Thursday's demolition in full effect

Text  and photos by Steev Riccardo

WEBSTER - The new Webster Police Department Planning Committee met this past Thursday evening (July 26) and were updated on the project’s status.

The timing couldn’t have been better since several members of the committee watched from Main Street earlier in the day as the “Vito Block” bricks hit the ground.

The committee met in the basement of the current Webster Police Department on Thompson Road and heard progress reports from the Maguire Group, onsite planning manager, and The Lawrence Associates, the architects, of Manchester, CT. 

Tony Diluzio from the Maguire Group called Thursday “a critical day,” and was pleased with the way the demolition was going. 

Committee member and town manager John McAuliffe was equally impressed, saying that everything “looked awesome.”

One slight surprise on the site was the discovery of a 1000-gallon oil tank of which the committee had not been previously aware.  Diluzio said that this was not uncommon and a discussion ensued on a plan to have the tank removed. 

Committee member Randy Becker, who donated the initial funds to have the building torn down, said that “the ground had been tested and a soil analysis was done long before the land was purchased,” and the committee felt confident that there was no leak from the tank.

In attendance at the meeting were committee chairman Brian Perry, Police Chief Timothy Bent, Deputy Chief Rodney Budrow, former fire chief Gordon Forrester, Fire Chief Brian Hickey, Rescue Chief Chris Jolda, Town Accountant Pamela Regis, Rick Lawrence of The Lawrence Associates, McAuliffe, Becker and Diluzio.

The Planning committee will meet again at the Webster Police Department on Thursday, August 9.

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Michael Schrader, Project Manager for Tighe & Bond gives a presentation on EPA mandated storm water management during the Webster Board of Selectmen Meeting, July 23, 2012.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER - The Webster Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator watched a presentation on stormwater management presented by Michael Schrader of environmental specialists Tighe & Bond on Monday night. The stormwater management project is part of the EPA’s approach to improving water quality. The project was implemented in the 1970s as a three-point program. The first was to address wastewater treatment plants. In the 1990’s urban stormwater was addressed. The next phase, started in 2003, has been the issue of suburban stormwater.

The presentation struck a major discord with the board when it came to the point of having stormwater as a utility; in other words, the burden of cost for the treatment and proper catching of the stormwater would go to the taxpayers. The town presently has a stormwater system in place but the maintenance for it comes out of the general fund. . The problem being addressed at this point is where it ends up. There are additional requirements mandated by the EPA to control and clean this water up.

The town has been classified as an MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems), meaning that the stormwater would need a separate conveyance system that would collect the water and not be combined with sewer or part of a publicly owned sewer treatment plant. The project is a five-year program that is funded by the State Revolving Fund and will include six steps for compliance. 1. Stormwater by-law development, 2. Stormwater management program, 3. Public education and outreach, 4. Illicit discharge detection and elimination, 5. Construction site stormwater runoff control and 6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping.

Selectman Robert Miller was very concerned about what the taxpayers may be up against.

Webster DPW Superintendent, J.T. Gaucher is among the group of Webster officials working on the EPA compliance program. His research concluded that the average community will face a one hundred to one hundred and fifty thousand dollar cost to comply with the five-year permit and the cost to the average taxpayer would be about twenty-five dollars a year. (This is based on other municipalities already implementing the program.)  Board chairman Donald Bourque also voiced his opinion in opposition to the program, stating in effect that if the federal government wants to tax the rain falling from the sky, what may be next, the sun’s rays?

Robert Miller then spoke in regard to the water running into the lake. “The state owns the lake, why are they not paying for it?”

Webster is regulated by the EPA Phase II stormwater rule and has been advised to take action now, as the funding will become more competitive, and to avoid potential fines.

For more information, you may visit the Webster Town website at www.webster-ma.gov/

Pledge of License for Talia Inc. dba Tal’s Place was granted.

The signing of the September Election Warrant was also passed. Voters may go to the town website to view the warrant.

Mohegan Bowl was also granted an “Indoor” Entertainment License.

A Nuisance Dog Hearing has been scheduled for the next Board of Selectmen Meeting August 13, 2012 at 6:30 involving a fight at the beach between two dogs.

The fees for a cordial license at one hundred dollars above a beer and wine license was also passed. A beer and wine license is $425.00 and is considered a fifty per cent license. Cordial licenses would be a seventy five per cent liquor license, costing the applicant $525.00 for the license.

Three of the top five finishers (l-r): Darcy Foley (2nd), Johanna Lawrence (1st), and Meaghan Ann Harris (5th).

WEBSTER -  The 2012 Danskin Women’s Triathlon was held at Memorial Beach on Sunday July 22nd, under sunny, warm skies.  A field of about 1100 entrants began their quest to conquer the Webster course at around 7 AM.  The race starts off with a half mile swim around buoys place in a triangular pattern.  As the athletes exit the beach area, they must run to the ‘transition area’ where their bikes are located.  They must dry off, get into their biking apparel and helmets, and start out on their 12 mile road course which takes them through Webster and parts of Connecticut.  As they arrive back at Memorial Beach, they must dismount their bikes, run them back to the transition area, and put on their running shoes to complete the grueling course.  They must complete a 2-mile run which lands them on the infield of the walking track at the entrance to the beach.

The Webster race is part of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series, now in its 23rd season.  It is the largest and longest-running Series in multi-sport history!  The series consists of eight events, spanning May to September, and take place from coast to coast.

This year’s top five finishers were as follows:

Johanna Lawrence of Bedford, NH   (1st Place) 01:07:46

Darcy Foley of Sturbridge, MA   (2nd Place) 01:14:04

Robin Nichols of Westford, MA   (3rd Place) 01:14:50

Team Tenacious Trio from Woodstock, CT   (4th Place) 01:15:06

Meaghan Ann Harris of Greenlawn, NY  (5th Place) 01:15:48

Webster's Gia Didonato-Stroczenski came in eighth place overall.

MORE PHOTOS

1st Place finisher Johanna Lawrence of Bedford NH begins
the run portion of the competition.

 Second place finisher Darcy Foley shoots a look of determination
as she presses on to the bike leg of the course.

Cujo,held by Assistant Animal Control Officer Jose Herrera

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

“We are not tolerating animal abuse and abandonment in Webster and we will prosecute as much as we can to see that it ends.”

-Michelle LaFleche, Webster Animal Control Officer

On Friday, July 13, Webster police arrested 30-year old Tosha Miles of 70 Pleasant Street in Webster after her neighbors had called because she had taken her small Chihuahua, “Cujo,” picked him up and slammed him to the ground.

According to witnesses, she did this approximately four times.  The dog eventually got away, ran into oncoming traffic, and was picked up by a neighbor.  Miles was arrested and charged with animal cruelty, being a disorderly person and disturbing the peace, in a case that has disturbed many of the town’s residents and caused quite a stir in the media.

Following the arrest, the police called Webster animal control officer Michelle LaFleche, who removed the dog from the residence for his protection. He has been safe at the shelter ever since.

“He (Cujo) seems to be relatively healthy after what happened to him and he has a really good personality.” said LaFleche. “We are petitioning right now to get custody of him and find him a good home.”

Fortunately, Cujo only suffered some abrasions, but is still being tested for possible internal problems from the assault.

The media attention has also made Cujo a popular dog. “He has a lot of fans; we have been getting 6-7 calls a day and a lot of emails and comments on our Facebook page. Everyone is concerned with him getting adopted,” she said.

LaFleche was quick to remind us that there are plenty of other animals that are suffering similar fates that aren’t getting the media attention that Cujo is getting, and that is why we must make an example of this case and let people know that this is not acceptable behavior and there is a huge price to be paid for animal cruelty.

The new Webster shelter, which LaFleche said everybody loves and is a huge improvement over the old one, currently has 14 dogs and 24 cats, all looking to be adopted.

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Webster Police Press Release

A Webster woman was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty Friday night after her neighbors reported seeing her abuse her small dog.

According to the Webster Police, at approximately 10:20 p.m. officers received a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance between a couple living at 70 Pleasant Street, apartment 2. The caller also reported that during the incident, a woman, Tosha Miles, age 30, took her small Chihuahua picked it up and slammed it to the ground.

When officers arrived they observed a small crowd gathering to watch the incident across the street. The crowd directed officers to the apartment across the street, reporting that the woman had repeatedly picked up her small dog and slammed I to the ground.  One of the witnesses was able to get the Chihuahua, named “ Cujo,” after he ran out of the apartment and across the street.

According to statements from neighbors and her boyfriend, people started gathering outside when they heard the argument. They witnessed Miles pick up the dog and throw it down to the ground when one neighbor yelled for her to stop, Miles yelled “I’ll do whatever I want with my dog” and did it again. According to the witnesses she did this approximately four times.

At one point Miles went across the street and confronted the gathering people, yelling profanities at them. Afterwards, she went back to the apartment, opened the door and yelled that she didn’t want “the thing” anymore. When she did the dog ran away across the street. Neighbors had to run out and stop approaching traffic and pick up the dog and wait for the authorities.

Miles was arrested by Officers Aaron Suss and Robert Larochelle.  After the incident, Webster Animal Control Officer Michelle Lafleche was contacted and removed Cujo from the residence for his protection. The Animal Rescue League Law Enforcement Division is assisting the Webster Police with this investigation.

Miles was arrested and charged with Animal Cruelty, Disorderly Person and Disturbing the Peace. She was held at the Webster Police Department and released by a Bail Commissioner the next day on personal recognizance. She will be arraigned in the Dudley District Court on Monday.

Webster Police Press release July 13, 2012

Store manager charged

Webster - On Sunday July 1 the Webster police Department responded t the AT&T store on East Main Street in Webster for a reported armed robbery. Upon their arrival officers were told by the store manager, Angel Dejesus, that two males robbed him at gunpoint and hit him in the head with the gun knocking him out. When Mr. Dejesus regained consciousness he found that the suspects had taken all the high end electronics as well as some cash. Mr. Dejesus was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for the injury to the side of his face.

While conducting their investigation into this robbery, detectives determined that the facts provided by Mr. Dejesus did not coincide with the evidence they had. After interviewing all the witnesses detectives determined Mr. Dejesus had fabricated the story about being robbed. During their investigation detectives discovered that Mr. Dejesus had conspired with another unknown individual to steal approximately $22,000 from the store.

On Wednesday July 11 detectives again interviewed Mr. Dejesus and he confessed to planning the theft, and fabricating the robbery story. Detectives charged Angel M. Dejesus, 278 Oxford Street, Providence, RI, DOB 06/09/83, with one count of Larceny by embezzlement, and one count of filing a False Police Report.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

All proceeds to benefit Karen’s daughter,
Haleigh through an Education Fund

DETAILS:

Webster Memorial Beach

$20 donation per bike

Registration:  9:00 am – 10:30 am

Bike Run leaves beach @ 11:00 am

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Webster Brotherhood of Firefighters

(Please note “ KR Bike Run” in your check’s memo field)

12:30 pm - Bike Run ends at the 200 SPORTSMAN CLUB

Enjoy barbeque with music by DJ Dinsdale

About Karen:

Karen Ruda, the voice behind KAR464 Webster Fire Alarm, was only 43 years old when she lost her 25 year battle with heart disease. At age 18 she was struck by Hodgkins Disease and the treatments weakened her heart. At 30, she miraculously gave birth to her daughter Haleigh which also took another toll on her heart. Karen underwent heart surgery at age 35 to repair a damaged valve and remove a blockage. At 38, Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer, which caused more damage to her heart. Six months later she suffered a massive heart attack and was placed on the heart transplant list in April of 2011. In December of 2011 Karen was hospitalized at Tufts Medical Center in Boston to await a new heart. Sadly, on April 14, 2012 Karen lost her battle with heart disease. Karen was a best friend and an inspiration to so many people. She put everyone else first and was always willing to help someone in need. Haleigh was Karen’s pride and joy…

Pre-register on-line:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

By Becky Harvey
Patriot Correspondent

The July 9 meeting of the Webster Planning Board went smoothly and without much truly new business.  The nearly year-old business of Krishna Patel/OM Jay Corporation was closed after Patel requested to withdraw the site plan from the public hearing.  The easement issues for the proposed gas station at the 138 E. Main Street address is still in question and without a plan that has been finalized by the courts, Patel felt it was pointless to continue.  Once the easement issue is decided, the board can vote to open a new public hearing on the matter.

Site plans for both the East Village Square and Gore/Thompson Roads developments went without votes on modifications.  The board agreed that both still needed some work, but that it was nothing of major note.  All discussions were tabled until the next meeting.

The owners of the property where the now-closed Mohegan Bowl and adjoining Lic’s Restaurant are located submitted an “Application for Endorsement of a Plan Believed Not to Require Approval,” or ANR, to separate the subjoined property on which sits a single family home.  The request was to separate the property, making the home a non-commercial or residential property.  The application was endorsed unanimously by all present.

The final business of the evening was the sponsoring of two new articles for the warrant at the next town meeting.  Both articles were scheduled to be on the warrant (article three and four) from June 11^th, town meeting, but because there was not enough time to schedule hearings on the matters, they were abruptly pulled.  The two articles are as follows:

ARTICLE 3: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Webster Zoning Map referenced in Section 650-13 of the Code of the Town of Webster by re-designating certain parcels of land the current zoning of Single-Family Residential (S.F.R.) to a zone of Business without Sewer (B-5) identified as said real estate in the Town of Webster located on Harry's Way, Old Worcester Road and Bigelow Road in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as shown on Assessors Plat 23, Lots A2, A3, A3.I, A3.2, A3.3, A4 and Assessors Plat 18 Lot Bl. The subject parcels consist of 47.5 acres of land, more or less. Said parcels are currently assessed to Webster-Dudley Sand & Gravel, Sunny Shores Estates/Ralph Leo, Harry and Elizabeth Leo, DJJ Realty, Henry J. Ceppetelli Co., Inc. and Cam’s Oil Service, Inc. Said described land to be re-designated is bounded as follows: To the north by land currently designated as Business with Sewer (B-4) zone which is proposed to be re-designated as Business without sewer (B-5) under a separate Article, by land now or formerly of St. Joseph's Cemetery, and by land now or formerly of the Town of Webster; To the west by Bigelow Road; To the south by the center line of Mill Brook and by land now or formerly of New England Power Company; and To the east by land now or formerly of the Town of Webster Mt. Zion Cemetery and by Old Worcester Road; or take any other action relative thereto.

ARTICLE 4: To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Webster Zoning Map referenced in Section 650-13 of the Code of the Town of Webster by re-designating certain parcels of land the current zoning of Business with Sewer (B-4) to a zone of Business without Sewer (B-5) identified as said real estate in the Town of Webster located on Harry's Way and Old Worcester Road in the County of Worcester in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as shown on Assessors Plat 23, Lots A1, A2 (portion), A3.3 (portion), A4 (portion) and Assessors Plat 18 Lot Bl (portion). The subject parcels consist of 6.9 acres of land, more or less. Said parcels are currently assessed to DJJ Realty, Henry J. Ceppetelli Co., Inc., Cam’s Oil Service, Inc. and Webster-Dudley Sand & Gravel. Said described land to be re-designated is bounded as follows: To the north by land currently designated as Single Family Residential (S.F.R): To the west by land currently designated as Single Family Residential (S.F.R) which is proposed to be re-designated as Business without sewer (B-5) under a separate Article, To the south by land currently designated as Single Family Residential (S.F.R) which is proposed to be re-designated as Business without sewer (B-5) under a separate Article, and To the east by Old Worcester Road; or take any other action relative thereto.

The next meeting of the planning board will be on August 6^th.

The Webster Brotherhood of Firefighters is proud to bring to the community its annual Celebrity Charity Softball Game on Saturday, July 21st at 7 PM at the Memorial Athletic Field on Ray St. This year will feature players from the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots and Boston Bruins. In addition to the main event there will be a FREE children's baseball/softball clinic starting at 6 PM to be conducted by Red Sox greats and a chance for autographs and pictures after. Players who will be participating include Former Bruins Great and current WAAF Radio personality Lyndon Byers, 3 time New England Patriots Super Bowl Champion Patrick Pass and more.

For more information on this even,t email Alex MacPhail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Blood Drive Saturday, July 21 8am - 1pm

Sts Constantine & Helen Church - 35 Lake Parkway, Webster

Breakfast served all day

Free Carton of Friendly's

Register to Win Red Sox Tickets

800-RED CROSS