“As temperatures continue to drop, here’s a quick reminder. Please do NOT plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips!

Plug them directly into the wall outlet!

Extension cords/ Power strips are not able to handle the high current flow that a space heater can draw and can overheat causing a fire.”-Northampton Fire Rescue.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that space heaters, including both fixed and portable heaters, are associated with about 21,800 residential fires every year. About 300 people die each year in fires started by these heaters.

Northampton Fire Rescue photo.

A former landlord and associate of the New Bedford Chapter of the Massachusetts Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (Latin Kings) was sentenced today for racketeering and drug offenses.

Robert Avitable, a/k/a “Bobby,” 52, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Rya W. Zobel time served (approximately four days in prison) and three years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 10 months in prison. On April 19, 2022, Avitable pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. As part of the plea agreement, Avitable has agreed to forfeit the three apartment buildings that he owned in the City of New Bedford. These apartment buildings, referred to as “trap houses” by the Latin Kings, were used by the gang in furtherance of the racketeering conspiracy.

Avitable was an associate of the Latin Kings enterprise in New Bedford, where he owned several apartment buildings. Avitable partnered with the Latin Kings and his properties became “trap houses” used by the gang to facilitate their crimes. The apartment buildings became centers of power for the Latin Kings and served as primary locations in which gang members resided, stored weapons, dealt drugs and coordinated violence. Avitable rented the apartments to Latin Kings members, knowing that they would be used to sell, store and manufacture drugs. It was from these properties, provided in partnership with Avitable, that the Latin Kings facilitated their campaign of street violence and drug dealing. Avitable was a key player in facilitating the Latin Kings’ expansion in the area, as the apartment buildings provided powerful infrastructure to recruit members and lure vulnerable juveniles to join the gang with the promises of housing and brotherhood.

Avitable directly associated and partnered with Jorge Rodriguez, a/k/a “King G,” who at the time was second in command of Latin Kings leadership in Massachusetts. In doing so, Avitable granted a safe haven to the Latin Kings – allowing crimes to fester and grow more brazen as members operated with a sentence of impunity. Street brawls, beatings, shootings and robberies regularly occurred within, or in front of, the apartment buildings. In October 2019, a juvenile Latin Kings member was murdered steps away from one of the trap houses.

Despite the fact that police executed search warrants in the rental units controlled by the Latin Kings numerous times, Avitable continued to rent the units to the gang and was captured on multiple recordings in discussions with gang leaders. Avitable even was captured on recording discussing the manner of completing a joint real estate deal with Rodriguez. During this recording, Avitabile explains how he would launder Rodriguez’s drug proceeds through the transaction and avoid the bank scrutinizing the source of the funds.

In December 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy and firearms charges against 62 leaders, members and associates of the Latin Kings. In total, 60 defendants in the case have pleaded guilty. Of the 62 charged defendants in the indictment, two remain in warrant status. All of the remaining 60 defendants have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing. Avitable is the 56th defendant to be sentenced.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Commissioner Carol Mici of the Massachusetts Department of Correction; and New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira made the announcement. Valuable assistance was also provided by the FBI North Shore Gang Task Force and the Bristol County and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol Head, Chief of Rollins’ Asset Forfeiture Unit, prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The two remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

“The joint graduation ceremony of Recruit Class 02-2022 took place in the Auditorium at Keith Middle School on Thursday, November 10th.

Recruit Class 02-2022 graduated nineteen new recruits from New Bedford, Acushnet, Berkley, Somerset & Taunton. Eleven of the new recruits will begin their careers as New Bedford Firefighters. Please join us in congratulating New Bedford’s newest recruit class graduates:

• Nathan Amado
• Alexander Andrade
• Peter Borges
• Jared Britto
• Chad Costa
• Logan Debrosse
• Luke Gioiosa
• Joshua Mattos
• Jarred Oliveira
• Keyan Penha
• Benjamin Pereira

New Bedford would like to wish all of the graduates much success in their future as firefighters!! ?”-New Bedford Fire Department.

All photo by the New Bedford Fire Department:

“The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) announced that from November 25th through December 31st SRTA’s bus and paratransit services would be free to all thanks to a grant included in the state budget and awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The program is designed to encourage new customers to “Try Transit” by offering no cost trips to shop or dine at local businesses, visit with friends and family, and commute to work during the holiday season.

SRTA applied in partnership with all the Regional Transit Authorities in the Commonwealth to expand access to transportation this holiday season. “Eliminating barriers has helped grow service in the past and this holiday season will hopefully help ease the burdens of residents in our communities,” said SRTA Administrator Erik Rousseau. “This is a great opportunity for those new to transit to give us a try.”

Although primarily designed to attract new customers by easing access to services, “Try Transit” will of course also offer a financial reprieve to current riders during these times of high inflation. It is expected that the savings and increased mobility offered by SRTA’s services will translate into increased spending at local shops and restaurants.

Questions regarding the “Try Transit” program should be directed to the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority at 508-999-5211 or info@srtabus.com. Happy Holidays!” -SRTA.

“Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that she has joined a coalition of 40 attorneys general in reaching a $391.5 million settlement with Google for misleading consumers about its location tracking practices. This is the largest multistate data privacy settlement ever reached by attorneys general in the history of the United States. Massachusetts is expected to receive $9.3 million from the settlement.

Today’s settlement concludes an investigation by the attorneys general that found that Google violated state consumer protection laws by misleading consumers about its location tracking practices since at least 2014. Specifically, Google caused users to be confused about two account settings that control data collection of the users’ location – “Location History” and “Web & App Activity” – and the extent to which consumers who use Google products and services could limit Google’s location tracking by adjusting their account and device settings.

“Technology companies need to be upfront with users about how and when their data is tracked and shared, especially when it comes to location information which can reveal personal information about people’s lives,” said AG Healey. “This unprecedented agreement holds Google accountable for these deceptive practices, requires more transparency, and ensures more consumer control over what information is used.”

Location data is a key part of Google’s digital advertising business. Google uses the personal and behavioral data it collects to build detailed user profiles and target ads on behalf of its advertising customers. Location data is among the most sensitive and valuable personal information Google collects – even a limited amount of location data can expose a person’s identity and routines. This data has the potential to reveal intimate and sensitive details, including, as Google has acknowledged, whether a person has sought reproductive health care.

The attorneys general opened the Google investigation following a 2018 Associated Press article that revealed Google “records your movements even when you explicitly tell it not to,” including when the “Location History” setting is turned off. “Web & App Activity,” a separate account setting that also tracks location, is automatically turned “on” when users set up a Google account, including all Android phone users. The attorneys general allege that consumers were confused about the scope of the “Location History” setting and did not know the “Web & App Activity” setting existed.

Today’s settlement requires Google to be more transparent with consumers about its practices, including by:

• Showing additional information to users whenever they turn a location-related account setting “on” or “off”;
• Making key information about location tracking unavoidable (i.e., not hidden);
• Giving users detailed information about the types of location data Google collects and how it’s used at an enhanced “Location Technologies” webpage;
• Giving users the ability to disable a location-related account setting and delete the location information stored by that setting without needing to navigate to separate webpages; and
• Automatically deleting location information collected through Web and App Activity after 30 days.
The settlement also limits Google’s use and storage of certain types of location information and requires Google account controls to be more user-friendly.

Joining AG Healey in filing the settlement are the attorneys general of Oregon, Nebraska, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The final settlement was also joined by Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.”-Mass.gov.

Every year there is great anticipation of this event and this season the Ahead USA Company Store will be open the next two weekends in November and three weekends in December. Every visit is different as the stock rotates daily, but you’ll always find a great selection of clothes, hats, jackets, sportswear, golf apparel and accessories at amazing prices. The best part? All of the products are made proudly right here in New Bedford.

Here is a graphic with the store hours for the 2022 Holiday Season:

And here are directions:

Take RT. 140 to EXIT 7 – NEW BEDFORD INDUSTRIAL PARK
270 SAMUEL BARNET BLVD., NEW BEDFORD, MA.
DRIVE TO THE END OF BARNET BLVD AND ENTER THE SECOND “AHEAD” DRIVE WAY
DRIVE TO THE BACK OF THE BUILDING TO THE DOOR LABELED STORE ENTRANCE.
PLEASE NO PHONE CALLS • CASH OR CREDIT CARD

https://www.facebook.com/aheadusa

“Saturday calls keep firefighters rolling.

7:00 am – Vehicle versus tree – The crash occurred in the area of Precinct St. and Rt 79. The occupant was transported to St Luke’s Hospital.
7:05 am – Patient lift assist – Rhode Island Road
8:03 am – Medical Emergency – Bedford Street
8:55 am – Industrial Accident – 310 Kenneth Welch – An employee of Jushi was injured when they received and electrical shock.
11:43 am – Medical Emergency – Carriage House
11:53 am – Medical Emergency – Urgent Care
12:18 pm – Medical Emergency – Bedford Street
12:20 pm – Medical Emergency – Howland Road
12:46 pm – Vehicle crash – Vehicles collided at the intersection of Main St and Vaughn

The on-duty crew of 3 firefighters was reinforced with call-back staffing. Three recalls were transmitted to cover all emergencies.” -Lakeville Fire Department.

New Bedford Festival Theatre announces historic 33rd season!

New Bedford Festival Theatre and Executive Producer Wendy Hall along with Artistic Director George Charbonneau and Associate Artistic Director Elizabeth Bettencourt have announced the company’s 33rd season. Festival Theatre will now be producing shows year-round. In this historic season, Festival Theatre will move from a single summer production to a full season of three (3) major musical
productions starting in November 2022.

The Festival Theatre kicks off the holiday season with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas for 8 performances only!

Based on the classic holiday film; a song and dance duo follow two beautiful singing sisters to a Vermont inn for their Christmas show. This holiday classic features a dazzling score filled with well known standards including the Academy Award winning title song. White Christmas is an uplifting musical to celebrate the holidays.

Performances:November 26, December 1,2,& 3 at 8:00pm and November 26,27, December 3 &
4 at 2:00pm.
—–
The Broadway classic The Wiz with Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls will “Ease on down…” to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center for 5 performances.
A beloved Broadway gem, The Wiz offers a dazzling mix of rock, gospel, and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the land of Oz is a fun,
family-friendly modern musical.

Performances: April 27, 28, 29 at 8:00pm and April 28 and 30 at 2:00pm.
—–
A summer tradition returns! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for 8 performances! One of the most enduring shows of all time. Joseph… is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers, and the coat of many colors. Performances: July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:00 PM and July 23,29,and 30 at 2:00 PM.

Single Tickets: Ranging from $39-$65

Season Subscriptions: All 3 shows for one low price! Ranging from $110-$160 per person.

Single Tickets and Subscriptions are now on sale online at zeiterion.org, by phone (508)994-2900, or in person at the Zeiterion Box Office.

For more information: Please visit www.nbfestivaltheatre.com

“The Mashpee Police Department regrets to announce the passing of retired K9 Gunner.

Sergeant Petrosh and his family want to thank the citizens of Mashpee and the Cape Cod community for all their love, support and kind words throughout the years. We also recognize Sergeant Assad and his family for the amazing gift of friendship and love that they gave us.

Please continue to support the Cape & Islands Police K-9 Relief Fund and K9 Boti at the Mashpee Police Department.

Rest In Peace K9 Gunner ??????” -Mashpee Police Department.

Mashpee Police Department photo.

“Mayor Jon Mitchell has requested funding from the City Council to pay the costs of purchasing and equipping two pumper trucks for the New Bedford Fire Department. The trucks would allow the City to retire older trucks in the Fire Department’s fleet.

“In today’s difficult inflationary environment, city government has had to adapt and find new ways to save money, just as residents are doing with their own households,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “I appreciate the efforts of our financial management team and Chief Scott Kruger to ensure our firefighters have the tools they need to protect the public while holding down costs.”

The acquisition of new trucks at a cost of $1,705,504 was already planned as a part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, but the acceleration of the truck purchases to the current fiscal year (FY23) will mitigate anticipated inflation-related cost increases by the manufacturer. The City will still take delivery of the new vehicles in FY2024 and FY2026 as previously planned.

Interim CFO Michael Gagne stressed the opportunity to save taxpayer dollars. “There is a nationwide problem of ordering, manufacturing, and delivery of emergency vehicles,” he said. “If we can provide an approved loan order in November, we will be locked in at the quoted costs of present pricing, and this will be held through the manufacturing and delivery to the city,” said Gagne.

“If this procurement is approved, the Department will be in the best position we’ve ever been in with regards to our pumpers,” said Fire Chief Scott Kruger.”-City of New Bedford.