Today’s Weather

Sunny, with a high near 58°. Northwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 33°. Northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Full forecast: National Weather Service

Community Snapshot

Opacum Land Trust recently held one of their first spring workdays at the Claire Birtz Wildlife Sanctuary in Southbridge. They cleaned the trail and spotted some unique wildlife along the way.

Yesterday’s Top Stories

Today’s Top Things

Friends of the Joshua Hyde Public Library Book Sale
Support the library by shopping at the Friends Book Sale! With such a great selection there will be something for everyone, don't miss it! 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Joshua Hyde Public Library, 304 Main Street, Sturbridge.

12 Crane Market - Farmers Market and Vendor Fair
Presented by the Dark Horse Tavern at 12 Crane Street in Southbridge, this event marks the first annual farmers market at this location. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Come down Saturday morning to browse through offerings by local farmers, makers, and small businesses.

Southbridge High School Group Art Exhibition at the Ruth Wells Center for the Arts
The Ruth Wells Center for the Arts has partnered with the Unified Arts program at Southbridge High School for this exhibition of fabric art, papier maché, collage, and more. Unified Arts, chaired by DC Clark, nourishes vital musical, visual, and performing arts exploration and experience for middle- and high school-age young people of Southbridge. Live reception music will be performed by the gifted UA students under the direction of DC Clark. Refreshments are provided and admission is free. 111 Main Street, Southbridge, from 12:00 p.m. - 2 p.m.

The arrest stems from an April 3 incident at an Auburn business, where a store clerk reported a male attempted to sell several electronic devices before returning moments later in a frantic state, according to Worcester police.

Investigators said the male went behind the counter to retrieve an item he had left inside one of the devices. When the clerk assisted him, the item was discovered to be a firearm. Police said the male also removed a second item described as a sock containing heavy objects before fleeing the store.

Auburn and Worcester detectives later identified the suspect as a juvenile.

Members of Worcester’s Crime Gun Unit and Gang Unit conducted surveillance at the teen’s residence and stopped him shortly after he left, police said. Based on the investigation and statements from the juvenile’s mother, detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence.

During the search, police said a firearm and ammunition were recovered.

The juvenile was taken into custody April 7 without incident. Auburn police continue to investigate the initial incident, and additional charges may be filed.

Robert Cheevers, 57, of East Boston, was taken into custody at his apartment by members of the Western Worcester County Major Crimes & Narcotics Task Force on multiple outstanding warrants. Cheevers is the son of former Boston Bruins goaltender Gary Cheevers, a Hockey Hall of Fame member.

Leicester police said Cheevers is charged with larceny over $1,200 by single scheme after investigators determined he allegedly took money from victims by offering professional sporting event tickets at reduced prices but never delivering them.

Authorities said Cheevers was also wanted on a similar charge out of Newburyport District Court, as well as a warrant from Clark County, Nevada, charging him with burglary, felony theft, and insufficient funds.

In a separate Newburyport case, Cheevers faces an additional larceny charge tied to what authorities described as a romance scam, in which a victim reported losing more than $48,000. He was arraigned Wednesday in Newburyport District Court and is due back April 29 for a pretrial hearing.

Cheevers was arraigned in East Brookfield District Court on the Leicester charges and is being held at the Worcester County Jail on cash bail.

Police said the investigation involved assistance from multiple agencies, including departments in Newburyport, North Andover, and Boston, as well as the Clark County District Attorney’s Office.

S3IDF recently expanded from a historical focus on international economic development to domestic philanthropy. Previously funded international projects have included clothing and textile recycling, refrigeration of harvested crops, composting, and community farming cooperatives. Funding priorities include organizations that alleviate poverty, encourage local entrepreneurship, and support socially and ecologically sustainable operations.

“The application process is open to any U.S. organization, but we strongly encourage local applicants from Massachusetts,” said Steve McAvene, program operations manager for S3IDF. “Parts of Southern Worcester County are economically vulnerable areas — precisely the type of socio-geographic area we are trying to impact.”

Projects that may qualify for support from The ReCirculate Collective include plastic recycling, clothing and household goods redistribution, and food chain efficiency improvements, among others.

“Circular economies need to be sustainable — not just from an environmental standpoint, but an economic one. We hope to empower organizations with the ability to be self-sustaining and scalable,” McAvene said.

The ReCirculate Collective is also seeking to build a community of reviewers to support its grant process. Reviewers will evaluate applications based on their alignment with S3IDF’s mission, each project’s effectiveness and sustainability, and potential socioeconomic impact. Reviewers are drawn from the organization’s donor pool as well as experts with experience in circular economies and economic development. Reviewers may also participate in follow-up meetings to track the progress of loan recipients.

Microloan recipients will have access to resources, a support community, and reporting tools through S3IDF to help promote their success.

“A secondary effect here is that it creates the space for a network of like-minded people, which we hope will enhance our ability to help these projects and organizations succeed,” McAvene said.

Businesses in the circular economy that are positioned for growth are encouraged to apply. Broad categories include food and agriculture, textiles and goods, electronics, clean energy, green infrastructure, and last-mile and local logistics, but any organization or project supporting resource efficiency, poverty alleviation, and sustainable systems is encouraged to seek information.

More information about S3IDF and the application process is available ats3idf.us. Those interested in discussing the opportunity further may contact McAvene at steve@s3idf.org.

Today’s Weather

Sunny, with a high near 67. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Tonight: A chance of showers, mainly between 11pm and 4am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. South wind 8 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Full forecast: National Weather Service

Community Snapshot

Southbridge Fire Department Chaplain Esteban Carrasco, Jr. assists the fire department in responding to a fire yesterday at 9 Twinehurst Street. Carrasco is the pastor at House of Destiny Church in Southbridge. Multiple mutual-aid fire departments ultimately responded to the three-alarm fire, and approximately 35–45 firefighters were involved in operations at the scene overall. This photo was taken by Brian Haggerty of Southbridge, who is retired from 29 years of service with the Southbridge Police Department.

Yesterday’s Top Stories

Today’s Top Things

Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library Book Sale
Visit the Friends of the Jacob Edwards Library Book Sale today from 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. at 236 Main Street, Southbridge. Stock up for spring on books, DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and plants. All proceeds benefit library programs. The sale will be open again tomorrow, Saturday, April 11 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m..

A Queen Candlelight Experience in Auburn
“Lumos brings you enchanting concert experiences paying homage to world famous artists. We've partnered with spectacular locations and churches across the UK and US to deliver a concert experience that is nothing short of magical.” Offered at First Congregational Church, 128 Central St., Auburn in two sittings. The first show is from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. and the second show is from 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. A classical Queen tribute. Seating is first come, first serve.

Jesse Vardigans, 30, surrendered at the Plainfield Police Department at approximately 1:30 p.m. on an active warrant signed by Windham Superior Court (GA-11). He is charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault and one count of unlawful restraint.

The charges stem from a reported sexual assault on June 20, 2024, which prompted a lengthy investigation by Plainfield police.

Vardigans was initially held on a $250,000 cash/surety bond pending his arraignment Friday in Danielson Superior Court. Police later said a bail commissioner reduced the bond to $25,000 cash/surety, and Vardigans remained in custody as of Thursday.

Court records show Vardigans was previously charged in September 2021 with witness intimidation and violating an abuse prevention order.

No additional details about the alleged assault were released.

SOUTHBRIDGE — At approximately 11:52 AM, the Southbridge 911 Dispatch Center received multiple calls reporting smoke from a residential building, with rear porches on fire, at 9 Twinehurst Street, a three-family apartment structure.

At 11:54 AM, Fire Chief Paul Normandin, while responding from the fire station, observed a large volume of black smoke and struck a second alarm. This brought all off-duty Southbridge Fire personnel back to the station and requested mutual aid fire companies to assist at the scene and provide station coverage.

Upon arrival, Engine 1 and Chief Normandin encountered fire involving the rear porches, which had extended into the second and third floors of the building. Additionally, the structures at 7 and 13 Twinehurst Street sustained exposure damage.

At 11:56 AM, a third alarm was requested for additional firefighting resources as crews continued suppression operations.

All residents safely self-evacuated prior to fire department arrival. Residents were assisted on scene by emergency personnel and were placed in contact with the American Red Cross, who were notified to assist displaced residents with support services.

One resident was transported to Harrington Memorial Hospital for evaluation of shortness of breath due to smoke inhalation.

Fire departments from surrounding communities assisted with suppression efforts and station coverage. Approximately 35–45 firefighters were involved in operations at the scene.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office, along with the Southbridge Fire Investigation Unit (FIU). The cause remains undetermined at this time.

Estimated damage is approximately $350,000 and will be reevaluated by insurance professionals.

The Southbridge Fire Department thanks their mutual aid partners for their assistance and commend the residents for evacuating quickly after hearing the fire alarms.

“Fran has the experience, passion, and vision to elevate TLGV’s impact and lead the organization into the future with excellence,” said Sandy Gibson-Quigley, Chair of TLGV’s Board. “After an in-depth search process, Fran’s commitment to and knowledge of the National Heritage Corridor, combined with her inspiring ability to connect and collaborate with our constituents, resulted in a unanimous Board decision to appoint her to the executive director position,” said Gibson-Quigley.

Kefalas began her career as a journalist, moving to the region several years after college to work as a reporter for the Norwich Bulletin. She quickly rose to substantial management roles at the Bulletin, serving over the years as the features editor, city editor, and editorial page editor. Kefalas was hired by TLGV as a communications and program coordinator in 2017, but her connection to the National Heritage Corridor runs much deeper and longer. She covered the hiring of Charlene Cutler as TLGV’s first part-time executive director in 1997.

Kefalas became TLGV’s assistant director in 2018 and has been responsible for the significant expansion of TLGV’s signature programs like Walktober and Spring Outdoors, and for the creation of new and exciting programs such as the annual Perseids Party, a free family camping weekend. She has greatly increased TLGV’s marketing efforts while also writing and managing production of TLGV’s In Touch member magazine and Explore! Guide to the National Heritage Corridor.

TLGV’s current executive director Lois Bruinooge is retiring in May after 20 years with the organization. Bruinooge began her tenure at TLGV in 2006 as deputy director and was appointed TLGV’s second executive director in 2014. Before joining the TLGV staff, Bruinooge was an accomplished environmental lawyer, serving in various roles with the Massachusetts

Department of Environmental Protection for more than a decade. Protecting waters and woods has always been her passion.

Bruinooge’s tenure at TLGV will leave a legacy. She led TLGV’s 2009 Source to Sea program, an effort to paddle the entire Thames River watershed and educate people about both the recreational opportunities and the environmental needs of the watershed. Source to Sea sparked an evolution in TLGV’s programming and led to the creation of almost 90 miles of National Recreation Water Trail in the Corridor. It helped expand TLGV’s water quality monitoring program and spurred the Organization to begin monitoring bald eagles and coordinating the mid winter eagle survey in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Source to Sea also led to the creation of TLGV’s trail assessment program, which provides accessibility information for people with mobility challenges.

Under Bruinooge’s leadership, TLGV has strengthened ties with agricultural producers to enhance their sustainability, collaborated with land trusts to improve conservation capacity, and partnered with historic and cultural organizations to interpret and preserve Corridor resources. During her tenure, TLGV launched its member magazine, In Touch, and doubled Walktober participation in both the number of activities and the number of people attending. Year-round programming also increased substantially, including the launch of youth programs and Adventure Camp. Bruinooge also spearheaded the Southern New England Heritage Forest project, leading 20 partners who turned $6.1 million in USDA funding into $13.7 million infused into the region’s conservation efforts and hundreds of acres of land conserved.

“During Lois’s time with TLGV, we have increased non-federal revenue, established two endowment funds, and improved our financial stability. We have made significant progress towards our strategic priorities including preparations for an innovative discovery center and hub for the National Heritage Corridor that is anchored in the ideals of community, outreach and education,” said Gibson-Quigley. “Lois is always professional and personable. While we will miss her creative, engaged, and inspiring leadership, we are excited to embark on our next phase of growth and are pleased to welcome Fran as the right person to help us do so.”

The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor is the last stretch of dark night sky in the coastal sprawl between Boston and Washington, D.C. The Last Green Valley, Inc. is a member-supported, non-profit organization working for you in the National Heritage Corridor. Together we can care for, enjoy and pass on The Last Green Valley!

Selectmen Chairman John Eul said Tuesday that the final round of oral reviews was completed earlier in the day, and consultants are expected to select “three or four” candidates to move forward.

Those candidates will participate in an assessment center scheduled for April 28, part of a multi-step process led by Russ Stevens of Public Safety Consultants, LLC.

“It’s moving fast,” Eul said.

The assessment center, run by retired police chiefs, will further narrow the field to two or three finalists, who are expected to return for additional interviews with department heads before appearing before the board of selectmen.

Eul said finalists will ultimately be interviewed by the board in a structured process, with candidates sequestered while others are questioned.

“They’ll whittle it down to say two, maybe three, tops, candidates that will come before us,” Eul said.

Selectmen will then review feedback from the consultant and make the final appointment.

Eul said he hopes the decision could come after the town’s May 19 election, which may bring a new member to the board.

The town has not disclosed whether any internal candidates remain in consideration. Oxford Police Lt. Jeromy Grniet had previously been confirmed by the department as a candidate earlier in the process.

The position became open following the departure of former Police Chief Michael K. Daniels, who left in December to become chief of the Canton Police Department. Daniels had served as Oxford’s chief since 2023.

Peter McGowan has been serving as interim police chief since Feb. 18 and will lead the department until a permanent chief is selected. According to his LinkedIn profile, McGowan previously served as police chief in Millis from 2004 to 2011 and later led the Dover Police Department from 2011 through September 2023.

Today’s Weather

Sunny, with a high near 57°. Light southwest wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Winds could gust as high as 22 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 32°. Southwest wind 5 to 8 mph.

Full forecast: National Weather Service

Community Snapshot

Students at West Street Elementary School in Southbridge worked together to research volcanoes before building them in Mrs. Tetreault and Ms. Francolini’s classes. Students work together to research the topic to enhance their understanding.

Yesterday’s Top Stories

Today’s Top Things

The Dangerous Art of Chainsaw Art at Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library

Explore the chainsaw art of “world famous” master chainsaw sculptor Dr. “The Machine: Jesse Green of “American Chainsaw” on the National Geographic Channel, ESPN, Disney, and more. See how he creates “gigantic death-defying works of art from trees” in this interactive presentation. Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library, Dudley, 40 Schofield Avenue, Fels Community Room

I Love The 80’s - To Death. Murder Mystery Event in Sturbridge
The 80’s are taking over The Barn at Wight Farm. This is not Miami Vice… this is murder, and you are part of the investigation. Break out the neon, tease that hair sky high, grab your leg warmers, and channel your inner rockstar detective. As the mystery unfolds, enjoy a plated dinner prepared by the chefs at The Barn. The Barn at Wight Farm, 420 Main Street, Sturbridge - Event fee applies.

The board voted Tuesday to advertise the position with a salary in the neighborhood of $195,000, plus or minus, following a recommendation from John Petrin, senior associate with Community Paradigm Associates, LLC, which is assisting with the search.

“That gives you the opportunity to recruit candidates, potentially with a good experience in the pool,” Petrin advised, noting some comparable communities offer salaries as high as $235,000.

Selectmen Chairman John Eul called the figure “a good starting point,” and the board approved the range unanimously.

Selectmen also unanimously appointed four members to the town manager screening committee: Matt Pearson, Mark Cady, Nicole Lee and Tom Purcell. Lee is the sister of selectman Joshua Boyda. The board said it is open to adding a fifth member at its next meeting on April 21.

Petrin said he has already met with department heads and selectmen to help inform a draft position statement and praised the level of engagement.

“I was really pleased with the interviews I had with your people, talking to your department heads,” he said.

The position is expected to be posted as early as next week, pending final approval of the position statement. Selectmen voted to allow Eul to coordinate feedback from the board and provide final approval of the document.

In addition to public postings, Petrin said his firm will conduct targeted outreach, including contacting town managers and assistant town managers across Massachusetts and leveraging professional networks to identify potential candidates.

“I make phone calls to people I know who aren’t interested, but I call them to say, who do you think out there may be interested?” Petrin said.

Petrin said he is aiming for a May 8 deadline for applications, after which a screening committee would review candidates, conduct interviews and forward finalists to selectmen.

The search follows the March 3 resignation of former Town Manager Jennifer Callahan. Callahan was placed on paid administrative leave at the time of her resignation, and Assistant Town Manager and Finance Director Justin Leduc was appointed acting town manager.

The committee voted unanimously Monday night to promote Nick Packard following an executive session for negotiations.

Packard, who was hired in November 2025 as the district’s Assistant Director of Finance and Payroll, joined the central office at that time, replacing Bonnie Eaton.

Superintendent Dr. Brett Kustigian praised Packard’s performance and potential.

“Nick, I can’t say enough about you,” Kustigian said. “You’ve done a tremendous job and working with you every day, I think you are the rising star that is going to take Leicester to the next level. I’m honored to be working with you.”

Packard previously worked for Fitchburg Public Schools from 2022 to 2025 as Director of Data and Enrollment Services. His prior experience also includes roles with Oxford Public Schools from 2013 to 2021 and Providence Public Schools from 2021 to 2022.

A Leicester resident since 2022, Packard served on the Leicester School Committee from June 2024 to August 2025.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University.

The break on Mill Road resulted in a loss of water to Mill Road, Railroad Avenue and surrounding areas, according to the town.

Officials estimated water service could be restored within four to six hours, putting restoration in the mid-to-late afternoon.

Residents may experience discoloration when water is restored and are advised to run cold water until it clears, town officials said.

The Board of Selectmen on Monday unanimously approved Marderosian’s hiring, filling a vacancy left by Nicole Patterson, who joined the Southbridge Police Department in February. Town Administrator Robin Grimm thanked Patterson for her service to the town during Monday’s meeting.

Police Chief Earl Dessert said Marderosian brings 18 years of law enforcement experience and a “well-rounded professional background” to the department.

A Sturbridge resident, Marderosian began his career with the Oakham Police Department in 2013 as a part-time officer while also serving as a full-time officer with the Fitchburg State University Police Department. In 2022, he was promoted to sergeant with Oakham police, where he supervised part-time officers, reviewed reports, coordinated schedules, oversaw firearms licensing, and handled a range of administrative responsibilities.

“His in-depth experience, leadership ability, and proven capacity to balance operational and administrative demands make him an excellent candidate for this position,” Dessert said.

Marderosian holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Quinsigamond Community College and has completed coursework toward a bachelor’s degree.

He is the father of Sturbridge Police Officer Zachary Marderosian. Dessert noted that Zachary Marderosian was not involved in the interview or hiring process and said safeguards will be in place to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.

Citing his extensive background and experience, Dessert recommended Marderosian’s appointment, which selectmen approved unanimously.

Fire Chief James Gagne promoted Lt. Jason Monroe to captain and Firefighter Matt Phillips to lieutenant, according to a department announcement.

Monroe has served with the department for nine years and has been actively involved in training efforts, including contributing to the Monson Regional Recruit Academy, officials said.

Phillips, a three-year member of the department, brings more than 15 years of firefighting experience, including service as a call firefighter in Brookfield, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Holland. Officials said he is known for assisting newer members during training and responding to calls.

In addition to their roles in Holland, both Monroe and Phillips also serve as call firefighters in Sturbridge.

Phillips is a 2013 graduate of Tantasqua Regional High School and works full time as an electrician, operating his own business. Monroe is a graduate of Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Class of 1990.

Today’s Weather

Sunny, with a high near 51. North wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Tonight: Clear, with a low around 26. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Full forecast: National Weather Service

Community Snapshot

NASA Solar System Ambassador and Aldrich Astronomical Society member Dino Tata gives a presentation to students at Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge. Tata presents on topics related to space travel and astronomy at local schools, community organizations, and senior centers and has several upcoming presentations. Read here for more about upcoming presentations and Tata’s work in the areaw.

Yesterday’s Top Stories

Today’s Top Things

Managing Privacy on Your Android & iPhone for Seniors
Visit the Charlton Public Library from 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. to learn about managing privacy on your Android phone and from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. to learn about managing privacy on your iPhone. Charlton Public Library, 40 Main Street, Community Meeting Room. This program is for people ages 60 and up and is offered through the AARP Senior Planet licensing program.

Crafting Hour for Adults at the Auburn Public Library
Tap into you creative side and make a craft according to this month’s theme of “Join the Fold” using paper-based crafts. Auburn Public Library, 369 Southbridge Street, Merriam Room

Scanner transmissions indicate calls began coming in around 7:03 p.m., with reports of multiple parties fighting. It was not immediately clear whether the incident occurred on the Southbridge or Sturbridge side of the property.

Officers from both Sturbridge and Southbridge were dispatched to the scene. According to scanner transmissions, some individuals involved had left prior to police arrival.

Radio traffic also indicated that several of those involved may have sustained significant injuries, though the extent and nature of those injuries have not been confirmed.

Scanner transmissions suggested approximately 10 people were involved, with four separate vehicles connected to the incident.

No official information regarding arrests, the cause of the altercation or confirmed injuries was immediately available.

Westville Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, spans both Southbridge and Sturbridge along the Quinebaug River. The dam is located in Southbridge, while the primary recreation area is situated in Sturbridge.

This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Officers were dispatched to Elm Centre Cafe on Elm Street around 9:35 a.m. for a report of a man acting combatively toward customers, flipping over a table and leaving the business, according to the Southbridge Police Department.

Police said officers located a man matching the description walking toward Main Street and identified him as Johnathan M. Riopel of Southbridge.

As officers approached, Riopel attempted to punch one of them, police said. A struggle followed, during which Riopel was taken to the ground but continued to resist and act aggressively toward officers.

Police said a conducted energy weapon was deployed when Riopel refused to comply with commands. Scanner transmissions indicated a Taser was used during the arrest.

Riopel was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for booking.

Riopel is charged with assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and wanton destruction of property.

He was later transported to Dudley District Court for arraignment.

Officers were dispatched to the Southbridge Community Center on Morris Street around 6:02 p.m. on March 24 for reports of a large fight involving juveniles, according to the Southbridge Police Department. Upon arrival, officers determined an altercation had occurred between two juveniles.

During the initial investigation, police said a woman, later identified as 39-year-old Samantha L. Angers, arrived, took one of the involved juveniles into her vehicle and left the area. Witnesses told officers she intended to locate another juvenile involved in the earlier dispute.

A short time later, officers observed a juvenile matching the description of the second party running along Chestnut Street appearing distressed, police said. Moments later, Angers was seen driving in the area at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at a stop sign and operating erratically.

Police said Angers then entered a nearby parking lot and drove aggressively toward the juvenile, coming within close proximity multiple times as the juvenile ran to avoid being struck.

Officers issued verbal commands and activated emergency lights, but Angers initially failed to stop, police said. She ultimately brought the vehicle to a stop and was taken into custody without further incident.

During the incident, additional juveniles arrived and a second physical altercation broke out, which officers quickly brought under control. No serious injuries were reported. The juvenile targeted by the vehicle told police they feared for their life.

Angers, a Southbridge resident formerly of Worcester, is charged with disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment of a child, assault with a dangerous weapon — a motor vehicle — contributing to the delinquency of a child and assault to kill.

Bail was set at $15,000, and Angers was held pending release on bail and/or arraignment in Dudley District Court.

Court records show Angers has prior charges, including a 2017 case involving possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, as well as multiple charges in 2014, including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, violation of an abuse prevention order, civil rights violations, and shoplifting.

Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Heather Blakeley told the Board of Selectmen on Monday that the town experienced 17 snow events this season — roughly 20 to 25 inches more than each of the past three winters — creating what she described as an especially demanding stretch for the department.

“To say that this was a challenging winter would be an understatement,” Blakeley said.

The DPW faced those conditions while operating short-staffed for much of the winter, she said. Contractor support proved inconsistent, with outside crews coming and going based on equipment availability, while town-owned equipment also broke down at times.

Even with those challenges, DPW crews logged long hours to maintain road conditions, with some employees working more than 24 consecutive hours — and in some cases approaching 36 hours straight.

As winter operations wind down, the department is turning its attention to spring cleanup, including preparations at local cemeteries ahead of Memorial Day.

Blakeley said DPW crews will begin cleanup efforts in mid-April and are asking residents to remove winter decorations from graves and markers. Items believed to have value will be placed near maintenance sheds, while worn or seasonal materials such as wreaths will be discarded.

“If somebody wants any of that stuff, I ask them please to go clean up the cemetery to make sure it looks the best it can with Memorial Day coming up,” Blakeley said.

According to a notice on the town website, cleanup will take place at North Cemetery on Maple Street and the Old Cemetery near the Center Office Building at 301 Main Street. Residents are asked to remove winter decorations by Monday, April 13, and to wait until Tuesday, May 12, before placing spring or Memorial Day decorations. Any items remaining after the April 13 deadline will be removed and disposed of by DPW.