Latest news with #TauntonDailyGazette
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30-03-2025
- Business
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Top stories: South Coast Rail arrives; free trees for Taunton residents, businesses
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Richard Blanchette, 20, of Middleboro died last Thursday in a Massachusetts hospital as a result of his injuries from the crash on Somerset Avenue on Tuesday, March 18, District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn, III said in a written statement. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, as of this writing. Republican Larry Quintal, a Taunton City Councilor and co-owner of Silva Funeral Home, has pulled papers to run for Carol Doherty's old state representative seat. Taunton High School's Tiger Shack and Tiger Café have earned gold level certification from DECA's school-based enterprise (SBE) program for the 2024-2025 school year. Greater Taunton area softball players to watch this spring. Plus: Greater Taunton area boys volleyball players to watch, and Greater Taunton area baseball players to watch. The Falcons Wrestling Club sees growth both on and off the mat. Mayor Shaunna O'Connell recently hosted Taunton's fourth annual Women's History Month celebration. The Freetown Lakeville School Committee violated Massachusetts Open Meeting Law during a July 31, 2024 meeting, the Massachusetts Attorney General's office ruled in a March determination. Harper Lane Brewery is planning a retro video game night. Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School has been awarded a $43,800 grant to support student mental health and wellness. What will parking and traffic conditions be like once the Whittenton Mills housing project is built? What we know, as of this writing. The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a remodeled Raynham home that sold for $862,000. The house on Adam Lane features a huge primary bedroom, an updated kitchen and bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a large front yard. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: After a decades-long wait, South Coast Rail has arrived, and the trains are running over at the East Taunton station. There was a kick-off ceremony at the station on March 24, attended by officials from all over the region and beyond. Here's what the arrival of train travel means for Taunton, as well as a look at parking, schedules, and more. 'A win for the region': South Coast Rail finally arrives. What it means for Taunton. Ever thought about a bike trail from Taunton to Gillette Stadium? That could be a possibility, if several proposed projects move forward. Here's what we know about the projects. Taunton to Gillette Stadium by bike?: Why that could be a possibility with new rail trail Residents and businesses residing in central Taunton are eligible for free trees, and they don't even have to plant them: the trees will be planted for you. Since 2022, Taunton has been part of a statewide green landscaping program, Greening the Gateway Cities, to increase the number of trees in urban residential areas for cities considered "gateway cities." Here's how to find out if you live in a planting zone, and how to get a free tree. Want a free tree?: How Taunton residents can get one. Bonus: someone will plant it for you Raynham resident Inge Pustelnikas, 89, became homeless by age 9 in her native city of Konigsberg, which was left in ruin by the Soviet Russian offensive into Germany, in April 1945, towards the end of World War II. She became separated from her surviving family, including her mother and siblings, as she was forced to beg daily for food and shelter. With no alternatives, she and many other young survivors of the war in that region wandered into neighboring Lithuania, looking for any kindness from people, living day-to-day, trying not to starve, be imprisoned by the Russians, or freeze to death. She did that for 15 years, and history has given a name for the thousands of orphans and homeless children like her: "Wolfskinder," which is German for "Wolf Children." This is her story of survival. Story of survival: Raynham woman's remarkable story of surviving as a 'German Wolf Child.' What it was like In response to Gov. Maura Healey's recently announced "Energy Affordability Agenda," State Sen. Kelly Dooner has called out the governor and urged her administration to support legislation the senator filed. This is a look at the governor's plan, and the legislation that Dooner filed. 'Breadcrumbs': Taunton senator blasts guv's $50 electricity credit. Here's Dooner's plan This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: South Coast Rail arrives; free trees for residents
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Sport
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Top stories: Borges considers running for mayor; Coute and Field running for state rep
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Two drivers were in critical condition after a three-vehicle crash Tuesday evening on Somerset Avenue in Taunton. This is what we know, as of this writing. Four people were sent to the hospital — one with life-threatening injuries and one with critical injuries — after a motorcycle and car collided on Route 44 in Raynham late Wednesday afternoon. This is what we know, as of this writing. Tickets are officially on sale for the South Coast Rail, now with another added perk for users of the commuter rail service, which is set to launch Monday. On Thursday, Healey-Driscoll Administration and the MBTA announced that in addition to fare-free weekend service through April, South Coast Rail weekday fares will also be free through the end of March. Greater Taunton area softball games to put on your calendar this spring. Plus, Greater Taunton area baseball games to check out this spring. We've also got Greater Taunton area boys lacrosse games to check out and Greater Taunton area girls lacrosse games to keep an eye out for. Seven Greater Taunton area high school athletes from three schools competed at the New Balance Nationals Indoors. The 2025 winners of the Dave Cowens Award. Great moments from Taunton High School's Ides of March procession. A look back at the great Taunton hitching post caper. The latest edition of Taunton Eats. A couple of cats named Missy and Tessa were the Pets of the Week: Here's how to adopt them. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Taunton City Councilor Estele Borges is considering a campaign for Taunton mayor. "I've had a lot of people from across the city and throughout the business community encouraging me to run for mayor," Borges told the Gazette in a text message. "At the same time I have become very concerned about some of the challenges facing the city so I'm exploring the idea. More to come." Gazette Reporter Emma Rindlisbacher has the story. Mayoral run?: Taunton City Councilor Estele Borges considers running for mayor. What she said City Councilor Chris Coute, a Taunton Republican, has pulled papers to run for Carol Doherty's old state representative seat. Lisa Field, a Taunton Democrat who works for the Massachusetts Nurses Association as an associate director, has also declared her candidacy for Carol Doherty's old state representative seat. Doherty, a Taunton Democrat who died on Feb. 15 of pancreatic cancer, represented the 3rd Bristol District, which consists of part of Taunton and part of Easton. Specifically, the district consists of Precincts 4A, 5, and 6 in the south-west of Easton, and Ward 1 Precincts A, B, Ward 2, Ward 5, Ward 7 and Ward 8 in the west of Taunton. There will be a special election to fill the seat. 3rd Bristol District: Here's when special election will be held for Carol Doherty's Taunton state rep seat Superintendent Bill Runey described the funding challenges facing Dighton-Rehoboth and similar school districts across Massachusetts as "dire." Here's what Runey said about the state of the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District budget and about how he is navigating the current financial environment. 'It's dire': How Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent is navigating financial challenges Starting Monday, Taunton High School students will need to bring their school-issued photo ID with them to get into school, or face disciplinary action. Here's what parents and students should know about the new photo IDs. New system: New student ID system at Taunton High enhances safety, tracks attendance. What to know. As of this writing, Taunton City Hall and Taunton Public Schools had been experiencing ongoing computer network issues that had lasted more than a week. Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer takes a look at what we know so far. Network issues: Taunton City Hall, schools dealing with ongoing internet outages. Why? For how long? This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: City Councilor Estele Borges considers running for mayor
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Sport
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Top stories: B-R families, teachers rally for school funds; Middleboro sues state
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Advocates warn of rising homelessness; this is how Taunton is responding. The MBTA posted the schedule for South Coast Rail: Here are the train times. Plus, here's how their free weekend rides will work. In a letter to the Taunton City Council and city residents, Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said "staff have learned important lessons" following an incident when Coyle and Cassidy athletic memorabilia were thrown out following a flood in the former school's cafeteria building. Here's what the letter said. In local sports, where you can catch all of the Greater Taunton area high school postseason action. The Old Colony Highlanders Pipe Band will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a weekend of performances, including a pub crawl that will be passing through Taunton. In the latest Taunton Eats, Kev's Ice Cream is open for the season. Highlights — and the winner — of Taunton High's Mr. THS 2025. The Dighton Police Department has welcomed a new officer and a part-time dispatcher. The Taunton Performing Art Center's production of "Into the Woods" is bringing the hit musical to the Silver City: Here's how to catch it. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Dozens of B-R parents and teachers rallied recently, for increased funding for the school district and in favor of Proposition 2½ overrides. Bridgewater-Raynham Superintendent of Schools Ryan Powers is asking the towns for a 30.8% increase in funding for the upcoming school year to help bring down class sizes. The towns are mulling upping their payments to the school district by a tiny fraction of that amount — by less than 5% — a figure that would leave the district millions of dollars short of even a level services budget, the superintendent said. "We're out here asking, hopefully begging, the town for an override," said Bridgwater parent Christine Behnke at the rally. "We need to make sure that our schools are properly funded for the year." Taunton Gazette Reporter Emma Rindlisbacher has the story. 'We are broke': B-R families, teachers hold rally 'begging' for override to fund schools The town of Middleboro is suing the Commonwealth, Gov. Maura Healey, and the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities over forced compliance with a controversial multi-family housing law the town said it's already in compliance with. Taunton Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer takes a look at what the town's saying, and what it wants. 'Gross misuse of power': Middleboro sues state over multi-family housing law. What town wants The Starbucks that will be going into the former restaurant space at Rt.140/Mozzone Blvd. will be getting a neighbor: Mad for Burgers, a brand-new burger place, will be joining it. Jay Pateakos, executive director for Taunton's Office of Economic and Community Development, confirmed through social media that this burger restaurant will share the new building space that's being built. Here's what we know, as of this writing. Mad for Burgers: Burger place confirmed for spot next to new Starbucks. What we know. New Creations Coffee, a mobile coffee business operating out of a vintage camper, is partnering with another local business, floral shop The Wild Dahlia, to set up space inside its building on South Street West in Raynham. The café will be offering a variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages. 'Moving into a permanent location has been a dream of ours from the very start,' said Elizabeth Reichert, co-owner, who, along with her husband Alex, started this venture in late 2023. These are the plans. From camper to cafe: Raynham's mobile coffee purveyor opening a brick-and-mortar location The former site of National Charter 957 on Taunton Green, connected to the Knotty Walk alley, will soon be home to a new restaurant. 22 Bar & Lounge is planning to open there in early spring. Co-owner Richard Andrew, along with co-owner Zena Shivers, have planned for the space to offer both an uplifting environment and a laid-back, relaxed vibe. Here's what's on the menu, and what the current opening plans are. 22 Bar & Lounge: New bar, restaurant to open in downtown Taunton, replacing Charter 957. What we know. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: B-R families, teachers rally for school funds
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Yahoo
Top stories: State Rep. Carol Doherty dies, remembered for 'dignity,' 'grace' and 'humor'
Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers. Top stories this past week included: Taunton High student basketball referees are getting valuable experience. Tom & Jimmy's announced that it'll soon be scooping up ice cream at a fourth location. With the MBTA starting commuter rail service in about a month to Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, riders may want to start checking to see if they're eligible for some savings. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South has been honored with the Bronze League of Eagles Award. Middleboro has hired six new firefighters, and South Station is to be open 24/7. Learn more, here. The Berkley Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying two suspects in connection with recent vehicle break-ins. The Homes2Suites Hotel in Raynham, located on Commerce Way, will officially cease operating as an Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter for the state's Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) by Dec. 31, 2025. These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers: Last weekend, Taunton State Rep. Carol Doherty died at the age of 82 after "a brave battle with pancreatic cancer," her office announced. Doherty, a former longtime Taunton School Committee member, has served asstate representative in the 3rd Bristol District since 2020. The district includes parts of Taunton and Easton. In the days since her death, Doherty's loved ones, friends, and colleagues are remembering her for leading with uncommon "dignity," "grace" and "humor" until the very end. 'An incredible legacy of service': Taunton's Carol Doherty led with uncommon 'dignity,' 'grace' and 'humor' to the very end Doherty's death leaves a sudden vacancy in the 3rd Bristol state house district she represented. According to the Massachusetts secretary of state's office, it is up to the House to order a special election in the 3rd Bristol to fill the vacant seat. Here's how it would work. 3rd Bristol state house district: Will special election be held to fill Carol Doherty's state rep seat? How that works Three men from Taunton were arrested and charged with breaking and entering, larceny, and drug trafficking, in connection with a home robbery on Winthrop Street in Taunton. This is what we know about the break-in, as of this writing. Three arrested in Taunton home burglary: What we know about the Winthrop Street break-in Fusion Kitchen, a restaurant in Taunton serving Japanese cuisine, had its liquor license suspended for four days by the city's License Commission after police officers were allegedly assaulted at the restaurant on Sunday, Feb. 9. Gazette Reporter Emma Rindlisbacher has the story. Fusion Kitchen: Taunton restaurant's liquor license suspended, hours slashed after cops allegedly assaulted Hong Kong City, a restaurant on Broadway in Taunton, has filed a lawsuit against the Taunton Board of Health. The restaurant, at 174 Broadway, alleged in a lawsuit that the board of health retaliated against the owner, Philip Fei Pan, for not doing business with a cleaning company owned by a relative of a heath inspector. The lawsuit further alleges that an inspection report of the restaurant contained a "forged" signature of someone who did not conduct the inspection, that the executive director of the health department made "racist statements" at a public meeting, and that there were "falsified facts and records" related to health violation reports made against the restaurant. In contrast, the board of health said they had "ample evidence of" what they described as Hong Kong City's "significant health violations." This is what we know, as of this writing. Restaurant files lawsuit: Alleging discrimination, Taunton restaurant sues board of health. Here's what we know. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: State Rep. Carol Doherty dies, remembered for 'grace'
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26-01-2025
- Business
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New coffee bar with 'New York City feel' opens in downtown Taunton. What's on the menu?
TAUNTON — The pieces appear to have fallen into place for Pastor David Stratton and his wife Michelle. It's been nearly two years since the Strattons told the Taunton Daily Gazette that their plans for relocating their New Hope Christian Chapel from Easton to downtown Taunton would incorporate both a youth-oriented 'community center' and a separate, for-profit coffee bar. Their non-denominational Christian church, now known simply as New Hope, has been holding Sunday services since July of 2023 inside the former Forman's men's clothing store at 49-53 Main St. But it wasn't until this past year's annual Lights on Festival, held on nearby Taunton Green the evening of Dec. 7 — as part of the city's traditional 'Christmas City' celebration — that both The Center on Main community center and a coffee-and-sandwich business called Identity Coffee Co. were introduced to the public. 'It was crazy busy — a real festive mood,' said veteran Taunton City Councilor David Pottier, describing the scene that night inside the Main Street building where Identity Coffee Co. is now percolating. Pottier said he's impressed with the extensive renovation that was undertaken during the past couple of years to completely transform what, for more than half a dozen years, had been the single largest, vacant storefront property in the central business district. 'It's a great space [and] a great addition to the downtown,' he said. All about the Center on Main A community hub: The Center on Main community center opens in downtown. What is offered? The Identity Coffee Co. menu includes more than a dozen espresso and in-house coffee creations; half a dozen tea selections; and a frozen drink section chock full of smoothies and 'refreshers' with ingredients such as watermelon, elderberry, cucumber and açaí. Hungry customers — who either can carry out or stay and relax on Art Deco-style couches and cushioned chairs — also have the option of ordering breakfast and lunch sandwiches and wraps. 'Big dreams' Here's why Easton church is opening a community center in downtown Taunton Manager Joshua Silver said hours of operation, for the time being, are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. He also anticipates the inclusion of an outside, walk-up ice cream window next spring. Silver described his meal staples as 'simple sandwiches' that don't require a separate kitchen: 'We just have a small oven and toaster,' he said. He currently manages a staff of 12, three of whom are full-time employees. More varieties of coffee, Silver said, will eventually be available to augment the bolder Ethiopian, Peruvian and Columbian blends that have been poured since the Taunton business officially opened on Dec. 16. Identity Coffee Co. operates its own roastery in the town of Westminster in Worcester County. Silver, 44, says his professional background includes stints from Attleboro to Boston working as a cook, chef and bar manager. He foresees occasional live music eventually being played using the stage area where New Hope church services are held each Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon. Silver estimated that 80% of his customers have been dining in as opposed to picking up takeout orders. 'It's a pretty unique place,' he said. 'It's in my blood' Owners' daughter opens luxury MedSpa inside Taunton's New York Lace Customer Sean Andrews of Taunton was among a group of six who on a recent Saturday afternoon patronized Identity Coffee Co. for the first time. 'I started following it on Instagram,' Andrews, 54, said. 'It doesn't feel like Taunton. The space has kind of a New York City feel.' His friend Tim Hebert agreed and said that Identity Coffee Co., in tandem with the non-profit The Center on Main — with its ping pong and pool tables upstairs in the building's elevated loft area — 'I started following it on Instagram,' Andrews, 54, said. 'It doesn't feel like Taunton. The space has kind of a New York City feel.' Silver said he met co-owner Jonathan Cashman — who, with his wife Britney, owns Identity Coffee Co. and its six New England locations — through Taunton-based Christian music recording artist Eric Lee Brumley. The Cashmans, who previously lived in Nashville for 14 years, at one time toured as a duo performing as 'contemporary Christian' musicians and songwriters. Jonathan, a Rhode Island native, and Britney, who grew up in the Bay State, have since moved back to Massachusetts. The couple, in 2022, bought what was then a single coffee shop called Identity Coffee Lab in the small town of Rindge, New Hampshire. Since then, and before expanding into Taunton and Bristol County, they opened Identity Coffee Co. locations in the town of Meredith and ski resort Waterville Valley, both in New Hampshire, as well as Fitchburg and ski destination Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts. Downtown business and property owner Jose Bejarano bought the vacant and rundown Forman's building in 2017. Bejarano is sole proprietor of a haberdashery at 40 Main St. known as TuxTowne by Bejarano, which sits directly across from the former Forman's site. He also owns buildings and storefronts on the same side of his tuxedo shop, as well as commercial property on Cedar and Trescott streets. Bejarano says he has a sublease agreement with David and Michelle Stratton whereby they are entitled to collect rent from Identity Coffee Co. He said he was less than enthusiastic when David Stratton initially approached him about leasing the building for another 'storefront church.' But the parties subsequently came to a rent-to-own agreement after the Strattons told him about their plan to include a teen-centric community center and a for-profit coffee bar. 'There's a trend now for coffee businesses to lease space from a church,' said Bejarano, who added that he likes the idea of providing a safe haven for teens without displaying traditional religious symbols. Bejarano says the arrangement should prove mutually beneficial in another way: When prom season rolls along he expects some of his high school customers will venture across the street to the coffee shop and community center while waiting to be fitted. Michelle Stratton said that she and her husband, Pastor David Stratton, got a helping hand from Taunton's Office of Economic and Community Development in applying and qualifying for a $225,000 MassDevelopment grant as part of its Underutilized Properties Program. Stratton says she and her husband intended to buy the building from Bejarano, but in order to comply with the terms and requirements of the state grant were obliged to sign a five-year lease with an option to buy. 'They don't want you to flip it for a quick profit,' she said. She said in addition to paying for an ADA-compliant elevator lift, the money went towards a major overhaul of the building including heating and air conditioning, a new sprinkler system and electrical upgrades. Other sources of funding, Stratton said, came from donations and the sale of the church's property in Easton. The final price tag for code upgrades and renovations, she said, easily surpassed $500,000. 'It took us two and a half years,' she said. Stratton said that she and her husband decided to leave Easton for a larger urban center in order to reach more people. They initially considered Brockton but opted for Main Street Taunton on the advice of their friend Becky Piscitelli, a devout Christian and owner of Cards and Pockets, which now occupies 64 Weir St. that once was home to the BaHa Brothers Sandbar Grill. 'We felt it would be integral for people to gather around food and drink, and we knew we wanted to be in a city,' Stratton said. Colleen Simmons, executive director of the Taunton Business Improvement District, which charges property owners a small fee for year-round beautification and cleanup services, is convinced Identity Coffee Co. will not adversely affect the nearby Maria's Place breakfast and lunch restaurant. She also doesn't think it will draw business away from Neighbors Coffee & Co. on Weir Street. 'When you have multiples of the same kind of business it's an indication of a thriving downtown,' Simmons said. Local historian, author and Bridgewater State University professor Bill Hanna says the building at 49-53 Main St. was owned and occupied by J.C. Penney Company (now known as JCPenney) from 1931 to 1960. Two years later, in 1962, it became known as Forman's, Hanna said. City Councilor David Pottier, 60, says he remembers when Forman's was still thriving: 'I think I got my first suit there,' he said. This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Identity Coffee Co. opens in Taunton's Center on Main. What's on menu?
