After serving the people of Webster for 31 years, 13 of which as Webster’s Police Chief, Timothy Bent has officially retired. Following his final shift on January 11th, members of the Webster Police and Fire Departments, DPW and and South Worcester County Communications Center came together to send him off into retirement and escort him home. The police department posted on Facebook that Chief Bent “will leave a lasting legacy, having molded many officers over the years, including those he hands the reins off to, and building a department that is second to none.” As part of the final radio broadcast, Chief Bent was “officially retired at 14:27” on Friday afternoon. (2:27PM) Chief Bent’s voice…
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On January 7th the Dudley Police Department asked for help from the public in identifying two individuals wanted in connection with removing a Knights of Columbus donation box from Dunkin’ Donuts store in town. Just a few days later, with assistance from Southbridge Police, Massachusetts State Police and information provided by the public the pair have been arrested. Dudley Police say 46 year old Dale Laliberte and 27 year old Samantha Trombley-Laplante, both of Southbridge were charged with larceny in connection to this theft. It is unclear how much money was in the box when it was taken. Video and photos from the theft are below. Jar of monetary donations On Thursday, December 20,…
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Congratulations are in order for Timothy Perry of Southbridge. The Massachusetts State Lottery announced he claimed a $1 million prize awarded from the “$4,000,000 Payout” scratch ticket. The Lottery says Perry chose the cash option on his prize and received a one-time payment of $650,000 before taxes. He plans on using his winnings to buy a house and to send his mother on vacation. While he may not technically be a millionaire, he was pretty lucky because he didn’t even purchase the ticket. Perry says received it as a gift from a friend. In case you were wondering, the winning ticket was purchased at A1 Mart, located at 179 Elm Street in Southbridge. The lottery…
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A winter blast of cold air has moved into the Webster area, but so far we have been lucky with relatively little snow this season. That’s not stopping a winter art show from taking place in town. Local artists are invited to display and sell their work through the month of February at Booklovers’ Gourmet, located at 55 East Main Street in Webster. The show is open to original artwork depicting the theme of winter, either literally or figuratively, in any media including photography, painting, drawing, collage, fabric or mixed media. Artists are asked to drop off the items on Friday, February 1st, between 10AM and 6:30PM or Saturday, February 2nd from 10AM to 5PM.…
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For the second time this week, Webster Police were called to Lake Street. At around 7:30AM on Wednesday, January 9th, police received a call about possible gunshots fired on Robinson Street. After a short investigation, it was found that the rear of 69 Lake Street had been hit by 2 bullets. Police secured the street and called in the Massachusetts State Police to assist in processing the scene. Police were relatively certain that the suspect was not in the area, however Saint Joseph’s School was notified and placed in what they called a “soft lockdown,” where classes were ongoing, however access to and from the building was limited. Park Avenue Elementary was advised of the…
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On the afternoon of Sunday January 6th, Webster Police were dispatched to an apartment on 40 Lake Street for the report of a resident inside that had been assaulted by male with a firearm. Webster Police say 4 officers responded to the home in under a minute. Two officers attempted to make entry into the apartment while 2 monitored the back door. The suspect, later identified as 27 year old Omar Abu of Worcester, ran out the back door once police arrived and was taken into custody without indecent. Police say there were three people inside the apartment at the time of the assault. The suspect was believed to be in Webster with the intent…
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If you are driving by The Family Fuel Convenience Store on Main Street (Route 16) in Douglas today, you may notice a pair of black shorts hanging under the sign. They were placed there in memory of Joel Bylund. Joel was the morning pump attendant at the store for over 20 years. His friend Jack Keough tells THE LAKE 940, he was “a great guy with a great sense of humor and always a dog treat for the better among us.” Mr. Bylund was 75 when he passed away earlier this week. He leaves behind his wife Mattie, and several children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Per Joel’s final wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no…
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The Webster Police Department is asking for help from the public in trying to locate a missing 16 year old girl. Iniajia Johnson was last seen on Tuesday evening at her home on School Street. Police say she may be staying with friends with in the Webster area. At the time of her disappearance she was wearing a pink fluffy sweater, but may also be wearing a black winter jacket. If you know where she is, please call Webster Police at (508) 943-1212. UPDATE: Webster Police say the girl has been found safe and thank you for sharing. The missing juvenile has been located and returned home. Thank you to all who shared! Posted by…
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It was a rough start to 2019 for 2 people kayaking on the French River in Oxford on New Year’s Day. Oxford Police were dispatched to the area of 80 Harwood Street on the French River Bridge for the report of 2 kayakers requesting assistance. The pair was uninjured, but were stuck in the woods and could not get themselves out, according to a post on the Oxford Fire-EMS Facebook page. The first arriving officer was able to locate the individuals within a few minutes, about a mile into the woods at around 4:45PM on Tuesday. Oxford Fire-EMS personnel arrived at the scene a short time later and began to cut through a large thicket…
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Due to the success of offering free rides on New Year’s Eve for the last several years, local courier company KC Rides is once again offering to drive you home from your celebrations. In a post on Facebook, KC Rides says, “Our drivers will be working til 1AM on tips alone to make sure everyone gets home safely.” The free ride service is open to all locations in Webster, Dudley and Oxford, beginning at 5PM, but if you need a ride further than that, a discounted rate will be applied. The number to call to set up a free ride on December 31, 2018 from 5PM to 1AM on New Year’s Day is (508)…
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