What’s Going On in Ashby MA as of October 8, 2026
An overview of recent municipal updates, operational milestones, infrastructure investments, and public safety activities in Ashby, Massachusetts. Key takeaways include the securing of substantial federal and state grant funding totaling over $718,000 across road paving, public safety, and historical signage initiatives; important personnel advancements within municipal safety departments; local operational adjustments regarding utilities and waste management; and community recognitions. Additionally, municipal departments successfully responded to an earlier vendor cyberattack, reflecting ongoing public safety resilience.
Municipal Funding and Infrastructure Grants
Ashby has secured significant grant funding through state and federal programs to support infrastructure paving, historical initiatives, and emergency services equipment.
- Community One Stop Grants:
- Taylor/Wares Road Paving: Allocated $438,500 for infrastructure improvements, with paving operations scheduled for Spring 2027.
- Wayfinding Signage: Received $50,000 dedicated to the Ashby Historical Commission for town wayfinding signs.
- FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG):
- The Ashby Fire Department was awarded $60,636 specifically allocated for the replacement of large-diameter hoses.
Grant Funding Summary
| Granting Authority / Program | Entity / Purpose | Amount | Timeline / Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community One Stop | Infrastructure (Taylor/Wares Road Paving) | $438,500 | Spring 2027 |
| Community One Stop | Ashby Historical Commission (Wayfinding Signs) | $50,000 | Current Update |
| FEMA AFG | Ashby Fire Department (Hose Replacement) | $60,636 | Current Update |
| DOJ COPS | Police Department (Hiring Grant) | $125,000 | Current Update |
| Byrne JAG | Police Department | $30,000 | Current Update |
| MA Municipal Road Safety | Police Department | $14,387 | Current Update |
Public Safety, Personnel, and Operational Cybersecurity
Public safety leadership, under Police Chief Derek J. Pepple and Fire Department command, reported key personnel updates, grant acquisitions, and inter-departmental security management.
Personnel Promotions and Appointments
- Police Department: Officer Kevin Monaghan was officially sworn in.
- Fire Department: Brian Nielsen was promoted to the position of Fire Department Lieutenant and Lead for the Training Division.
Police Department Grants
Chief Derek J. Pepple reported three public safety grant awards aimed at staffing and road safety:
- DOJ COPS Hiring Grant: $125,000 to support departmental staffing.
- Byrne JAG Grant: $30,000 for public safety operations.
- Massachusetts Municipal Road Safety Grant: $14,387 designated for road safety initiatives.
Incident Management: Vendor Cyberattack
Earlier in the year, the Ashby Police Department, the Ashby Fire Department, and the Patriot Regional Communications Center jointly managed a cybersecurity incident involving a vendor cyberattack.
Community Operations, Utilities, and Honors
Local Operations and Public Utilities
- Transfer Station Permits: Residents are required to acquire transfer station permits priced at $50. These permits are valid from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027.
- Community Choice Power Supply Program: Updated electricity rates for the town’s power supply program took effect on November 1, 2026.
Community Honors
- Ashby High School Hall of Fame: Carol Lielasus and Nancy Elliott were officially inducted into the Ashby High School Hall of Fame.
