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Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
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"Citing several concerns - including the hiring process - town councilors explored the possibility of revising the town charter.
The council invited several members from past charter reviews to discuss their efforts and offer their suggestions about future amendment, if any.
James Dacey, the chairman of the 1995 review commission, said his group was formed in response to a specific situation: the town council ballooning to 17 members. His commission recommended several changes that were adopted, including a nine-member council with concurrent, two-year terms."
"State officials determined that a propane leak caused a 2015 explosion that killed two people, though other facts have yet to be determined.
Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished as the result of the blast, which took place at their condominium at 58 Tuscany Drive on Oct. 10.
State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey - along with Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher and Police Chief Thomas Lynch - announced the results of their investigation on Wednesday.
According to a release from the fire marshal's office, the leak came from one of two sources - a gas fireplace or the unit's heating system - and the cause of the ignition is still unknown. As that morning was cool, the release states, the heating system could have turned on - though the possibility that the fireplace was left running has not been ruled out. The unit's gas piping and burner have been set for future testing - that investigation will be undertaken independently by the involved insurance companies."
"Dueling language in House and Senate bills updating the state's English language learning law - passed by voters more than a decade ago - has left key backers with mixed opinions about whether it can advance to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk in the remaining four months of the legislative session.
"We're at a point now where we are so far apart on details that we care about, so I'm not sure if we can do something. I'm hopeful that we can come together," said Sen. Sal DiDomenico, the original Senate sponsor, who said he plans to discuss differences between the bills with House sponsor Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez.
House and Senate lawmakers plan to meet in informal sessions for the remainder of the year where it's unlikely that controversial legislation will be advanced without a compromise on the measure between both branches.
"Massachusetts farmers are finally getting the help they need after a long, dry summer and drought has devastated some local crops.
Thanks to the summer-long drought, four counties in Massachusetts are now eligible for Emergency Loan assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as of Aug. 31.
The counties of Worcester, Middlesex, Franklin and Essex are now eligible for the assistance.
To receive the designation, a county has to be designated as being in a severe drought - according to the U.S. Drought Monitor – for eight consecutive weeks and/or have a higher drought intensity value for any amount of time."
"The Class of 2016 won a state title, two Div. 1 South titles, went to three straight South finals, and won the Kelley-Rex division four times. That is quite a legacy for the program and, while he has a number of new faces to try and incorporate into the lineup, head coach Tom Geysen is confident that this year’s Panthers will be team to contend with by the end of the season.
One reason for optimism is the combination of sophomore Halle Atkinson and junior Jess Krouschl up front (once Kroushl comes back from a niggling injury). Both players saw time in the attack last season and showed the potential to be a strong pairing with one as the forward or playing as the wings. The forwards will be helped by energetic midfielders Molly Duncan and Ellie Teixeira, two more players who saw plenty of playing time down the stretch in 2015.
Defensively, Franklin returns one half of its back four. Nadia Havens will continue as an outside back, while Abby Gibson, who stepped in to have a strong season on the outside last fall, will move in as one of the centerbacks. Junior Kat Robbins will take over from Dani Lonati between the pipes.
Geysen said, “We’re thin and we’re green…It’s a work in progress. But, by the end of the season I think we’ll give people a test.”
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FHS Panthers |
"The Panthers have a lot of new pieces in the lineup this season but Hatim Brahimi’s presence in the midfield will help make that transition easier. Speaking of transition, Brahimi is one of the best in helping a team move from defense into an attack. He’s solid with the ball at his feet and is able to spring teammates into open space. If a teammate is making a run into the final third, expect Brahimi to be able to deliver, whether it be on the ground or in the air, and even in the tightest of spaces. He’s confident with the ball at his feet and takes his time in the midfield, without forcing things. In the final third, Brahimi can be a tough to deal with because of his ability to find teammates or finish himself."
"The Town Council is scheduled to discuss the town charter, and may decide to formally review the document.
The council, which is meeting Wednesday, Sept. 7, is slated to consider the results of previous charter revisions.
Council members have suggested a commission go through the document and suggest changes, citing certain issues - like the terms and elections of councilors - that could cause problems in the future. Since all nine councilors are elected at the same time because the town does not stagger terms, officials have said they fear a council comprised of all new members."
"According to the DOT, a trip from the New York border to Boston along the turnpike that currently costs $6.60 will go down to $6.15 under the proposed structure for a state-issued E-ZPass holder.
But if fees the state proposes for drivers who don't travel the turnpike with an E-ZPass are approved by the board next month, motorists will pay a 60-cent mailing and processing fee after a camera captures their registration information from their license plate and sends them a bill. Additionally, drivers without E-Z Pass will pay an additional 30 cents per gantry for each gantry they pass under.
Otto Lies of Holden said he often has relatives visit from out of state, and asked why they should have to pay what could amount to a few dollars more per trip for not going through the work of getting a free E-ZPass transponder. He said he didn't have a problem with the mailing fee, or perhaps even a single levy of the 30-cent gantry fee.
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Devices on new gantries above the Massachusetts Turnpike will soon collect tolls. For now, they’re capturing data on driving speeds.- ARAM BOGHOSIAN FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE |
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The start of the Ladybug 5K in 2015 |
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | |||
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Norfolk Deeds consumer alert webpage |
Meet with representatives and students from a variety of private and independent high schools in the Metrowest area, Boston, Worcester, and northern Rhode Island. This year representatives and students from the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School and Norfolk Aggie will be in attendance.
This free event is open to BFCCPS 8th graders as well as members of the surrounding communities. Please note that the student’s parent or guardian must be in attendance in order to gain admission to the event. Please contact Mrs. McCoy with any questions.
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High School Fair at BFCCPS - Sep 13 |