Livery license prompts CORI discussion

by Charles Kelleher Harris
Patriot correspondent

DUDLEY- What was expected to be a typical public hearing about pole placement became a tense back and forth between several selectmen and a representative from National Grid.

Diane Clowes of National Grid came before the Board of Selectmen Monday night to present a petition from National Grid and Verizon for permission to place a pole at the intersection at Center Road. According to the meeting agenda, abutters to that location had been notified.

Thank police officers for role in Marathon bombings

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

The Webster Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator proudly issued a proclamation to Guy Leboeuf on Monday, April 22, for his actions upon finding a deposit bag containing $8,300 in cash in the parking lot of Shaw’s Supermarket on April 9. Leboeuf immediately turned the money over to the store manager who called the Webster Police Department. The money was returned to its rightful owner. During the presentation Chairman Donald Bourque praised Leboeuf by stating “honesty of this magnitude sets an example for all of us to follow.”

By Steev Riccardo

DUDLEY - Shepherd Hill hosted the first two rounds of the Southern Worcester County League singles and doubles girls tennis tournament this past Tuesday (April 16).

The tourney featured several players from both Shepherd Hill and Bartlett.

Shepherd Hill’s singles players, Abbey Packard, Callie Mulcahy, and Victoria Crowe competed as well as Bartlett Karolina Dzieminski, Indre Noujokaite, and Amanda Stevens.

Lady Pirates stymied by Wolverines pitcher, lose 4-2

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – The Oxford Lady Pirates found out this past Wednesday (April 17) why Leicester senior pitcher Lauren Tuiskula is considered one of the best pitchers in Central Mass.

The highly regarded Tuiskula (5-0) was outstanding, striking out 15 Pirates batters while giving up only two hits and at the same time—helping out her own cause at the plate going 3 for 3 in the 4-2 victory.

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

WEBSTER – The Bartlett Indians hosted their first ever Indian Baseball Classic tournament in Webster last Tuesday (April 16), and all indications are that it was a huge success.

With games taking place at both the Upper Athletic field and at Bartlett High school at 1—and aconsolation and title game at the Upper Athletic at 3 and 7—the crowds came out, and it was a great baseball atmosphere.

Saturday, April 27^th from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m

DUDLEY--The Dudley Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to The Dudley Police located inside the Dudley Municipal Complex at 71 West Main Street Dudley, Ma.  This is the fourth time an event such as this has been held in Dudley.  The last took place in October of 2012.  A large quantity of prescription medications were taken in at that time.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

In addition to the prescription disposal, officials from Harrington Hospital will be on hand to provide medical information and limited health screenings to anyone interested.  A container to dispose of used needles and other medical sharps will be on hand for those who may require a safe method to dispose of these items.  The Dudley Police Department thanks Harrington Hospital once again for their assistance with this program.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Police Chief Steve Wojnar at 508-949-8023.
 

Would cap school funding increases at 2.5 percent

DUDLEY – While local tax increases are capped at 2.5 percent annually, there is no such cap for Chapter 70 school funding, which can present communities with very high, unexpected budget increases. Last December Chairman Jonathan Ruda and the Dudley Board of Selectmen decided to do something about the problem of unfunded mandates, and now they have.

On March 29 State Representative Peter J. Durant (R-Spencer) filed a bill in the House that proposes to limit Chapter 70 increases to 2.5 percent, unless there is a ballot election override. The bill was co-sponsored by Representative Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer), making it a bipartisan effort. State Senator Richard T. Moore had originally agreed to co-sponsor the bill, but withdrew.

Play at Leicester on April 22.

by Steev Riccardo

DUDLEY – The Shepherd Hill Rams have something that can take you a long way in high school baseball: pitching.

Despite the loss of senior hurler Victor Champagne, who is out of action due to illness, the Rams have a trio of starters who all have the ability to be very effective.