The New Bedford Election Commission has announced that Early Voting for the 2022 state election will be held at the New Bedford Main Library, 613 Pleasant Street, from Saturday, October 22 through Friday, November 4.

Any voter who wishes to cast their ballot in person prior to Election Day, November 8, may do so at the Main Library during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 22: 8:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 23: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Monday, October 24: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Tuesday, October 25: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Wednesday, October 26: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Thursday, October 27: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Friday, October 28: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Saturday, October 29: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Sunday, October 30: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Monday, October 31: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Tuesday, November 1: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Wednesday, November 2: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Thursday, November 3: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m
• Friday, November 4: 8:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m

Voters may cast their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, 9th District Representative in Congress, 1st District Councilor, 2nd Bristol & Plymouth District Senator in General Court, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th District Representative in General Court, District Attorney Bristol, Sheriff Bristol County, County Commissioner Bristol, Register of Deeds Bristol, State Ballot questions and a Municipal Referendum question.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or would like to request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

The New Bedford Board of Election Commissioners has announced that Saturday, October 29, 2022, 5 p.m. is the deadline to register to vote for the state election in the Election Commission Office, room 114, City Hall. The state election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

The registration deadline has traditionally been 20 days prior to elections but due to changes to Massachusetts State Election Laws, the deadline is now 10 days prior. The voter registration deadline is also the deadline for voters to notify the Board of Elections of any changes in their address, name, or party affiliation.

Voters may cast their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, 9th District Representative in Congress, 1st District Councilor, 2nd Bristol & Plymouth District Senator in General Court, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 13th District Representative in General Court, District Attorney Bristol, Sheriff Bristol County, County Commissioner Bristol, Register of Deeds Bristol, State Ballot questions and a Municipal Referendum question.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election or would like to request an absentee ballot should contact the Board of Election Commissioners at (508) 979-1420.

“The cause of a fire that caused serious injuries to an older adult and minor injuries to a firefighter yesterday remains under investigation but does not appear suspicious, said New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.

“New Bedford firefighters were able to rescue three occupants from the building, including one who was seriously injured,” said Chief Kruger. “Investigators believe the fire began in a third-floor bedroom, and we found no working smoke alarms in that unit. I want to remind everyone in the community how important it is to have working smoke alarms on every level of every home. Please check your smoke alarms today to be sure they’re working properly.”

“While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, we know that working smoke alarms and a practiced home escape plan are crucial to surviving a fire,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “Smoke alarms alert you to the danger and an escape plan helps you and your loved ones get to safety. Be sure your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old, and be sure your escape plan accounts for any children, seniors, and people with disabilities in your household.”

The New Bedford Fire Department responded to the area of 108 Tremont St. at about 7:15 yesterday morning for a report of a fire in the building. A firefighter and New Bedford police officer rescued one adult resident from the home shortly after arrival. Additional firefighters used aerial ladders to rescue another adult from the third floor and carried a third occupant, the injured older adult, down an interior stairway. That occupant was transported to a hospital.

The New Bedford Fire Department and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office have found no evidence that the fire was intentionally set, but they continue to investigate the cause of the fire. They Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit provided assistance.

Yesterday’s fire was the second time in three days in which the New Bedford Fire Department conducted ladder rescues from a residential fire. The first was in the early morning hours of Oct. 1 on Madeira Avenue, where firefighters rescued two residents. That fire is believed to have started with smoking materials, but residents were alerted by a functioning alarm system and made their way out a window to the roof, from where firefighters helped them to safety over ground ladders.” -Mass.gov.

Video by Carlos Pimental Felix:

All photos by Manny Fernandes:

“⚠️ Brake for moose and deer! Fall is their breeding season, and activity is highest during the early morning and evening. Please watch for road signs and reduce speed!

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

Moose on the road are especially hazardous. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck. Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see a moose in or near the road.

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. In the event of a deer/vehicle collision, the driver or passengers of the vehicle involved (MA residents only) may salvage the deer by bringing it to a MassWildlife Office to be officially tagged.”-Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife photo.

“A Massachusetts woman was sentenced yesterday for fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits, MassHealth, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and Section 8 housing assistance.

Maribel Rodriguez, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to time served (approximately one day) and three years of supervised release, with the first 15 months to be spent in home confinement. She was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $253,199.57 to the agencies she defrauded. On March 4, 2022, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to four counts of theft of public funds and two counts of making false statements.

Over a period of approximately 12 years, Rodriguez stole $68,223 in Social Security benefits, $1,908 in MassHealth benefits, $21,790 in SNAP benefits (previously known as Food Stamps) and $161,277 in Section 8 housing assistance benefits. In June 2016, she falsely informed the Social Security Administration that she lived alone when, in fact, she was living with her husband. Similarly, Rodriguez falsely told the Marlborough Community Development Authority in May 2017 that she was the only member of her household.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Phillip M. Coyne, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Inspector General, Boston Regional Office; Suzanne M. Bump, State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and Christina Scaringi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Regional Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of Rollins’ Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.”

“A Massachusetts man was denied parole after being convicted of killing his infant daughter.

According to documents issued by the parole board, on October 29, 2003, after a jury trial in Plymouth County Superior Court, Michael Moran of Halifax was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter, Viktoria. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

On September 5, 2003, 21-year-old Michael Moran was living with his girlfriend and their two children. On that date, the children’s mother took their older daughter to the doctor and, at Moran’s insistence, left their seven-week-old daughter, Viktoria, in his care. Upon return, Viktoria’s mother checked on her daughter, who appeared to be fine. Later that evening, however, Viktoria stopped breathing. Paramedics arrived and transported Viktoria to the hospital, where she died. During questioning, Moran told police that he “slammed” Viktoria into her crib and her head hit the crib railing.

Michael Moran, now 40 years-old, appeared before the Parole Board for his initial parole hearing on January 11, 2022. When Board Members questioned him about his child’s death, Moran stated that he was “stressed out and angry” and had no one to talk to. He and Viktoria’s mother were staying with his father, but his father was trying to sell the house. Moran explained that he had a hard time maintaining employment for more than three consecutive months. He was worried and ashamed that they might become homeless. When a Board Member asked if he intentionally slammed Viktoria’s head against the crib, Moran answered, “Not intentionally, no.” He explained how he walked to the crib with Viktoria in his hands and put her down with “a very quick force… I threw my hands down really, really, fast, really hard.” Moran claimed that he did not intend for Viktoria to hit her head.

Board Members noted that Moran has not received any violent disciplinary reports during his incarceration. He completed seven programs prior to his hearing and earned his G.E.D. in 2017. Moran stated that he completed Correctional Recovery Academy, Alternatives to Violence, Criminal Thinking, and a Domestic Violence course. The Board considered testimony and a report submitted by Dr. DiCataldo, who stated that Moran has an IQ of about 70 and suffers from ADD, PTSD, and (possibly) fetal alcohol syndrome. Dr. Cataldo believed that Moran’s youth and situational stress contributed to the commission of the governing offense. He expressed concern that Moran’s plan to move to Florida immediately upon release was less than ideal.

Two of Moran’s family members testified in support of parole. Three family members testified in opposition to parole. Plymouth County Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cipolletti testified, and submitted a letter, in opposition to parole.

The Board issued a ruling on September 29th that Moran has not yet demonstrated a level of rehabilitative progress that would make his release compatible with the welfare of society. They also stated that Moran continues to minimize his actions that led to the death of Viktoria.”

“Yesterday morning at 7:16am, 911 calls were received reporting a fire at 108 Tremont Street. A 911 call was received from tenants stating they were trapped in the third floor apartment where the fire originated.

Command Unit 2, District Chief Scott Gomes, arrived first and confirmed that three tenants were trapped on the third floor. He was able to make his way up the rear stairs to the third floor and bring an elderly about male to safety. Ladder 1 & 3 were able to rescue an adult male who had made his way out of a third floor front window onto a small section of flat roof on the third. The male was rescued over Ladder 1’s aerial ladder.

Members of Engine 1 and Ladder 1 rescued a wheelchair bound elderly female from inside the third floor apartment and carry her down the rear stairs. She was transferred to NBEMS Paramedics, treated at the scene, stabilized at St. Luke’s Emergency Department, and transfered to Rhode Island Hospital Trauma Center in serious condition.

The rescue of the elderly female occurred under high heat conditions, as hose lines were being advanced to the third floor. Lt. Steven Torres was able to shield the elderly victim with his protective gear during the rescue. His Globe structural firefighting gear and MSA SCBA continued to function as designed throughout the rescue under extreme fire conditions.

Six residents of this three-family dwelling have been displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit along with the MA Fire Marshals Office. The cause remains inder investigation.

The NBFD received assistance from NBEMA, NBEMS, NBPD, and the Providence Canteen. Engines 1, 6, 7, 8, Ladders 1 and 3, long with Command Units 1 and 2 responded to the scene and extinguished the fire within thirty minutes.

The NBFD commends Lt. Torres along with all our members who responded to this fire as well as the fire that occurred on Saturday October 1 where two residents were rescued over a ground ladder from a third floor roof.” -New Bedford Fire Department.

Video by Carlos Pimental Felix:

All photos by Manny Fernandes:

Residents can now use SNAP benefits to buy food online from additional Commonwealth-based retailers.

The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can now use their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) SNAP benefits to buy groceries online from Shaw’s and Star Market, two supermarket chains based in Massachusetts.

Shaw’s and Star Market are the latest retailers in the Commonwealth to accept EBT SNAP online. Other retailers include Amazon, BJs, Daily Table, Geissler’s Supermarket, Stop & Shop, and Walmart, as well as ALDI, Brothers Marketplace, Hannaford, McKinnon’s Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Price Rite Marketplace, Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms, and Wegmans via Instacart. Across all eligible retailers, residents have spent more than $219 million in SNAP benefits to-date buying groceries online. For more information on the Massachusetts program, visit www.Mass.gov/SNAPOnline.

“SNAP online purchasing is one of several tools the Administration has utilized, alongside the continuation of SNAP Emergency Allotments, to combat food insecurity for Massachusetts individuals and families,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “The addition of more locally based retailers in the program will not only support households who receive SNAP, but also bring economic support to our local businesses and communities.”

“The SNAP online purchasing program is a critical part of the Administration’s work to address equitable access to groceries across the state, providing more than 600,000 low-income households the same purchasing choices as other shoppers,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “SNAP online purchasing is another important tool in our efforts to help people shop safely for food. We are grateful for the expansion of this program to more retailers, as well as retailers’ partnership in protecting SNAP clients and their benefits from skimming scams.”

Individuals and families can shop online at Shaws.com or Starmarket.com. The Shaw’s Deals & Delivery App or the Star Market Deals & Delivery App are also available for placing orders from mobile devices. Similar to using SNAP benefits to purchase food in a store, benefits can be used to buy SNAP-eligible foods online, including fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy and eggs.

“As a trusted neighborhood grocer in Massachusetts, we are committed to helping solve food insecurity and providing healthier food options to those at risk,” said Shaw’s and Star Market President Rob Backus. “This program gives customers a flexible and convenient shopping experience by allowing shoppers to use their EBT cards to make online purchases for home delivery or free store pickup.”

SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for any added fees, like delivery fees. Economic assistance received through DTA, which include Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC), cannot be used to purchase items online at this time. The USDA approves all retailers for participation in this program. Interested retailers can visit: www.FNS.USDA.gov/SNAP.

DTA has issued warnings to residents of skimming scams that have impacted some DTA clients. These scams are aimed at obtaining credit, debit and EBT card information and Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). Skimming is the use of an electronic device to steal card information from a card reader and create a fake card to steal money or benefits. SNAP online purchasing may provide a safer way for people to shop for groceries. The agency is strongly encouraging clients to change the PIN on their EBT cards before each time they get their benefits. Families who get TAFDC or EAEDC can also call their case manager to ask about having their benefits deposited to their bank account. Learn more at Mass.gov/ProtectYourEBT.

Residents can check their SNAP eligibility and apply online at www.DTAConnect.com or on the DTA Assistance Line at 877-382-2363. SNAP is not considered in a public charge test. If one is not a US citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for them to get SNAP for an eligible family member (like a US citizen child). Currently, households are temporarily receiving increased SNAP benefit amounts and it is now easier than ever to apply.

“District Attorney Michael O’Keefe announced today that on Friday, two people from the South Coast were sentenced to prison on drug trafficking charges.

54-year-old Netria Haywood and 70-year-old Vincent Grant, previously of New Bedford, were found guilty of drug trafficking offenses after a three-day jury trial, before Judge Diane Freniere, in the Nantucket Superior Court.

The jury found Grant guilty of Trafficking Cocaine, 18 -36 grams, and found Haywood guilty of Trafficking Cocaine, 200+ grams. Following the verdict, the Commonwealth requested Grant be sentenced to 4 to 5 years in state prison, and requested Haywood be sentenced to 13 to 15 years in state prison. Judge Freniere sentenced Grant to 3 years in state prison, and Haywood was sentenced to 13 to 14 years in state prison.

The indictments stemmed from a 2019 narcotics investigation into Grant and Haywood, based on information that they were distributing cocaine on Nantucket.

In October of 2019, detectives of the Nantucket Police Department executed a search warrant at Grant and Haywood’s residence on Nantucket. Grant and Haywood were found at the house at the time of the execution. Upon searching the defendants’ shared bedroom, detectives located over 350 grams of cocaine; assorted items used in the distribution of cocaine, including scales and cutting agents; and over $26,000 in cash.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Max Mitrokostas and investigated by the Nantucket Police Department.” -District Attorney Michael O’Keefe’s Office.

“A convicted and confessed murderer from the early 1980’s will stay behind bars after seeing his parole revoked again.

According to a decision released on September 29th, the Massachusetts Parole Board concluded by unanimous vote that now 62-year-old Charles Chaples is not a suitable candidate for parole.

According to documents released from the Board, during the early morning of March 6, 1982, Chaples broke into a Dartmouth home and took a 12-gauge shotgun, two boxes of shells, and a pair of gloves and proceeded to the area behind Lincoln Park in North Dartmouth, where he parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area into the park and hid behind one of the amusement rides so that he could watch the activity of the night watchmen.

Chaples observed Raymond Santos, a night watchman employed by the Park, pass by him and proceed to the Ballroom area. Chaples then walked to the back-side of the park and arrived at the warehouse area before Santos. As Santos approached the watchman station, Chaples scuffled his feet to get his attention. Santos turned around and shined the flashlight into Chaples’ face. Chaples told him to shut off the flashlight and to give him the watchman’s keys. Santos refused and, again, Chaples told him to turn off the flashlight and to give him the keys. Santos refused a second time and Chaples fired the shotgun three times which killed Santos. Santos’ body was found later that day.

The next day, Chaples was questioned by police and later confessed to the murder.

Chaples has been released on parole on several occasions, but was returned to custody each time, most recently in 2021. His parole revocation was affirmed on February 11, 2022. In his opening statement to the Board, Chaples apologized for the actions that led to his recent revocation.

Board Members questioned Chaples about the two violations of associating with someone involved with criminal behavior, as well as the two violations involving irresponsible conduct surrounding contact with a woman. The woman (who was 32 years younger than him) reported that Chaples had engaged in stalking behavior, which included calling her almost 100 times a day and expressing an unwanted romantic interest. The Board noted that Chaples accumulated accusations of criminal conduct during his prior releases, including a substantiated charge for breaking a girlfriend’s collarbone, for which he received a two-year committed sentence.

Chaples told the Board that he incurred his last disciplinary report, which he received for assaulting a cellmate, in 2013. He stated that he has been sober for almost 45 years and attends counseling.

The Board considered testimony in support of parole from Chaples’ brother and father. The Board considered testimony and a letter of opposition from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Chaples has been paroled on four prior occasions and has been returned to custody each time due to a concerning pattern of behavior with women, all to include domestic abuse, according to the Board. It was also stated that Chaples presented as not being forthcoming regarding the circumstances surrounding his parole violations. The Board is concerned that he does not take responsibility for his behavior while on parole and that Chaples’ actions are indicative of someone who takes advantage of vulnerable women.

A review of Chaples parole is scheduled in three years.”