In today’s daily 5 Things You Need to Know feature, ThisWeekinWorcester.com explores five important items and stories that Worcester and Central Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on.
These five things can cover a whole range of subjects and issues that we feel are pertinent to understanding what’s going on in the city and the cities and towns surrounding Worcester.
In today’s edition – January 5, 2021 – Auburn Police investigate a series of ATV and dirt bike thefts, QCC launches an early college program in Southbridge, the City of Worcester warns residents on safe practices on the ice, the Worcester Red Sox mascot is now available for appearances and gas prices rise two cents in Massachusetts this week.
Auburn Police Investigating ATV and Dirt Bike Thefts
The Auburn Police Department has received several reports of stolen ATVs and dirt bikes during the last few months, both in Auburn and surrounding towns.
Many of the thefts occur in the early morning hours, while at least one was for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The Auburn Police have several investigations currently underway. Anyone with information is asked to contact Auburn Detectives at (508) 832-7738.
QCC Launches Early College Program in Southbridge
Quinsigamond Community College Foundation, Inc. has received a one-year $20,000 grant to support an Early College Program in Southbridge High School.
QCC will offer two programs for Southbridge juniors and seniors.
A First Year Experience course that assists students with career and academic planning
Introduction to Microcomputer Applications course that focuses on basic working knowledge and hands-on experiences in word processing, spreadsheet processing, relational database processing, and presentation software.
Tuition and books for 40 high school students will be paid for through the Grant. Students who enroll in the courses and finish with passing grades will receive an official QCC transcript.
QCC has an Early College Program with 29 partner schools and since its inception in 2018.
Worcester Warns Residents on Safe Ice Practices this Winter
The City of Worcester is warning residents on safe practices on the ice and reminding everyone the safest place to skate is on clear ice at a skating arena.
For those who skate outdoors, here are some tips to stay safe:
- Changes in temperature cause ice to expand and contract, affecting the strength of the ice. It is important to gauge the condition of the ice before gathering on its surface
- Lakes and ponds do not freeze at the same thickness all over
- Stay off the ice if the thickness is 3 inches or less
- Only stand on clear ice that is at least 4 inches thick
- Never go out onto the ice alone
- Stay clear of obstructions such as brush, logs, plants and docks, where the surrounding ice can be weakened by heat from the sun
- When fishing, skating or sledding, spread out. Do not put too much weight on one area
- Single, unbroken pressure cracks are probably safe to walk on, but if you are unsure, avoid them
- Be particularly careful when there is moving water – such as on rivers, streams and springs. Moving water can wear ice away from underneath
- Children should never play on the ice without an adult present. Bikes or skateboards should never be used on the ice
- Do not build a fire on the ice
- When in doubt, stay off ice
Worcester Red Sox Mascot Available for Appearances
Smiley Ball, the Worcester Red Sox official mascot, is now available for public appearances.
Smiley is available for parties, events and special events, including virtual events.
To inquire about bookings, call (508) 500-1111 or email [email protected].
Gas Prices Up 2 Cents for Second Straight Week in MA
AAA Northeast, the popular not-for-profit auto club, reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price increased two cents from last week ($2.19), averaging $2.21 per gallon. That price is the 11 cents higher than a month ago ($2.10), and 38 cents cheaper than January 4, 2020 ($2.59).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is four cents lower than the national average.
AAA Northeast’s January 4 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be the same as last week, averaging $2.25 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 15 cents higher than a month ago ($2.10), and 33 cents cheaper than this day last year ($2.58).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
Image Credit: Terageorge, DCU Center – Worcester, Massachusetts USA, CC BY-SA 3.0
