Wachusett Free Press

08/28/2026

🚒 Response to Paxton Center School 🚒

Earlier today, 8/28/2026, the Paxton Fire Department responded to Paxton Center School after a light ballast in the music room malfunctioned, causing a minor smoke condition around a ceiling light fixture.
School staff acted immediately, following established emergency procedures and safely evacuating all students and staff from the building. We commend the faculty and staff for their quick actions and professionalism, which ensured a smooth and orderly evacuation.
Firefighters investigated the issue, confirmed it was isolated to the light fixture, and coordinated with maintenance personnel to have an electrician address the problem.

✅ No injuries were reported.
✅ At no time was there a hazard to students or staff.
✅ Classes resumed after an approximately one-hour delay.

Preparedness matters, and today's response demonstrated the value of practiced emergency procedures and strong cooperation between school staff and emergency responders.

Chief Michael Pingitore
Paxton Fire Department 🚒👨‍🚒

08/22/2026

All set up at Holden Days! Thank you Wachusett Area Chamber of Commerce, Inc.

Stop by and say hello to the staff and visit all the other great vendors!

08/21/2026

Come visit us tomorrow at Holden Days! We’ll be located in the grassy area behind the Damon House on the corner of Main and Highland Streets.

Our staff will be on hand to discuss your concerns and ideas, but we also have giveaways and the chance to win tickets to either Country Fest or Hair Fest at Indian Ranch!

Hope to see you all!

08/12/2026

Poll workers needed in Paxton.

Polls workers needed for the upcoming State Primary. Please contact the Town Clerk, Laurie Becker, if you are interested. 508-556-5583 ([email protected]) Interested parties must be 18+ years of age and willing to do a CORI check.

Thank you for your willingness to help protect Democracy!

08/12/2026

In the NEWSbitz column of our August edition of WFP, we detailed the events at Finn Park. Changes came in after press time. They are as follows:

August 23 - Coffee with the Finns with Finnish sweets will be offered at 2 p.m. Due to unforeseen circumstances, our guest speaker Lisa Tarkiainen Steele is unable to be present that day. There is no charge but donations will be appreciated.

Please join us this summer and experience a little bit of Finland in Central Massachusetts.
All events are sponsored, in part, by the Cultural Fund of the Finnish Heritage Society Sovittaja to celebrate the park’s 100th anniversary and share the Finnish culture and heritage with the community.

07/30/2026

Disrespect and destructive acts have taken place at the Stephen Novak Field Complex in Holden less than a year after the dedication.

07/28/2026

🐶🐶🐶 Did you license your dog yet? If not, do it this week to avoid more late fees!

Currently the Town of Paxton has 81 unlicensed dogs. Please license before August 1st to avoid an additional fine from the Animal Control Officer. Licenses are good for the owner because if your dog gets lost it helps you get reunited. Licenses are good for your neighbors because it lets them know you are keeping rabies up-to-date. Dog licenses are required by both local and state laws.

07/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who entered our Southwick's Zoo Find the Hidden Animals contest. 🎉🎉🎉 Congratulations to our Grand Prize winner Chelsea T. who recently redeemed her four-pack of tickets to Southwick's Zoo, enjoying a memorable day with her extended family (pictured here). Chelsea is the second from the right.

🎉🎉🎉
The runner up winners are:
Wachusett Free Press: Stacy J.
Upton & Mendon Free Press: David C.
Milford Free Press: Paulo Sergio P.
The Yankee Express - South: Emily C.
The Yankee Express - North: Hale S.
Norwood Local Town Pages: Kelly A .
Norfolk & Wrentham Local Town Pages: Joseph C.
Natick Local Town Pages: Meg W.
Medway & Millis Local Town Pages: Lydia T.
Hopedale Local Town Pages: Lisa B.
Holliston Local Town Pages: Alan M.
Franklin Local Town Pages: Amanda G.
Blackstone Valley Express - South: April H.
Blackstone Valley Express - North: Emilia S.
Bellingham Bulletin: Scott R.
Ashland Local Town Pages: Suzanne M.

07/24/2026

ICYMI: Fox 25 was in Rutland for this week’s Zip Trip!

07/22/2026