Holy Name’s new wind turbine is fully installed, bringing wind power to Worcester for the first time on a large scale. The one tower — a freakin’ huge 262-foot behemoth — is expected to provide enough power for the entire school, and then some. Bonus: Whirring blades coolest addition to cityscape since restored Union Station. +5
It’s that “and then some” that’s a problem. It takes the “Worcester Haters” about .03 minutes before bashing the school for making a profit off of surplus power without contributing to a PILOT program. Once again, no good deed goes unpunished. -3
The economic bailout bill is defeated, the sky collapses, the rapture starts, and a black hole swallows the earth. Worcester is still here, however. +2
A week of rain means outdoor laborers lose valuable hours during tough financial times, but at least the ones who are paid in cash don’t have to watch 401Ks go down the toilet. -1
Toto, we’re not just in Greendale anymore. The Asian longhorned beetle Quarantine/Regulation Zone now encompasses the whole city of Worcester, and a small portion of Shrewsbury; the infested number of trees keeps rising, now reaching 1,265. Most scary, the trees found in the Mill Street area show egg scarring, meaning they’ve been infested for a while. Expect more trees, expect a bigger zone, and expect a maple-free landscape starting this winter. -5
One arrest in connection to the Becker stabbing, though no charges in the murder itself. Also, police quickly apprehend the guy allegedly behind the murder and arson at 856 Main St. Quick work by the police in the first two murders in Worcester since before the summer (coincidently coming weeks after Police Chief Gary Gemme said he was shocked there hadn’t been a murder over the summer). +3
Direct Air confirms it will be leasing plush Virgin Airlines planes. Private video monitor on seatback allows you to watch Pierce Brosnan warble Mamma Mia! Abba tunes six inches from your face. +1
Sox in the playoffs. +4
Sox roster boasting more injuries than a MASH unit. -3
THIS WEEK: Holy Name windmill blows away most of the bad stuff. Worcester finishes at +3.
