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DPW warns: Get new meters

CLINTON - Homeowners who do not respond to requests to get their water meters replaced will soon face $500 fines. And if that doesn't work, the Public Works Department will shut their water off.

Public Works Superintendent Christopher J. McGown told the selectmen Wednesday that those who refuse to respond to the new meter installations are not paying their fair share.

"Some people are paying half of what they should be paying," he said.

Mr. McGown said his department cannot just break into houses to install the new meters, and the homeowners know it.

Selectmen voted unanimously to approve his recommendations of first assessing a $500 fine if there is no response in 30 days to a registered letter requesting permission to change a meter. If that doesn't work, a second letter would be sent saying water to the household would be shut off in 30 days.

"We're guaranteed to get a response if we start to shut water off," Mr. McGown said.

Window etching offered

FITCHBURG - Local police and the Governors Auto Theft Strike Force are inviting the public to have their windows etched in an effort to prevent their cars from being stolen.

Officials from the strike force will be in Fitchburg from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the Boulder Drive parking garage across from the Riverfront Park. The cost for the service is $10.

DEP fines paper company

TEMPLETON - A local paper company has been fined by the state Department of Environmental Protection for violating state industrial wastewater regulations.

Seaman Paper Co. of...