NORFOLK

Town Meeting voters this week shot down an article that would have paid School Committee members an annual stipend of $200.

Most other elected board members in town receive the stipend, but members of Advisory Committee, which acts as the town’s finance committee, said they wanted to reconsider all stipends in the spring rather than grant more of them.

Voters also approved spending $550,000 of Community Preservation funds to purchase approximately 44 acres of land abutting Highland Lake. The land will be used for open space or
affordable housing.

Town Meeting continues on Monday night at 7:30 p.m.at the H. Olive Day School.

-- Calvin Hennick

UPTON

The town has reached an agreement with dog owner Brendan M. Perry of 57 South Street that will keep both parties out of court.

Selectmen voted last spring to banish Perry's six dogs from the town, citing over 100 barking complaints received by police. Perry appealed the order, and selectmen agreed that Perry could keep three of the dogs as long as they are equipped with anti-barking devices and kept indoors between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

-- Calvin Hennick

SHREWSBURY

The town is hoping to get word by the end of the year that it is getting just under $4 million from the state for library renovation and expansion, according to Ellen M. Dolan, library director.

The grant was approved over a year ago and the town is waiting for the state to release the funds. After that, library supporters will go to Town Meeting to ask for $9.1 million, said Dolan, the balance needed for the project.

The 25,000-square-foot library was originally built in 1902 with additions in 1923 and 1979, she said. The project calls for renovating and expanding to 46,000 square feet, said Dolan, which will include a much larger children's room, meeting space for the public, and more room for computers.

To see floor plans, exterior renderings, and a complete list of what would be inside the new library, visit the library online.

-- Lisa Kocian

WESTON

"Fun for the whole family" is not usually a phrase one associates with public works departments. But there's something for at least two key demographics at Weston's Department of Public Works open house this Saturday (Nov. 3). Kids can get an up-close look at all the big trucks and equipment, and town officials are hoping their parents will learn why the department needs a new building. The special town meeting scheduled for Nov. 28 will ask voters for money to pay for additional design fees for the new facility.The town's Permanent Building Committee, town staff, and the design team working on the project will all be available to answer questions between 9 a.m. to noon at the current public works building, 190 Boston Post Road By-Pass.

Town officials have also planned an informational meeting for next Wednesday (Nov. 7) about the proposed new building. It starts at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.

-- Stephanie V. Siek

It's not too early to start thinking about catching rising Red Sox stars like Jacoby Ellsbury during the 2008 baseball season.
(Globe staff photo by Jim Davis)

NEEDHAM

Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Needham is hosting its ninth annual fundraising gala on Friday night, and among the prizes at a live auction will be 2008 Red Sox tickets and a tour of Fenway Park.

The event, which will take place at the Newton Marriott at 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, is open to the public with tickets available for $150 per person. Anyone seeking more information is urged to call 617-754-0779.

-- Laura Colarusso

MILLIS

Millis 911 calls will be diverted to Medway for about three weeks starting early next month while new 911 equipment is being installed.

Medway dispatchers will answer calls from Millis, then transfer the calls to Millis dispatchers.

-- Calvin Hennick

WRENTHAM

Town Meeting voters Nov. 13 will be asked to approve about $800,000 in capital expenses,
including new vehicles for the police and fire departments and maintenance on a water tank.

Town Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. at King Philip Regional High School.

-- Calvin Hennick

HOLLISTON

The Holliston Board of Health will hold a flu immunization clinic on November 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Holliston Senior Center.

Residents 65 and older, and those older than 18 who have chronic medical conditions, are
considered at high risk and are eligible to receive the shots. Anyone interested is urged to call the senior center at 508-429-0622 to schedule an appointment.

-- Calvin Hennick

WALTHAM

Traversing some commonly used streets in Waltham could be a lot more difficult this winter if a ballot question up for a vote on Nov. 6 doesn't pass.

A "yes" vote to the question would officially allow the city to clear private ways open to public use of snow and ice. A World War Two-era state law allows the city to do it, but officials apparently never put the issue to municipal voters as required and has been improperly plowing for the last 50 years.

The state Inspector General's office informed the city earlier this year that they'd have to put the matter on the ballot as soon as possible. Private ways affected include Worcester Lane, part of Second Avenue, and Summit Avenue.

-- Stephanie V. Siek