Children Currently in Grades K-6 Come to the YMCA for a week fun, games, adventures and so much more! · Sledding · Arts & Crafts · Sports · Games· Team Challenges · Field Trip
Our final activity schedule for this week and field trip destination is based on final enrollment numbers. You will receive an email by 12/22 with field trip and schedule information so please make sure to provide this information on your registration form. The last day to register for this program is Monday December 21st.
Participants can register for individual days or for the entire week: Rates are as follows: Day Rate: $ 50.00 per day for MetroWest YMCA Members $65.00 per day for non-members Week Rate (4 days): $180.00 for MetroWest YMCA Members $240.00 for non-members AM Care 7:00am-8:30am $8.00 a day For more information please contact Roberta Sinclair at 508-435-9345 or rsinclair@metrowestymca.org.Please note that we will be closing at 5:00pm on 12/31 (New Year’s Eve). |
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Crash on Route 90 in Grafton Kills Whitinsville Mechanic
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Brian
Paquette suggests that a 2006 Freightliner tractor-trailer unit owned by
Trans Spec Trucking of Millbury, which was disabled in the breakdown
lane and was being serviced, was struck by a 2008 Freightliner box
truck. After hitting the tractor-trailer, the box truck struck Dennis
Scott, 36, of Whitinsville, who was servicing the disabled
tractor-trailer and was standing near that truck’s cab. Scott was
pronounced deceased at the scene by
The box truck, which is owned by Ryder Truck
Rental and leased to Kayem Foods Inc., was driven by Kenneth Lava, 60,
of
The driver of the disabled tractor-trailer,
Tony Benoit, 33, of Charlton, was seated in the cab when his truck was
hit. Benoit was transported by ambulance to the University of
Massachusetts Medical Center in
After hitting the disabled truck and Scott, the box truck then struck the service truck that Scott had driven to respond to the disabled tractor-trailer. That truck, a 2007 Ford which is also owned by Trans Spec Trucking, was parked in the breakdown lane in front of the tractor trailer.
The facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by Troop E of the Massachusetts State Police, the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section, the State Police Crime Scene Services Section, and the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section. Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Highway Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Grafton Fire/Rescue Department. |
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Life Flight Transport
December 8, 2009 — MedFlight was used as a precaution, according to Hopkinton Fire Lt. Carl Harris, because of the nature of the patient's injuries. A man believed to be 30-35 years old fell 12 feet off of scaffolding on Ledgestone Drive this afternoon and was not mobile when firefighters arrived. The man complained of hip and shoulder pain, and was transported to the hospital by Boston MedFlight emergency helicopter, which landed at an EMC landing zone on South Street. |
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Free Pass
December 8, 2009 — A man sitting in a jaguar last evening, left, was questioned by Officer Patrick O'Brien, left, who cautioned him that his drinking could get him into trouble if he drove off in his vehicle. He advised him to call for a ride, which he did. Officers, from right, Stephen Buckley and Peter Booth responded for backup, because Officer O'Brien was on foot patrol. They waited until the man's driver arrived. |
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Senior Center Town Meeting Article Will be Pulled
December 8, 2009 — The Council on Aging is pulling the article requesting funding for the completion of the parking lot. It is important to us that the public understands what has been going on.
This article was originally scheduled for last May’s annual town meeting. We were asked to pull it and submit it for the fall special town meeting. So, that’s what we did. The Hopkinton Housing Authority has begun the process to build the additional housing next to the Senior Center and they were supposed to go out for bid in November. Due to this we felt it was most important for us to keep our article on the special town meeting warrant. Once building starts the Senior Center will lose some parking spaces and the over flow parking along the driveway and perimeter will no longer be allowed. Parking is often over crowed as it currently stands and we will be in a very difficult and dangerous situation when construction starts. Either way the parking is needed. The proposed parking lot was included in the original plans of the Senior Center to satisfy the Town’s parking requirements. It’s a shovel ready project as far as we know.
On Monday we were informed by the Housing Authority that bids did not open and will not open until March at the earliest. This new time frame allows us to pull the article and go to the next annual town meeting. It is always the Council on Aging’s intent to be cooperative with directives of the selectmen and to look after the safety of our senior citizens. We hope the residents will support our article in May.
Cindy Chesmore Director Hopkinton Senior Center 508-497-9730 ext. 17 |
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The Year in Pictures - HopNews - 2009
December 8, 2009 —
We've put together a slideshow of photos from 2009, and allowed our
program to generate the transitions
Most photos are by Principal photographer, Robert Falcione, many others by staff photogs, Ben Lewis, Eric Montville, David Sheehan, Jason Kenney, Heather Kelley. In addition, some readers and supporters (Thanks, Punky) sent their photos in also, which we truly do appreciate. Please enjoy the slideshow, and remember, if you want to dwell on a photo for a bit, just hit the pause button. |
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Explosion /Fire in Upton Hopkinton sends mutual aid UPDATED
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December 8, 2009 — Hopkinton Fire Department responded to Upton's request for mutual aid shortly before noon today following an explosion and subsequent fire at a ranch-style residence on Hartford Ave South in that town. The male resident, Elton Kent, a man in his late seventies, was welding in the basement at the time, which somehow set off the explosion. He was brought by Upton ambulance to Milford Regional for treatment of minor burns. His wife was also brought there as a precaution because of the possibility of smoke inhalation. |
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A Gift Certificate for Food - Best Gift Ever! Lunch for under $6? Yes, at the Golden Spoon. |
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E. David Cross, 79
He is survived by his cousins Mary-Jane Chiccarelli and her husband Thomas of Milford; Elizabeth (McBride) Donovan, John McBride, George McBride, J. Michael McBride, Richard McBride and Madeline McBride, all of Hopkinton; and Patricia (Cross) Jenson and Ronald Cross of Ohio. He is also survived by lifetime friend Bernard Doherty of Harwich.
The funeral will be held Friday, December 11, 2009 from the Callanan-Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church St., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 20 Church Street. Burial with military honors will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Hopkinton. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday December 10 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. |
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Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party
Believe it or Not, there are still some tickets left!
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Pedestrian Fatal Crash In Grafton
UPDATE: Investigation is ongoing into fatal crash on Route 90 West at mile marker 98.9 in Grafton. One fatality has been confirmed. We are not aware of any other injuries at this point. Preliminary evidence suggests the victim, who worked for a private company, had responded to service a truck that was disabled in the breakdown lane. That mechanic was standing near the cab of the disabled truck when he was struck by another passing truck. Two westbound lanes remain closed to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
State Police anticipate no further updates until mid- to late-afternoon.
Updates on three recent incidents:
-
The State Police investigation into yesterday’s tanker
rollover on Route 128 in
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The State Police investigation into last week’s fatal
crash on Route 3 in - Finally, the State Police investigation also continues in last week’s crash in which a truck hauling a crane rear-ended a school bus in Brimfield. State Police expect to reach a charging decision |
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TODAY! VOTE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY MIDDLE SCHOOL UNTIL 8:00 PM |
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Is He Real or Not?
December
7, 2009 —
Is He Real or Not?,
a short narrative film, focuses on one little girl's thought processes
after hearing that Santa's not real, and makes us question our beliefs
in Santa and in life. Is He Real or Not?
was filmed in December 2008/January 2009 in Hopkinton, MA, and
Shrewsbury, MA, with local actors from Hopkinton and the surrounding
area. The film was written by Hopkinton resident Karen Webb, directed
by Dawn Anderson, and produced by Dawn Anderson and Karen Webb. |
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A Gift Certificate for Food - Best Gift Ever! Lunch for under $6? Yes, at the Golden Spoon. |
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State Police Investigate
Fatal Crash on
Preliminary investigation by State Police Trooper Gerald D. Johnson
indicates that a Townsend man was operating a 2000 Dodge Ram van on
Route 90 East, when his vehicle crossed the median and veered across all
westbound travel lanes. The van then struck the guardrail in the
westbound breakdown lane, after which it struck a 2009 Chevrolet pick-up
truck operated by 45-year-old Christopher Merrill of
The operator of the van sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity is being withheld pending proper family notification.
Merrill and his passenger in the truck, 37-year-old James Godfrey of
Mendon, suffered serious injuries and were transported to
The facts and circumstances of the crash remain under investigation by Troop E of the Massachusetts State Police with the assistance of the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Ludlow Fire Department assisted troopers at the scene.
During the crash investigation, various lanes were closed intermittently for four hours. All lanes are now open. |
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Hopkinton Firm, Gorman Richardson Architects, Completes 25,000 SF Worcester Law Library
December 7, 2009 —
Hopkinton-based Gorman Richardson Architects is pleased to announce the
completion of the Worcester Law Library
GRA worked closely with the State Office of the Trial Court as well as the staff of the Worcester Law Library and the contractor -Vantage Builders from Waltham. Stack areas are now open and brightly lit with expansive windows as well as energy savings light fixtures. GRA selected all new finishes and color schemes to complement the historic building and provide a clean and modern appearance to all areas.
The program also included staff work areas and offices, climate controlled Rare Book Storage areas, and multipurpose conference and training rooms. WLL Head Librarian Suzanne Hoey is ecstatic about their new location and the functional aspects of the improved space.
Gorman Richardson Architects is an architectural and interiors firm located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, focused on advanced technology, public, commercial and retail projects, sustainable design and building envelope services. For additional information, please contact Scott Richardson at 508.544.2621 or srichardson@gra.net |
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December 7, 2009
Click above for full report
5:09 pm A Saddle Hill Road resident reports that an unknown party just entered his residence, and ran off when he saw that the house was occupied...
2:05 pm A South Mill Street resident reported a suspicious vehicle in the neighborhood...
3:52 am A Glen Road caller reported a vehicle in front of her house with someone sleeping inside it...
5:09 pm A Saddle Hill Road resident reports that an unknown party just entered his residence, and ran off when he saw that the house was occupied. |
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The treatment facility is still under appeal, but the town says it has cleared legal hurdles, and although there could be further appeals of the appeals that came down in the town's favor, the town has been cleared to move forward.
According to Mr. Herr, the motion for Article 2 will ask voters to approve $6.4 million.
"In the end, the liability to the Town via Phase VI users for this article will be approximately $2.8 million. This will net us an additional 304,000 gpd of additional waste water capacity," Mr. Herr wrote in an email exchange late Sunday evening.
Click on the title above to see the FAQ prepared by the Town Manger and the DPW. |
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Remember Pearl Harbor
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"Happy Anniversary, Donna." -Steve
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Smooch for a Pooch
December 6, 2009 — Santa didn't have to ask Brandy twice for a kiss today at Weston Nurseries as people brought their pets and their kids with their gift requests and received a free photo with him. |
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A Gift Certificate for Food - Best Gift Ever! Lunch for under $6? Yes, at the Golden Spoon. |
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Primarily Potters at CAA
December 6, 2009 — Carol Mecagni was one of several potters who displayed their winter wares at the CAA building on Hayden Rowe Street this weekend. The group displays throughout the area. |
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Picture Me
December 6, 2009 — Andrew Richardson was one of two artists at Hopkinton Drug offering caricatures of interested models. Pictured above with Mr. Richardson is eight year-old Justin McHale. The other artist (not pictured) was Ashley T. M. Jackson. |
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Music is the Best Medicine
December 6, 2009 — Hopkinton resident Dr. Bruce Karlin warms up before performing with the MetroWest Symphony Orchestra this afternoon at the High School Auditorium. Dr. Karlin is the Hopkinton Town Moderator, who officiates at the Town Meetings, and also has a medical show, Physician Focus, produced by HCAM television. |
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