Attorney Melissa Mathis has withdrawn her candidacy for the Planning Board seat, citing a family medical issue, adding another open position to Winchester’s March municipal election ballot. The withdrawal comes as Winchester prepares for an election that will bring significant changes to town leadership. Six current office-holders are choosing
Facing an 18.92% increase in health insurance costs for fiscal year 2026, Winchester officials warn that residents should prepare for difficult financial decisions ahead. With Town Meeting approaching in April, officials are evaluating potential cost-saving measures to mitigate the budget impact and avoid deeper deficits in the coming years.
Winchester High School is joining a growing number of schools nationwide taking technological action against teen vaping, as officials approved a $25,000 plan to install electronic vape detectors in school bathrooms amid rising health and safety concerns. The Winchester Select Board voted Feb. 10 to allocate funds from the
As far as elected officer positions go, Winchester’s 2025 municipal election is set to bring a mix of continuity and change, with several new faces stepping up for leadership roles and multiple incumbents opting not to seek re-election. According to the Town Clerk’s Office, a pair of competitive
The Winchester Select Board discussed a projected $2.9 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026 during its Jan. 27 meeting, with members divided over school levels and potential cuts to municipal services. Town Manager Beth Rudolph presented updated budget figures showing the deficit had grown since initial projections earlier
How many years have you lived in Winchester? I have lived in Winchester more than half of my life. My family moved here when I was a kid. I went off to college, but came back with my wife Kelly to raise our family in 2017. Please describe your professional
Just two weeks after enforcing term limits to end James “Jimmy” Johnson’s two-decade tenure on the Capital Planning Committee, the Winchester Select Board wrestled with similar questions of governance diversity Monday night while making a trio appointments to the town’s new Winchester Committee for Community Preservation (WCCP). The
The Winchester Select Board addressed multiple issues at its January meeting, making key decisions on outdoor dining regulations, pedestrian safety measures and affordable housing initiatives while grappling with ongoing MBTA construction delays. Outdoor dining gets makeover The board modified the town’s outdoor dining program for 2025. The approved policy
As Winchester enters its fiscal year 2026 budget season, officials gathered last week for a Financial Summit revealing preliminary figures that project approximately $152.7 million in revenues against growing expenses, pointing to a potential deficit exceeding $3 million. The revenue outlook includes $127.6 million from property taxes, a
In a unanimous decision that highlighted the tension between preserving institutional knowledge and promoting new voices in town government, the Winchester Select Board voted Monday to appoint Enzo Rascionato to the Capital Planning Committee, replacing longtime member James “Jimmy” Johnson who had served for approximately 20 years. The appointment came
Winchester Select Board members sharply criticized MBTA officials Monday night over continued delays and disruptions from the $50 million Winchester Center station reconstruction project. Completion, which was scheduled for the end of December 2024, has now been pushed to June 2025, more than two years behind schedule. During their update
Winchester’s Select Board and Planning Board jointly approved an updated Housing Production Plan Monday night, laying out an ambitious roadmap to address the town’s affordable housing shortage while acknowledging significant hurdles in meeting state mandates. A Housing Production Plan is a proactive strategy for planning and developing housing
The Winchester Select Board during its most recent meeting took steps to address water and sewer rates while approving the installation of a public Hanukkah menorah display and allocating its remaining federal COVID-19 relief funds. Holiday display marks a step toward inclusion In response to community requests for more inclusive
How many years have you lived in Winchester? Five years. My wife and I live here with our two young daughters. We were drawn here by the town's schools, natural beauty and reputation as a close-knit community. I am excited to help strengthen the town we intend to
Winchester needs more money: The town faces a $1.89 million structural deficit and a backlog of capital projects in the multiple millions. And the town’s adoption of the Community Preservation Act — a state law that enables Bay State communities to raise funds for open space, historic preservation, affordable
“Methadone Mile,” a new pilot episode that delves into the heart of Boston’s opioid crisis, made its debut at the Boston International Film Festival on April 14. The film, which has strong ties to the town of Winchester, was showcased during Session 9 of the festival at the Regent
