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, July 8 – the state rolls out approach to mosquito control activities, the Research Bureau has released a report on high speed internet in Worcester, Crompton Park pool opens today, the Sturbridge PD receives a grant and QCC is getting into the esports game.
Baker Highlights EEE Policy
Governor Charlie Baker is promoting recently filed legislation that would authorize a coordinated, proactive, statewide approach to mosquito control activities.
Current law enables mosquito control handled at regional levels.
EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths.
There were also nine cases in domestic animals.
Two cases instances of EEE have been found within the state this year in mosquito samples. There are no known human or animal born cases as of July 7.
Report on High Speed Internet in Worcester
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau has released a new report on the state of internet access in the state.
The report also explores the possibility of a municipally run broadband network.
The report found that one-third of Worcester households lack broadband internet and 18% have no internet at all.
Crompton Park Pool to Open Today
Crompton Park Pool at 50 Canton St. is now open daily from noon to 7 PM daily.
Capacity is restricted to 100 users, or 40% of capacity.
All users must supply their names and contact information to allow for contact tracing. Worcester residents can make a reservation on the City’s website.
Sturbridge Grant for Pedestrian Safety
The Sturbridge Police Department will receive $6,000 in a grant to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Sturbridge is one of 70 departments receiving funding from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) Highway Safety Division from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA].
The combination of enforcement and technology aims to reduce preventable crashes and reduce the number of motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries involving pedestrians and bicyclists.
The initiative runs through the end of September.
Esports Team Emerging at QCC
An esports team at Quinsigamond Community College to compete in the online-game League of Legends.
QCC learning manager for Interactive Media Design Nate Mello will be the team’s coach.
Esports collegiate teams have exploded in recent years. According to the National Association of Collegiate Esports, which began in 2016 with only six colleges and universities, by 2019 that number had increased to 128.
