Marine, Family Reunite; Mother Wanted for Kidnapping, and More: Nearby News

Here are a few of the day’s must-read items from our Massachusetts network. We hope you enjoy! Give us your feedback at patrick.luce@patch.com

Stories worth talking about tonight:

Strangers Help Reunite Marine with His Family for the Holidays

MANSFIELD, MA -- A U.S. Marine from Massachusetts will be surrounded by his family this week thanks to the assistance of a Mansfield resident and a group of people he’s never met.

After two years away from home, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Benjamin Bauman surprised family members in Medway last weekend when he appeared at a family function unannounced. The arrival was a complete shock to Bauman’s family, who had only told his uncle to make sure everyone was outside his family’s house for his grand entrance.

Other headlines:

Lakeview Mother Kidnapped 2 Kids: Police

• Lakeville police on Monday said they’re searching for a mother who kidnapped her two children. Police said Valerie McGrath, 47, is driving a brown 2002 Land Rover Discovery with the license plate number 847ZZ2.

Body of Missing Rockport Woman Found

• Susan Nilsson was reported missing on Saturday.

New Elementary School Faces 209k Environmental Bill

• The state will not be increasing its $14.4 million contribution to cover the additional costs.

Also worth a look today:

‘Staggering’ $3M Cocaine Shipment from Boston Seized

Man charged with assault by dog

Home Damage from Crash Estimated Over $80k

Nashua Schools Closed After Threat

Owner of HK Bodyworks Arrested on Prostitution Charges