Letter From the Editor

Goodbye Westborough Patch, Time For a New Adventure

There are 5 things I learned on this job.

  After taking a couple years out of my life to help build this community resource, it is time for me to move on to a new adventure. But, I have to admit, I am doing it with a heavy heart. I believe in the mission of Patch. To create a forum where we can all join together to share ideas, opinions, photos, accomplishments and news has been one of the more fulfilling projects I have attempted. We are a community, and we now have a strong community resource for our lives where we can go to connect with friends, neighbors and family. I came into this job thinking I knew my town pretty darn well, having lived here for nearly 20 years and choosing this town to raise and educate my children. But what I learned in the past couple years far exceeds…

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Police Notes

Police: Man Tried to Entice Teen on Milk Street

Police are asking anyone with information to call 508-366-3060.

  On Monday evening, April 16, a man driving along Milk Street tried to entice a 16-year-old boy into his car, according to a statement from Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon. “We didn’t get the report until some time after the incident happened,” Gordon told Westborough Patch. “So that makes it hard to get more information.” The report came into the police department at 9:30 p.m. saying that a suspicious man in a white Ford Explorer followed the teen on Milk Street at Maynard Street, driving past him very slowly several times. The man then pulled his SUV to the side of the road near the intersection of Milk and Fisher streets and waited for the teen to pass. He then reportedly offered the boy a ride. The boy declined and the suspect …

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Police Notes

Police Investigating 3 Home Break-Ins

Items stolen include flat screen televisions, laptop computers and jewelry.

  The Westborough Police Department is investigating a string of house breaks in town. During the last week, three separate incidents were reported. "We had two in one day and one over the weekend," said Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon. He said homes were broken into on Water Street, Dover Way and Mill Road. Two of the breaks involved the front door being forced in, and the third break was through a window. "The Water Street home had dead bolts and everything. If they want to get in, they are going to get in," Gordon said, adding that the break-ins likely occurred during the day. Stolen items include flat screen televisions, laptop computers and jewelry. "A large 50 inch TV was taken from one of the homes, so that takes at least two …

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Police Notes

Two Teens Charged in Westborough Graffiti Spree

The 15-year-olds will be charged in Worcester Juvenile Court.

  Two 15-year-olds have been charged with malicious destruction of property in connection with the March 17 vandalism that included spray painting graffiti on Westborough High School and several buildings at Bay State Commons. “The damage is well over $1,000,” said Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon. “That number was just for the high school, but there is a lot of damage at Bay State as well.” The teens include a Westborough High School freshman and a student from a Marlborough charter school. They will be charged in Worcester Juvenile Court with malicious destruction of property and possibly tagging, Gordon said. An investigation by Officer Charles Dapolite, the school liaison officer, led to the teens. “We got information from other …

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Police Notes

Police Release Photo of Bank Robbery Suspect

This man is wanted in connection with the March 24 robbery of Digital Federal Credit Union on Lyman Street.

  UPDATE, March 26, 8:05 a.m. — Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon released this surveillance photo of the suspect wanted in the March 24 bank robbery at Digital Federal Credit Union on Lyman Street.   UPDATE, March 24, 11:52 a.m. — Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon issued a press release confirming the reported morning robbery at Digital Federal Credit Union, 18 Lyman St. According to the statement, the suspect is a white male, in his 20s to 30s, clean shaven, wearing a beige baseball cap with writing on the front and a white t-shirt. When he left the building on foot, he was seen heading into the parking lot near Tatnuck Booksellers. The robbery is being investigated by Det. Sgt. Glenn McLeod and Det. Gary Hassett. The amount stolen…

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Police and Fire Notes

Head-On Crash Sends 2 to Hospital

Driver will be cited for failing to keep within marked lanes.

  A two car crash on Computer Drive sent two to the hospital. The crash happened at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, at the ramp from Route 9 westbound. According to Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon, “The arriving units found two vehicles with extensive front end damage with both drivers injured.” One of the cars was a 1996 Honda sedan driven by Deserae K. Ramos, 35, of 75 Seymore St. in Worcester. She suffered internal injuries and lacerations and was taken to UMass Memorial Hospital by Westborough paramedics. The second car was a 2012 Toyota sedan driven by Christopher A. Gendron, 21, of 12 Vindale Rd. in Hookset, NH. He suffered from internal injuries and some minor lacerations and was also taken to UMass Memorial Hospital. …

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IMAGE GALLERY: Officials, Seniors Celebrate St. Pat's

About 100, including state and local officials, enjoyed the annual Irish celebration on Monday, March 19.

  "I got my hat from Target," Anna Tortora told Westborough Patch. She continued, "I had the (green) blower at home." Tortora and about 100 other seniors enjoyed a festive St. Patrick's Day luncheon on Monday, March 19 at the Westborough Senior Center. Green sweaters and shirts were everywhere, along with a smattering of green hats and accessories. Margie Dion's "My Favorite Martian"-like green antennas may have been the most eye-catching costume. Dick Birch's giant green hat was another standout. Alma DeManche, the Westborough Senior Center's executive director explained that out of respect for Lent, the corned beef and cabbage luncheon was moved to Monday. DeManche introduced Kevin Farley, from York, Maine, who entertained the crowd. …

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Police Notes

UPDATE: School Graffiti Damage Estimated at $1,000

No damage estimates were provided for several privately owned buildings that were also hit by weekend vandals.

  UPDATE: Westborough Police Chief Alan Gordon said that video surveillance tapes from Westborough High School do not show the vandals who spray painted the school over the weekend. He estimated that damage to the high school is up to $1,000. “This is town property. The town tax payers paid for this. It is very damaging,” said Gordon. Gordon reiterated Westborough High School Principal John Smith’s sentiments that those responsible for the damage will be prosecuted fully. “There will be charges of tagging, malicious destruction of property,” he said, adding that the town will seek restitution. He stressed that the culprits will have to pay for the cost of custodial cleaning, probable need for sandblasting and damage to the brick from the …

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MaryJo Kurtz

3:06 pm on Friday, March 23, 2012

I was walking up at the high school today and happy to report that the graffiti has been completely removed from the building.   more ›

Police Notes

State Police Announce St. Pat's Sobriety Checkpoints

Designated sober drivers are a good thing.

  St. Patrick’s Day parties will kick in on Saturday night, which can spell trouble on the roadways. The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) announced sobriety checkpoints in the area and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is cautioning St. Patrick’s Day revelers to plan a safe ride on Saturday night. “Buzzed driving is drunk driving,” the group said in a press statement. “Driving buzzed on the holiday could cost you a pot of leprechaun’s gold – like up to $10,000 in legal fees, court costs, and increased insurance rates.” The MSP announced that sobriety checkpoints will set up in Middlesex County from Saturday, March 17 into Sunday, March 18. “The purpose is to further educate the motoring public and strengthen …

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Police Notes

Now You'll Know For Sure It's a Cop

The Massachusetts Chiefs Association is rolling out a new badge that makes it easy to identify the authenticity of a police officer.

  Everyone's heard stories about crimes that have occurred by people posing as police officers. This past summer, a man posing as a police officer robbed a mobile home in Wareham. In February, police were on the lookout for a man "posing as a police officer and seeking access to homes." There are many ways criminals use an ID or a badge to commit crimes, some of them more rare than others. But still a threat. Realizing the potential threat to safety, Massachusetts took the initiative and has become the first in the country to implement new ID cards that are uniform in design, and designed to thwart tampering and counterfeiting. Until now, while officers are required to carry an ID, they varied from state to state, department to department…

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