Latest news with #BoardofSelectmen
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cheshire officials address misleading Facebook post regarding school bus incident
CHESHIRE, Mass. (WWLP) – A Facebook post led to an investigation into allegations that Cheshire Highway vehicles passed a school bus, which was later determined to be false and caused unjustified distress among town employees. In a statement provided by the Town of Cheshire, Board of Selectmen member Michelle Francesconi saw a post on the town's neighborhood watch Facebook group stating that, on Wednesday, allegedly, vehicles for the highway department passed a school bus that was picking up children with its lights flashing. Francesconi reported this post to the Director of the Cheshire Department of Public Works, Corey McGrath, who began an investigation. Hampden County Sheriff's Office celebrates National Correctional Officers Week The Highway Department workers who were working on grading a portion of Notch Road were interviewed and stated that two construction vehicles, a grader and roller, were traveling on Notch Road in front of the school bus. McGrath then contacted Dufour Bus Company and spoke with Director of Safety and Training David Sookey III, who stated that he had not received any reports of an incident of a school bus being passed at any time. 'It is disappointing that social media was sued as the sole means of 'reporting' what could have been a serious incident. The Town of Cheshire would take such a report very seriously and would not tolerate such a blatant disregard for the safety of members of the public, most especially children. In this case, the social media report was fake and caused unjustified distress and angst among the workers of the Cheshire Highway Department. Both are highly dedicated to the safety, health, and wellbeing of our townspeople and the community. Both have dedicated and risked their lives to ensuring the public is protected and cared for. An allegation such as the one made was damaging to the reputation and character of some of the most upstanding citizens our community is blessed to have,' a statement from the Board of Selectmen's Office. Officials are urging residents to contact their office to report any incidents involving town employees by calling 413-743-1690 or emailing admin@ WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
70th Westfield River Wildwater Races ‘a complete success,' says race director
Harry Rock, race director for the 70th running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 19 said he believed the final head count was 293 paddlers on the river. 'It was a phenomenal day because of the great weather which led to many smiles and happy faces as people exited the river following their runs,' Rock said. 'As I drove both courses in the morning and afternoon I was struck by how much it reminded me of the old days when we had huge crowds coming out to line the river. There were large groups of people all along the river gathered at the various viewing spots and lining the bridges to watch the paddlers go underneath. There were family picnics taking place in backyards that bordered the water. What was really fun was to hear the clanking of all the cowbells we had sold so that spectators would have them along the river to cheer the racers going by,' Rock continued. He said his focus this year as race director was on safety, to ensure a quick response to any emergency if it was called in. They had the Westfield Police cadets lining the river, the safety kayakers positioned at each zone of the river, rescue kayaks and Russell police with throw bags to help pull in paddlers who had capsized. There was a command center at Russell Police headquarters to quickly respond to any calls that might come in. 'Both the expert and classic races went off with no events and no medical emergencies,' Rock said. He said the level of cooperation from both the towns of Russell and Huntington was 'amazing,' and credited the Police and Fire departments and Board of Selectmen from both towns. 'The Hilltown Ambulance had dedicated an ambulance to be on duty for the race and there were times when I saw two in place ready to respond if necessary. Fortunately, there was no need for any significant response but the preparation was in place to ensure that we could respond if necessary,' Rock said. He also thanked the Army Corps of Engineers for the use of the Knightville Dam and the scheduled water release, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for the use of their Route 112 maintenance yard as a staging area and starting line and the use of the Route 20 pull off for the Expert Race finish line, the Hilltown Community Health Center for the use of their parking lot for racers and spectators, the Massachusetts State Police, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. The committee also had a sweep kayak on the course who was following the last boater so they knew when the river was clear after everyone reached the finish line. This allowed them to quickly tabulate the results and give out awards, which was done in a much more timely manner than in past years, Rock said. 'The large number of volunteers enabled us to manage all of the details for this major event in a very efficient manner. My thanks as the race director to everyone who were willing to volunteer and help because they cared about their community and they cared about creating a positive experience on the river without looking for any reward or recognition. 'All in all, the 70th Westfield River Wildwater Races were a complete success and we will look forward to next year for another opportunity to keep the Hilltown tradition alive,' Rock said. Results Top 10 Classic Race: Jeff Parker 57:14 Eric Jones 57:41 Del Cummings 59:12 Carl Lafreniere 59:45 Ethan Gamble 1:00 41 Bryan Gore 1:01:59 Keith Duggan 1:02:30 Joseph Green 1:02:47 Elisha Jameson 1:02:48 Michael Payne 1:02:57 Top 10 Expert Race: Jeff Parker 32:23 Carl Lafreniere 34:33 Jeffrey Defeo 35:36 Eric Jones 37:08 Edward Hamel 37:11 Colin Pagnoni 37:16 Rick Howard 37:37 Christopher Burke 38:22 Julie Marcoulier 39:12 Patrick Melnik 39:32
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Swansea voters decide Selectmen race, add new faces to government: Full unofficial results
SWANSEA — In this year's annual town election on Monday, April 14, voters elected Robert C. Medeiros to the Board of Selectmen, defeating Gary C. Lund in a tight race, according to unofficial polling results. Medeiros received 496 votes; newcomer Lund, who is a lifelong Swansea resident, received 447 votes, according to unofficial results. On the School Committee, Kristen Barkett Pettey snagged a seat in a close race over opponent Geraldine Mullaly, 469 to 439 votes, according to unofficial polling results. Only 30 votes separated the candidates. As of the close of the polls on Election Day, no races were officially called. Total vote counts were to be certified following a hand count the day after the election, April 15. Business development: Is Swansea's Route 103 the 'center of town'? Residents have a say in its future at meeting Patrick J. Travis renewed a three-year term after serving on as vice chairman on the board, securing 675 votes. Shady business: Swansea awarded $100K grant to plant new trees around town. Here's how many and where. Incumbents Sarah K. Hunicke and Susan T. McMullen renewed their three-year terms as trustees of the Swansea Public Library, collecting 675 and 681 votes, respectively. Brian D. Bell, Jonathan K. Furtado and Robert K. Furtado will hold their current positions as constables of the Swansea Police Department, each with a three-year term. Bell received 649 votes, followed by Robert K. Furtado which 680, and Jonathan K. Furtado who secured 661 votes. Newcomer Joshua D. Harrington forged a successful campaign for the Parks Commission. He ran for a seat on the Swansea School Committee in the 2024 annual town election, but came in third with 1,154 votes according to election results. In this year's election, he garnered 730 votes, according to unofficial election results. As Sewer Commissioner Richard C. Cunha's term was due to expire, Randy J. Lebeau beat out Jared Anthony Picchi for the seat in a 392-377 split. Matthew David Beane returned to his seat on the Housing Authority with 677 votes. Chairman of the Planning Board Timothy F. Cabral renewed a five-year term with 665 votes; Steven A. Bogle successfully secured a position on the board with a three-year term with 661. According to a public records request for election information, no papers were pulled for the one available seat on the Community Preservation Committee, though Robert F. Silveira's term expires this year. The position received 111 write-ins, but a clear winner has not yet been determined. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: 2025 Swansea town election results: Incumbents and newcomers voted in
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Swansea's 2025 annual town election today: Who's running and where to vote.
SWANSEA — Voters will head to the polls today for the annual town election. In Swansea, the 2025 election will host two major contested races whose outcomes will be decided at the polls. This year's election will determine seats on the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee as several members' terms are due to expire this year. Incumbents of municipal offices brace for a standoff as numerous challengers vie for seats in town government ahead of the town meeting in May. Here's a breakdown of who's on the ballot this election season. Robert C. Medeiros' three-year term as a selectman is challenged by newcomer Gary C. Lund. Lund is a life-long Swansea resident, according to the Facebook page dedicated to his campaign. Medeiros, chairman of the board, is running for re-election. Getting greener: Swansea awarded $100K grant to plant new trees around town Patrick J. Travis will appear on the ballot for Assessor of Taxes. He is currently the vice chairman on the board. The three-year term is up for renewal. Chairwoman Alanna Solitro's three-year term expires this year, and the open seat has attracted Geraldine Mullaly and Kristin Barkett Pettey to the race. Incumbents Sarah K. Hunicke and Susan T. McMullen will be on the ballot to renew their three-year terms as Trustees of the Swansea Public Library. Brian D. Bell, Jonathan K. Furtado, and Robert K. Furtado are seeking to renew their current positions, each with a three-year term. Swansea Big Lots is closed. Officials say lack of sewer makes it hard to lure businesses. Matthew David Beane is seeking re-election to the Housing Authority. Chairman of the Planning Board Timothy F. Cabral is looking to renew a five-year term, with Steven A. Bogle seeking a seat at the table with a three-year term. Newcomer Joshua D. Harrington is in the running for the Parks Commission. He ran for a seat on the Swansea School Committee in the 2024 annual town election, but came in third with 1,154 votes according to election results. Sewer Commissioner Richard C. Cunha's term is expiring. Randy J. Lebeau will challenge Jared Anthony Picchi for the seat. In a public records request for election information, it is noted that no papers were pulled for the one available seat on the Community Preservation Committee, though Robert F. Silveira's term expires this year. Polls on Monday, April 14, will open at noon and close by 8 p.m. at Joseph Case High School at 70 School St., Swansea, where all voting precincts are asked to report to the gymnasium through the rear door. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Swansea 2025 annual town election will decide major races on April 14
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Somerset's annual town election is today. Who's running and where to vote.
SOMERSET — Voters will decide on three major contested races at the polls today. This year's election will seek to fill vacancies in the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee, with two terms expiring in the K-8 School Committee. Two candidates are closing in on one seat on the Board of Selectmen. Incumbents of municipal offices brace for a standoff as numerous challengers vie for seats in town government ahead of the Town Meeting in May. While elections are usually scheduled ahead of the May meeting, School Committeeman Victor Machado has shared news of his latest proposal to push next year's election back a couple months, to a Monday in June. Machado's petition will be decided at the May meeting, when new officials will officially take the stage. Here's a breakdown of who's in the running this year. Jacob Vaught's three-year term as a selectman will come to an end with voters determining whether Todd V. Costa and Thomas J. Mello will take the seat. Donald P. Setters will appear on the ballot for the Office of the Assessor. He is currently the chairman of the assessor's office and is running for re-election. Could the town save money? Somerset looks at redistricting its elementary schools Incumbent Christine Courville will face competition from Carlton Medeiros and John Ventura in a vote-for-two gamble for three-year terms on the Somerset School Committee (K-8). Michael J. Pasternak will run uncontested for a three-year term to fill a vacancy on the Somerset Berkley Regional School Committee. Incumbent Kelly A. O'Brien will face Theresa Vasques in a match to fill a one-year seat and term due to expire. Donald M. DiBiaso is in the running to reclaim a three-year seat on the Diman Regional Vocational Technical School Committee. Incumbents Gayle S. Bradbury, the vice chair, will run against Bridget T. Marcotte in a vote-for-two race on the ballot. Elizabeth Almeida will not be in the running. Jill M. Dyl will run uncontested for the single, one-year term up for grabs. Where court case stands: Somerset says Brayton Point violated scrap order 11,195 times Joseph F. Bednarik Jr. is seeking another three-year term on the Water and Sewer Commission, challenged by Elizabeth A. Paskowski. A five-year term on the Planning Board is sought by William F. Raposa Jr., the candidate for re-election, and newcomer Edward B. Souza. One five-year term with the Playground and Recreation Commission and another with the Somerset Housing Authority are uncontested with incumbents Maryellen Aspden and Christopher Migneault, respectively, running to keep their seats. Polls on Monday, April 14, will open at noon and close by 8 p.m. at the Somerset Berkley Regional High School at 625 County St., where all voting precincts are asked to report to the student dining hall. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Somerset election to decide selectmen, school committee. See who's running.
