THE WEEK IN NATICK: Arrests for OUI, Shoplifting; Woman Gives Birth on Pike; Roadwork; New Scam

Woman Gives Birth on Mass. Pike in NatickThe baby, and everyone else, is safe, after a woman gave birth on the Mass. Turnpike Friday morning.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Delays on W. Central Street in NatickConstruction crews will be working on West Central Street.

Showers Moving to Sunny: Your Natick Weekend WeatherWhat’s on tap for your holiday weekend weather-wise?

Enhancements Announced For Framingham/Worcester Commuter RailLt. Governor announced non-stop train service from Union Station in Worcester to Boston starting May 2016.

8th Human Case of West Nile Reported in Massachusetts

An eighth case of the virus was reported in Middlesex County. Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Somerville and Watertown raised to “high risk.”

Town of Natick Announces Road Work Alert

Road work is set to begin at the intersection of West Central St. and High St.

All Aboard, Fluffy and Rusty! Amtrak Welcoming Pets on Trains

Amtrak is announcing a new service to allow people to bring pets on select routes.

What’s Open, Closed on Columbus Day in Natick?

Before you head out, check if it’s open on the the holiday.

Don’t Believe Your Caller ID; Natick Police Warn of ‘Increase Your Credit Card Limit’ Scam

A local resident received a call and the caller ID said ‘Town of Natick.’ It wasn’t.

Woman Found Dead, Boats Go Up in Flames, Whole Food Listeria Scare, and More: MA Patch Today

Plus, find out what winter will be like this year as forecasters release their long-range predictions.

Breastfeeding Mom Sent to the Dogs, School Bomb Threats, Swearing Teacher Fired, and More: MA Patch Today

Plus, watch the hilarious video of local pee-wee football players bustin’ a move, and find out what forecasters expect in MA this winter.

Natick Student Heads to Carleton College

A Natick man starts his college years at Carleton.

Natick Police Department Releases Weekly Arrest SheetIndividuals are placed under arrest based upon probable cause. The arrest, in and of itself, does not determine guilt.

Century Health Systems and Natick VNA Collaborate with Natick Council on Aging on Aging Mastery ProgramPresentation topics will include “Balance Matters: A Falls Prevention Presentation”; “Medication Management”; and “Healthy Relationships.”

Find Rentals in NatickAre you looking for a rental in Natick? Start with this list from Zillow.

Forecasters Release Predictions for Winter 2015 in Massachusetts

The report contradicts what the Farmer’s Almanac predicted just last month when it forecasted a “snowy and unseasonably” cold winter.

Health and Wellness Tips from Tara Kilgallen from Lumina at the Longfellow Health Club

The Yoga Instructor share some tips on how to stay fit during the holiday season and her morning routine to maximize productivity.

MassDot: Plan For One of the Busiest Travel Days of the Year

Perfect prime leaf-peeping Columbus Day holiday weekend coming up Friday, Oct. 9, through Monday, Columbus Day, Oct. 12.

It May Soon Be Illegal to Drive With Your Phone

Texting while driving laws could also be strengthened, including a license suspension for a first offense.

Party Bus Stabbing, Massive Mortgage Scam, Bike Chase, and More: MA Patch Today

Plus, watch a man who was arrested in Massachusetts last year melt down over no mac ‘n cheese, and supermarket robbery suspect bagged.

Oh No! There Could Be No Pumpkin Pie for Thanksgiving

Experts are saying there could be a shortage on pumpkins this year, and that means a shortage on pumpkin filling for your pies.

Natick Police (@NATICKPOLICE)

We are asking motorists to be aware that there may be more children than normal walking to school today.http://t.co/G9RC0koOPw

via 6 hours agoPOLITICS & GOVERNMENT

Massachusetts Lawmakers Debate Hands-Free Phone Law

here are 14 states, including New Hampshire, Connecticut and New York, that have hands-free laws.

Johnson Elementary School PTO

It really is hard to believe that submitted Box Tops provided more than $500 to the PTO last year - we can’t wait to see how much we earn this year! Please send your Box Tops in by October 16 for...

via 7 Likes 15 hours agoSEASONAL & HOLIDAYS

How Much Do You Plan to Spend on Halloween This Year?

Halloween spending is expected to reach $6.9 billion this year on everything from costumes, to the family pet, candy and more.

William Barnicle, Longtime Maintenance Manager at Cedar Gardens, Dies at 75

Barnicle worked for the Town of Natick Housing Authority for 24 years.

Pilot Dies Mid-flight, Local Nobel Prize WInner, ‘Sextortion’ and More: MA Patch Today

Plus, in a heartfelt post, a local Vietnam veteran pursues a long-lost connect with a woman who inspired him not to take his own life.

Energy and Environmental Affairs Wants Feedback on Regulations

The DEP is urging the public to attend one of the seven sessions, or leave feedback online.

Medical Expert to Visit Natick High School for Presentation on Opiate Addiction

Dr. Ruth Potee, M.D. will present “Opiate Addiction: What You Should Know and What You Can Do” on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Would Deval Patrick Be a Good Vice Presidential Candidate?

The former Massachusetts governor has long been rumored as a national candidate. What do you think?

Flags to be Flown Half-Staff for Oregon Victims, Sgt. Vars

The governor has ordered that flags be flown half staff in Massachusetts.

Coast Guard: Missing U.S. Cargo Ship Sank; Search Continues

Coast Guard says human remains found in survival suit were unidentifiable; they had to move on with search.

Tragic Teen Deaths, Hurricane Threat, Land Mine at Work, and More: MA Patch This Week

Plus, Teamsters are accused of “thuggish” extortion of a national TV crew in MA, and a local wheelchair-bound boy finds football glory.

Veteran’s Heartfelt Ad Seeks Long-lost Woman in the Teal Gown

The chance encounter in 1972 inspired the suicidal man to go on living; 42 years later, he’s trying to track her down in Boston.By PATRICK LUCE (Patch E

Are You Doing Your Best to Prevent a Fire?

Make sure your smoke detectors have fresh batteries, and you have the contacts for the Natick Fire Department. It’s Fire Prevention Week.