Featured: News
HPD investigates recent residential mailbox vandalism incidents
The Hopkinton Police Department alerted the public about “a slew of mailbox vandalisms across town” in a Facebook post early Saturday afternoon. In a follow-up email to the Independent later Saturday, HPD Detective Sgt. Gregg DeBoer explained that there were “three or...
CPC votes to extend deadlines for projects not yet completed
The Community Preservation Committee at its meeting Thursday night voted unanimously to extend the completion deadline dates for outstanding projects after receiving quarterly project updates from representatives. The Parks & Recreation Department previously...
UPDATE: Hillers Pizza owner Sismanis to serve jail time after being found guilty of indecent assault, witness intimidation
[Editor’s note: Readers are warned that this story includes descriptions of indecent assault and battery. It has been updated twice since its original posting with additional details.] Hillers Pizza owner Petros “Peter” Sismanis was found guilty of indecent assault...
Accuser, witness take stand in day one of Sismanis trial
[Editor’s note: Readers are warned that this story includes descriptions of alleged indecent assault and battery.] Jurors in Framingham District Court on Wednesday heard the opening statements and testimony from the commonwealth’s first two witnesses in the alleged...
Parks & Rec to replace deteriorating Carrigan Park fence
The Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday night learned that funds will be available at the end of the fiscal year for replacing the dilapidated fence at Carrigan Park that concerned abutters at the May 28 meeting. Parks & Rec Department Director Jon...
Real Estate Transactions, June 9 edition
UPDATED: Former Deputy Police Chief Porter found guilty of child rape, held without bail
[Editor’s note: Readers are warned that this story includes descriptions of alleged sexual acts.] Former Hopkinton Deputy Police Chief John "Jay" Porter was found guilty Friday afternoon on three counts of child rape following a three-day trial at Middlesex Superior...
Prosecution rests in Porter trial after early testimony focuses on accuser’s statements
[Editor’s note: Readers are warned that this story includes descriptions of alleged sexual acts.] The commonwealth rested its case late Thursday afternoon in the trial of former Hopkinton Police Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter, who stands accused of raping a female...
Accuser testifies in Porter trial
[Editor's note: Readers are warned that this story includes descriptions of alleged sexual acts.] The first day of testimony in the trial of former Hopkinton Police Deputy Chief John Porter focused on the 35-year-old woman who accused him of raping her three times...
Select Board approves municipal bond financing for capital projects
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl3C347aoRk&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board on Tuesday approved short-term and long-term financing to support $90.4 million for the town’s capital projects in a 3-0 vote. Town Manager Elaine Lazarus explained that the town has had...
Select Board reviews proposed FY 26 water, sewer rates in preparation for June 17 vote
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl3C347aoRk&ab_channel=HCAM The Select Board on Tuesday reviewed the proposed water and sewer rate recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year provided by the town’s consultant in preparation for the board’s June 17 vote. Matthew...
Arrests/Police Log, June 4 edition
ARRESTS May 27 12:15 a.m. On Hayden Rowe Street, Officer Peter Lord arrested a 28-year-old Springfield resident and charged him with possession of a Class B drug. May 30 8:36 p.m. A caller reported an erratic operator on Spring Street. Officers Lucille Creedon and...
Juror selection concludes for Porter trial; prosecutor’s argument begins Wednesday
Jury selection concluded Tuesday morning as the final juror was chosen in the case of former Hopkinton Police Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter at Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn. Twelve individuals will be on the jury, while two will serve as alternates. Opening...
As Main Street Corridor Project nears completion, utility pole removal date unclear
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus shared an update on the Main Street Corridor Project in Tuesday's Select Board meeting packet as the work nears completion. Remaining work includes the transfer of wires from telephones to underground infrastructure, she explained. Verizon...
Planning Board approves Ash Street tree removal for improved trail parking spaces
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTZlQ_7dfbQ&ab_channel=HCAM The Planning Board on Monday approved 7-0 a proposal by the Trails Committee to remove three trees on Ash Street to improve parking at a trailhead near 101 Ash Street despite abutters' and members'...
Real Estate Transactions, June 2 edition
Crews address water main break near Wild Road, Chestnut Street
Director of Public Works Kerry Reed announced that crews were responding to a water main break near Wild Road and Chestnut Street on Monday afternoon. "Nearby areas should expect water disruption," Reed stated in a notice to residents. "Some areas may notice some...
Parks & Rec evaluates fence issues at Carrigan Park, extending gate hours at Sandy Beach
The Parks & Recreation Department on Wednesday night agreed on plans to explore repairing fences at Carrigan Park after discussion with abutters. Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus began the discussion explaining that abutters of a parking area on Marshall...
Select Board elects Clark as chair, Mannan as vice chair as new term begins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvFwO4y39hc&ab_channel=HCAM At a brief reorganizational meeting Tuesday, the Select Board voted unanimously to elect Joe Clark as its chair and Shahidul Mannan as its vice chair. Clark received initial support from former chair...
