[Now that things are progressing to a “new normal” and more non-COVID-19 news, events and “need to know” information becomes available, we will continue this feature five days a week.]
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 – Wednesday, June 10 – seven more businesses applying for a temporary outdoor dining permit, Price Rite raises thousands of dollar for local food banks, the FBI needs help with an investigation, Governor Charlie Baker wants to make changes to COVID-19 data collection and the Sturbridge Police Department is re-accredited.
7 More Businesses Apply for Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit
Joining the previous 40 businesses, seven more will go before the Worcester License Commission on Thursday, June 11.
Each business is applying for a temporary outdoor dining permit as part of the City’s Outdoor Dining Program.
The list includes:
- Livia’s Dish, 1394 Main Street
- The Boynton, 117 Highland Street
- The Hangover Pub, 102 Green Street
- Mezcal Tequila Cantina, 30 Major Taylor Blvd.
- Root & Press, 632 Chandler Street
- Pepe’s Trattoria, 274 Franklin Street
- Worcester Public Market, 160 Green Street
Price Rite Marketplace Raises $131,000 for Local Food Banks
Price Rite Marketplace’s annual Check-Out Hunger campaign raised $131,000 across eight states in November and December of 2019.
The store in Fall River was the top individual fundraising store. Shoppers at that store contributed more than $14,000 to the overall campaign.
The food banks in Massachusetts receiving funds from the campaign include Worcester County Food Bank, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
Food banks in Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island will also benefit.
Photo Credit: Anthony92931, Price Rite, CC BY-SA 3.0
FBI Seeks Help Identifying Two Individuals in Arson Investigation
The Boston Divisions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI] is seeking help from the public to identify two individuals who they believe may have information related to the vandalism and arson of a Boston Police Department Cruiser.
The incident took place on Tremont St. in Boston, in the area of Beantown Pub and Suffolk University on Sunday, May 31 around 9:30 PM.
Unknown individual #1 appears to be a White or Hispanic male between 5’8” and 6’0″ tall with a medium build. He wore a white hoodie, red bandana, and grey shorts.
Unknown individual #2 is believed to be a Hispanic male approximately 5’8” to 6’0″ tall with a medium build. He wore a black t-shirt, black shorts, and a black hat.
Anyone with information about these individuals or the burning of the cruiser is asked to call the FBI’s Boston Office at 857-386-2000.
You may also contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Governor Baker Seeks to Amend COVID-19 Data Collection
Governor Baker filed a bill titled “An Act to Ensure the Collection of COVID-19 Data” on Monday, June 8, that builds on and makes some changes to the existing law.
Existing law requires the Department of Public Health to collect data on COVID-19 cases and patient demographics. Baker’s new law will codify requirements of healthcare providers and laboratories to submit that data in a timely manner.
Baker also seeks to roll back requirements on elder housing and rental units. Unlike elder care facilities and nursing homes, elder housing often has incomplete data on its resident’s health as they do not provide care.
The existing law will require these landlords to report whether their residents have COVID-19, which is likely to be inaccurate or incomplete. This may also violate individual healthcare privacy for those residents.
Sturbridge Police Complete Re-Accreditation
The Sturbridge Police Department was informed this week that the assessment by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission done in January found the department in compliance with all applicable standards.
The process evaluates areas that include policy development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation and holding facilities.
Lead photo: Edited – The Boynton/Facebook
