As a result of a month long narcotics investigation the Mattapoisett Police Department executed multiple search warrants resulting in the arrest of John Decosta Jr, age 28, of 1 Driscoll Lane in Mattapoisett.

During the investigation Narcotics Officers observed Decosta engage in multiple hand-to-hand drug transactions. In addition, Narcotics Officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of Fentanyl from Decosta over the past month.

Fentanyl is a potent opioid that is approximately 80-100 times more potent than morphine and approximately 40-50 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl has been linked to many of the overdoses throughout the Southcoast.

The search warrants produced 8.5 grams of Fentanyl, 29 Percocet 30 mg pills, 80 Methadone Pills, Anabolic Steroids, scales, packaging material, and 18 shotgun shells. Officers seized $6,788.00 in US currency and a 2012 Chevy Malibu.

John Decosta was subsequently charged with possession with the intent to distribute a class “B” substance (Fentanyl), possession with the intent to distribute a class “B” substance (Percocet), possession with the intent to distribute a class “B” substance (methadone), possession of a class “C” substance (steroids), and possession of ammunition without an FID card.

Detectives from the South Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (SEMLEC) Detectives Unit assisted with the investigation. These departments consisted of Wareham, Marion, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Somerset, Swansea and Seekonk Police Departments. In addition, Seekonk Police K-9 assisted with the search. This collaborative effort enabled the Mattapoisett Police Department to conduct a thorough investigation across jurisdictional boundaries.

Anyone with information involving illegal drugs can leave an anonymous tip @ 508-758-2211 or drugtips@mattapoisettpolice.com

Area residents are invited to attend a free, friendly competition between police officers and firefighters from Bristol County. The contest will be held on Thursday, March 31, 6pm at Whites of Westport.

This year, with an expanded field of competitors and a live radio broadcast with Michael Rock of FUN 107, the CAC aims to bring friends, family and partner agencies together to kick off April as Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Prevention Month. The four-year standing rival between the Fall River and New Bedford departments will now be joined by other teams hoping to bring the winning trophy to their departments. “We are creating a Thanksgiving-football-game-day type of competition among various departments within Bristol County,” said Michelle Loranger, Bristol County CAC Executive Director. Police Departments competing include: Swansea vs. Seekonk, Dartmouth vs. Somerset, Taunton vs. Attleboro, Fall River vs. New Bedford, Fairhaven vs. Mansfield Police, Acushnet vs. Westport in addition to the five-year competition of Fall River against New Bedford (to include both their fire and police departments.)

“April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, but all year long, we wouldn’t be able to do our work without the professionalism and expertise of our friends in the police and fire departments throughout the county,” Loranger said. “We’re grateful for this event as a way to highlight our mission and philosophy that there is no excuse for child abuse, honor our valuable partnerships, and have fun, all for an important cause.”

National statistics tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys will be the victim of sexual abuse by the time they reach 18. Ninety percent of children are sexually abused by someone they know, love and trust. And national statistics show that 60 percent of parents/caretakers of child victims have been victims themselves. Our Bristol County statistics show comparable data in all these areas. And yet we know that not all cases come to the CAC and that childhood sexual abuse is under-reported.

The CAC of Bristol County is a not-for-profit agency that provides comprehensive forensic, health and medical, and support services to children who have been victims of sexual abuse and violence. The agency will provide many outreach activities in various schools and child serving agencies throughout the county during the month of April. Recently, the agency surpassed serving its 3,200 case since their inception in July 2007. The agency also serves as an information clearing house for families and professionals in all corners of the county, from Fairhaven to Easton. The agency is located at 58 Arch Street in Fall River.

The CAC works closely with a number of area agencies, including law enforcement, Department of Children & Families and the District Attorney’s office, in providing direct services to children and families who have experienced sexual abuse and/or severe physical abuse, or who have been witnesses to violence.

To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, call 508-674-6111, or visit www.CACofBC.org.

The Falmouth Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police announce the following information regarding services for Deputy Sheriff John Robert Kotfila Jr. of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Deputy Sheriff Kotfila, while on duty, was involved in a head–on collision with a wrong-way driver near Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, March 12. The woman who called 911 to report the accident told the media that she believed Deputy Sheriff Kotfila sacrificed himself to save her.

Deputy Sheriff Kotfila, was a six-year member of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Kotfila came from a family of law enforcement officers. His father, John Kotfila Sr., is a Massachusetts State Police Sergeant and was a former Falmouth Police Officer. One of Deputy Kotfila’s brothers, Michael, is an officer of the Falmouth Police Department, and his maternal grandfather, Robert Cahoon is a retired Massachusetts State Police Staff Sergeant who once served as commander of the Bourne Barracks.

The wake will be held at the Chapman Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main St., Falmouth on Tuesday, March 22, from 4-8 p.m. A law enforcement Walk-By will begin at 5 p.m.

The funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 511 Main St., Falmouth, on Wednesday, March 23, at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at St Joseph’s Cemetery on Gifford Street in Falmouth.

Media Logistics:

• For both the wake on Tuesday and the funeral on Wednesday, media vehicles should park on Lantern Lane, which runs adjacent to 556 Main St., Falmouth. Media members may then walk down Main Street a short distance to 502 Main St., where they can set up in front of the Colonial Filling Station, which is across the street from St. Patrick’s Church. Police media relations personnel will be present at that location. Also, we will bring dignitaries and other law enforcement personnel who are interested in speaking to media at that location for interviews.

• One print and one broadcast pool camera will be allowed into the church for the funeral from a stationary position. Please contact David Procopio at State Police Media Relations at david.procopio@massmail.state.ma.us prior to Wednesday to advise which outlets will have the pool assignments. We will work with the Church to arrange a stationary position.

• Media covering the burial may park at Goodwill Park, located on Goodwill Park Road, just north of the cemetery, and walk across Gifford Street to the cemetery. Police personnel will arrange a stationary position in the cemetery from which media may view the graveside portion of the services.

• We also ask that news helicopters flying over the cemetery please hold off-set, downwind positions, at altitudes of at least 2,000 feet, if possible to minimize noise disruption over the graveside site. The State Police Air Wing will also be over the site and may ask media helicopters to move off their positions if necessary. We will make every effort to accommodate.

On Sunday, March 20, 2016, thousands of runners will participate in the 39th Annual New Bedford Half Marathon. The race is hosted by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, a New Bedford based fraternal organization, and the City of New Bedford. The course is a challenging one that includes two major hills, waterfront views, and will be lined with hundreds of volunteers and cheering fans.

Organizers have taken great care to ensure that the New Bedford Half Marathon continues to maintain its reputation as one of the safest races in New England. More than 120 New Bedford police officers will patrol the course and ambulances staffed by New Bedford Emergency Medical Services will be stationed throughout the city. The New Bedford Police Department has asked runners and spectators not to bring bags to the course as backpacks, suitcases and rolling bags will not be permitted near the start/finish area. The New Bedford Police Department is also asking spectators and runners alike to report any suspicious activity to one of the many police officers available throughout the course leading up to, during, and after the race.

Parking on the race course will not be permitted and “no parking” signs will be posted along the route to warn motorists. In addition, the race course is closed to vehicular traffic and residents are advised to plan ahead as traffic will be restricted from approximately 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. New Bedford Police encourage residents who live in the south end of the city, especially those who live on the peninsula, to plan to leave before 10:30 a.m. and return after 1:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to avoid Route 18 southbound from Union Street south while the race is underway.

The New Bedford Police Department has identified two alternative routes for persons wishing to gain access inside the course perimeter. Persons who may be visiting a patient at St. Luke’s Hospital or who need access to the inner perimeter for other reasons should consider the following routes:

1. Rt. 195 East bound to Penniman Street exit to County to Parker to Cottage St.
2. Rt. 195 Westbound to Downtown Exit to Rt. 18

Mayor Jon Mitchell has announced that the City of New Bedford will offer complimentary parking at the Elm Street and Zeiterion garages and Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot. Shuttle service from Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot to the YMCA will be provided between 8:00AM and 10:30AM and after the race between 12:45PM and 2:00PM.

The entire New Bedford community is involved in welcoming the runners and their friends and families. New Bedford is a great place to shop, dine and explore before and after the race. Please visit www.destinationnewbedford.org for more information.

For more information on the race and race day activities please visit: www.newbedfordhalfmarathon.com

This weekend’s temperatures will drop below freezing overnight, each day will warm up considerably except Sunday which will go from a low of 28 degrees and only to 38 degrees. So, you’ll want to be wearing your favorite hoodie or perhaps some thermals. While we will likely see rain on Friday and Sunday, Saturday will be sunny with a high temperature of 43 degrees. Nothing that we New Englanders can’t handle!

As always, click on the title for more or detailed information on the event. Most of the events were pulled from our event calendar where you can find hundreds of local area events each month. The event calendar is FREE, so if you are a local business, and not taking advantage of FREE publicity, shame on you! Are you a local business and want to sponsor this high traffic, weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details. Have an event to add? Add it here. Know of another event this weekend? Post a reply!

Friday, March 18th

Slam Dunk WaterFire (7:20pm-1:00pm)
Enjoy a Providence tradition. Sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts. Visit http://waterfire.org/slamdunk/ for event details. 100 Canal Walk, Providence, RI.

A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn at the Zeiterion (8:00pm)
For the past ten years, St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn concerts have introduced the roots and branches of Irish music to audiences eager to celebrate the holiday in true Irish style. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan will feature traditional instrumentalists, dancers, singers and more than a few surprises. Irish or not, the infectious sounds and colorful history of Ireland quicken the heart and imagination of all audience members. The Celtic Sojourn reaffirms that old adage…veryone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day! Tickets start at $25, and are available at zeiterion.org or by phone at 508-994-2900.

Laurel Tree Players presents: “Little Shop of Horrors” (8:00pm)
Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”. Holy Family Holy Name School, 91 Summer Street, New Bedford.

Saturday, March 19th

DA Quinn’s FREE Youth Baseball Clinic (9:00am-11:00am)
Join for the FREE youth baseball clinic hosted by former Red Sox pitcher Brian Rose! Saturday March 12th, 9am – 11am. Open to grades 2-8, boys and girls, all levels welcome. Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, 888 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Used Book Sale and Live Music (9:00am-12:00pm)
The Friends will begin hosting its monthly book sales again at the Main branch of the library, 59 Marion Road, Wareham. Accompanying the book sale will be “Music By Mar.”

Fall River Library Chess Club (10:00am)
All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the library’s Chess Club. The club will meet weekly on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in the Fell Reading Room at the Main Library. Teens and adult players are welcome to show up and join in the fun. Chess sets will be provided, thanks to a generous donation. Fall River Public Library, 104 N Main St. Fall River, MA.

Eyes on Owls – A live owl show! (Westport) (10:00am & 1:00pm)
Who’s watching you? All who attend are in for some fun with educational close-up views of these secretive birds of prey. Naturalist Marcia Wilson will present “Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World.” Wilson introduces the audience to owls found in New England and as well other parts of the world. A slide show begins the program by showcasing colorful wildlife photos by her husband Mark Wilson. Marcia imitates the owls’ calls herself, paying special attention to the more common owls that we might encounter in our area. After a hooting lesson and much audience anticipation, Marcia brings out the live owls one at a time.

With each owl perched securely on her gloved hand, she walks out among the audience with six or seven owls. There’s plenty of time for close-up views, photos and questions. Each owl presented has a permanent disability which prevents him or her from surviving on their own in the wild. These non-releasable owls serve as captivating ambassadors from the world of wildlife. All the owls are legally permitted by state and federal agencies for use in environmental educational programs. Westport High School. 19 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790.

Scratch Art Craft (Fall River) (11:00am)
Join us Saturday morning on March 12th from 9am-12pm to enjoy Breakfast with Paw Patrol Skye! This interactive and entertaining morning will delight and dazzle both young and young at heart. A delicious breakfast buffet awaits you! We expect it to be full to capacity. We have two reservation spots open, 9am & 10:30am. Please make your reservation by calling (508) 676-7369. Price is $15.95 for Adults and $10.95 for Children 10 and under. Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill, 1082 Davol St., Fall River.

Dartmouth Mall’s Mad Hatter Tea Party (11:00am-2:00pm)
The Easter Bunny is first sign of Spring and he’s bringing it to Dartmouth Mall! Back by popular demand, Dartmouth Mall will host the second annual “Mad Hatter Tea Party” and celebrate the Easter Bunny in style! Kids can enjoy light refreshments and fun activities in front of Journey’s after visiting with the Easter Bunny. Children can visit and take photos with the Bunny in his beautiful garden in Center Court.

1st Annual Easter Basket Extravanganza (11:00am-5:00pm)
Get your picture with the Easter Bunny between 11:00am-2:00pm! There will be gift baskets raffled off at 4:00pm, face painting, egg decorating, bake sale and popcorn. Humane Society & Shelter at 31 Ventura Drive, Dartmouth.

2nd Annual Providence Tattoo & Music Fest (1:00pm)
The Providence Tattoo & Music Fest 2 will be held at Fete Music Hall (Ballroom & Lounge) Saturday March 19th sponsored by Boneheads Wing Bar & Suited Devil’s Ink in affiliation with Black Sheep Entertainment! This is a strictly 18 plus event. $20 in advance and $25 day of show! Bands, vendors, sponsors, tattoo shops, etc. are as follows: http://www.newbedfordguide.com/event/the-2nd-annual-providence-tattoo-music-fest-presented-by-boneheads-wing-bar-and-suited-devils-ink. Fete Music Hall, 103 Dike St., Providence.

Pictures with the Easter Bunny (1:00pm-4:00pm)
Photos by Happy Tails Photography for family and pets (leashed or in carrier). There is a charge. No reservations needed. Bring a donation for a local animal shelter and get 10 percent off merchandise purchase (not photos) (774-202-5573. Four Paws Up Bakery & Boutique, 356 Main Street, Fairhaven.

1st Annual Spring Reel (Acushnet) (6:00pm)
Slip on your dancing shoes, dust off those dresses, and take out your tux if you got it for our 1st Annual Spring Reel, a fun and festive evening to support Reel Serious, a New Bedford nonprofit organization connecting youth to their community through film and documentary making. The evening’s festivities include dinner and dancing with music provided by Wicked Weezy Entertainment, raffles, film clips, and more! All ticket sales go directly to Reel Serious and are tax deductible. Whether you are a passionate supporter of helping at risk youth, revitalizing our city, or a fan of documentaries, your contributions make a huge difference in supporting our programs, and our Spring Reel will be a night to remember! Black tie optional. Festive attire encouraged but not required. Century House Inc., 107 S. Main St., Acushnet. Be sure to check out our video trailers at https://vimeo.com/reelserious/videos.

La Soul Renaissance ‘Hip-Hop 4 Flint New Bedford’ Fundraiser (6:00pm-10:00pm)
La Soul Renaissance, a New Bedford-based collective promoting community involvement and activism through the arts, will host a local Hip-Hop 4 Flint fundraiser at the Cape Verdean Vets Hall on 561 Purchase St New Bedford. Tickets are sliding scale from $10-$20. The event’s goal is to raise funds for 500 water filtration systems for Flint, Michigan residents affected by the city’s ongoing water contamination and health crisis.

Local talent will include DJ Jules of JAM’N 94.5 FM, Nicole Terez Dutton (Poet Laurette of Somerville), jazz band Native Spaces, Shiesty L, Paranom, Jazzmyn Red, Flizz, Don Chizzle, Jo St Surin, Erik Andrade, and DJ Anghelli. The event is partnership with Queen Yonasda of HipHop4Flint and the non-profit Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Flint Michigan Each cities showcase will be live streamed on national media sponsor AllHipHop.Com, HipHopDX.com, as well as HipHop4Flint.com.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes at the Zeiterion (7:00pm)
The legendary sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, takes the stage in this witty, fast paced production by the acclaimed Aquila Theatre. This unique production re-envisions the legendary sleuth as a female detective who skillfully maneuvers the twisted web of London’s most intriguing cases with her split second deductions. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a thrilling and memorable ride for any theatre-lover. Tickets start at $27, and are available at zeiterion.org.

Laurel Tree Players presents: “Little Shop of Horrors” (8:00pm)
Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”. Holy Family Holy Name School, 91 Summer Street, New Bedford.

Sunday, March 20th

Easter Bunny at The Swansea Mall (12:00pm-6:00pm)
The Bunny will arrive at Swansea Mall on at 11 a.m. and will be in his springtime garden meeting with children. get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! Every child visiting the Easter Bunny will receive a free gift.

Laurel Tree Players presents: “Little Shop of Horrors” (2:00pm)
Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The musical is based on the low-budget 1960 black comedy film The Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Roger Corman. The music, composed by Menken in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several well-known tunes, including the title song, “Skid Row”, “Somewhere That’s Green”, and “Suddenly, Seymour”. Holy Family Holy Name School, 91 Summer Street, New Bedford.

Vernal Equinox Sunset Stroll (Westport) (6:10pm-7:15pm)
Celebrate the official beginning of spring with the Buzzards Bay Coalition on a sunset stroll at Gooseberry Island in Westport. While we watch the sunset, the Coalition will discuss the equinox and the unique history of Gooseberry Island, part of Horseneck Beach State Reservation. To RSVP for this free Bay Adventure, please register online or contact us at 508-999-6363 ext 219 or email bayadventures@savebuzzardsbay.org

Want to sponsor this weekend guide? Contact info@newbedfordguide.com for more details.

The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center presents the 21st Annual New Bedford Folk Festival Saturday July 9 through Sunday July 10 with an impressive lineup of the best in contemporary, Americana, traditional, blues and Celtic folk music. Livingston Taylor, Kate Taylor, Cheryl Wheeler and national blues treasure Rory Block are joined by over 50 performers and groups including The Stray Birds, John Gorka, Celtic super group RUNA, Grammy nominated fiddler Bruce Molsky, Ellis Paul, Irish guitar wizard John Doyle, Garnet Rogers, Prairie Home Companion regular Pat Donohue and many more. The festival runs from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm both days and is located in and around the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center and the Whaling National Historical Park in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. Special VIP Weekend Passes are $100; Single-Day and Weekend Admissions are $15 and $20 through June 30. Children under 12 are free. Tickets and information are available at www.zeiterion.org and www.newbedfordfolkfestival.com, 508-994-2900, and the Zeiterion box office, 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford.

The New Bedford Folk Festival present music on seven stages in and around the National Park that range from the 1,200 seat Zeiterion Performing Arts Center to the intimacy of the “Meet the Performer” area. Performers are presented in concerts and in the popular festival “workshops” which feature three or four performers or groups on stage at the same time in one-time, unique musical shows. The festival also fills the historic streets with over ninety juried, handmade-goods crafts vendors and global importers. Food will be available, including the justifiably world famous New Bedford landed fish and scallops.

The New Bedford Folk Festival has been recognized as a “Critic’s Pick” and one of “New England’s Greatest Celebrations” by the Boston Globe. Yankee Magazine selected the festival as an “Editor’s Choice” for the summer of 2014. Thousands of people from New England and across the nation attend the festival over the weekend making it a major destination for this summer weekend. This year’s festival promises an exciting and memorable celebration which shows the city of New Bedford at its best.

The lineup of performers is: Rory Block, Matt Borrello, Benoit Bourque and Antoine Bourque-Pigeon, Caroline Doctorow, Pat Donohue, John Doyle, Melissa Ferrick, John Gorka, Jefferson Hamer, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Anne Hills, Michael Johnson, Rev. Robert B. Jones Sr., Pete and Maura Kennedy, Mike Laureanno, Les Poules à Colin, Low Lily, Miss Rosie, Bruce Molsky, Moonshine Holler, Grace Morrison, the New Bedford Sea Chanty Chorus, No Fuss and Feathers, Chris Pahud, Ellis Paul, John Roberts, Garnet Rogers, RUNA, Spuyten Duyvil, The Stray Birds, Kate Taylor, Livingston Taylor, Art Tebbetts and Cheryl Wheeler. All performers are subject to change.

Tickets to 21st Annual New Bedford Folk Festival range from $15-$100 and are available for purchase at www.zeiterion.org, by calling 508-994-2900, or in person at the box office at 684 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. Box Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Plans are under way for Downtown New Bedford, Inc.’s Tenth Annual Taste Of SouthCoast festival. Join us on Sunday, May 15 from 12 noon to 5 pm. Located on Pier 3 in New Bedford’s historic working waterfront. The “tasting” goes until 3:15, but music and fun continue right through 5:00. We are very excited to announce that this year’s entertainment will feature America’s Got Talent finalist, SAMANTHA JOHNSON, performing with her band from 2:30-4:30. Great food and great music will make this year’s festival the best ever.

Taste Of SouthCoast has a well-deserved reputation as the best deal in town! “Attendees are always impressed by the variety, quality and quantity of food supplied by SouthCoast restaurants. We suggest you bring your appetite!” said Jill White, Chair of the event. Sample and taste a variety of offerings from more than 20 area restaurants, caterers and bakeries. Registered participants to date include: All Friends Smokehouse, Applebee’s No. Dartmouth, The Black Whale, Brazilian Grill, Brew Fish, DNB Burger, Dorothy Cox Candies, E.J.’s Bar & Grill, Emma Jeans Bakery/Café/Candy/Ice Cream Shoppe, Freestones City Grill, Harriet’s Catering, Fay’s Knotty Pine Catering, Mad Good Cookie, No Problemo, Olive Garden, Tia Maria’s European Cafe and Ying Dynasty. There is still room for a few more vendors.

Participation packages are available through DNB’s web-site or by calling the DNB, Inc. office.

There will be something for everyone to enjoy! New England crafted beers, locally grown and bottled wines from Travessia, and soft drinks are available to complement the food offerings. The Taste Of SouthCoast event will be held rain or shine under a bigger tent this year.

A major feature of Taste of SouthCoast is a spirit of friendly competition that will culminate in awards. Attendees cast their votes for their favorites in the following categories: The “People’s Choice” Awards will go to the most voted for food and dessert offering and “Best Booth Presentation” awards will go to the participant that receives the most votes for best decorated and creative booth.

Pier Fish Company continues their tradition as the Premier Corporate Sponsor of the “Taste”. Pier Fish Co. has also renewed their commitment to the NewBedford Seafood Industry Scholarship Fund and asks others in the industry to contribute. A fund has been established through DNB, Inc. One hundred percent of the money donated to the scholarship fund is awarded to area students with parents working in the industry.

The Festival is held on City Pier 3. Address is 228 MacArthur Drive. Parking is free in the downtown at meters, the Elm Street Parking Garage, and the YMCA. TICKET prices remain the same as last year: $15 in advance and $18 day of the event for adults, $5 for children 6-12, free for 5 and younger. Tickets are on sale now at the DNB, Inc. office and beginning in April through our website at www.downtownnb.org, and at all area Cardoza and Douglas Wine & Spirits locations. For more information call 508-990-2777or e-mail dnb@downtownnb.org.

This morning at approximately 1am members of the Gang Unit executed a search warrant at 153 Florence St. after an investigation into the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Three individuals were taken into custody without incident and will be arraigned this morning in New Bedford district court on various firearms charges. None of the occupants of the home possessed a license to carry.

The arresting officers were Jared Lucas and Lorenzo Gonzalez. As a result of the search the following was recovered;

• Kimber .45 caliber semi-automatic Ultra Crimson Carry II firearm
• 295 rounds of 5.56 ammunition
• 96 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition
• 150 rounds of 9mm ammunition
• 76 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.

Arrested were:

Genaro Jimenez age 45 of 153 Florence St. NB

Judith Jimenez age 24 of 153 Florence St. NB

Brian Flores age 21 of 153 Florence St. NB

Last night members of the Gang Unit received information that Jerome DePina was at his home at 341 North St. apartment 2. He was the subject of 7 outstanding warrants for various charges.

Upon entering the apartment, Mr. DePina was placed under arrest without incident. Inside the apartment Gang Unit detectives recovered the following;

• Taurus .357 revolver handgun
• 8 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition
• Smith and Wesson .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun
• 100 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition.

Mr. Depina does not possess a license to carry firearms. The arresting officers were Jared Lucas and Lorenzo Gonzalez.

Scheduled to be arraigned this morning in New Bedford district court on various firearms charges; Jerome Depina age 38 of New Bedford.

The Greater New Bedford unemployment rate is much higher than the rest of Massachusetts, but believe it or not there really are a lot of available for qualified applicants. Sometimes the barrier to a new job can be the lack of information on available job openings.

To solve this, each week New Bedford Guide will pull jobs from our jobs database to inform job seekers about the hottest jobs in the area.

We will define “Hot Jobs” as those jobs that need to be filled by the employer immediately. For those looking to search some large job databases, checkout my Best Job Search Resources for New Bedford Residents article.

Here are the Hot Jobs in the New Bedford area from the NewBedfordGuide.com jobs database, as of March 17, 2016.

01. Multiple Positions Open – Dunkin’ Donuts (New Bedford)
Dunkin’ Donuts is hiring for multiple positions in New Bedford and Fairhaven! The job pays $10/hour plus tips. Benefits for employees that meet qualifications include: paid vacation and health insurance. Want to apply? Call 508.995.0513 and they will match you up to a store nearest you. You can also email: now-hiring@dalykenney.com. Full details and application process: here.

02. Reinhart Foodservice, L.L.C. – Class A Drivers (New Bedford)
$5,000 Sign-On Bonus for those with food service experience. Transporting products from our distribution center to our customer locations, the individuals we select will conduct pre/post-trip inspections, unload cased products from trailers to desired locations, and handle other duties as assigned. In addition to competitive wages, we offer options for medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D, disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), and home/auto insurance. Full job description can be found: here.

03. Campus Supervisor – High Point Treatment Center (New Bedford)
Licensed Registered Nurse in Massachusetts, BS in Nursing preferred or equivalent experience. Management experience required. Must maintain and submit licensure/certificate necessary to perform the required position. Full details and application process here.

04. Pharmacy Technician – CVS Health (Fairhaven)
Work as part of the Pharmacy Team to ensure that each customer has a positive shopping experience at CVS and to ensure customer satisfaction by serving each customer according to our company Values. The Pharmacy Technician Trainee is a training position where you can move to a Pharmacy Technician upon successful completion of CVS Pharmacy Technician Training Program and per local state pharmacy guidelines. For full job details and application process here.

05. Customer Service Representative – Enos Home Medical (New Bedford/Fall River)
The Customer Service Representative is responsible for performing all tasks relative to in-house communications with the patient/client and verification of third party reimbursement. For full job details and application process here.

06. Event/Sales Coordinator – Cotali Mar Restaurante (New Bedford)
The Event/Sales Coordinator is responsible for the sales, service, planning, organization, communication and overall execution of all events. This individual is responsible for achieving food and beverage budget, rentals and other components of the event through sales and up selling techniques. The ability to work independently, understand and analyze the needs and expectations of the client is imperative while maximizing revenue for each event. Clear communication of the client’s expectations must be communicated to each internal department in the form of accurate and complete contracts which set forth all details for the event. For full job details and application process here.

07. Skills Trainer – Coastline (New Bedford)
Reporting to the Clinical Director, the Skills Trainer is responsible to instruct Consumers on all aspects of the Medicaid PCA program and assess Consumers ability to manage program independently under the direction of the Clinical Director. Full details and application process here.

08. Paving Laborer – PJ Keating Co (Acushnet)
This position will work with members of the construction team to ensure smooth operations of daily paving on each job. Performs a wide variety of tasks associated with the laying down of asphalt. Perform various duties such as: shoveling, raking, luting. For full job details and application process here.

09. Catering Coordinator – Panera Bread Franchise (North Dartmouth)
Our catering coordinators know our menu thoroughly and provide detailed attention to ensure our great food is delivered timely and accurately. We’re committed to getting to know the needs of our customers, and we tailor our follow-up to ensure satisfaction. We are strong team players that are constantly learning and striving to be the best with a commitment to true craftsmanship, while providing quality service and products to our customers. For full job details and application process: here.

10. Retail Consultant-Bilingual – Sprint (North Dartmouth)
As a Sprint Retail Consultant, you are a mobility expert who is responsible for connecting customers to the things that matter most in their lives. You are strengthening Sprint’s Brand by delivering an unparalleled customer experience and outcome that transcends beyond the store visit. You stay current with the latest technologies and industry trends that enable you to provide a total sales solution to the customer. For full job details and application process here.

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