Highway toll foes fall short on signatures

A Stoneham woman has won $10 million in a state lottery scratch ticket game. “I’m planning one great Christmas, and I have my eye on a new car,’’ Debra A. Roberto said in a statement provided by the Massachusetts Lottery. Officials said the lottery’s first $10 million instant prize game began two years ago and that 14 $10 million prizes have been awarded so far. Roberto will receive 20 annual checks for $500,000.

A recent challenge by four Massachusetts cities has successfully pushed the state’s 2008 US Census population estimates to more than 6.5 million residents. Secretary of State William F. Galvin said yesterday that the challenge by Worcester, Springfield, Fitchburg, and Westfield added about 16,500 people. State officials are awaiting the result of a challenge by Boston that could add another 10,000. (AP)

A 30-year-old bicyclist suffered serious injuries after being struck by a car and dragged for nearly 300 yards on Route 16 in Natick Wednesday night, police said. The cyclist suffered extensive injuries and was taken by MedFlight to a Worcester hospital after the 7:25 p.m. accident, said Natick police Lieutenant Brian Grassey. Police did not identify the cyclist or the driver of the 2002 blue Volvo sedan involved. Police did not know the bicyclist’s condition last night. Grassey said a preliminary investigation showed that the bicyclist was dragged by the car for about 860 feet eastbound on Route 16.

Citing concerns about his pension, Police Chief Kenneth Coye said he plans to retire at the end of December after officers issued a no confidence vote in his leadership in June. “I will look back at these seven years as the most rewarding in my 33 years of service,’’ Coye, 59, said of his tenure as chief. His e-mail message added that concern about his pension played a role in his decision to step down. Coye was paid $119,758.47 last year, according to city records.

A youth football coach charged with beating the father of one of his players has pleaded not guilty. William Reynolds was released on personal recognizance. Reynolds stepped down from his coaching position with Wilmington Pop Warner after the Oct. 16 incident. Police say Reynolds, 43, made the 12-year-old boy run laps after he showed up late for practice. The boy’s father, Michael VonKahle, 48, objected, saying it was his fault his son was late. The men then went into the woods, where VonKahle suffered a swollen eye and a broken nose. Reynolds said he acted in self-defense. (AP)

A lawyer for a man charged with killing his grandmother in her Weston home says his client is not criminally responsible for the slaying. Attorney Richard Bailey said at a hearing in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn Wednesday that James Maguire Clark, 22, has several mental health issues and should not be held criminally responsible for the March 15 slaying of Eleanor Clark, 80. Prosecutors want to have a psychologist examine Clark. Authorities say Clark beat and stabbed his grandmother. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. (AP)