“Though there have been quite a few rumors circulating on the socials about where the individuals involved in the fatal motor vehicle crash this past Friday were prior to the crash occurring, we HAVE NOT yet received a single call from anyone who can actually validate this information.

As this crash can be described as nothing less than both tragic and dreadful for not only the people involved in it, but also the families they left behind to pick up the pieces, we politely ask that people stop circulating meritless information, as it does nothing more than add to the angst and pain that these families are already incurring.

As we stated in a previous post, if you have any CREDIBLE information that can assist us with the investigation, we encourage you to contact either Officer Brian Parent at 508-910-1790 or Detective Kyle Costa at 508-910-1755.

Thank you! PLEASE SHARE!”-Dartmouth Police Department.

The Pothier family started a Go Fund Me page that stated, “My name is Jen, unexpectedly and tragically my nephew, Jacob, passed away last night in a fatal car crash. Words cannot even begin to express the heartache my sister, Stacey Pothier, his father, Jason Pothier, and the entire family is facing. Nearly two weeks ago, we celebrated Jacob’s 18th birthday and Christmas. With the new year ahead, this was something wildly out of the realm of possibility in any of our minds.

While we are all saddened by Jacob’s sudden and tragic passing, there are huge financial burdens that accompany such a tragedy that need to happen in a really short period of time.

This page has been created to honor my nephew and help my sister and her family afford to memorialize and bury him.

No contribution is too small, any assistance would be appreciated immensely by the entire family. Please consider a donation or sharing this page with your family or friends.

Jacob touched so many people in ways we knew; but, in many more ways we never knew. The laughs and those blue eyes will live in my memory forever.”

“The outpouring of support is overwhelming! My family is beyond appreciative.” Jennifer Cullen photo.

“There is no arguing that BPZOO’s red panda family are among some of the most charismatic, adorable, and beloved animals in New Bedford. They are also working overtime as ambassadors to their species, inspiring the New Bedford community to care about red panda conservation efforts in the wild. Thanks to this community commitment, BPZOO has again been recognized as a Reforestation Sponsor of the Red Panda Network for a recent $5,000 donation. This donation was made in honor of International Red Panda Day on September 17, 2023. A day of celebration and education, inspired guests donated an impressive $500 which contributed to the Zoo’s 2023 Reforestation Sponsorship.

Founded in 2007, the Red Panda Network has become a world leader in efforts to save red pandas and their habitat. They use an integrated, landscape-level approach to conservation that is built on the support and participation of local communities. Their conservation programs extend to over one million acres of forest and 50% of Nepal’s red panda range. BPZOO has contributed $10,000 over the last two years helping to protect five acres of critical red panda habitat through purchasing, growing, and planting trees. The sponsorship also supports the salary of one local land steward in the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) corridor in eastern Nepal a critical location for red panda conservation that has been heavily fragmented and degraded by deforestation as well as provides alternative and sustainable income opportunities for local families. With BPZOO’s continued support, the Red Panda Network will be able to establish a bio-bridge that connects the fragmented patches of Community Forest on the Nepal side with the protected areas in India.

In 2019, Buttonwood Park Zoo unveiled its first ever red panda habitat. Since then, thanks to the success of our Conservation Donation Kiosk and the commitment of our staff, we have donated $17,000 to the Red Panda Network. Resident red pandas, Jacob, Marie, and their cubs, serve as ambassadors for their species and together we will continue to inspire our guests and work to protect wildlife and wild places.

“BPZOO is proud to be part of a community that shares our deep commitment to conservation,” said Gary Lunsford, Director of Zoological Services. “It is through this shared value that we have again been recognized as a conservation partner to vital organizations like the Red Panda Network. I cannot thank our community enough for their efforts in making this happen.”

“NEW BEDFORD – Mayor Jon Mitchell has submitted an ordinance to the City Council which would end the City’s residency requirement for management/technical positions in city government.

Mayor Mitchell announced the proposed repeal of the residency requirement in his Inaugural Address last week, and in a Thursday filing to the City Council, wrote that the policy has “proven a major obstacle to the ability of the Administration to successfully attract and hire qualified candidates.”

Under the current residency requirements passed by the City Council in 2020, non-union management employees are subject to a 10% reduction in annual salary for those living outside of the City unless they have been a City employee for at least ten years. A review of municipal residency requirements across the country revealed no other city with a similar practice. In addition, it is mandatory that several high-level department heads be City residents with no option to choose a reduced salary and the ability to live outside the City. These include the City Planner, Director of Human Resources/Director of Personnel, Director of Public Health, Director of Purchasing/Purchasing Agent, First Assistant City Solicitor, and the Parking Supervisor.

“New Bedford residents deserve the best candidates city government can hire,” Mitchell wrote. “High quality professionals, especially those who already have significant experience in their field, are often already established in homes elsewhere when they apply to work for the City. Because they are unable to uproot their families and move to New Bedford or accept a pay cut, they frequently cannot afford to accept employment with the City.”

Mayor Mitchell cited several examples of how the residency requirement has hurt the City’s ability to fill key positions. The Chief Financial Officer, City Auditor, Assistant to the Board of Assessors, and City Treasurer positions were vacant for multiple years as non-resident candidates withdrew or declined to apply because of the residency requirement. The Associate City Solicitor position was vacant for two years because non-resident candidates were unwilling to accept the 10% pay reduction, and the residency requirement continues to hinder the City’s recruiting efforts to replace the departing Personnel Director.

“On numerous occasions, Councillors have publicly and privately shared their frustrations with vacancy problems in these and other major departments, and the residency requirement should be recognized as a major contributing source,” Mayor Mitchell wrote Thursday. “I know that several Councillors share my own general preference for the hiring of New Bedford residents … But the desire to hire residents cannot come at the cost of protracted department head vacancies, disruptions to municipal services, and ultimately a less qualified management team. And, in the case of top management and highly technical positions, it is simply not realistic to think that a sufficient talent pool exists within the City’s borders. For precisely these reasons, most other cities have abolished their own residency requirements, and it has become time for New Bedford to do so as well.

The Mayor added, “after the three-year period since 2020 when the current residency requirement was put into place, it has become evident that the residency requirement has put the City at a major competitive disadvantage to other localities, state government, and private employers – all competing in the same extremely tight labor market. … Most other cities have abolished their own residency requirements, and it has become time for New Bedford to do so as well.”-City of New Bedford.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a high wind warning beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9th, through 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10th for Southern Bristol County including New Bedford. The NWS forecast calls for sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts of up to 65 mph. The strongest winds are expected Tuesday evening through daybreak Wednesday.

Based on the expected weather conditions, the Harbor Walk, Cove Walk, and Fort Taber will be closed at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9th until further notice.

“Bishop Stang High School is proud to announce the appointment of Pamela Cook as the new Director of Advancement beginning in January 2024. She will bring over 20 years of non-profit fundraising experience.

Cook most recently served as Executive Director for Clean Ocean Access and previously held leadership development and advancement positions at institutions like St. Francis of Assisi, Saint John School in Wellesley, and the Ursuline Academy to name a few. She brings a broad knowledge of management and leadership, along with an extensive record of accomplishments, outstanding rapport with colleagues, and visionary initiatives that have helped sustain Catholic educational institutions across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“This is an exciting time for Bishop Stang. Pam brings a wealth of experience fundraising from multiple schools and is a proven leader in the nonprofit sector. Her forward thinking and ability to engage and inspire constituents will well serve the vision for Bishop Stang for years to come,” said Jim Benson, President.

From directing fundraising efforts, envisioning comprehensive marketing plans, planning major events, cultivating relationships, and integrating communication strategies, Cook has had her hand in a myriad of responsibilities and proved herself successful in all. She will provide Bishop Stang with a unique and valuable perspective by sharing her expertise and working closely with the President and Directors of Admissions, Finance, and Communications.

The principal of Saint John School in Wellesley commented, “Pam was the driving force behind the school’s largest Giving Tuesday campaign to date. We exceeded our goal set for that day raising over $85,000 in one day and that is in large part to Pam’s efforts. Pam had a clear understanding of the community’s capacity to give, and her research paid off. Pam will bring that same thoughtful and data-driven approach to her next role.”

He continued, “I am not surprised that Pam’s heart has led her back to a Catholic institution. At the heart of Pam and what drives her is the opportunity for her to be part of a mission-driven organization where Christ is at the center of their work.”

Pamela shared her excitement about joining Spartan Village: “I am profoundly grateful and honored to embrace the role of Director of Advancement at Bishop Stang High School. As I prepare to embark on this new chapter and serve the incredible Stang community, I am looking forward to contributing my passion for mission-driven progress and commitment to growth, opportunity, and advancement.

The privilege of engaging with the vibrant community and esteemed constituents of Bishop Stang is exciting and I am eager to lead initiatives that will elevate our shared aspirations for the success of the school and create opportunities for building upon the institution’s strong foundation and values. Together, let’s build, forge connections, and propel Bishop Stang as a pillar of the community toward a brighter, more vibrant future for generations of Spartans to come.

Thank you to President Benson for giving me this opportunity to foster a spirit of philanthropy alongside a best-in-class faculty and staff, student body, and faith-filled community.”

Cook holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Classical Studies from Regis College and resides in Marion with her husband and four children. She will begin her role in late January.”

“Adam Gauthier, the 41-year-old New York City resident arrested on charges related to a late Christmas night motor vehicle triple-fatality on the Somerset side of the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, is expected to be arraigned Tuesday in Fall River District Court on the two newest charges filed in connection to the December 29th death of Donna Arruda.

After Mrs. Arruda’s death, new charges of Manslaughter while Operating Under the Influence and Motor Vehicle Homicide-OUI Liquor were filed.

The defendant is already being held on $100,000 cash bail after being arraigned from his hospital bed on December 26 on charges of two counts of Manslaughter while Operating Under the Influence, two counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide-OUI Liquor, and one count each of OUI-Liquor with Serious Bodily Injury, Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving the Wrong Way on a State Highway.

The defendant, formerly of Somerset, was arrested shortly after the 11 pm Christmas night crash.

After being arrested, he was transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been discharged and is currently being held at the Dartmouth House of Corrections. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Catherine Sauter.

Massachusetts State Police of the Dartmouth Barracks received an emergency call at 11 pm Christmas night regarding a collision on the bridge involving a wrong way operator.

The preliminary investigation has revealed that the defendant was driving a Range Rover eastbound in the westbound lane on Route 6 while crossing the bridge. While on the bridge, the defendant’s vehicle struck an Infiniti SUV head on.

The Infiniti was being operated by Floriano Arruda, 73, of Seekonk. Mr. Arruda’s wife, Donna Arruda, 68, also of Seekonk was in the front passenger seat and his 15-year-old grandson, Jacoby Arruda, also of Seekonk, was in the rear of the vehicle.

All three of the Arrudas were rushed to area hospitals. Jacoby Arruda was pronounced deceased On Christmas night at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, Floriano Arruda was pronounced deceased on the morning of December 26th at Rhode Island Hospital and Donna Arruda died at Rhode Island Hospital on December 29th.

Beyond the two initial vehicles involved in the crash was a third vehicle that also sustained front end damage during the incident. The driver and front seat passenger of the third vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing at this time and is now the subject of a criminal prosecution. No further information can be disseminated. The probe will be conducted by Homicide Unit prosecutors, the State Police Detective Unit assigned to DA Quinn’s office, State Police-Dartmouth Barracks and State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.”

“❗️❗️❗️INFORMATION NEEDED❗️❗️❗️

As you may or may not know, we are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred on Gulf Road (at the intersection of Smith Neck Road) on Friday, January 5, 2023 at approximately 10:30 p.m.

As part of this investigation, we are asking that anyone who may have witnessed the involved vehicle (a white 2022 Honda Accord) operating in or near the town landing on the west side of the Padanaram bridge prior to the crash, please contact either Officer Brian Parent or Detective Kyle Costa.

Officer Parent can be reached at 508-910-1790 and Detective Costa can be reached at 508-910-1755.

Thank you!
PLEASE SHARE.”-Dartmouth Police Department.

“Sheriff Paul Heroux has made a significant difference in the lives of the incarcerated and their families since assuming his office almost a year ago.

His major theme during the campaign was to concentrate on rehabilitation of the convicted individuals rather than punishment and deprivation, thereby reducing their inclination to re-commit crime and ultimately keeping the community safer and taxpayers’ costs lower.

These positive effects are not being proclaimed by paid staff in press releases, but are contained in the many letters the sheriff is receiving from people who are incarcerated. Pursuant to a statutory records request I sent to the sheriff’s office I received copies of these letters written to Sheriff Heroux (names re-dacted for confidentiality).

It is encouraging to those who supported and believed in the concept of rehabilitation as the most effective strategy for reducing the increasing rate of imprisonment in America.

The consistent theme in these letters is the gratitude for treating them as human beings, taking responsibility for their imprisonment and expressing the changes they hope to accomplish upon release.

The letters refer to the improved food, medical attention, safer environment, vocational training, and concentrating on their post-release conditions that are improving their outlook and reducing their anger and sense of hopelessness.

They are not being coddled or provided more than the law and regulations require. They are for the first time being treated in a manner that acknowledges that their loss of freedom should be the price they pay and should not be compounded with inhumane conditions that contribute to their anger and justify their continued life of addiction and crime.

Their expression of gratitude for these changes should provide all the voters of Sheriff Heroux with satisfaction and encouragement to remain involved in promoting effective and ethical public officials, especially in the upcoming state and federal elections.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.

“So the other night I’m in the middle of dropping off an Instacart order. An elder man pulled up and asked if I knew where St Luke’s Hospital was located.

Being that we were a bit far [from the hospital] I didn’t just want to say “make a left here and go straight,” so instead I told him I’ll use my GPS and you can follow me. I didn’t have any active orders so I figured why not?

I got in my car and had him follow me. When we arrived at St Luke’s I pulled to the side and told him ‘This is it.’ I wasn’t expecting anything in return, I just did it because I felt like helping him out.

He then says, “Can I tip you?”

I said ‘Sure.’ because I know you can’t really say ‘No’ to these old timers! I put the bill in my pocket without looking; it was quite dark anyways. We said thanks to each other, Happy Holidays and I drove off.

When I get home I check the bill as I’m putting it in my wallet. I’m expecting it to be a $5 or at most $10 bill, however, it was this $50 bill. I felt bad for a second, but at the same time I understood.

I’m sharing this story to publicly thank this gentlemen. I’m almost certain he doesn’t have a Facebook, but hopefully he shared the story with a family member of his that does and recognized it here.

Thank you, sir. May god multiply it tenfold. ??”

“Westport Fire and Police responded to a two car crash on Route 6 earlier this morning.

There were no serious injuries, however five patients were transported to an area hospital for evaluation.

Westport Engine 4, Rescues 1, 2, 3 and Car 2 responded. Mutual aid EMS was received from Fall River and Tiverton.”-Westport Fire Department.

Westport Fire Department photo.