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Middleboro teacher, outdoor educator promotes stewardship

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MIDDLEBORO — When Alan Harris isn’t in his Middleboro classroom teaching about nature, he can be found on Sippican Lands Trust trails caring for nature and…

Free-Lake school district fights for funding, town officials prepare for $2.5 million budget shortfall

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LAKEVILLE — As Lakeville faces a $2.5 million deficit in next year’s budget, town officials are considering raising property taxes above the typical annual increase. The increase would mostly fund the FreeLake…

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April vacation on in Middleboro but last day still uncertain

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MIDDLEBORO -- Families in Middleboro will not have to reschedule their April school vacation plans. That is one answer state education officials have provided about the blizzard’s impact on the remaining school year, Acting Superintendent...

Change in grade structure should not be rushed, educators say

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MIDDLEBORO — Educators and residents urge the Middleboro School Committee to take more time before making any changes to the grade structure at the town’s elementary schools. A potential plan to move grades one and two to Mary K. Goode School and...

Updated with detail: One man dead, one in custody after Feb. 25 neighbor dispute

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MIDDLEBORO — A 68-year-old Middleboro man is dead and his 45-year-old upstairs neighbor in custody following a Feb. 25 confrontation at the 21 School St. apartment house where both lived. Gregory Pickett was arraigned in Wareham District Court on...

Newly elected part-time Lakeville officials will not receive health insurance moving forward

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LAKEVILLE — During a March 3 Select Board meeting, members voted to cut town costs by suspending all health insurance benefits for part-time town elected officials starting April 6. The decision gave an answer to the question that was initially...

McGrail leaves Middleboro with pride and gratitude

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MIDDLEBORO --- When Jay McGrail closes the door on his time as town manager this week to take a new position in Harwich, he will especially miss the community of individuals he leaves behind. “I really loved the people I’ve worked with and the...

Teamwork, communication and minimal emergencies seen in blizzard aftermath

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After five days of school, library and town office closures caused by the recent record-breaking blizzard, Middleboro and Lakeville were finding a sense of normalcy on Monday. Officials championed the collaboration between their town’s departments...

Snow plow trucks catch fire in Lakeville

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LAKEVILLE — Two snow-plow trucks caught fire in Lakeville, damaging the vehicles but no passengers. Lakeville Firefighters were dispatched to the area of Bedford Street and Lakeside Avenue for a reported "outside fire" Saturday night. The...

‘Cabin fevers’ lower as temperatures rise in Middleboro

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MIDDLEBORO — With sunshine and nearly 50 degree weather on Saturday, residents are addressing “cabin fever” by getting outside. Joggers, shoppers and dogs stretched their legs in downtown Middleboro on Feb. 28, after many had been housebound since...

Lakeville Fire Department asks residents for hydrant-help, turkeys pitch in

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LAKEVILLE — While turkeys peck away snow around the Lakeville fire station’s fire hydrants, the fire department is asking residents to also lend a hand in unearthing hydrants in town from the recent snow-dump. Many fire hydrants around town are...

Identity and cause of death remain unknown for 68-year-old man who died following neighbor dispute in Middleboro

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MIDDLEBORO — Neighbors are still looking for answers as law enforcement officials have not provided any information as to how a man died following a neighbor dispute in Middleboro earlier this week. On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Middleboro police responded...

Perkins contract approved after concerns raised about responsibilities

Former Police Chief Joseph Perkins has officially been named interim town manager. File photo

MIDDLEBORO — Select Board members have approved a contract for Joseph Perkins to serve as interim town manager but not before some lively discussion about how much responsibility the position should entail. At the Feb. 26 meeting, Select Board...

Schools to close on Friday, marking fifth day of closures

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Freetown-Lakeville and Middleboro public schools will close on Friday, Feb. 27, due to safety hazards and poor road conditions following the Monday blizzard. Both districts have announced classes and all before and after school events will not...

One man dead following neighbor dispute at Middleboro home

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MIDDLEBORO — One man is dead, and another has been arrested after a neighbor dispute in Middleboro. A Middleboro resident has died in connection to a dispute between neighbors at a 21 School St. home on Wednesday, Feb. 25, according to police. Upon...

Schools to close again on Thursday

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Freetown-Lakeville and Middleboro public schools will close on Thursday, Feb. 26, due to safety hazards and poor road conditions following the Monday blizzard. Middleboro has already announced schools will close on Friday, Feb. 27, as well....

No injuries reported after Hannaford Supermarket and Aubuchon Hardware evacuated for major gas leak

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MIDDLEBORO — Hannaford Supermarket and the surrounding business park on Merchants Way in Middleboro was evacuated Wednesday after the reports of a gas leak. The Middleboro Fire Department responded Wednesday afternoon to the supermarket after...

Lakeville awaits state aid for ‘slow going’ blizzard cleanup

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LAKEVILLE — Town roads are open but schools and multiple private neighborhoods continue to struggle with road access as Lakeville awaits state aid to remove about 3 feet of snow from this week’s blizzard. On Tuesday, the town requested snow-removal...

Middleboro plows through blizzard cleanup after 36 inches makes landfall

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MIDDLEBORO — Roads continue to improve and power has remained on for much of Middleboro as snow cleanup progresses in town. Most roads are open for travel, Fire Chief Owen Thompson said, and road crews are now widening already-plowed streets as...

Schools and town offices to close again on Wednesday

Freetown-Lakeville and Middleboro public schools will close on Wednesday, Feb. 25, due to safety hazards and poor road conditions following the Monday blizzard. Both districts have announced classes and all before and after school events will not...

Roadways see clearing but more work to be done after 30 inches of snow lands in Middleboro

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MIDDLEBORO — First responders are struggling to maintain routine services with much of Middleboro covered in nearly 3 feet of snow. Over the course of the Monday blizzard, around 30 inches of snow fell in Middleboro. The Middleboro Fire Department...

Cleanup will take ‘community effort’ after blizzard breaks records with 36-inch snowfall in Lakeville

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LAKEVILLE — Although no major medical emergencies were reported during the Monday blizzard, how to remove the aftermath of the historic snow dump remains uncertain in Lakeville. Town roads are in “good shape” as of Tuesday afternoon, Fire Chief...

Governor lifts travel ban

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Governor Maura Healey has lifted the travel ban for Plymouth and surrounding counties starting at noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Residents are still advised to use caution and stay home if possible to allow for crews to continue their cleanup efforts,...

No large power outages or emergency responses as ‘unbelievable’ storm rocks Middleboro

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MIDDLEBORO — As an unprecedented blizzard continues to hammer Middleboro, officials are asking residents to stay indoors while emergency services and plow crews experience their own difficulties. Middleboro Fire Chief Owen Thompson said with strong...

Central Cafe stays open, residents watch the snowdrifts grow in Middleboro

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MIDDLEBORO — As the ongoing winter blizzard builds up snowdrifts, Middleboro residents are nestling down. With over 2 feet of snow landing in Middleboro on Monday and more to come, residents are doing what they can to stay prepared and positive as...

Lakeville residents hunker down while blizzard turns households into ‘snowglobes’

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LAKEVILLE — Residents are hunkering down as a blizzard roars through Lakeville. As Monday afternoon, roughly 25 inches of snow has fallen in Lakeville. Residents are preparing for power outages, and for some watching snow drifts build up brings...

Blizzard brings road closures, white out conditions in Lakeville

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LAKEVILLE — Winter conditions have caused vehicle abandonment and white-out driving conditions in Lakeville. Heavy, wet snow from the ongoing blizzard has downed trees throughout the town, and a section of Bedford Street is closed off, Lakeville...

Lakeville and Middleboro schools to close on Tuesday

Freetown-Lakeville and Middleboro public schools will close on Tuesday, Feb. 24, due to winter storm conditions. Both districts have announced classes and all before and after school events will not occur, as roughly 13 inches of snow has fallen in...

Effort ongoing for Middleboro native to receive medal of honor

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MIDDLEBORO - When a volunteer was needed to serve a mission in World War I that was almost certain to result in death, Middleboro native Sgt. Simeon Nickerson raised his hand. Nickerson agreed on July 23, 1918 to cross an open field near Epieds...

School closures, parking bans and Sunday storm forecast

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Middleboro and Lakeville are expected to be hit by blizzard conditions closing schools and starting parking bans beginning Sunday, Feb. 22. The National Weather Service blizzard warning remains in effect from Sunday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. to Tuesday,...

Blizzard conditions expected Sunday through Monday in Middleboro, Lakeville

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The National Weather Service has issued a warning for blizzard like conditions beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 22 until Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 a.m. If you have any information, photos or tips about the storm, please send them to...

Ruff conditions cited in call to upgrade Middleboro shelter

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MIDDLEBORO —The Middleboro Animal Shelter, which has served the town for more than half a century, may be receiving an upgrade. Voters at April Town Meeting will be asked to spend $24,100 for a feasibility study to determine the next steps for the...

Rise in special education tuition creates budgetary friction for Middleboro public schools

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MIDDLEBORO — Middleboro public schools are experiencing budget constraints as tuition costs for special education services continue to increase. The district is considering cutting about 30 positions across the district to address a potential budget...

Middleboro first responders recognized for life-saving actions while aiding Lakeville firefighter

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LAKEVILLE — Lakeville town officials formally recognized two Middleboro first responders who provided life-saving aid to the Lakeville deputy fire chief who was seriously injured during a December house collapse. At the Tuesday select board meeting,...

Lakeville officials approve hiring freeze amidst future financial concerns

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LAKEVILLE — Select Board members have approved a hiring freeze of town employees as officials consider deficit pressures of a tough fiscal year in 2027. Select Board Chair Maureen Candito said there is “nothing good” about Lakeville’s budget during...

Former select board member Evagelia Fabian now in the running for Lakeville’s select board race

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LAKEVILLE — Voters now have a competitive Select Board race with former member Evagelia “Lia” Fabian entering the race in Lakeville’s town elections. Shortly before the Friday deadline for town-election candidates to certify their election bids,...

State Sen. Kelly Dooner announces reelection run

State Sen. Kelly Dooner is seeking reelection. Photo source: Dooner campaign

State Sen. Kelly Dooner has announced she will be rerunning for a seat in the Massachusetts Senate. Dooner, a Republican, was first elected in the November 2024 election. She won the seat Democrat Marc Pacheco had held for 30 years after the...

Possible loss of 30 Middleboro school positions draws anger

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MIDDLEBORO - The current proposed Middleboro school budget calls for the elimintation of nearly 30 positions, prompting anger and concern among educators in attendance at the Feb. 12 School Committee meeting. The district faces a potential budget...

Treasurer of Friends nonprofit resigns

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MIDDLEBORO — Anthony Freitas has resigned as treasurer of the Friends of the Middleborough Public Library, stepping away from the nonprofit organization entirely. In a sharp message delivered to the Select Board earlier this week, he said that the...

Middleboro School Superintendent Lyons leaves district

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MIDDLEBORO - Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons has left the district for a new job as the executive director of the Bi-County Collaborative. Prior to departing the district, Lyons has been on medical leave from the position since August...

Lakeville resident puts the ‘mad’ in science

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LAKEVILLE — The mad scientist of Lakeville lives for the “ah-hah” moments. Jonathan Breindel, also known as Jolting Jonathan, has been combining science education and exciting fun in “mad science” performances for 19 years. Last year, he became the...

Candidate field wide for competitive Middleboro school committee race

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MIDDLEBORO — With seven candidates vying to fill three seats, the Middleboro school committee race is shaping up to be the most competitive race in town elections this year. The three-year terms for two committee members expired this year, and an...

Perkins unanimous choice for Middleboro interim town manager

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MIDDLEBORO - Former Police Chief Joseph Perkins has a new role: Middleboro’s interim town manager. Select Board members voted unanimously in a 4-0 vote to bring in Perkins to serve during the period between the departure of Town Manager James...

No injuries reported in Middleboro utility pole car crash

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MIDDLEBORO — Under winter road conditions, a car crashed into a utility pole on Precinct Street in Middleboro Saturday. Around 1 p.m. on Feb. 7, Middleboro police responded to the scene on Precinct Street, where a single vehicle crashed into a...

First recreational marijuana shop in Lakeville could open in 2027

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LAKEVILLE — A recreational marijuana retail business hopes to open in Lakeville by the summer of 2027 that could potentially add $60,000 in revenue to the town each year. Representatives for Twisted Growers Retail LLC presented their plans at a...

Aubuchon Hardware furthers support for Middleboro fire safety initiative during grand reopening

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MIDDLEBORO — Business leaders and members of the Middleboro Fire Department celebrated Aubuchon Hardware’s grand reopening and donations to the department’s fire safety initiative on Friday. The store has worked over recent months to renovate and...

Duxbury man charged for drug distribution in Middleboro and neighboring towns

Bags of various drugs seized by investigators. Photo source: U.S. Department of Justice

MIDDLEBORO — A Duxbury man has been charged with possession and intent to distribute controlled substances in the greater Plymouth region. Justin Tatum, 40, is accused of distributing cocaine and fentanyl in Middleboro, Duxbury, Kingston and...

Slight increase proposed in McGrail’s final budget

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MIDDLEBORO -- The departing town manager has presented a recommended town budget for next year of about $112 million dollars. That figure represents an increase of slightly more than 1 percent over the current spending, which is the lowest hike in...

Lakeville Fire Department asks for hydrant help

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LAKEVILLE — After the recent snowfall, the Lakeville Fire Department is asking residents to help keep Lakeville safe. Many fire hydrants around town are still buried, the departmet stated in a press release, and the department is asking for help...

Lakeville Select Board may freeze vacant positions

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LAKEVILLE — Select Board members want more information from department heads before deciding whether to approve a hiring freeze as the town faces financial challenges. A freeze would allow the town to save money in the budget without losing...

Approach debated for Middleboro interim town manager search

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MIDDLEBORO -- Select Board members debated at their Feb. 2 meeting whether to expand the search for an interim town manager or make a decision more quickly. Two candidates have submitted letters of interest: Former Middleboro Police Chief Joseph...

Friends aim to rebuild friendship with Middleboro library

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MIDDLEBORO — The decades-old nonprofit group established to support the Middleboro Public Library is seeking to rebuild bridges with the library's leadership. Over a year of conflict with Library Director Randy Gagné and the nonprofit erupted into...