Acton Raises West Nile Virus Risk to Moderate
DATELINE — ACTON Acton's West Nile Virus risk level rose to moderate Wednesday after a mosquito sample collected in town tested positive, prompting the town to urge residents to guard against mosquito bites for the rest of the season.
TOWN HALL
The Town of Acton announced the moderate risk classification in a News Flash posted Wednesday morning, saying a mosquito sample collected locally tested positive for West Nile Virus. Officials are urging residents to take precautions, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing during peak mosquito hours, and eliminating standing water around homes. The advisory follows an earlier town post that had classified Acton's own risk as low while several surrounding communities sat at moderate, suggesting the local risk picture shifted quickly this week.
Separately, the town posted a paving notice covering the week of Aug. 24, alerting residents to expect roadwork and possible detours in affected neighborhoods.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
Acton Public Library has Storytime returning Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Grady and Thomas Rooms, with stories, songs, and free play for children and caregivers; online registration is preferred but not required. The library's Grab & Go Crafts kits, assembled by staff for children to pick up in the Children's Room, remain available on a rolling weekly basis while supplies last.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
A Legacy.com listing headlined "Jessica Lynne Schoffel Obituary (2026) - Acton, MA - Costello Funeral Home - Legacy" reported the death of the 44-year-old Acton resident on July 17 (read it at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jessica-schoffel-obituary?id=62221102).
COMING UP
Acton's Historical Commission holds public hearings Wednesday, Aug. 19, on properties at 308 Central St. and 65 Great Rd., one of several boards meeting that day alongside the Transportation Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and Acton Dog Park Committee. The library's weekly Peace Crane Folding session, a self-directed origami program benefiting a charity once 1,000 cranes are completed, runs Thursday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 2 p.m.
Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.