This week's reports were full of suspicious vehicles, animals in the middle of the...

This week in Smalltown Mayhem: Two misguided motorists bagged for bad behavior, a suspect set shrubbery ablaze, and an overzealous DoorDash driver dazzles with dodgy driving. Plus, a vanishing Boxer named Eevie seeks freedom in the forest and locals dial 911 more than a teenager texts - for everything from unearthly odors to existential crises over lost boat keys.

At the upcoming Special Town Meeting on May 7, Hopkinton's Fire Chief, Gary Daugherty, Jr., will request funding for essential repairs at the fire station, including replacing the rusted, 27-year-old HVAC units. This repair is urgent as the current equipment failures cause indoor rain, disrupting operations.

Marathon Monday Madness: Missing mutts, misplaced mail, and mischievous motorists! Hudson's own Houdini, Corey Clark, nabbed for nighttime naughtiness. Parking pandemonium for pavement-hogging workers. Four-car fender-benders sans scratches. Smouldering suspicions on Spring St. Dodged doggy doo-doo, vanishing vehicles, and one invisible smoke signal. Hide-and-seek with Airpods, Ash St. tree tango, and the phantom leaf blower's blustery battle. Stay tuned for more small-town shenanigans!

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.