The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

news

Storm brings down branches and power lines

High winds littered roadways with small branches and brought down larger ones around town during today’s storm. As of 5:15 p.m. on Monday, 121 of 2,609 EverSource customers in various parts of Lincoln were without power. The town got off fairly easy, though. Towns that were hardest-hit by percentage of households without power were Medfield (51%), Carver (39%), and Duxbury (34%). 

Bedford Road residents called the Fire Department after a broken tree fell on wires over a private driveway and started smoking. Before firefighters could arrive, the weight of the tree pulled the fuse off the top of another utility pole, resulting in sparks and a loud bang. “I ran like the devil,” said Steve MacLellan of 52 Bedford Road, who was standing close to the second pole with neighbors when it happened.

Click images for larger versions and captions:

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”129″ gal_title=”Storm 041320″]

Shots fired along Route 2; two suspects arrested

(Editor’s note: This article has been corrected.)

After gunshots rang out along Route 2 near Bedford Road early on Easter morning, Lincoln police responded quickly and arrested two people for firearms violations, drug charges, and resisting arrest.

Three calls came in to police on April 12 just after 2 a.m. reporting the sound of shots being fired. Rockwood Road resident Paula Robinson was just falling asleep when she heard “six shots in quick succession, very loud.” Her brother is a police officer, as was her late father, “so I knew exactly what it sounds like. I knew it wasn’t a shotgun, like someone shooting at a coyote. I got up and checked to make sure all the doors were locked,” she said.

Within two minutes, Lincoln police were in the area, and officers encountered the suspect vehicle in the Lexington Road area of Route 2, Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said. After a motor vehicle stop and investigation, officers arrested Khiry Murray, 29, of Lawrence and Carisa Brown 27, of Marblehead. Police seized two handguns, cocaine in quantities indicating intent to distribute, prescription pills, and nearly $47,000 in cash. Both suspects made bail and are scheduled to appear in Concord Court in May for arraignment, according to the account on the Lincoln Police Department Facebook page.

“They did a phenomenal job,” Robinson said of the quick and efficient police response.

Who fired the gunshots and why are under investigation, Kennedy said, adding that no one was injured.

This is not the first time a disturbing incident has occurred in her area, said Robinson. She now has motion detectors in her yard because drivers in potentially criminal trouble on Route 2 have jumped out of their stopped cars on the highway and fled south through the woods.

In this case, fortunately, the suspects didn’t flee, though they were charged with resisting arrest for “uncooperativeness — let’s leave it at that,” Kennedy said.

It was just one more worrisome element on a morning when high winds were starting to cause other problems. “I have branches coming down on my house, Covid-19, the president… it’s like, “Calgon, take me away!” Robinson joked.

Click images for larger views:

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”127″ gal_title=”Police bust 041320″]

Police log for the week of March 30, 2020

March 30

11 Offutt Road, Hanscom AFB (8:06 a.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to a resident.

Sandy Pond Road (1:59 p.m.) — Party trespassing on Water Department property; was advised to leave.

North Great Road (8:31 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked at Minuteman High School. Party was an Eversource employee working.

March 31

Bedford Road (2:39 p.m.) — Police officer and dog officer located an injured dog with Wayland tags. Dog reunited with a friend of the owner to care for it.

Woods End Road (6:15 p.m.) — Caller said people possibly trespassing. Officers checked and all is fine.

April 1

Minuteman Commons, Virginia Road (10:29 a.m.) — A party backed into a landscaping truck and left the area. No damage to the truck, very minor damage to the vehicle. Officer later spoke to the driver who left. Report taken.

Concord Road (11:22 a.m.) — Public health problem (cannot disclose due to HIPAA).

Woods End Road (3:56 p.m.) — Follow-up to previous trespassing call with the resident.

April 2

Huckleberry Hill (12)00 p.m.) — Party reported being a victim of identify fraud. Investigation is ongoing.

April 3

Woods End Road — Officer followed up with the resident in regards to trespassers on his property. Officer spoke to the party and found it’s not their property.

Trapelo Road at Old County Road (6:27 p.m.) — Officers blocked road for Waltham police as there are wires down in the roadway near the town line.

April 4

North Great Road (9:31 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Driver is outside picking up trash along the roadside.

Mill Street (11:30 p.m.) — Caller requested a check of a suspicious vehicle parked in a neighbor’s driveway that they don’t recognize. Vehicle is registered to the homeowner.

April 5

Ballfield Road (4:22 a.m.) — Officer found the sandwich-board signs removed from the school island and placed in the roadway. Officer put them back in their proper spot.

Trapelo Road (9:23 p.m.— Delivery company worker reported an overdue party whose last GPS location was Trapelo Road near Old County Road. Officers checked the area; unable to locate. Party was later located in New Hampshire.

Tell us about how you’re managing during the Covid-19 pandemic

There’s been lots of news about how Lincoln’s government, health officials, schools, library, etc., are reacting to the rapid changes we’ve all had to make since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing, online learning, takeout-only restaurant food, digital books instead of paper, indoor recreation, meetings via Zoom… the list goes on. Lincolnite Andy Payne did a quick survey on March 22-23 via LincolnTalk about how people in town were living and working — click here for the results. 

Since there are no public events these days, the usual sources of news for the Lincoln Squirrel have changed as well. The story now is you, the readers — and how this is affecting you. Tell us a brief story about what’s different about your life that illustrates the strange and historic time we’re going through. How are you and your family adapting to all the changes? What new things are you doing with your time? What have you discovered about yourselves? Feel free to be humorous, serious, or both.

Here’s an example from my family. We’d been thinking for a while about getting a second cat, but shelters nowadays are open only by appointment and there are few cats available, since (fortunately) people have been adopting and fostering more. But as luck would have it, an acquaintance was looking for a home for her kitten because her other cats were not being nice to this one. We got her yesterday, and today our vet came to give her shots and take blood samples (did you know cats can spread a feline type of coronavirus? I didn’t). In normal times we would have gone the shelter route, but as luck and the pandemic would have it, this is how things turned out, and we’re very happy to have a furry new diversion in our house. Meanwhile, I keep wondering if this is the day I’ll finally straighten out the Tupperware cabinet 🙂

Please email your stories and photos to lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com (and please include your name and phone number in case we have questions). Next week we’ll publish a selection of the responses. And keep your ideas for fiction and other creative work flowing as well. The Lincoln Chipmunk has been a bit delayed by events, but it is still very much on the front burner.  Thanks to everyone who has sent submissions — and if you haven’t done so yet, you’re not too late for the first issue, which Lincoln Squirrel readers will be able to access at no extra charge. We’ll let you know when it’s ready. Meanwhile, stay well, and let’s hope for warmer weather!

Alice Waugh
Editor, The Lincoln Squirrel
lincolnsquirrelnews@gmail.com

Covid acorns

Town offers links for help during pandemic

Council in Aging Director Carolyn Bottum has compiled this list of resources for residents of all ages who need general assistance during the Covid-19 emergency as well as help with food, medication delivery, donating or receiving financial assistance, and managing stress and anxiety. Resources are being added as time goes on; send any changes or corrections to bottumc@lincolntown.org.  

Food pantry needs shopping bags

With an increased client load, the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry in Lincoln is running low on shopping bags and seeks donations of sturdy paper shopping bags with handles and strong plastic bags (not the flimsy single-use ones). Please drop them off on a dry day at the side entrance to St. Joseph Church on the left side of the church where the ramp is).

Trails open but usage monitored

Although some towns in the area are closing their conservation trails due to the pubic health emergency, Lincoln is keeping its trails open but “keeping a close eye on usage,” Town Administrator Tim Higgins said on March 30. Walkers are urged to maintain social distancing, and dogs must also be kept on leash at all time. The town’s parks and playgrounds are closed.

Zoom practice meetings now offered twice a week

Resident Andy Payne is hosting “Zoom for beginners” practice video meetings every Monday and Wednesday at 1 p.m. Go to https://zoom.us/j/577144331 or, if you already have the free Zoom app installed, launch Zoom and type in meeting ID 577 144 331 at the appropriate time. All are welcome (participants needn’t be Lincoln residents). The meetings offer basic lessons on using Zoom and and give a chance for those who aren’t familiar with video conferencing to learn, explore, and fiddle with the settings and features in a low-stakes environment. For help in installing Zoom, email Payne at andy@payne.org or click on one of the websites below.

Library book group to meet on Zoom

On Friday, April 10 at 9:30 a.m., the Lincoln Pubic Library’s Friday Morning Book Group will meet via Zoom to discuss The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald. Anyone interested in joining the discussion online may email lincoln@minlib.net for an invitation and instructions. Copies of the books are available for download in e-book or audio book formats via Hoopla.

Police log for week of March 24, 2020

March 24

South Great Road (6:37 a.m.) — Business owner arrived and found an open door. Officers checked and it appears that the door opened as a result of the wind.

Wells Road (10:01 a.m.) — Caller requested a check on a relative whom they can’t get in touch with. Officer spoke to the party; all is fine and they’ll get in touch with the caller.

March 25

Trapelo Road (3:26 a.m.) — Caller reported a bonfire in the area. Fire Department checked; there was no one around the fire, which they extinguished.

Concord Road (6:18 a.m.) — Caller reported an injured deer on the side of the road near Old Concord Road. Officer had to dispatch the deer. DPW was asked to remove the body.

Sandy Pond Road (9:36 a.m.) — Caller reported an outside odor of gas. Fire Department checked the area with their meter; no readings found, but gas company notified.

North Great Road (3:56 p.m.) — Concord police asked Lincoln officers to look for three males running on the Minuteman National Park trails. They were looking to speak with them regarding an encounter with a party in Concord. Officers checked; unable to locate.

March 26

Weston Road (1:09 a.m.) —Officer checked on a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Parties were moved along.

South Great Road (9:57 a.m.) — Caller complained about noise coming from Stonegate Gardens.

Weston Road (3:10 p.m.) — Caller complained about a rock that was partially in the roadway. Officer responded and removed the rock.

South Great Road (9:10 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked on Rte. 117 near the railroad tracks. They’ll all set and were sent on their way.

March 27

Mill Street (1:18 a.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked along Mill Street. He spoke to the parties and sent them their way.

Old Concord Road (10:42 a.m.) — Party turned in two firearms for safekeeping.

Woods End Road (3:25 p.m.) — Party called to complain that someone cut trees down near his property a day or so ago.

Lincoln Road (4:05 p.m.) — Caller reported a party acting suspicious in the Lincoln Mall parking lot before driving off. Registration given was different than described vehicle. No contact made.

Juniper Ridge Road (6:08 p.m.) — Framingham police asked Lincoln police to contact a resident and have them call them in regards to an incident in that city.

March 28

Oakdale Lane (10:03 a.m.) — Caller asked for a well-being check on a party. Party was no long at the residence; officer later spoke to them.

Sandy Pond Road (3:28 p.m.) — Caller reported cars parked along Sandy Pond Road near DeCordova causing a congestion issue. Officer moved several vehicles along.

Conant Road (4:00 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak with an officer  regarding a civil matter. Officer documented the report from the caller.

March 29

Old Sudbury Road (8:37 p.m.) — Caller reporting an odor of smoke in the house, possibly due to being struck by lightning. Fire Department responded and found no fire.

Covid acorns

Sign up for Covid-19 news flashes from town

The Town of Lincoln has set up a “News Flash” that notifies subscribed residents when there is an update to its Covid-19 webpage. At the top of www.lincolntown.org, go to the “How Do I?” section, then scroll down to “Sign up for town notifications.” On the resulting “Notify Me” page, scroll down to News Flash and click on “Coronavirus update.” You’ll then receive an email asking you to confirm your subscription.

Landscaping companies to reopen

Local landscaping and tree service companies are planning to reopen next week after the governor clarified that they are exempt from the lockdown order for nonessential businesses. Landscapers and other businesses that don’t operate out of a bricks-and-mortar location may continue to operate even if they are not considered an essential service, as long as they maintain social distancing between all employees, and between employees and the public.

Byrnes Landscaping of Lincoln and Lynch Landscaping in Wayland were among the businesses that initially closed after the lockdown order but said they would resume services on Monday, March 30.

Stonegate Gardens

Stonegate Gardens will be available for deliveries in the local area as well as curbside pickups. The physical store will be closed to customers and all but essential employees, who may be contacted Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Staff will take photos or videos of anything you would like to order. Orders and credit card payment will be taken over the phone, and products will be labeled on a cart for driveway pickup (please call prior to pickup) or delivered within a certain service area. For more information, call 781-259-8884 or email info@stonegategardens.com.

Enjoy trails but leash dogs

The Lincoln Land Conservation Trust is asking residents to have dogs leashed on all trails and to maintain six-foot social distancing when walking. Click here for printable trail maps and click here for some suggested walks.

L-S athletic fields closed

The athletic fields at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School are closed due to the epidemic. This includes the grass and turf fields behind the school, the softball fields, the tennis courts and all indoor athletic facilities at L-S. The fields are closed at least until school has been reopened. The Sudbury Police have been notified of this request.

Library expands Hoopla offerings

Hoopla Digital, one of the Lincoln Public Library’s online services, is offering a Bonus Borrows Collection with more than 1,100 audio books, movies, and e-books through April 30. Titles span all genres of literature and reading levels (including a special Books Kids Love section). Click here for all of the library’s digital offerings.  Anyone with questions may email the library at lincoln@minlib.net.

Police log for week of March 16, 2020

March 16

Hanscom Drive (10:15 a.m.) — While trying to enter Hanscom Air Force Base, John Hogan, 49, of 79 Laurel Drive in Bradford was arrested on a warrant from Haverhill District Court for OUI/liquor.

Sunnyside Lane (4:02 p.m.) — Caller reported that someone rang their doorbell and then left the previous evening. No further information.

March 17

Old Concord Road (10:54 a.m.) — Resident called to report being a victim of identity fraud. Investigation is ongoing.

Moccasin Hill (2:58 p.m.) — Caller reported their house was filled with smoke. Fire Department determined that the fireplace flue was closed, causing the smoke.

Offutt Road (3:56 p.m.) — Resident reports being harassed by a family member. Office took a report and explained legal options to the party.

March 18

Lincoln Public Schools (12:59 a.m.) — Officer witnessed a party driving into the school complex. Officer stopped the vehicle and made contact with four juveniles. Officer contacted a parent, who came to pick the juveniles up.

Goose Pond Road (2:48 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer made contact; all is well, and party will contact the COA.

Old Winter St. (3:09 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer went to the residence and found that the party no longer lives in town.

Meadowbrook Road (3:22 p.m.) — Officer delivered court paperwork to the residence.

South Great Road (5:58 p.m.) — Caller reports a young teen walking along Rte. 117. Officer made contact; juvenile had left their residence in Weston after an argument. Weston police contacted and responded.

Wells Road (9:52 p.m.) — Caller reported an outside fire. Fire Department found a campfire outside and handled.

March 19

No log entries recorded.

March 20

Deerhaven Road, Brooks Hill Road, Deer Run Road — Several callers reported having no water or low water pressure. Officer found what appears to be a water main break on Deerhaven Road at Old Cambridge Turnpike; Water Department notified.

Old County Road (3:01 p.m.) — Council on Aging requested a well-being check on a resident. Officer made contact; all is well, and party will contact the COA

Winter Street (4:03 p.m.) — Resident called asking about the leaf blower by-law.

March 21

Wells Road (1:32 a.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in making contact with a Lincoln resident and having them contact Concord. Notification made.

Walden Street, Concord (1:53 a.m.) — Concord police requested assistance with an alarm at Concord-Carlisle High School.

Minebrook Road (2:29 p.m.) — Caller reported a party trespassing on their property near conservation trail. Officer responded and took a report.

Concord Road (3:00 p.m.) — Caller complained about a leaf blower in the area. Caller was advised of the by-law.

Lincoln Road (3:30 p.m.) — Concord police requested assistance in making contact with a Lincoln resident. Officers responded and asked the party to call Concord police.

Virginia Road — Caller complained about flight schools at Hanscom operating and not practicing social distancing. Caller was advised to contact MassPort Operations.

South Great Road (5:58 p.m.) — Concord police reported that they received a call that a Sudbury police officer stopped a car on Rte. 117 near the town line and may need assistance. Officer checked the area and was unable to locate.

Trapelo Road (9:51 p.m.) — Caller reports a power outage in the area. Eversource notified.

March 22

Lexington Road (9:08 a.m.) — Caller reporting an ongoing civil dispute with their neighbor

Millstone Lane (11:55 a.m.) — Caller reports an out-of-control brush burn. Fire Department checked; resident had fire under control.

Cambridge Turnpike Eastbound (3:33 p.m.) — Officer found bicyclist riding on Rte 2 and advised them move off highway onto a side road.

Lincoln Road (4:32 p.m.) — Caller reports a party in a parked car near Donelan’s had an open container of alcohol. Officer made contact. No impairment; the open container was removed and the party was sent on their way.

Conant Road (6:17 p.m.) — Caller complained about leaf blowers. Officers spoke to the work crew and advised them of the by-law.