Brimfield News

State Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer, and state Sen. Michael Moore, D-Millbury, have been named Legislators of the Year by the Massachusetts Police Association.

With the holiday shopping season upon us, this is where I shamelessly promote biker-friendly businesses to give you ideas on what to get the biker in your life for gifts.

Twenty-six years ago, Mark A. Avis' neighbor told him he should join the local American Legion, Merrill L. Simonds Post 130.

Planning is under way for the town of Monson's 250th birthday next year. Resident James M. Duggan, who is leading the 250th birthday planning committee with the help of Monson Free Library Director Hope Bodwell, said the first planning meeting was held last week, and the next will be held Nov.

When the Steaming Tender opened in the restored Palmer railroad station in 2004, its novelty and soundly prepared meat and seafood offerings, served trackside to the passing tremors of freight and passenger trains, were all that was needed for a rewarding family dining experience.

Gov. Deval L. Patrick yesterday vowed not to cut local aid or Chapter 70 school aid, but local officials say cities and towns will still feel the effects of the governor's midyear budget cuts.

All times for Saturday, Oct. 31 * Southbridge - Horribles Parade from Wells Middle School to the Town Common 5-5:30 p.m.; Trick-or-Treat 5:30-7:30 p.m. * Sturbridge - Trick-or-Treat 5-7 p.m.; Horribles Parade from Town Hall to Town Common at 7 p.m. * Charlton - 5:30-7:30 p.m. * Brimfield - 4-7 p.m. * Wales - 4-7 p.m. Snowbird manatee flies to balmy ...

Although the swarms may have dissipated, don't be surprised if you have more ladybugs knocking on your door in the coming days as the autumn temperature continues to fluctuate.

One lucky auction-goer looks set to reap a sizeable reward when a bronze statue he bought in the US goes under the hammer in Lincoln.

A head-on collision on Route 19 just before noon yesterday left two people injured, at least one seriously.

Sean Kellenberger, a Marine Corps veteran, hopes to find a job as a cop or a firefighter, but his search has been frustrated by his injuries.

By JOHN APPLETON jappleton@repub.com BRIMFIELD - Concerned about the potential impact on their town if a casino is built in neighboring Warren or Palmer, selectmen have appointed a committee to keep track of developments and work at protecting the town's interests.

Police are looking for a tractor-trailer that struck a traffic light on Route 20 Sunday, knocking it to the ground and snarling traffic, which was already heavy because of the Brimfield Outdoor Antiques Shows and a motorcycle swap meet in Sturbridge.

Ashburnham * St. Denis Church, Main Street, will hold its fall festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept.

Central Massachusetts consumers will once again enjoy fresh produce, meat, and fish, as well as flowers, natural textiles and other locally-produced goods in its traditional location in front of the Harvard Elementary School, a block away from Harvard's historic town center on Route 111.

Dot Warren examines photos she took as a young girl, depicting the damage caused to her family's East Brimfield homes during the flood of 1955.

By LORI STABILE lstabile@repub.com PALMER - Police chiefs in Palmer and Monson are studying the possibility of regionalizing their departments and dispatch centers.

With cooperative traffic, it takes about an hour and a half to get from Sheraton Monarch Place in Springfield to the Prudential Center in Boston.

"We have to think long term," Valanzola said. "The expectation is that the facility will not cost more than $4,000. For the very, very insignificant nominal price attached to going in on a regional dog pound, it is the best financial option for us," he said.

By JOHN APPLETON jappleton@repub.com BRIMFIELD - The May's Antique Market lawsuit against the town will go to trial now that Town Meeting voters have again rejected changing the way emergency services fees are charged to owners of the Brimfield Antiques Shows.