CHARLTON NOTEBOOK.

Byline: Debbie LaPlaca

COLUMN: CHARLTON NOTEBOOK

Police Sergeant Gary N. Mason Jr. has been selected by the New England State Police Information Network to receive its Equipment Utilization Award.

"This award is being given to him to honor his efforts and creativity in using NESPIN surveillance equipment," Rick Flood, training coordinator for NESPIN, wrote in the Aug. 18 announcement letter.

Sgt. Mason worked with the Worcester County Drug and Counter Crime Task Force in a three-month covert investigation, which led to 22 arrests and 13 criminal complaints in Southern Worcester County. Many of the arrests involved illegal guns, drugs and prostitution. "We are very proud of his efforts and the team that worked under him for those three months," Police Chief James A. Pervier said during a recent selectmen's meeting.

Tree Warden Todd H. Burlingame recently informed selectmen that a USDA investigation of dying trees on a Stafford Street farm found no evidence of the Asian longhorned beetle. However, he said, residents should remain alert and report possible sightings.

The black beetle, plaguing sections of Worcester, has white spots and long jointed antenna. The bug, native to China, is harmless to humans and pets but will kill hardwood trees if left undisturbed.

"It's a serious little bug if it does get into the trees. If anyone does find one, don't transport it but call the selectmen's office," Mr. Burlingame said.

Selectmen Tuesday opened the warrant for a special town meeting set for Oct. 28. The board will meet with the Finance Committee 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Senior Center to discuss financial articles on the warrant.

Shepherd Hill Regional High School senior Timothy Nikopoulos was accepted by selectmen Tuesday as a non voting student representative on the board. Timothy's election to the Shepherd Hill Student Advisory Council made him eligible for nomination by Principal Timothy M. Schur. Timothy will take his seat at the board's next meeting set for Sept. 23.

The Highway Barn Building Committee is holding a public hearing regarding its plans to build a highway operations facility on Flint Road, at an expected cost of about $4.5 million.

The current highway barn is a WWII surplus building that has served the town for about 65 years.

Weston & Sampson was awarded the $79,000 contract to design two buildings for offices, vehicle storage, a mechanic's bay and a truck washing bay. The November election will include a ballot question to exempt from Proposition 2-1/2 the funds to build the new facility. However, the project is out to bid and firm costs will not be known until October. The public hearing is set for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in the selectmen's meeting room.