Kaesha Elise Nicol, 24, of 378 Bedford St., New Bedford, is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing June 12 after being arrested in connection with a shooting at Matthew and Dartmouth streets May 24.

Police responded to the scene on a report that shots were fired from a vehicle. No one was reported injured.

Upon further investigation, New Bedford Police detectives arrested Nicol on charges of using a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, attempting to commit assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, witness intimidation and on a warrant.

A suspect charged in New Bedford with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute while facing similar drug charges in Wareham was released without bail Thursday, June 7 at New Bedford District Court despite a request from the district attorney’s office that his bail be revoked from the Wareham case and that he be held on $5,000 bail on his new charge.

Judge John Stapleton released Richard A. Moniz-Faria, 30, of 121 Hathaway St. Apt. 2R, New Bedford, without bail, asking only that he be subject to random drug screening and report weekly to probation.

Moniz-Faria was arrested by New Bedford narcotics unit Wednesday, June 6 on charges of possession of heroin, conspiracy to violate drug laws and two counts of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was arrested after being observed in a drug transaction during an investigation into street-level narcotics sales in the west end of New Bedford.

Police observed two individuals in a car parked in the area of Elm and Liberty streets engaged in behavior consistent with drug use.

Moniz-Faria was arrested by Lakeville Police and arraigned May 7 in Wareham District Court on charges of possession of cocaine, possession of heroin, subsequent offense, operating after his registration was suspended, operating after his license was suspended, subsequent offense and compulsory insurance violation.

Early this morning, at approximately 2:10 a.m., troopers from the State Police Barracks in Concord received multiple calls reporting a white Nissan SUV traveling the wrong-way, driving north on I-495 southbound in Westford near exit 31. At approximately 2:13 a.m., calls were received reporting a serious injury crash in that same area.

Upon arrival, Trooper Christopher Lopilato located the crash on I-495 southbound, just south of exit 32 in Westford.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that a 2018 Nissan Rogue, driven by a 45-year-old Westford woman, was for reasons still under investigation, traveling northbound on I-495 southbound in Westford, when she struck a 2017 Honda Civic, driven by a 35-year-old Worcester man. The Worcester man was determined to be deceased at the crash scene, as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The Westford woman was initially transported by ambulance to Lowell General Hospital, then flown by medical helicopter to Mass General Hospital in Boston, with serious injuries.

The name of the victim will be released later, after notifications have been made.

During the incident, all lanes of I-495 southbound were closed, with traffic detoured off at exit 32 in Westford. All lanes were opened at approximately 4:41 a.m.

The remaining facts and circumstances of the crash are currently under investigation by troopers from the Concord Barracks. Troop A Headquarters, State Police Crime Scene Services Section (CSSS), State Police Collision Analysis Reconstruction Section (CARS), Westford Fire Department, Westford Police Department, Littleton Fire Department, Littleton Police Department, Chelmsford Police Department, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MA DOT), and the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, all assisted on scene.

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!

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Friday, June 8th

2018 Boston Pride Festival (11:00am-6:00pm)
Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility, and dignity, we educate, communicate, and advocate by building and strengthening community connections. City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Plaza, Boston.

Pub6T5 presents “Summer Sessions” w/ Carma (9:00pm-1:00am)
Top 40, Reggaeton, dance, disco, and more. Call for reservations: 508.995.6065. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

“Cover Up” featuring Mike Paull And Gillie Rezendes at the Bar (9:30pm-1:00am)
Come on down people for some good music some great food and great socializing hope to see you there The Bar, 266 Dartmouth St, New Bedford.

Saturday, June 9th

“Rubbish Run” – Plogging in New Bedford (9:00am-10:00am)
Jog, pick up litter, and better your community – it’s called “plogging” and it’s coming to New Bedford! Track + Channel has partnered with Operation Clean Sweep to host the first ever plogging event on the SouthCoast. We believe your health and the health of our community is paramount. Click event title for full details. Track + Channel Studio, 12 North 6th Street, New Bedford.

Friends of Buttonwood Park Presents: “Coffee in the Dell” (FREE) (10:00am-12:00pm)
Come by, relax, enjoy a cup of free coffee and donuts, read the paper and meet some new friends. Experience the beauty of Spring unfolding in Buttonwood Park. There will be tables and chairs for relaxing as well as a selection of newspapers to enjoy. Guided tours of Buttonwood Park’s beautiful arboretum will be offered. Refreshments are provided by Dunkin Donuts.

Scanning Day at New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (10:00am-12″00pm)
We invite the public to bring their fishing related photographs, both historic and contemporary, as well as documents such as settlement sheets, union books, or news clippings to be scanned. NBFHC staff and volunteers will scan your materials and record any information you share about what you bring. You will leave with your originals along with a digital copy on a flash drive. We are working to create a digital archive of these materials which will be made available to researchers and the public. These documents will help us to tell the story of the fishing industry. This event is free and open to the public. 38 Bethel Street, New Bedford.

Acushnet Farmers Market at Stone Bridge Farm (10:00am-2:00pm)
The Acushnet Farmer’s Market at Stone Bridge Farm invites you to come checks an amazing assortment of vendors this season! Stop by, rain or shine to check out all the local vendors! Saturdays: 10:00am-2:00pm, June through September, Starting June 2nd! Located at: 186 Leonard St, Acushnet, Massachusetts.

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

FREE: Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Beneficials (Wareham) (11:00am-12:30pm)
“Attracting Birds, Butterflies, and Other Beneficials,” a 90 minute presentation about attracting pollinators and other beneficial wildlife, will be offered by naturalist John Root. Perennials for edible landscaping and attracting birds, butterflies, and other beneficials will be offered for sale. Wareham Free Library, 59 Marion Rd.

New Bedford Ballet Presents “Sleeping Beauty” at the Zeiterion (2:00pm & 8:00pm)
Filled with the romantic notion of goodness and a captivating characterization of evil, the New Bedford Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting and sometimes whimsical interpretation of this classic fairytale, and is guaranteed to transport the audience into a magical world straight out of a beautifully illustrated story book. Original choreography by artistic director Ms. Waskiel-Marchesseault and ballet teacher Eugenia Zinovieva enable New Bedford Ballet students, ranging in age from five to eighteen years, to cast their own enchanting spells over the audience and bring the pages of this timeless story to life.

Pub6T5 presents “Summer Sessions” w/ DJ Adam DeMelo (9:00pm-1:00am)
Top 40, Reggaeton, dance, disco, and more. Call for reservations: 508.995.6065. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

“Under Surveillance” at the Bar (9:30pm-1:00am)
Disturbed, Guns N’ Roses, Rob Zombie, Aerosmith, Puddle of Mud, Godsmack, Seether, etc. If you’re looking for a pure rock show this weekend, you do not want to miss “Under Surveillance”! Awesome light show, high powered sound system and most of all high energy rock. You will not be disappointed. Let’s Get Loud! The Bar, 266 Dartmouth St, New Bedford.

Sunday, June 10th

FREE New Bedford Adult Wellness Program (9:00am-1:15pm)
Free wellness programming for all levels. Open to the public. See poster for full details.

Westport Tough Kids Challenge (10:00am)
Encourage your kids to come play in the mud, have fun as a team and help raise money for a great cause. A 1/2 mile obstacle course designed for ages 4 and up. Two new obstacles and designated viewing areas allowing family and friends to better see their runners in action!

Work your way through 15 fun obstacles such as climbing walls, swinging over water, running through the tire pit, crawling through the mud and much, much more! Sign up as an individual or create a team with family and friends and get ready for an exciting outdoor challenge! We encourage parents to register and run alongside their children. Choose a team name, design your own team shirts and wear them with pride! Teams are encouraged to decorate their own T-Shirts! 400 Old County Rd., Westport Middle School field, Westport,

Edaville Family Theme Park Activities (10:00am-5:00pm)
Come RIDE, ROAR, and EXPLORE at the exciting world of Edaville! With 3 PARKS IN 1, you can ride through Cran-Central, roar throughout Dino Land, and explore with Thomas & Friends through the magical Island of Sodor! Admission includes all rides & attractions. MA/RI Residents save up to $7 per date-specific ticket online only. Restrictions apply. Discount applied after applicable billing address entered. Edaville Family Theme Park, 5 Pine St. Carver.

Sunday Night Karaoke at PUB 6T5 (5:00pm-9:00pm)
Join us for Karaoke on Sunday nights from 5-9pm. Hosted by Mario Figueirido. 736 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

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

A Brockton man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for distributing fentanyl.

Dany Brandao, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel to 10 years in prison and eight years of supervised release. In March 2018, Brandao was convicted by a federal jury of four counts of fentanyl distribution and one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.

On Oct. 7, 2016, Oct. 11, 2016, Oct. 25, 2016, and Nov. 1, 2016, Brandao met with an undercover police detective and sold him plastic baggies containing fentanyl. On Nov. 8, 2016, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Brandao’s home, where they located fentanyl, plastic baggies, cash, and a digital scale. The controlled purchases and search resulted in the seizure of more than 180 grams of fentanyl from Brandao. At the time of these offenses, Brandao was on federal supervised release stemming from a June 2013 conviction for heroin trafficking conspiracy.

PAY: $53,476 – $66,850

Performs complex administrative, technical, and supervisory duties. Implements, assists, and supports the department with administrative systems and procedures. Provides support directly to supervisor when assigned and serves as the liaison between lower and upper level staff. Responsible for the completion of varying duties including financial reports, correspondence, and other operational office procedures. Prepares and manages weekly, monthly, and yearly administrative financial matters as necessary. Tracks ongoing financial performance and prepares administrative financial reports and documentation in support of ongoing projects.

Two years of college-level coursework or an Associate’s Degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Human Resources, or a closely related subject. Three years of administrative, professional, or supervisory work or experience in a closely related field. Massachusetts Certified Public Procurement Official (MCPPO) certification preferred within the first year of employment. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.

For application/complete job description, please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov or contact the Personnel Dept., 133 William St., Room 212, 508-979-1444. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found. New Bedford has a residency requirement. EEO

Spinner Publications celebrates its new book, BLUE COLLARS, a novel written by local author, Catherine McLaughlin. On Thursday, June 14 a book launch party will be held at Gallery X, 169 William Street, New Bedford. Spinner will introduce BLUE COLLARS to the public for the first time at a “Meet the Author” Book Launch Party and author signing from 5 to 9 PM. The public is invited to attend free of charge and enjoy light fare and refreshments. Guests will also be treated to a photograph exhibition by Spinner of 50’s and 60’s archival photographs of New Bedford’s South End and paintings by Blue Collars author, Catherine McLaughlin.

BLUE COLLARS is a compelling story about growing up during the late 1950s and 1960s in New Bedford and details the triumphs and tragedies of the close-knit working-class Kilroy family. Told through the eyes of young Fiona “Finn” Kilroy, her story unfolds in the city’s South End. Finn’s father worked long hours as a loomfixer at the Berkshire Hathaway textile mill along the city’s waterfront and her mother struggled to keep the children healthy, well fed, and well dressed.

Catherine McLaughlin grew up in New Bedford and now lives nearby in Padanaram. She received her undergraduate degree from UMass Dartmouth, formerly Southeastern Massachusetts University, and her graduate degrees from the University College Dublin and Bowling Green State University. A published poet and an accomplished artist, McLaughlin has taught English and writing for 40 years and is a professor emerita of Framingham State University.

The Governor’s Office informed Mayor Jon Mitchell that $1.6 million in funding for design and permitting for dredging New Bedford Harbor has been set aside. The Mayor and Port Authority have worked closely with the Baker-Polito Administration on dredging the harbor, long a priority for economic development along New Bedford’s waterfront.

“New Bedford has made a strong business case that funding for berth dredging in the harbor will unlock significant private sector investment and create hundreds of new jobs. I’m grateful to our close working relationship with the Baker-Polito Administration in our effort to modernize the Port of New Bedford and to accelerate its growth,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell.

A 42-year-old New Bedford man received the maximum allowable sentence for molesting a young relative after being convicted last week during a Jury of Six trial in New Bedford District Court, District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

David Maisonet was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age. He received the maximum two-and-a-half-year house of corrections sentence and will also be placed on supervised probation for an additional seven years after his release from jail.

The defendant was accused of rubbing the victim’s vagina from outside her underwear on two occasions, once when the girl was seven and once when the girl was 11.

The jury deliberated for just over an hour before returning its guilty verdicts. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Shawn Guilderson and the sentence was handed down by Judge Edward Lynch.

“This was an extremely difficult case to prosecute. The victim’s mother would not cooperate and had to be forced into court during pretrial hearings in the case, where she was scheduled to testify,” District Attorney Quinn said. “I am pleased with the jury’s verdict, holding the defendant accountable for sexually molesting a pre-teen girl. I commend the victim for being able to get through the trial process. It was most unpleasant for her.”

Two New Bedford men who were convicted late Wednesday afternoon for the 2015 New Year’s Eve murder of 24-year-old Aaron Gant Jr. were sentenced this morning to life in prison with no possibility of parole, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The defendants, Aaron Bookman, 25, and Angel Acevedo, 26, were in a rented from a car dealership in Maine when six shots were fired from inside the vehicle at Gant around 7:15 p.m. on December 31, 2015, on Grinnell Street near the intersection of Pleasant Street. During the trial, it was revealed the motive for the killing was gang-related retaliation.

The jury deliberated for less than three hours before returning its verdict late yesterday afternoon, finding both defendants guilty of first degree murder and guilty of carrying an illegal firearm. The jury also convicted Bookman of additional charges of possessing an illegal firearm and possessing ammunition without an FID Card.

The trial, which was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney William McCauley and Assistant District Attorney Robert Digiantomaso, lasted for about four weeks.

This morning, Judge Renee Dupuis sentenced both defendants to life in prison with no possibility of parole. She also sentenced both defendants to a five year state prison sentence for the carrying an illegal firearm charge. Bookman was also sentenced to a two year house of corrections sentenced for his additional charges. All added sentences will run concurrently to the lifetime state prison term.

“I would like to thank the jury for its verdict in this case that was well supported by the evidence. I also want to thank the prosecutors and investigators for their sacrifices and tenacity during this entire process,” District Attorney Quinn said. “This case highlights the critical importance of video surveillance and forensic evidence in solving these types of cases. This technology was vital to establishing that these two defendants were responsible for the killing. Surveillance footage from the scene also helped to undermine witnesses’ testimony who were uncooperative at trial.”