In Other News

9/11 Remembered by One Who Was there

Franklin’s hometown hero, Paul Faenza, was a first-responder in New York City on 9/11/2001. He is shown, above, with the honor guard for the Franklin 9/11 commemoration held at the Senior Center Thursday morning. Paul’s ground-zero-dust encrusted shoes were also display for the attendees at the event. (Image courtesy of Ariel Doggett, Franklin Senior Center)

MassDOT: Don’t Worry about Maple St Bridge

According to a follow-up email from MassDOT, the Maple Street bridge over I-495 in Bellingham was last inspected on June 15, 2023. MassDOT has a project in the preliminary design phases to replace the Maple Street bridge, which is planned to be funded through the 2025 Transportation Improvement Program. The bridge remains safe for travel, and bridge inspectors will continue to assess condition.

A Civil Victory Lap

Tamisha Civil, a community advocate with more than a decade of experience working in the criminal justice system, officially won the Democratic primary for Governor’s Council District 2 on Tuesday. “I want to thank the voters for putting their trust in me,” Tamisha said after hearing the final results. “I’m proud to have spent my life fighting injustice, whether it was serving as a legal advocate for a domestic violence shelter or reducing recidivism as an Associate Probation Officer.” Civil will be facing off against former Judge Frank Crimmins in November.

Big Lots to Close Scores of Stores – but not Franklin

Discount retail chain Big Lots has filed for bankruptcy as its list of planned store closures expands. It currently has around 1,425 stores. Several stores in Mass. including one in Ashland, will close but the site at Horace Mann Plaza in Franklin is not among them.

Sad Day for Franklin PD

Earlier this week, the Franklin Police Department said goodbye to K9 Robbi. K9 Robbi passed away following a brief illness. Robbi joined the Franklin Police Department in 2017 and served for 7 distinguished years. K9 Robbi was named after SSG Robert Pirelli of Franklin. SSG Pirelli was a member of the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and was killed in action in August of 2007. K9 Robbi was a dedicated guardian to Officer Michael Gilboy and his family. K9 Robbi was Officer Gilboy’s 4th dog with the FPD in his 20 + years of service. K9 Robbi has assisted in numerous searches for people and evidence while a member of the patrol division and Metro-LEC SWAT. He will be very much missed. Our thoughts go out to Officer Gilboy and his family. As we said goodbye to K9 Robbi we were joined by the Gilboy family, members of the Metro-LEC team, and area K9 handlers.

Yes, NFL Folks Were at a Franklin School

Late last week...but details are being kept under wraps for the time being.

It’s Not Even Halloween!

But in Medway, plans are underway for the Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 30, at 5:30 pm. More information will follow as the event gets closer.

Comments Due by Friday on Medway Energy Host Agreement.

The Town of Medway has posted the draft Community Host Agreement with Medway Energy Center here. The agreement pertains to the 300-megawatt (“MW”) battery energy storage system (“BESS”) planned for 15 West Street, Medway. All comments/feedback or questions are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, September 13 to the Town Manager by emailing townmanager@townofmedway.org.