Latest news with #SouthCoastRail
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top stories: 'Real Housewives' and Fall River; Somerset voters OK fluoride ban
As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: A meeting with leaders at the MBTA to discuss ongoing problems with the South Coast Rail project has been rescheduled to June 5, due to the weather this past week. It was originally scheduled for May 22. Freetown Lakeville Middle School principal Jackie Francisco will run 31 miles on Memorial Day to honor fallen Navy SEAL Tyler Trahan, a Freetown native. These Memorial Day events are planned in Greater Fall River. Bethann Faunce was sworn in as the first female chief of Fall River's EMS department. Westport's Owen Boudria was named the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association Division 5 Player of the Year. The Diman Bengals girls outdoor track and field team completed an undefeated season, winning the Mayflower Athletic Conference championship. The 2025 season has been a remarkable ride for the Diman boys tennis team. Bristol Aggie valedictorian Sarah Ashley is also a three-sport captain. The Nueva Vista Dual Language Program at Viveiros Elementary School in Fall River is expanding to include fourth grade. Fall River's Axis Bats has been a major hit for 18 years. Here's how the bat-maker does it. Looking for some things to do this weekend? Where you can make plans. Are you looking for a new best friend? Adopt, donate or volunteer at these local animal shelters. Have a local adventure this summer: Campgrounds in Southeastern Mass. to explore. Thanks to a collaboration between Tiverton Farmers Market and Sakonnet Vineyard, there's going to be a new farmers market around this summer! Here's what you can find at the Sakonnet Green Market. More than 500 residents of Fall River, New Bedford, Somerset and Swansea living in affordable housing are getting internet upgrades due to a state grant program. The twelfth annual Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Festival is coming up soon at the Westport Fairgrounds. What to know. Thinking about going, or going back to college this fall? Bristol Community College is holding an open house. Folks awaiting the return of two Little Compton eateries — which were slated for a revival under new ownership — may have to wait a bit longer. Pamela Huizenga, who took the reins at Simmons Café and Market in 2023 and The Barn Restaurant earlier this year, announced May 20 that she would not be moving forward with her plans to renovate and reopen the neighboring historic businesses. Berry Hill Farm in Westport is under new ownership by Carissa and Adam Davenport, and the young couple has big plans for the place, including opening up for berry-picking this summer. Azorean singer/songwriter and Netflix star Romeu Bairos is going to be performing in Fall River. What to know. The latest Greater Fall River real estate report, featuring a three-family home in Fall River that sold for $820,000. Each unit of the house on Hanover Street offers three bedrooms with the potential for a fourth, large kitchens, and cozy living rooms. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. These were the most read stories of the week on The show is called the 'Real Housewives of Rhode Island," but could it be filming in Fall River? If speculation is true, Fall River might be getting some of the spotlight. Speaking of "Real Housewives," Danielle Cabral of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" is visiting Fall River next month for a special event. 'Real Housewives': Could 'Real Housewives of RI' film in Fall River? Potential cast members have local ties At Somerset Town Meeting on May 19, voters spoke out on 48 articles. Most passed, including bans on homeless encampments and fluoride in drinking water. Here are the results from Somerset Town Meeting. Town Meeting results: Somerset voters OK bans on fluoride and homeless camps: Get the full Town Meeting results The search for Fall River's next city administrator continues, and should conclude in the coming weeks. It's a role that has been vacant since Seth Aitken resigned the position in late February. Mayor Paul Coogan said he plans to 'make a decision' in the next couple of weeks, and that an announcement may be made 'very soon.' What we know, as of this writing. Coogan: Fall River close to hiring a new city chief with 'inner workings' of the city Developers may now find it easier to fit more apartment units in a lot in Fall River's designated A-2 apartment zoning districts, as new zoning rules have loosened the requirements for apartment development. Herald News Reporter Emily Scherny has the story. Housing: Fall River changes rules to allow smaller, denser apartments. The goal: Cheaper housing The former William Connell Elementary School on Plymouth Avenue in Fall River, a dilapidated property considered one of the most at-risk buildings in the city, is up for sale. It comes with a hefty price tag: the asking price is $1.55 million. Learn more about the property. Real estate: One of Fall River's 5 most at-risk buildings is for sale. Would you pay $1.55M for it? This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Could 'Real Housewives of RI' film in Fall River?
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Not satisfied with South Coast Rail service? MBTA hosting public meeting in Fall River
FALL RIVER — Residents who have been unsatisfied with the MBTA's South Coast Rail service can take their complaints right to the top when MBTA General Manager Phil Eng hosts a meeting in Fall River on May 22. Eng and representatives from the MBTA and Keolis, the company contracted to run commuter rail service, will host the meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. at Morton Middle School, 1135 N. Main St. According to the MBTA, the meeting will address 'concerns occurring since service began on March 24, including noise, weekend service cancellations, Keolis staffing, and other service challenges.' The meeting is open the public. Text alerts: Worried about late or cancelled MBTA commuter trains? How to be prepared The South Coast Rail commuter rail extension was a $1 billion project decades in the making and long-delayed. The new Fall River/New Bedford Line has been plagued by almost daily delays five to 20 minutes, or longer in extreme cases. Shortly after its rollout, weekend service faced multiple cancellations due to a lack of trained staff, inconveniencing riders for hours. Some weekend trains have been replaced by shuttle buses. Other residents have noise complaints due to idling trains and at road crossings. Free weekend service, originally set to last through April as a way to tempt riders into making the service a habit, has been extended until June as an apology for substandard service. Rides to and from any of the six South Coast Rail stations — Fall River Depot, Freetown, East Taunton, Middleborough, Church Street and New Bedford — are currently free through June 1. Parking at those stations is also free. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: MBTA to hear commuter rail complaints at public meeting in Fall River
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top stories: Fall River appoints Kelly Furtado as city's first female police chief
As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: School Committee member Kevin Aguiar submitted a letter to the school board at its May 12 meeting, alleging that new Police Chief Kelly Furtado had made comments several years ago, when she was a school resource officer, that Mayor Paul Coogan and former B.M.C. Durfee High School administrators covered up 'sexually inappropriate situations with students.' An investigation conducted by the Fall River Police Department will occur, Coogan said. What we know, as of this writing. Residents who have been unsatisfied with the MBTA's South Coast Rail service can take their complaints right to the top when MBTA General Manager Phil Eng hosts a meeting in Fall River on May 22. A Fall River man has been convicted of murder, assault and battery with a firearm and other firearms offenses for the October 2019 homicide of 17-year-old Paul Collazo-Ruiz in New Bedford, which also paralyzed a second victim. What we know, as of this writing. Hannah Santos, a former Joseph Case High School track star, excelled in her freshman year at Stonehill College, breaking the school high jump record. The much-anticipated transformation of Fall River's historic carousel and pavilion is almost complete, and it won't be long before the unveiling. Here's when you can take a spin. Looking for some things to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the SouthCoast. The Durfee High School Alumni Association will host its annual meeting and awards program on May 22. The Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition, in partnership with the Pocasset Tribe of the Wampanoag Nation, presents "Echoes of the Pocasset & the Falling River," a multi-location cultural and recreational project that follows the forgotten route of the Quequechan River. The public unveiling was this weekend. Learn more about the project, here. Art, music, and more: What to see at the Narrows Center this June. Greater Fall River Re-Creation's fourth annual Community Block Party has been postponed. Here's when it will be. Take a wine tour this summer: Top SouthCoast spots to visit. Pier 52 in Fall River will soon be opening for the 2025 season. A Swansea store sold a winning $1M Powerball ticket. These were the winning numbers. Empire Ford will host its seventh annual Mustangs & More Car Show on June 21 at Bristol Community College. Swansea resident Karen Koutsogiannis's first wedding anniversary after the death of her husband brought her a touching surprise. Walgreens is closing two stores in Greater Fall River. How to transfer your prescriptions. The Children's Museum of Greater Fall River, which has operated since 1999, has a new executive director in Ellen Lough, and she's working to make the museum more accessible to every member of the community. The latest Greater Fall River real estate report, featuring a custom Cape Cod-style home in Freetown that sold for $815,000. The home on County Road was built in 1930, and it boasts a gourmet chef's kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a spacious living room with a stone fireplace, a handsome library, and a luxurious primary suite. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. These were the most read stories of the week on The city's interim Police Chief Kelly Furtado has been appointed as permanent chief with a one-year contract, following a 5-4 vote from city councilors taken at the May 13 City Council meeting. She is Fall River's first female police chief. Herald News Reporter Emily Scherny has the story. First female police chief: Fall River appoints Kelly Furtado, first female police chief in history. What to know. MBTA commuter rail trains are parked at the Weaver's Cove Layover station in Fall River overnight. Neighbors of the station say vibrations and noise from the trains happens at night and early morning, disrupting sleep. The MBTA and Keolis, the private company contracted to run the commuter rail system, have been made aware of the complaints and are scheduling a public meeting May 22 to address them. Here's what the station's neighbors are saying. Seeking resolution: Rumbling train noise at Fall River MBTA station is keeping neighbors awake all night Undocumented Azoreans living in Greater Fall River who overstayed on their tourist visas are now planning to return to the Azores. Anywhere between 15 and 20 families have already "self-deported." Helena DaSilva Hughes, president of the nonprofit Immigrants' Assistance Center at 58 Crapo St. in New Bedford, said about 1,000 undocumented families living in Greater Fall River who visited the United States and overstayed their tourist visas — while putting down roots deep enough to run businesses, purchase homes and start families — are now planning to return to Western Portugal and the Azores Islands, where they still have family and community connections. What we know, as of this writing. 'No way to live': Portuguese families 'living under fear' are leaving US, returning to Azores. Here's why. A 45-year-old Fall River woman was sentenced May 12 in federal court in Boston for stealing nearly $90,000 of her child's Social Security benefits over the course of six years. Nancy Taylor was sentenced Monday to 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $86,994 in restitution, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. This is what we know, as of this writing. Sentencing: Fall River woman sentenced for stealing $87K of her child's Social Security benefits Ice 'N' Roll, 4263 N. Main St., Fall River, will be taking its photo-worthy ice cream creations to a new location. The popular Fall River stop will be moving to the Dartmouth Towne Center on State Road, with a projected opening date sometime in mid-summer. This is what's planned for their next chapter. Ice cream shop moving: Popular ice cream shop rolling out of Fall River. See what's next for Ice 'N' Roll. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories: Fall River appoints Furtado as first female police chief
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
Staffing issues cause some MBTA commuter rail cancellations
FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Some commuter trains were canceled on the Fall River/New Bedford and Kingston lines on Sunday due to a lack of crew availability. The service interruption inconvenienced some passengers, but the MBTA told 12 News those people were able to take later trains or shuttle buses. MORE: All aboard! South Coast Rail now in service There were similar issues reported on March 30. 'Our goal is always to operate every train as scheduled,' the MBTA said following that incident. Federal regulations require a set number of crew members who are qualified for a specific route for the train to run. The issues follow the recent relaunch of South Coast Rail service, which transports passengers between Boston and several southeastern Massachusetts cities and towns. The MBTA advises passengers to subscribe to MBTA Alerts or follow MBTA Commuter Rail Alerts on social media to receive updates on delays or cancellations. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Yahoo
Commuter rail riders delayed in Boston for 4 hours as multiple trains canceled: Here's why
People trying to get home to New Bedford and Fall River were delayed at South Station for about four hours on the afternoon of Sunday, April 13, after multiple trains on the Fall River/New Bedford commuter rail line were canceled. According to MBTA alerts, staffing shortages caused the cancellation of seven trains on the Fall River/New Bedford Line between early afternoon and evening, leaving in the lurch any travelers taking advantage of free weekend service. Three trains leaving South Station on Sunday afternoon were canceled: a 3:40 p.m. to New Bedford, a 4:50 p.m. to New Bedford, and a 5:59 p.m. to Fall River. Also canceled was a 6:06 p.m. shuttle from East Taunton to Fall River. Free weekend trips: How will South Coast Rail's free weekends work? Do you need a ticket? Everything to know. The gap in service meant riders heading home to New Bedford at 3:40 p.m. had to wait until 8 p.m. to start their journey home, a delay of more than four hours. Fall River riders expecting to catch the 5:59 p.m. home had to wait until the 9:59 p.m. trip back. Three trips north were also canceled: two from New Bedford north to South Station, a 3:23 and 6:50 p.m., and the 8:55 p.m. from Fall River. The Fall River/New Bedford Line has 11 stations between each terminus, including stops in Freetown, Taunton, Bridgewater, Brockton, Braintree and Quincy. It's unknown how many riders were affected by the cancellations. SRTA to roll out MicroConnector: Book a ride to New Bedford, Fall River train stations Keolis Commuter Services, the company that operates and manages the MBTA Commuter Rail system, did not provide specific comment on why these trains were canceled. "Some trains on the Fall River/New Bedford and Kingston Lines were cancelled yesterday due to crew availability issues. Passengers were accommodated by later trains or shuttle buses," stated Jake O'Neill, manager of Media Relations and Public Affairs at Keolis. The MBTA has system to provide users with text-based alerts for delays and cancellations; they are also posted to X, the social network formerly known as Twitter, at @mbta_cr_alerts. A check of Fall River/New Bedford commuter rail line alerts shows that since beginning operations on March 24, many trains have been running five to 20 minutes late. Keolis did not respond to inquiries as to why. Keolis recently held job fairs seeking to hire more employees in both New Bedford and Fall River, on March 14 and April 1. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: MBTA weekend South Coast Rail trains canceled, causing delays
