James Hoyes - Hanover Select Board

08/24/2026

It’s that time of the year again; time to watch for mosquito borne diseases — EEE and West Nile in particular.

There are NO positive tests from Hanover yet; but samples from four Plymouth County communities (Carver, Halifax, Kingston, and Plympton) tested positive for EEE and the risk level was raised to moderate.

Please follow the recommendation from the MA Department of Public Health and protect yourself and your families.

08/23/2026

First day of early voting at Hanover Town Hall.

Pam and I voted earlier this afternoon. Very easy process and our election team is very helpful.

08/21/2026

Another example of great police work to make our community safe! Thank you HPD.

08/21/2026

Great job by our Hanover Police Department! Thank you to the Chief and Officers involved in the arrest.

PRESS RELEASE from Chief Timothy Kane

Arrest Made After Operator Flees Traffic Stop; Large Quantities of Drugs & Cash Seized

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00PM a Hanover Police officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Circuit Street. The officer observed a blue pickup truck turn left onto Summer Street at a high rate of speed.

After observing the violation, the officer followed the pickup truck onto Summer Street as the vehicle increased its speed and crossed over the center line numerous times. The involved officer attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop signaling the operator to stop. The pickup truck initially slowed down and pulled over near 100 Summer Street. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle accelerated and fled toward the Town of Rockland.

A visual of the pickup truck was maintained as Hanover officers pursued with the assistance of Rockland Police. Eventually the vehicle returned to Hanover with the operator pulling into a driveway on Webster Street. The operator exited the pickup truck through the passenger side fleeing on foot into a thickly wooded area. After a brief foot pursuit by responding officers the operator, identified as Paulo Vasconcelos Barbosa Jr. of Brockton, was taken into custody.

Following further investigation, Barbosa was charged with the following offenses:

• M.G.L. Ch. 90 § 25: Failure to Stop
• M.G.L. Ch. 90 § 24: Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• M.G.L. Ch. 89 § 4: Marked-Lanes Violation
• M.G.L. Ch. 90 § 17: Speeding
• M.G.L. Ch. 94C § 32E(g): Trafficking in He**in, 100–200 grams
• M.G.L. Ch. 94C § 32E(b): Trafficking in Co***ne, 100–200 grams
• M.G.L. Ch. 94C § 32E(b): Trafficking in Methamphetamine, 36–100 grams

In addition to seizing a large quantity of illicit narcotics, officers also seized $28,000.00 in cash.

Barbosa was held overnight at the Hanover Police Department. On Thursday, August 20, 2026, he was arraigned at Hingham District Court on the above charges where he was held in custody. A dangerousness hearing will be held Friday August 21st at Hingham District Court.

*All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law*

07/01/2026

Stay cool this afternoon and especially tomorrow with temperature nearing or even exceeding 100 degrees. The COA building and the Library are open if you need to cool down and don’t have AC.

The heat is also exacerbating the state-wide drought. Our water conservation efforts initially brought our standpipe (water tank) levels to ~120 feet, but now are dropping again. I know it is hard with the heat but please do what you can to limit use of the town water supply. Levels have dropped back to 108 feet and the Town Manager issued this update notice.

06/27/2026

This report is the latest update regarding one of our town’s largest budget line-items outside of the public school budget.

The draft Actuarial Valuation report will be fine-tuned and voted on by the Plymouth County Retirement Association Board in the coming months.

No matter what, Hanover’s FY27 contribution will not change from the number used in the FY27 Budget approved at the May 2026 Town Meeting. However, the final report will probably highlight significant financial implications starting with the FY28 budget cycle.

Demographic change, successful investments shift Plymouth County Retirement Association's assets and liabilities.

06/24/2026

I am not going to post water levels every day but we hit 122’ the other day and are holding +/- 120’.

The recent rains have provided much needed water to our aquifers, lawns and gardens. Let’s hope the weekend stays dry for Hanover Day and then we get some consistent rain cycles.

06/20/2026

Latest water update is that the standpipes are at 117’. This was basically achieved in one week — 84’ to 117’. A community pulling together making an immediate impact. Thanks to all.

The immediate impact is on water pressure — critical for the Fire Department. Next is getting to a position to rest and maintain the well pumps which have been running 24/7. Fantastic progress — but keep conserving!

06/19/2026

Only a few days left to get your Transfer Station permits for Fiscal Year 2027. There are a few extra days highlighted below that Town Hall will be open to provide residents with extra flexibility.
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Transfer Station Permit Sales and Upcoming Independence Day Holiday Schedule
June 18, 2026

As we kick off the new fiscal year and prepare for the Independence Day holiday weekend, Hanover residents are reminded to renew their Transfer Station permits. Renew before July 1st to take advantage of discounted rates.

Special Holiday Schedule

⦁ Friday, July 3rd - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
⦁ Sunday, July 5th - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

These extended hours are being offered to help residents purchase or renew permits during what is expected to be a busy weekend. Avoid delays and get your permit squared away before heading to the Transfer Station. Please note that residents displaying expired green stickers will be directed to Town Hall to obtain a current permit before using the facility.

Regular Weekday Schedule

Permits may be purchased online or in person. However, all permits must be picked up at Hanover Town Hall, 550 Hanover Street, on the following schedule:

⦁ Mondays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
⦁ Tuesdays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
⦁ Wednesdays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
⦁ Thursdays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
⦁ Fridays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

For additional information, please visit

Hanover was established in 1727, a little over 100 years after the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth, 17 miles to our south. We have maintained our "country town" atmosphere over the years, yet combined it with the convenience of shopping malls, light industry, and, of course, technology.