“Following an eight-year Fugitive Unit investigation, members of the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, at the request of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit, placed Diriye Bile, 26, of Ethiopia, was placed under arrest after landing at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL.

Bile was wanted on a Suffolk Superior Court warrant for Armed Assault with Intent to Murder, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon with Serious Bodily Injury, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Carrying a Loaded firearm. This warrant stems from a 2014 shooting where the victim was shot in the area of Ruggles Street in Roxbury.

Bile was extradited back to Massachusetts and arraigned on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in Roxbury District Court.

Bile fled the country after the shooting and was tracked to Ethiopia until his recent flight back to the United States. This arrest was the culmination of an eight-year-long Fugitive Investigation and the collaborative effort of many Federal and State agencies.

The Boston Police Department would like to highlight the diligent work of the Boston Police Fugitive Unit and their numerous federal partners, who never gave up on the search for Bile. The Boston Police Department hopes that this arrest brings some sense of closure to the victim, their family, and the community affected by this senseless violence.” -Boston Police Department.

“It is with profound sadness we must announce the death of Firefighter Elvis Reyes from complications from surgery related to an on-duty injury.

A figurative and literal giant of a man in the firehouse and the community, Elvis was well known to all who crossed paths with him. In the firehouse, Elvis was the senior man teaching and guiding new firefighters with a strong fatherly presence. A worker on the fire ground, Elvis was always where the action was. Off the job, he attended every charitable and social event the Rochester Fire Department or Local 1071 put on. Elvis was the slugger on the softball field and the man with the candy for the St Patrick’s, Puerto Rican, and Labor Day parades.

During his career Elvis received numerous departmental and community awards for heroic rescues and firefighting work, as well as community involvement. Two of his sons, Reid and Remmington followed in his footsteps into the Rochester Fire Department and carry on his legacy.

Firefighter Elvis Reyes set the tone and example for what a firefighter should be. He left big boots that will be impossible to fill.” -Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

Rochester Fire Fighters Local 1071 photo.

“At about 8:00 AM on Friday, September 23, 2022, members of the BPD Fugitive Unit, Sexual Assault Unit, and Milton Police arrested William Mancortes, 43, of Hyde Park, pursuant to five outstanding warrants.

The warrants were issued out of the Boston Municipal Court on two counts of Rape, one count of Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person 14 years or over. Mancortes was also wanted out of Quincy District Court for one count of Aggravated Rape, and one count of Kidnapping. All the incidents date back to 2017.

A Sexual Assault investigation led to the utilization of a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK) which assisted detectives in identifying the suspect in connection to these separate incidents and could result in further charges as detectives continue their investigations.

The suspect will appear in West Roxbury District Court for arraignment on the above-mentioned warrants and this investigation remains active and ongoing.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.

If you are a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to the police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency, the Boston Police Department encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal, and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area.” -Boston Police Department.

“Can you believe that Ruth ? is turning 64!? Ruth is one of the oldest Asian elephants in North America and it is an honor to have her in our care.

Join us on Sunday, September 25th for educational activities from 11:00am – 2:00pm, with a Happy Birthday sing-a-long & special enrichment happening at 1:00pm.

If you would like to bring Emily and Ruth a special treat, donations of unopened packages of unsalted shelled peanuts, yogurt covered raisins, and dried fruit will be accepted on their behalf.” -Buttonwood Park Zoo.

“A bronze plaque honoring the late former Mayor Fred Kalisz (1957-2021) was installed at Sea Lab this week, a month after a dedication ceremony formally designating the Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center. Located at 71 Portland Street, Sea Lab shares the building with the William H. Taylor Elementary School.

Mrs. Patricia Kalisz along with her son, Rick Kalisz III, were on hand for the installation by workers of the plaque, which had been delayed due to supply chain disruptions. The plaque finalizes the Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Sea Lab Marine Science Education Center, which included the unveiling of an exterior sign during an August 13 dedication ceremony that attracted 450 attendees.

At the August 13 event, Mayor Jon Mitchell noted Sea Lab’s dedication had the unanimous support of the New Bedford School Committee and City Council. Of Kalisz, Mayor Mitchell recalled, “he was always in motion; he never stopped exerting himself in service to others, the city and everyone who lived in it. He strove over his four terms to activate the city’s potential every single waking hour.”

Rick Kalisz III and Mrs. Patricia Kalisz pose with a plaque honoring the late former Mayor Fred Kalisz at Sea Lab. New Bedford Public Schools photo.

George Leontire, who served as city solicitor during the Kalisz years, noted the Dr. Frederick M. Kalisz, Jr. Memorial Scholarship has begun awarding scholarships to New Bedford students. In the care of the SouthCoast Community Foundation, the scholarship fund continues to accept donations from the public, he said.

Dr. Joseph Costa, Executive Director, Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program announced that over the next two years his program “will be providing $50,000 to Sea Lab. Most of these funds to be used to pay tuition for students in financial need and promoting equity of access, with the remainder of the funds to buy equipment and supplies, pay for fieldtrips and fund special projects.”

Other participants in the August ceremony included Pete Braley, Rev. Michael Racine, musician Mike Couto, Andrew O’Leary, Tori Kalisz, Frank Tedesco of Mount Vernon Group Architects, Michael Kalisz, Trembley’s Bus Company and the New Bedford Police Department Honor Guard.

The plaque’s installation comes a year after the School Committee voted unanimously on a motion by member Bruce Oliveira to name the Sea Lab building for Dr. Kalisz, who as Mayor oversaw the construction of the Sea Lab building in 2005. The School Committee action came after City Council support to recognize the civic and educational contributions of Mayor Kalisz by dedicating a public school building in his honor. In October of last year, a committee to oversee the project included John Beauregard, Simone Bourgeois, Joseph Cordeiro, Dr. Joseph Costa, Stephen Furtado, Mrs. Kalisz, Rick Kalisz III, Michael Kalisz, George Leontire, Arthur Motta, Andrew O’Leary, Bruce Oliveira and Dr. Steven White.

Sea Lab is New Bedford Public Schools’ nationally recognized marine science education program for the perpetuation of real science activities. Historically, Sea Lab existed as a six-week summer program servicing academically serious students since 1968. The program expanded in 2000 to the entire school year in order to introduce a larger student population to secondary and postsecondary-level science concepts, marine science and aquatic activities for students Kindergarten through Grade 12.”

“Please welcome recruit class 02-2022!!!

On September 6th, new recruits from New Bedford, Acushnet, Berkley, Somerset & Taunton merged together to begin Firefighter training.

The Academy is hosted by New Bedford Fire and most of the training will take place in New Bedford. The recruits will attend a ten week academy allowing them to obtain their Firefighter I & II state certification.

They will receive training in emergency medical care, basic firefighting skills, hazardous materials emergencies, and rescue skills including vehicle extraction.

The recruits will receive instruction from MA Fire Academy instructors along with instructors from all five departments who offer decades of firefighting and rescue experience.” -New Bedford Fire Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department:

“Breaking “Shoebert “ News:

At approximately 2:30am on 09/23/22 we had a visit from everyone’s favorite seal Shoebert. Shoebert made his way out of the pond and traveled through the Cummings Center parking lot and came to the side door of the police station for some help.

Within a short period of time the entire midnight shift, Beverly Animal Contol, Members of NOAA, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, and the Beverly Fire Department all came to the rescue of Shoebert. We were able to get Shoebert into a special wildlife carrier without incident. Shoebert appeared to be in good health and was a little sassy in the early morning hours.

‘Shoebert’ was transported to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut for observation and any needed medical care before his future release to the wild.

Thank you Shoebert for having faith in the BPD, you will be deeply missed by your friends here. Over the past week, you brought a lot of joy and happiness to our city. Feel free to come back and visit anytime!” -Beverly Police Department.

Beverly Police Department photo.

Beverly Police Department photo.

Beverly Police Department photo.

Beverly Police Department photo.

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of September 26, 2022 – September 30, 2022, and they are as follows:

Eversource will be working on the street milling from gas main relays on:

• Main Relay on Phillips Rd. from Holly Tree Lane to Route 140

Other:
• Contractor (KR Rezendes, Inc.) will resume roadway and sidewalk work at MassDOT’s Hathaway Triangle project located at the newly signalized intersection of Hathaway Rd x Nauset St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will continue curb installation and sidewalk reconstruction along a portion of Phillips Rd from Holly Tree Ln to approximately 550’ north of Birchwood Dr.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will continue roadway work on Pricilla Street and West Street in the vicinity of St. Luke’s Hospital.
• Contractor (Eversource Energy) will be working at the MassDOT project, Kings Highway.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on various streets, citywide, completing minor repairs and installations.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on sidewalk reconstruction on Union St from Sixth St to County St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) tentatively scheduled to line paint the newly resurfaced roadways of Mt. Pleasant St, Rockdale Ave, Acushnet Ave, Nash Rd and E. Rodney French Blvd.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us

“My daughter 14-year old daughter Aaliyah Alexander is missing. PLEASE, PLEASE, IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING, PLEASE I WILL GIVE YOU MONEY, anything. I need to know where my daughter is I’m living a nightmare right now. I hear sirens. How is someone supposed to be ok?

Not knowing where she is, who she is with, if she is safe, if she is cold. Does she know she can ALWAYS COME HOME?! What was she thinking? How is a mom supposed to sleep? My head hurts, my eyes hurt from crying, my heart hurts. I don’t know what to do. I’ve been driving everywhere to find her.

I know one of you know something and the first friend to give her location up I will Venmo or cash app you $100. You will stay anonymous. You have my word.

She is 5’3, around 200lbs and was going for a walk to the park. She was wearing a white hoodie that says ‘Playboy’ on it black pants, and black Crocs. She’s a good student and it’s out of character for her to be gone for so long without checking in. We tried tracking her through her phone and couldn’t. Messages go straight to her voicemail.

A police report has been filed with the NBPD. Please call me at (774) 330-6823 or the New Bedford Police Department at (508) 991-6300.” -Tiff Shannon.

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“New Bedford High School’s Information Technology Program receives NAF recognition.

The New Bedford High School Academy of Information Technology, affiliated with the National Academy Foundation (NAF), has been recognized as a distinguished national high school program, it was announced at the NAF national summer conference in Dallas, Texas.

The IT Academy, one of several programs part of New Bedford High’s Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE) offerings, joins Finance as the school’s second NAF Academy to be recognized as a distinguished program. The designation was determined based on an evaluation and visit to NBHS by NAF officials in which they reviewed the facilities, interviewed school stakeholders, reviewed documentation and observed classes.

“I am thrilled that our Academy of IT has been recognized as distinguished, a milestone that was made possible through the work of our outstanding teachers, students and IT industry partners,” said Bernadette Coelho, Principal of New Bedford High School. “Having two distinguished academies demonstrates the vibrancy of our CVTE programs, and we appreciate NAF’s continued recognition of our innovative practices.”

The distinguished designation represents the highest level of achievement for a NAF academy. New Bedford High School’s Academy of IT was one of 181 programs recognized in the nation, according to NAF’S recent press release announcing the designees. The process to determine distinguished level includes evaluations and a site visit to assess program quality. NAF officials engaged with a cross section of teachers, students, finance industry advisory committee members and administrators during the NBHS visit.

“Our recent NAF site visit provided the opportunity for the IT Academy to showcase its innovation, creativity and advanced technical skills,” said Chris Cummings, manager of CVTE programs, noting that teachers from all areas met with NAF officials to discuss how they collaborate with IT Academy staff to develop and implement projects across multiple disciplines. “The evaluators were impressed with the rich cross-curricular integration,” he added.

One of the criteria in determining a distinguished NAF program is an active advisory committee of industry representatives and post-secondary faculty. During their discussions with NAF officials, the committee – comprised of 16 members representing industries from New Bedford, Providence, Boston, and other regional communities – shared how they engage with NBHS staff and students in providing curriculum guidance and internship opportunities.

“We are fortunate to have highly engaged advisory committee partners to support our IT Academy, said Cummings. “Their active participation and support were key in our receiving this most prestigious recognition,” he added.

The IT Academy is part of New Bedford High School offerings of Career Vocational Technical Education programming. In addition to IT, the school offers career pathway programs in Finance, Health Sciences, Engineering, Early Childhood Education and Hospitality, as well as two Chapter 74 vocational programs in Business Technology and Radio and Television Broadcasting. For more information about Career and Technical Education at New Bedford High School, please contact Christopher Cummings, Manager of CVTE at (508) 997-4511, ext. 20799.”