District Mourns Slain Speech Pathologist: Patch PM

It's Wednesday, Jan. 20. Here is what Patch has been covering in Middlesex County and across Massachusetts today.

'Vibrant' Speech Pathologist Remembered By Wakefield Schools

A speech pathologist found dead in her Wakefield home Tuesday is being remembered as a "vibrant and integral" part of the school district. Wakefield Superintendent Doug Lyons said in a statement this week Pamela Wood was a "beloved staff member at the Greenwood School and Doyle Early Childhood Center."

"Pam worked with many students and families over the years in her role as a Speech and Language Pathologist," Lyons said. "She will be missed by students, families and staff alike. Our hearts go out to her family during this tremendously difficult time."

Read more here.

Elsewhere in Middlesex County

Auto Group With 2 Medford Locations Exploited MA Unemployment: AG

An automotive group with two outlets in Medford agreed to pay $1 million to settle claims it took state unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic, Attorney General Maura Healey announced last week.

Colonial Automotive Group has 16 car dealerships throughout the state and all showrooms were ordered closed throughout the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company furloughed employees, encouraged them to apply for unemployment benefits and then requested that those employees continue to work without pay, Healey said.

Somerville Debuts Outdoor Wi-Fi Pop-Up

A pop-up providing free outdoor Wi-Fi was recently installed in front of Somerville's Central Library to provide 24/7 internet access during the pandemic. While library buildings remain closed, the Somerville Public Library partnered with several local organizations to provide a COVID-safe environment to patrons.

CultureHouse, a nonprofit that activates unused public spaces, designed and installed the structure, and volunteers from Mass Mesh expanded the library's existing Wi-Fi network. The Somerville Public Library Foundation (SPLF) funded the project.

Melrose's Main Street Is Getting Another Mexican Restaurant

Main Street is getting another Mexican restaurant.

Sante Fe Burrito is coming to Melrose, City Planner Denise Gaffey confirmed to Patch. It will make its home in the former Papa Gino's building on the corner of Main and Grove streets.

Santa Fe, which has locations in Weymouth and Franklin, is expected to open here "pretty soon," the Franklin manager told Patch.

COVID-19 Cases Dip In Reading Schools

Coronavirus cases in the Reading Public Schools fell last week, Superintendent John Doherty said Sunday. Many of the students who tested positive for COVID-19 were remote as well.

"We believe a combination of our district going remote last week, combined with the work that families and staff are doing with preventative measures contributed to the lower numbers," Doherty said.

APD Flouts Calendar, Extends No Shave November For Charity

Arlington police officers ended 2020 a little scruffier than usual, extending their No Shave November fundraiser through December. Officers were allowed to forgo shaving if they donated $200 each to an important cause, raising $6,000 for The Children's Room of Arlington.

The Children's Room is the largest in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting grieving children, teens and families. It has a long history of providing services to both children and parents, including peer-based grief support groups for children 3 1/2 to 18, educational series for grieving parents and caregivers, monthly arts-based Family Nights and referral services.

Across Massachusetts

State Confirms Second Case Of New COVID-19 Variant

There wasn't much information given about the newest case of the more contagious strain of the coronavirus.

Fatal Road Rage Incident In Belmont Under Investigation

A Boston man died after a hit-and-run in Belmont — the driver eventually returned to the police station.

Watch: Stephen Colbert Jokes About Wayland Potato Mystery

News of several (possibly baked) potatoes found at the Wayland Free Public Library has gone national.