Plant cover is at least 75 percent in the lake, well above healthy levels. There are also five kinds of invasive plants in the lake.

"Overgrowth of noxious weeds has been of growing concern in Lake Winthrop for some time, according to historic reports. The surveys carried out over the summer of 2008 show that this concern is valid and that it should be addressed as soon as possible," said the report, conducted by Lycott Environmental Inc.

Overabundant vegetation in a lake, particularly the invasive kind, can overtake the native species that feed and shelter fish and wildlife, block sunlight and oxygen from reaching the lake's lower levels, and hamper recreation.

Lake Winthrop, about 150 acres large and 22 feet at its deepest, serves as the town beach and a place for canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Its waters eventually run into the Charles River.

Conservation Agent Patricia Brennan, who presented the report last week to the Community Preservation Committee, said the growth needs to be thwarted, and she is applying for grants to start the work. The report recommends several options for dealing with the invasive plants.

In addition to eliminating the vegetation, Brennan said the town must identify and cut off the sources of excess nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, that are entering the lake. The nutrients, which typically come from fertilizer, septic systems or road runoff, boost the plant growth, so only dealing with the plants does not tackle the whole problem, she said.

"It's something definitely of concern that we'll want to address," Brennan said, adding the report's results "put into black and white what you can see if you go out there (on the lake)."

The Eastern pondmussel, whose survival is a concern to state environmental offices, lives in Lake Winthrop. Owls, deer, beavers and turtles are among the animals that live in or around the lake.

The reports says, "If not managed, this excessive non-indigenous growth will significantly reduce biodiversity, diminish wildlife and fisheries habitats and reduce recreational opportunities. Regardless of the management tools selected, reduction and eventual eradication may take several years."

(Aaron Wasserman can be reached at 508-626-4424 or awasserm@cnc.com.)

The Fire Department responded to 6 Ridge Road at 3:28 p.m. and went to work with hoses.

"It melted some siding on the house next door," Deputy Fire Chief Stanley Clement said. "It had the potential of really taking off. We got lucky. We were able to get some water on the fire and extinguished it."

The home is owned by Cindy and Bob Herrmann, who have two daughters, Kristen, 16, and Katie, 14.

The family was home and had just finished a cookout with a friend, who was with two daughters and two granddaughters, when the fire broke out.

The friend's 3-year-old granddaughter told Kristen that there was a fire, but at first, the teen thought the child was talking about the grill.

"I went to the garage and saw smoke and ran inside," Kristen said.

The family was in the kitchen, cleaning up from the cookout.

"We all got out," said Katie.

Bob and Cindy Herrmann grabbed their keys and moved their cars out of the garage.

"There was just smoke when I drove the car around the corner," said Cindy Herrmann, "and when I walked back, there were flames."

Both the Herrmann girls called 911. The family said the fire seemed to have started near an old stereo that was in the garage.

"There were nine of us in the house," said Cindy. "The main thing was that everyone was out safely."

The garage is a total loss, Clement said.

Firefighters spent about two hours at the home, and investigators stayed longer in an attempt to determine a cause.

A neighbor across the street, Tom Deneen, is a firefighter in Belmont.

"They were great," he said of the Marlborough firefighters. "It was a great response and a great knockdown. They did an incredible job."

On July 3, 2008, Murphy, 24, who lives in Medway and was raised in Ashland, arrived home from a yearlong deployment in Baghdad. Tomorrow, almost exactly one year later, he is returning to training at Fort Dix, N.J., for another stint in the Iraqi capital.

To Murphy, that a patriotic national holiday has coincided with the start and end dates of his tours is luck. He said yesterday he is excited to return to duty - a decision he made last winter with several friends from his previous tour who wanted to return.

"I never joined for college or an extra paycheck, but growing up I always admired people in the military and was patriotic, and wanted to give back to my country," said Murphy, who joined the Massachusetts National Guard at 17.

Murphy, a specialist who is leaving behind his mother, father and three brothers, protected Iraqi government officials and trained Iraqi police during his first year in the country. He said he does not yet know what he will be doing in Baghdad when he arrives there in a few months.

He is deploying as part of the 747th military police company out of Ware. Formerly, he was with the 972nd military police company from Reading.

Murphy said the people he worked with on his first tour, who he described as "my second family," are inspiring the return.

"The work we do is valuable, but the biggest reason why is (the) people who serve next to you," he said, adding, "The camaraderie is definitely one of the biggest reasons."

As U.S. combat troops withdraw from Iraqi cities, Murphy said he views himself as a tiny piece of a gigantic puzzle. "Everybody does their job and when they do it well, it comes together and accomplishes the big picture."

(Aaron Wasserman can be reached at 508-626-4424 or awasserm@cnc.com.)

Nick Evangelous, 23, won his fight at a major mixed martial arts event over the weekend and has been fielding several new offers.

Evangelous, now 5-0 in his professional career, defeated Matt McKusker by TKO, 2:41 into the first round at the World Championship Fighting 7 event in Wilmington. About 3,400 people, including actor Kevin James and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters, attended Saturday's event at the Shriners Auditorium.

McKusker jabbed Evangelous in the face early in the fight. As a result, Evangelous said he couldn't see out of his watering right eye. But Evangelous rocked McKusker with a right and went in for a take down. Evangelous had McKusker on the mat for about a minute, landing some big punches before the fight ended.

After the fight, McKusker met up with Evangelous.

"He said, 'I've never been hit that hard in my life,"' Evangelous said.

McKusker was down for about five minutes after the fight - Evangelous believes he suffered a minor concussion.

"It's unfortunate, but everyone knows the risks of the sport," Evangelous said. "He's a tough kid, a tough fighter."

Evangelous showed why he is undefeated, said Joe Cavallaro, the president of World Championship Fighting.

"He's a beast," Cavallaro said. "He's like a tornado. He's unrelenting. It makes for an exciting fight."

Cavallaro said he would love to have Evangelous back for another World Championship Fighting event. The next one is tentatively scheduled for the end of September.

"He's the future," Cavallaro said. "I really think he's one of those guys that could be the future of the sport...I can't wait to see what he does."

Evangelous has not yet made a decision about his multiple fight offers from different organizations.

He hopes eventually to get ranked in the top five of Northeast fighters. With new rankings pending, Evangelous believes he could sneak into the top 10.

"To make it into the top 10 is a real honor," he said.

Evangelous, who trains at Fenix Fight Club in Marlborough and Woburn, is looking to fight someone in the top five.

"I have to choose a fight that will do the most for my reputation, for my career," said Evangelous, who was back in the gym the day after Saturday's victory.

Evangelous has heard that a mixed martial arts event could be coming to Marlborough toward the end of the summer.

"Any chance I would get to fight in Marlborough would be awesome," he said. Evangelous has a strong local fan base - about 100 people, many from Marlborough, went to Saturday's fight wearing matching T-shirts in support.

The fans chanted his nickname - the "Greek Mystique."

"It was really funny," said Evangelous, who thanked his team, friends and family for helping him in the fight.

Evangelous also had a sponsorship from Full Contact Fighter, a major mixed martial arts apparel company, for the fight. The company supplied clothing for him and his team. Evangelous also received money from the company but did not want to disclose the amount.

While he continues to train, Evangelous said he will also work to help rebuild the French Hill neighborhood, the site of the Fenix Fight Club.

Evangelous said he is brainstorming ideas, which include a fundraiser and a neighborhood cleanup. He wants to work with kids, teaching them about self-respect and respect for the neighborhood.

"That's definitely one of my priorities as I become more successful; to use my influence," he said.

(Paul Crocetti can be reached at 508-490-7453 or pcrocett@cnc.com.)

Conservation Agent Matthew Selby, who also oversees economic development, and other town officials have met with DCS Energy, a designer and installer of solar energy systems in Connecticut, about the project.

They are considering signing a contract to install 22.96-kilowatt systems at each school, which is the equivalent of 112 3-foot-by-5-foot panels, said Craig Bradway, DCS Energy's president.

He said the systems would generate between 10 percent and 15 percent of each building's energy use.

Selby said the town would lease each solar panel array for $200 per month for five years and then take over their ownership. He said they would save each school between $50 and $100 a month on electricity to start, and last at least 20 years.

"Although we may not be realizing a vast amount of savings upfront, it's definitely a long-term savings strategy," Selby said.

(Aaron Wasserman can be reached at 508-626-4424 or awasserm@cnc.com.)

The new branch in the Natick service area on the Mass. Turnpike will also allow access from Rte. 27, Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said Friday. It will offer license and registration services only, but that makes up the bulk of the "bread-and-butter" business conducted at regular branches, she said.

"It's not 100 percent, but it's pretty close to the majority," Kaprielian said of the express branch.

Despite the branch closing, the registry plans to continue to conduct road tests in Framingham, Kaprielian said.

Facing budget cuts, the registry plans to close 11 branches now leased from private owners and open five new "mitigation" offices in MassHighway and Mass. Turnpike Authority toll plazas, visitor centers and offices.

The Milford branch remains intact under this plan, though the registry said it will look for savings as other branch leases expire in the future. The agency estimates it can save $1.7 million a year on the changes.

Some of the remaining 23 branches may be overhauled to handle heavier traffic.

Kaprielian said the RMV will step up efforts to encourage drivers to shift routine business, such as registration renewals, to the registry's Web site, www.mass.gov/rmv.

"Most people can go online instead of in line," Kaprielian said.

The agency plans an awareness campaign on its online services. It will also offer self-service online kiosks at busier branches in September to handle some basic transactions, such as plate returns.

The registry also plans to partner with libraries to help patrons navigate the transactions available the registry's Web site.

The registry says it saw a 23 percent jump in online traffic last year.

The new Natick express branch will open in the section of the Natick Turnpike service area where Fast Lane transponders are now given out.

The cost of moving will be minimal, Kaprielian said. It was not clear how many local employees might lose jobs or be transferred.

Other branch closings are planned slated in Lowell, North Attleboro, Cambridgeside Galleria, New Bedford, Eastfield Mall in Springfield, Southbridge, Falmouth, Eastham, Beverly and Boston.

New "mitigation" branches also are planned at the Charlton Turnpike Center, MassHighway's Canal Visitor Center, Peabody and Boston.

(David Riley can be reached at 508-626-3919 or driley@cnc.com.)

The move, scheduled to happen next year, is part of a broader staff shift among Fidelity's New England offices, spokeswoman Anne Crowley said Friday. The company's Boston and Smithfield, R.I., offices will each have a net gain of more than 500 employees, she said.

Fidelity decided to reorganize its personal and workplace investing unit to "bring specific teams together that make sense together," Crowley said.

After the 950 employees leave Marlborough, there will be about 1,500 working there, she said. Fidelity, based in Boston, employs about 9,500 statewide.

There are no layoffs involved in this shift of workers, she said.

Marlborough City Council President Arthur G. Vigeant said of the departures: "It's obviously disappointing. Fidelity is a great friend of the city and great employer in the city. Obviously, the economy has affected them tremendously."

Fortunately, he said, the city's job base remains "very diverse."

In Rhode Island, the news of more jobs moving there was greeted warmly.

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri said in a statement the job shift "builds on the growing financial services industry here in Rhode Island. Fidelity continues to make an investment in Rhode Island and its work force, and I look forward to the positive impact of the company's expanded presence."

(Aaron Wasserman can be reached at 508-626-4424 or awasserm@cnc.com.)

The branch closings will begin this month in Lowell and end in December in Boston.

Branches are also closing in North Attleboro, Cambridge, New Bedford, Springfield, Southbridge, Framingham, Falmouth, Eastham and Beverly.

The new branches will be opening at Massachusetts Turnpike offices, toll plazas and visitor centers, where the Registry won't have to pay rent.

New plazas in Boston and Charlton will be full service. Branches in Natick, Bourne and Peabody will be "express'' branches, meaning they'll offer only core licensing and registration services.

To limit wait times, the RMV is increasing efforts to direct customers to its Web site for routine transactions.

Area fireworks displays include:

Brockton Fair: July 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, 10:30 p.m., fairgrounds off Route 24

Franklin: postponed from July 2 to July 5, 10 p.m., common

Gloucester: July 3, 9:30 p.m., harbor

Hingham: July 3, 9 p.m. (rain date July 5)

Lexington: July 3, after sundown, Center Playground

Manchester-by-the-Sea: July 3, 8:30 p.m., Singing Beach

Milford: July 3, 9 p.m., Plains Park (rain date July 5)

Needham: July 3, dark, Memorial Field

Orleans: July 3, dusk, Rock Harbor (rain date July 5)

Sharon: July 3, 9:15 p.m., Memorial Park Beach (rain date July 5)

Walpole: July 3, 9 p.m., field behind Town Hall

Weymouth: July 3, 9:30 p.m., waterfront

Acton: July 4, 10 p.m., NARA park (rain date July 5)

Barnstable: July 4, dusk

Bellingham: July 4, 9:30 p.m., football field

Beverly Farms: July 4, 9 p.m., West Beach

Boston: July 4, 10:30 p.m., Esplanade (after Pops concert)

Falmouth: July 4, dusk, harbor

Marblehead: July 4, 9 p.m., harbor

Martha's Vineyard: July 4, 9 p.m., Edgartown

Nantucket: July 4, 9 p.m., off Jetties Beach (rain date July 5)

Newton: July 4, 9 p.m., Halloran Field and Sports Complex

Old Sturbridge Village: July 4, dusk

Plymouth: July 4, 9 p.m., waterfront

Salem: July 4, 9:15 p.m., Derby Wharf

Waltham: July 4, 9:30 p.m., Leary Field

Wilmington: July 4, dusk; July 5, dusk, common

Also, police also cited Jacqueline M. Sorensen, 83, of 9 Sylvia Ave., Natick, for negligently driving to endanger. Police submitted the application to suspend Sorensen's license, believing her continued driving would be "an immediate threat to public safety,'' said Lt. Brian Lauzon.

The 51-year-old woman working at a cash register when Sorensen's silver Mustang came through Fannon's Discount Liquors' front window suffered minor injuries, said Deputy Fire Chief Mike Slattery. She and Sorenson were both taken to MetroWest Medical Center's Natick campus for treatment of chest, neck and back pain, Slattery said.

Lauzon said police found "no signs of any braking,'' and there was an acceleration mark in the parking lot from Sorensen's car. He said police found the Mustang in reverse, suggesting she tried to back out of the Rte. 27 store.

Store workers said about 10 people were inside at 10:35 a.m., when the accident happened.

The injured cashier was identified as Debi Blenkhorn of Framingham by her boyfriend and a co-worker.

Amy Boisvert, 43, an employee, said she was helping a man with lottery tickets at the time. "He turned around to throw away his tickets, and if he didn't, he would've been hit,'' she said.

The Mustang appeared to have come through the store from the parking lot's handicapped spot. It crashed into a register, knocking an array of liquor bottles to the floor. The convertible's hood opened, touching the cigarette rack above the register.

Lauzon said there was a handicapped placard in the car, and believes the placard belongs to Sorensen. Her driving record says she has been involved in two accidents, but none since 1986.

No one was in the car with her at the time of the accident.

Several recent car accidents involving elderly drivers have revived debate among lawmakers about whether the state should mandate more stringent testing for the elderly. Legislators held a hearing on the topic this week.

In the highest-profile case, a 4-year-old girl in Stoughton died after being hit in a crosswalk last month by a car driven by an 89-year-old woman.

(Aaron Wasserman can be reached at 508-626-4424 or awasserm@cnc.com.)