New Bedford man wanted in connection with shooting apprehended with illegal firearm

A man wanted for a shooting last week on Middle Street possessed an illegal firearm when he was arrested by police Tuesday, May 22.

Bruno Miguel Lopes, 22, of 92 Griffin Court, New Bedford, was arrested by members of the New Bedford Police Department Gang Unit for possession of a firearm without a license, improper storage of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and two counts of possession of a class B substance in addition to the warrant arrest.

His warrant charges include discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, destruction of property over $250 and assault and battery by discharge of a firearm.

Lopes was wanted in connection with a shooting May 15 on Middle Street. He was walking on Middle Street when he fired at a vehicle traveling by him. No one was injured.

Following solid investigative work by New Bedford Police detectives and gang unit members, police located Lopes in a home in the 80-block of Crapo St.

Lopes has nine open cases in New Bedford District Court and failed to show up for court dates at least 14 times. He has 12 adult arraignments on charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and possession of a narcotic with intent to distribute.

When Lopes was located Tuesday, May 22, police also found six .38 caliber ammunition cartridges, ten Suboxone strips, two Oxycodone tablets, and a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun.

Lopes is being held pending a dangerousness hearing.




Bishop Stang’s “End of Year” Activities

Bishop Stang High School announces the End of School Year Activities:

Friday, May 25: 4:30pm at Bishop Stang High School Gymnasium Promenade
Tuesday, May 29: 6:30pm at White’s of Westport Senior Class Night/Awards
Saturday, June 2: 6:30pm at Saint Julie Billiart Church Baccalaureate Mass
Sunday, June 3: 2:00pm at Bishop Stang High School Gymnasium Graduation
Friday, June 14: 3:30-6:30pm at Bishop Stang High School Field/Cafeteria Incoming Freshman Picnic for Class of 2022




City of New Bedford trash/recycling pick-up delay for week of Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2018




Statement of New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell on offshore wind projects announced today

Mayor Jon Mitchell issued the following statement regarding the selection of Vineyard Wind to build Massachusetts’ first industrial-scale offshore wind project off the state’s coast. The selection was made through a competitive process established by comprehensive energy legislation passed in 2016:

“Today marks an important milestone in New Bedford’s long effort to cultivate the development of the offshore wind industry here. With the selection of New Bedford-based Vineyard Wind as the developer of Massachusetts’ first industrial-scale offshore wind farm, we are witnessing the arrival of a 21st-century energy industry in the United States that holds great promise for both the environment and our port economy.

I congratulate the Vineyard Wind team on their selection and look forward to working closely with them to ensure the success of the project and maximize the benefits to Greater New Bedford.”

The Mayor also extended congratulations to Deepwater Wind on its selection by the State of Rhode Island to construct a 400-megawatt project in federal waters between Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

“The State of Rhode Island’s simultaneous decision to award a contract to Deepwater Wind is also a very positive development for New Bedford, and we look forward to building on our strong working relationship.”




Councilor Gomes pushes for property tax breaks for senior volunteers

New Bedford City Councilor Brian Gomes is pushing for “Personal Property Exemption from Taxation for the purpose of giving a tax break to our seniors over the age of 60 who volunteer to provide services to the City of New Bedford.” His motion made it through the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Elderly, Youth, Health and Housing and Disability Issues and will be addressed in the New Bedford City Council session this Thursday.

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Proposed ordinance would require New Bedford property owners to remove trash in three days

This Thursday, the New Bedford City Council will vote on Mayor Mitchell’s request to change an ordinance that would require property owners to remove trash within 3 days of notification from the City of New Bedford. The current ordinance allows property owners 14 days to clean up the trash.

The New Bedford City Council supported the ordinance in committee and now will take the final vote.

Here’s a look at the draft ordinance:

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Memorial Day weekend events planned to remember New Bedford veterans

Several events are planned in New Bedford throughout the upcoming Memorial Day weekend to honor the courageous men and women who lost their lives serving the United States.

This year’s Memorial Day commemorates the centennial of the end of World War I in 1918. The Veterans’ Advisory Board has placed wreaths with red carnations, rather than the traditional red, white and blue, at all WWI memorials throughout the City. Of the nearly 90 wreaths placed across New Bedford in honor of Memorial Day, 11 are red at memorials and monuments marking WWI.

Saturday, May 26, 2018 – 9:00 a.m. at Rural Cemetery

The Greater New Bedford Civil War Round Table will conduct a memorial exercise at the Union Soldier’s Burial Site at Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth Street. These services typically include historical reenactment, music and a gun salute.

Sunday, May 27, 2018

10:30 a.m. at Pine Grove Cemetery

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Veterans’ plot in Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Boulevard.

12:00 p.m. at New Bedford City Hall

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Vietnam Veterans’ Honor Roll at New Bedford City Hall (133 William Street) on the William Street side of the building.

Monday, May 28, 2018 (Memorial Day)

8:15 a.m. at Rural Cemetery

New Bedford Post 1, The American Legion will conduct a Memorial Day Exercise at the Veterans’ Plot in Rural Cemetery, 149 Dartmouth Street.

10:00 a.m. at Pier 3

The New Bedford Port Society’s Annual Memorial Day Fisherman’s Service, Pier 3, New Bedford Waterfront.

11:30 a.m. City of New Bedford Memorial Day Parade

The Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Day Committee and the New Bedford Veterans’ Advisory Board will conduct the New Bedford Annual Memorial Day Parade and Services. The Parade will form at 11:00 a.m. at the intersection of Parker Street and Hathaway Boulevard and will step off at 11:30 a.m. The Parade will travel east on Parker Street to County Street, north on County Street to Pope Street, and east on Pope Street into Clasky Common Park where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held.

The New Bedford Veterans’ Advisory Board and the New Bedford Office of Veterans Services invites anyone who attends the service in Clasky Common Park to bring a single flower of their choice to lay at the park’s memorials, in remembrance of a veteran family member or friend.




Non-owner occupied buildings may soon be required to post contact signs

This Thursday, the New Bedford City Council will vote on Mayor Mitchell’s request to change an ordinance that will impact owners of non-owner occupied buildings in New Bedford. If approved, these owners in New Bedford will be required “to post the contact information of the property owner and manager or agent in a conspicuous place in the building’s main public area.” Failure to do so will result in a $300 daily fine.

If passed, the signs posted on the properties will make it easier for City officials to contact the owner if there are problems with the property. Here’s a look at the draft ordinance change:

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Zeiterion launches inaugural dance lovers’ day-trip to “hub and mecca of dance,” Jacob’s Pillow

On the heels of its Dance Barre speaker series, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center expands its dance programming to offer a road trip to Jacob’s Pillow, the “hub and mecca of dance” (TIME) on Saturday, June 23. Packages include round-trip transportation, guided tour and several performances, can be purchased by calling 508-994-2900, online at Zeiterion.org, or at the Zeiterion Box Office. Discounts available to Zeiterion Members. Reservation deadline is Friday, June 1.

The day-long road trip unites local dance enthusiasts to experience dance at the renowned Jacob’s Pillow in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. The chartered motor coach departs the Zeiterion at 9:00 a.m. and offers a mostly flexible itinerary that includes two ticketed performances to Ragamala Dance Company and Royal Danish Ballet. Optional events and activities include a private tour of Jacob’s Pillow campus, Pre-Show Talk about Ragamala, PillowTalk: Nikolaj Hubbe’s Royal Danish Ballet, Inside/Out Performance, and Pre-Show Talk: Royal Danish Ballet.

“This road trip to Jacob’s Pillow is an exciting opportunity to experience the art of dance not just outside the Zeiterion, but at a beautiful, world-renowned venue,” said Rosemary Gill, Executive Director. “We’ve had great success with Dance Barre, the free pre-show lectureseries. Now we’re taking the next step to further enrich this audience and fortifying our local dance community.”

Two packages are available for the road trip, and all include round-trip transportation, boxed lunch on the bus, and entrance to ticketed performances and optional events:

Level 1: $200 / $190 Zeiterion Members
A-level tickets to Ragamala Dance Company and Royal Danish Ballet

Level 2: $195 / $185 Zeiterion Members
B-level tickets to Ragamala Dance Company; A-level tickets to Royal Danish Ballet

More information: zeiterion.org/jacobs-pillow/

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The Zeiterion Performing Arts Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide New Bedford and the region with performing arts programming of excellence that inspires, educates, engages and entertains. Tickets 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, Mass. Zeiterion Box Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and two hours before each performance.




Hundreds of Roosevelt Middle School students to participate in South End volunteer cleanup

Nearly all students and staff at Roosevelt Middle School will participate in a volunteer clean up, picking up litter in the south end of the city on Wednesday, May 23. The event is a partnership between Roosevelt Middle School, Operation Clean Sweep and the City of New Bedford.

“This is an opportunity for students to realize the power of giving back in service to others and to their community,” said Principal Daniel Bossolt.

To make it more interesting, the students compete to see which grade picks up the most trash. Each of the three grades is assigned different colored trash bags. The City’s Department of Public Infrastructure will collect the bags of trash and weigh each of the colors separately. The students will also pick up and separate any recyclable material as they go along. Over the last few years, Roosevelt Middle School students collected have collected thousands of pounds of trash.

“The Operation Clean Sweep team is proud to be involved in Roosevelt Middle School’s annual cleanup,” said Diane Altman Berube, team member.

Operation Clean Sweep’s next cleanup will also focus on the south end of the city. The cleanup will take place on Saturday, June 16 from 8:30 to 12 noon. This south end cleanup is being hosted by Me & Ed’s Family Restaurant. For more information, visit www.operationcleansweep.net or like us on Facebook.