The Boston Herald posted a story about a recent plea deal approved for a driver charged with driving drunk in Southborough. The paper was interested in the identity of a man arrested last month — the current Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Read the full article → from SPD OUI arrest makes headlines for connection with MassDems
News
SPD’s “Throwback” highlights celebrity visit to Southborough
In 1984, Marvelous Marvin Hagler refereed an exhibition match between police chief and sergeant
Last week, the Southborough Police Dept shared a fun “Throwback Thursday” post on Facebook. It seems that 42 years ago, Southborough hosted a headline making celebrity appearance. Read the full article → from SPD’s “Throwback” highlights celebrity visit to Southborough
Obituary: Nancy J. Ring, 83
Nancy J. Ring, 83, of Westborough, and formerly of Hopkinton and Southborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Read the full article → from Obituary: Nancy J. Ring, 83
SPD alleges unlicensed NY driver was involved in distributing counterfeit goods
Southborough Police posted news about a recent arrest made during patrol of Rte 9
The Southborough Police Department issued a press release this afternoon about an arrest made on Sunday. Read the full article → from SPD alleges unlicensed NY driver was involved in distributing counterfeit goods
State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances
According to Town Counsel, the voter-passed ban no longer applies to residential projects. The change is meant to remove roadblocks to increasing the supply of housing across the state.
Ten years ago, a well-attended Town Meeting voted to eliminate “Use Variances”. The vote was prompted by anger over a controversial housing project. Changes in state law passed this month now reinstate use variances for residential uses.
(Coincidentally, the timing of the change is during the month that a legal case stemming from the same 2015-2016 controversy is headed to trial.) Read the full article → from State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances
Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA
ZBA allowed variances from zoned setbacks and height restrictions
On Wednesday night, the Zoning Board of Appeals granted Costco’s request for variances to restricted property setbacks for retaining walls and height restrictions on light poles. The developer is now able to incorporate those into the plans it will “very shortly” submit to the Planning Board when it next seeks Major Site Plan Approval. Read the full article → from Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA
The week in government (Updated-Again)
CPC to discuss potentially increasing surcharge on property tax bills to 3%, and more. (Conservation's meeting is cancelled for this week.)
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government (Updated-Again)
Obituary: Michael Anthony Manzelli, 62
Michael Anthony “Mike” Manzelli 62, of Midlothian VA, formerly Southborough MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family in the early morning hours of Friday, July 17. Read the full article → from Obituary: Michael Anthony Manzelli, 62
A look at Southborough’s Handwritten Declaration of Independence (Updated)
I’m correcting and updating on a recent post about the Town’s Declaration of Independence. I learned that at some point, the Town located the handwritten copy from 1776. The historic document is also part of the Town’s historical records that have been digitized and uploaded for the public to access.
I’m also sharing some more interesting history from the period that was captured in the records. Read the full article → from A look at Southborough’s Handwritten Declaration of Independence (Updated)
Town issues warning about municipal permits email scam
The Town asked me to alert readers to not fall prey to scammers who target applicants for municipal permits. The warning is based on a scam in which emailers notify that permits are approved and provide fraudulent payment links to proceed. Read the full article → from Town issues warning about municipal permits email scam
WooSox Southborough Town Takeover next week (Updated)
Use the correct link to buy tickets to the July 22nd game to benefit the Town Scholarship Fund.
The WooSox is incentivizing Southborough to cheer on the Triple A home team next week. That includes supporting the Town’s scholarship fund and inviting a well-known “Hometown Hero” to make the first pitch. Read the full article → from WooSox Southborough Town Takeover next week (Updated)
Obituary: Rev. Thirburse F. Millott, 80
Worcester-Rev. Thirburse F. Millott, 80, passed away Thursday, July 9 in the Lutheran Home. Read the full article → from Obituary: Rev. Thirburse F. Millott, 80
The week in government
Planning Board, ZBA Hearing on Costco variances, and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Call for Art celebrating “Native Plants and Pollinators” ends Sunday
Apothecary Artists promotes an incentive for artists to win "Best in Show"
Apothecary Artists and Gallery is inviting artists to submit artwork to include in a juried exhibit “inspired by the beauty and vitality of native plants and native pollinators.” Read the full article → from Call for Art celebrating “Native Plants and Pollinators” ends Sunday