Wachusett Free Press

06/09/2026

Rutland's Fourth of July Celebration will look different this year - stay tuned for more updates.

Town of Rutland, MA
Discover Rutland MA

For the first time in 78 years, the town’s beloved Fourth of July celebration will not light up the summer sky

06/09/2026

If you see smoke today, it may be coming from the Brookfields: MassWildlife is planning two prescribed fires, one at Quaboag WMA in East Brookfield, and one at Richardson WMA in Brookfield.

In cooperation with the DCR Fire Control District, the Brookfield and East Brookfield Fire Departments, and other partners, MassWildlife is planning to conduct two prescribed fires today, June 9, 2026. One fire will be at Quaboag WMA in East Brookfield (fields off Boyles Ave.), and one at Richardson WMA in Brookfield. The purpose of the prescribed fires are to improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risk, and provide firefighter training. There may smoke in the area, so please pardon the inconvenience. The fire may be canceled if local weather conditions change. For more information about prescribed fire, visit

Prescribed fire, also known as prescribed burns, uses planned fire to manage for healthy habitats. Read these frequently asked questions to learn how prescribed fire can benefit people and wildlife.

06/05/2026

⚠️ ROAD WORK ⚠️

Friday, June 5, 2026 - Jefferson Drive, William Allen Drive

Subcontractors will be regrading the road on Jefferson Drive and William Allen Drive on Friday, June 5, 2026. Police details will be in place to allow emergency vehicles and busses through as needed. Residents should anticipate delays getting in and out of their driveways.

Monday, June 8, 2026 - Hill Street, Burtenmar Circle, Jefferson Drive, William Allen Drive

Subcontractors will be starting the first round of paving on Hill Street, Burtenmar Circle, Jefferson Drive and William Allen Drive on Monday, June 8, 2026. Police details will be in place to allow emergency vehicles and busses through as needed. Residents should anticipate traffic delays.

Please feel free to reach out to the Paxton DPW at (508) 753-9077 or [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Wachusett Regional Emergency Communications Center
Paxton MA Police Department
Paxton Fire Dept.

06/03/2026

📣Beginning Wednesday, July 1st, there will be new hours of operation for the Town Hall & Town Annex buildings. 📣

❓For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, please visit: https://bit.ly/4u60BRS

We thank you for your understanding as we transition into the new fiscal year!

Discover Rutland MA
Wachusett Free Press

06/02/2026

Check out the Rutland Fire Department operations stats for the month of May

Rutland FireDepartment - By the numbers- May 2026

As part of our commitment to keeping residents informed, we will be sharing monthly operational statistics and highlighting notable incidents from the previous month.

Please see the attached May 2026 Department Statistics infographic for an overview of department activity.

🚑 EMS Call of the Month

On May 14th, Rutland Fire Department personnel responded to an unwitnessed cardiac arrest after the patient was discovered by family members. The incident resulted in a four-person transport, with crews providing advanced life support care throughout the response. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved during transport, allowing the patient to receive continued definitive care.

🔥 Fire Call of the Month

On May 5th, Rutland Fire Department personnel responded as part of our automatic mutual aid agreement with Barre to assist at a brush fire. Engine 3, Tanker 1, and Car 2 operated on scene for approximately two hours alongside regional partners. Incidents such as these demonstrate the importance of mutual aid and regional cooperation in protecting our communities.

We appreciate the continued support of our residents, regional partners, and the dedicated members who serve the Town of Rutland each day.

06/02/2026

Rutland voters: mark you calendars now.

📣The Select Board has called a Special Town Meeting for Tuesday, June 16th! 📣

The meeting warrant includes the revised FY2027 budget for Wachusett Regional School District, which was previously voted down at last month's Election. The School Committee has presented a decreased assessment, which will be going before voters at this Special Town Meeting.

The warrant will be posted by the end of the business day today and will be available for review in Town buildings and on our website: https://www.rutlandma.gov/762/Town-Meeting-Information

🗓 Tuesday, June 16th
🕛 6:00 P.M.
📍Glenwood Elementary School, 65 Glenwood Rd.

❓Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming meeting, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Discover Rutland MA
Wachusett Free Press

06/01/2026

Did you know, it's National Say Something Nice Day?
Our towns have been going through a lot lately - and many opinions (positive and negative) have been voiced. Today is the perfect reminder to everyone of the great things our communities and the people of our communities do - leave your nice comment below!

We'll go first: Without all of you, our readers and advertisers, we couldn't do what we do. Thank you for being so supportive of local, community news!

06/01/2026

Next Monday, June 8 - Holden Annual Town Meeting.

05/27/2026

The Town of Rutland has released a statement regarding the July 4th celebrations

On behalf of the 4th of July Committee, and our Public Safety officials, please click the link below for a statement regarding this year's 4th of July festivities.

The 4th of July Committee will be releasing an official schedule in the coming days for the activities that will still be held!

➡ https://bit.ly/3Q5VlzF

Rutland MA 4th of July

05/23/2026