Local Government

Brookfield Board of Health Meeting Draws Wave of Public Concerns

Brookfield Board of Health Meeting Draws Wave of Public Concerns BROOKFIELD — A three-hour meeting of the Brookfield Board of Health on March 25, 2026, brought forward a wide range of concerns from local businesses, residents, and advocates, as new leadership opened the floor to expanded public participation. Under the direction of Chair Christina Predella—recently […]

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Brookfield police staffing crisis forces overnight coverage cuts as resignation and town-wide turnover raise broader questions

Local Government, Public Safety

Brookfield police staffing crisis forces overnight coverage cuts as resignation and town-wide turnover raise broader questions BROOKFIELD — A staffing shortage within the Brookfield Police Department will result in the suspension of overnight police coverage beginning February 1, 2026, marking a significant change for a department that has provided uninterrupted 24/7 service for more than

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Brookfield Man’s Criminal Trial Postponed After Defendant Fails to Appear

Community Events, Human Interest Stories, Local Government, Public Safety

Brookfield Man’s Criminal Trial Postponed After Defendant Fails to Appear A jury trial scheduled Monday in East Brookfield District Court involving Brookfield resident John D. Holdcraft was postponed after the defendant failed to appear, with his attorney informing the court that Holdcraft had been hospitalized that morning. Charges Filed Holdcraft is charged with: Criminal harassment,

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Brookfield board opens door to remote public participation in meetings

Community Events, Local Government, Opinion and Editorial

Brookfield board opens door to remote public participation in meetings BROOKFIELD — In a move aimed at expanding public access to local government, the Brookfield Select Board voted March 10 to allow town boards and commissions to offer remote participation for the general public. The decision, approved unanimously by the board members present, Richard Chaffee, was

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Brookfield Announces Key Dates for 2024 Annual Town Election

Local Government

Brookfield, MA – Brookfield’s Office of the Town Clerk has announced important dates and open positions for the Annual Town Election scheduled for May 6, 2024. The election, to be held from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. at 6 Central Street, Brookfield, will encompass various key positions within the town’s governance structure. The roles open

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Brookfield Village Leaf Collection Scheduled for November 27th to December 1st

Community News, Local Government

By Christopher Kelleher Brookfield, November 17, 2023 – The Brookfield Highway Department has announced the annual leaf collection for the village area, set to take place during the week of November 27th to December 1st. Village residents are advised to prepare for this service, which will occur at some point during the specified week, but

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The Rising Trend of Points of Order Misuse in Brookfield Public Assemblies

Local Government

The Rising Trend of Points of Order Misuse in Brookfield Public Assemblies BROOKFIELD — In a democratic society, the role of rules in facilitating public debate is invaluable. But concerns are mounting in Brookfield over the improper use of points of order, based on Robert’s Rules of Order, during public meetings. Understanding Robert’s Rules of

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Board Of Health Chair’s Actions Raise Concerns

Community Events, Local Government

Governance in Question: Board of Health Chair’s Unilateral Actions Stir Public Outcry The Crisis of Confidence Brookfield’s Board of Health, led by Chairperson Ms. Maureen Lepak, is facing a rising tide of public frustration and internal discord. The origin of this crisis traces back to September 13, 2023, when Ms. Lepak unilaterally presented a six-page

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