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 – Tuesday, October 26 – several area projects receive MassWorks grants, Monster Jam tickets go on sale today, Ricky Duran will perform at a Net of Compassion event, Worcester is hiring snow plowing contractors and gas prices in Massachusetts to continue to climb.
Worcester County Community Projects Receive State Grants
Governor Charlie Baker and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy announced $66.5 million in 2021 MassWorks grants to 50 communities Monday, October 25.
Awardees in Worcester County include:
- Worcester – Brookview Drive Roadway Reconstruction and Fencing – $1,026,000
- Worcester – Spruce Street Reconstruction – $1,250,000
- Bolton – Intersection Safety Improvements at Rte 117 – $938,000
- Douglas – Tri-Town Infrastructure Upgrade Project – $3,000,000
- Dudley – Infrastructure Improvements for Ardlock Place Neighborhood – $179,000
- Gardner – Rear Main Street Revitalization Project Phase II – $4,100,000
- Holden – Analysis of Adams Road and design of Fire Substation Access – $220,000
- Leominster – Orchard Hill Park Expansion – $2,090,000
- Millbury – Armory Village Revitalization Project – Phase II – $1,147,000
- Uxbridge – Route 16/Douglas Street Improvement Project – $1,250,000
Worcester Monster Jam Tickets On Sale Today
Monster Jam®, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, returns to the DCU Center from Friday, February 18, to Sunday, February 20. Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, October 26, at 10 AM.
The Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday and Sunday enables fans to see the massive trucks up close, meet their favorite drivers and crews, take pictures and enjoy other family-friendly fun. This unique experience is the only place that allows people to get up close access to the Monster Jam teams and get an insider’s look at how these trucks are built to stand up to the competition.
The scheduled truck lineup includes Grave Digger® driven by Brandon Vinson; Whiplash® driven by Brianna Mahon; Megalodon® driven by Bernard Lyght; TBA driven by Coty Saucier; and Stone Crusher driven by Chad Tingler.
The event starts on Friday, February 18, at 7 PM.
On Saturday, February 19, the Pit Party is from 10:30 AM to noon. The event starts at 1 PM. There is a second event on Saturday at 7 PM.
On Sunday, February 20, the Pit Party is from 10:30 AM to noon. The event starts at 1 PM.
Ricky Duran to Appear at Bread of Life Benefit
Net of Compassion announced that Worcester native Ricky Duran will appear with a special performance at its Bread of Life Benefit, a virtual event, on October 28 at 7 PM.
The event includes inspiring stories, an online auction and a Timeless Sachs Jewelers Raffle.
Net of Compassion is a Worcester based non-profit organization that supports people struggling with substance use disorder, homelessness, unemployment, and mental health issues. It has served over 300 hot meals on the sidewalks of Main South since 2010. It also disseminates clothing, food pantry items, toiletries, and referrals to other services.
Worcester Hiring Snow Plowing Contractors
The City of Worcester is now hiring snow plowing contractors with equipment for the upcoming winter season. The Department of Public Works and Parks has requirements for trucks from 8,000 pounds 35,000 pounds along with loaders, tractors and backhoes.
The application, which includes information on equipment, insurance and other requirements, is available on the City of Worcester website.
Gas Prices Continue to Rise Across the Country
AAA Northeast reports changes in gas prices across the region on a weekly basis.
Massachusetts’s average gas price increased eight cents this week, now averaging $3.35 per gallon. That price is 26 cents higher than a month ago ($3.09), and $1.25 higher than October 25, 2020 ($2.10).
Massachusetts’s average gas price is three cents lower than the national average.
According to AAA, the recent rise in the pump price is due to higher demand coupled with a decline in stocks alongside elevated crude prices. Global oil production is still below pre-pandemic levels. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 5.4 million barrels to 217.7 million last week. However, gasoline demand increased from 9.19 million barrels per day to 9.63 million. Since the cost of oil accounts for more than half of the pump price, consumers will be paying more as long as crude prices remain high.
AAA Northeast’s October 25 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be six cents higher than last week, averaging $3.38 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 20 cents higher than a month ago ($3.18) and $1.22 higher than this day last year ($2.16).
Comparison to neighboring states, according to AAA Northeast:
Image Credit: Kazvorpal, Grave-digger-monster-jam-2014, CC BY-SA 3.0
