Empire Ford of New Bedford’s “Veteran of the Month”: Lt. Richard Tasker, killed during mid-air crash

“The 54th Lights for Peace flag to fly at the Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum honors the memory LT Richard Frost Tasker, of New Bedford, who was killed in action at the age of 24, during a mid-air crash while piloting a B-17 Bomber in WWII.

Tasker was born in New Bedford on October 31, 1920. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) on December 15, 1942 and was commissioned to 2nd Lieutenant on March 12, 1944 in Stuttgart, AK. On October 26, 1944 he departed Dow Field in Bangor, ME aboard a B-17, bound for the European Theatre of Operations (ETO) in England.

Tasker trained to become a pilot, eventually flying the B-17 Flying Fortress, assigned to the 359th Bomb Squadron, 303 Bomb Group, based in Molesworth, England during WWII.


Lt. Richard Frost Tasker, of New Bedford.

LT Tasker flew his first mission abroad on November 23, 1944 and continued to fly 18 successful missions. On January 21, 1945, Tasker and his crew took off on a mission to bomb the Marshalling Yards in Aschaffenburg, Germany. This was to be his 19th mission and was supposed to be a “milk run,” meaning that no serious German opposition was expected. However, Mission #305 was reported to have a mid-air collision between two B-17 Bombers.

The two aircraft crashed near the German city of Lossburg. It was reported that the left wing of the Squadron lead aircraft, piloted by LT Richard Duffel, caught the wing of another B-17 piloted by LT Richard Tasker, the lead aircraft of the 2nd flight. The wing of Tasker’s aircraft came off and the aircraft rolled over on its back and went down. The first aircraft lost it’s wing and went down as well. No parachutes were spotted by other 303rd Bomber Group crews. The aircraft crashed near Rottweil, Germany. A total of 18 airmen died that day, all of which were buried in a common grave, until years later when they were identified and buried according to their family’s wishes.

LT Richard F. Tasker was 24 years of age when he was killed in action. He was unmarried at his time of death. His father died before the war so is mother, Estella was notified of his death. He is buried at the Oak Grove Cemetery in New Bedford. Robert Bromley, Chairman of the New Bedford Veteran’s Advisory Board, places a flag at Tasker’s grave every Memorial Day to honor his great sacrifice to our country.


“Lt Tasker and crew of the 359th Bomb Squadron, 303rd Bomb Group based in England, pose in front of a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. 4 December 1944.” Rear L-R: 2Lt Richard F Tasker, F/O Clyde Meadows, 2Lt John Joseph McDonnell, 2Lt Angelito Francis Front L-R: Sgt Charles S Van Ornum Jr, Sgt Enrique M. Reider, Sgt Glenn A Minnix, Sgt Arthur H Driver, Sgt William D Toon.”-AmericanAirMuseum.com photo.

The 303 Bombardment Group was known as the “Hell’s Angels” with the motto “Might in Flight.” A total of 9,000 men served in the 303rd BG, which was an Eighth Air Force B-17 Bomber Group stationed at Molesworth, England from 1942 to 1945, according to 303rdbg.com. Their place in history and the legacy they left behind will live forever.

Linda Ferreira, of Empire Ford, researches the life histories of area residents. American flags are provided by Empire Ford. Flags are raised by the staff at Fort Taber – Fort Rodman Military Museum. Those who would like to honor a local veteran in the future can contact Ferreira at lferreira@empirefordinc.com.”




During Food Waste Prevention Week, New Bedford, Dartmouth residents can enter giveaway for prizes

“The Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District is proud to support Food Waste Prevention Week 2024, joining more than 600 partners across the country. Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1-7, 2024, is a week-long online campaign to raise awareness and inspire everyone to reduce food waste at home, at work and in our communities.

As part of this week, New Bedford and Dartmouth residents can enter to win a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher. Four New Bedford residents and four Dartmouth residents will be randomly selected. To enter, complete this form https://forms.gle/nZwS3tEtjVqmE2hbA by April 7, 2024, at midnight.

Entrants must provide their name, city/town, email, and phone number so that we may contact the winners. Must be at least 18 years old to participate. When prizes are picked up, each winner will need to show proof of residency. Employees of the City of New Bedford Department of Facilities and Fleet Management, Town of Dartmouth Department of Public Works, and the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District are NOT eligible to enter. The giveaway items are paid for by the Refuse District.

Also, find tips for preventing food waste on the Refuse District’s social media during Food Waste Prevention Week. Visit New Bedford Recycling or Dartmouth Recycling on Facebook, follow New Bedford Recycling on Instagram and Nextdoor or @NBRecycling on Twitter.

Up to thirty-five percent of all food produced goes uneaten. Ending food loss and waste requires purposeful action.

Why does reducing food waste matter?

• Saves money – The average family of four spends $1,500 per year on food that does not get eaten.
• Saves space in our local landfill – It’s estimated that food waste makes up 20% of the trash disposed of at the Crapo Hill landfill.
• Conserves resources – Land, water, energy, and human resources are used to grow, package and transport food.
• Improves food security – Safe and nutritious food that is currently thrown away could help feed hungry people. 

Tips for reducing food waste:

• Avoid buying too much food – take inventory, list what you need, stick to the list.
• Learn optimal ways to store foods, like keeping potatoes out of light and away from onions.
• Eat perishable foods like strawberries as soon as possible.
• Follow USDA guidelines for freezing and thawing foods.
• Follow USDA guidelines for refrigerating foods and safely enjoy leftovers!

“The Refuse District is committed to reducing food waste because it makes up approximately 20% of what is disposed in the Crapo Hill landfill and we know there are better options available,” said Anthony Novelli, Executive Director. “We encourage backyard composting by selling discounted compost bins, that are subsidized by the City of New Bedford and the Town of Dartmouth.

Composting helps keep eggshells, coffee grounds, and fruit and vegetable scraps out of the landfill. We share tips on social media and at presentations about how to reduce food waste. We encourage the donation of edible food to people, and the collection of food scraps for composting or anerobic digestion. We seek out new programs and grants to keep food out of the trash. Every little bit helps and everyone’s daily choices to prevent food waste can make a significant long-term impact.” 

The Refuse District joins various agencies and stakeholders throughout the country in a collaborative effort and shared commitment to reduce food loss and waste.

For more information on Food Waste Prevention Week please visit foodwastepreventionweek.com.

For questions about the giveaway, contact the Refuse District by phone at (508) 979-1493 or by email at Marissa@gnbrrmdistrict.org.”-Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District.
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“We are excited to be a partner for Food Waste Prevention Week, April 1 -7!🥳 Look for our posts next week with tips on how to waste less food. Food waste makes up around 20%🤯 of the trash disposed at the Crapo Hill landfill.

👉We will also be giving away a reusable sandwich and snack bag by Stasher to 4 New Bedford residents and 4 Dartmouth residents to help prolong the life of their food and make less trash. Look for more information on Monday (4/1).”-New Bedford Recycling.


Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District photo.




New Bedford man indicted and arrested in connection to former Hawthorne Country Club Fire

“Shawn Lee Medeiros, 31, of New Bedford was indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury today on a charge of burning of a building connected to the vacant Hawthorne Country Club in Dartmouth on May 7, 2023.

On May 7, 2023, the Dartmouth Fire Department received numerous 911 calls regarding smoke emanating from the long vacant Hawthorne Country Club. When fire department officials arrived on scene, they discovered the clubhouse fully engulfed in flames. After several hours, the fire was extinguished, however, the building was a total loss.

The Hawthorne Country Club had no running water, electricity or other utilities which could have caused the fire. In addition, the degree of the fire was immediately suspicious. Members of the State Fire Marshall’s office were contacted and responded to the scene. Based on their examination, the State Fire Marshall’s Office determined that the fire was deliberately set inside of the building with multiple areas of origin meaning the fire was set in several different areas.

A state police K-9 was also brought to the scene and alerted to the presence of accelerants. An independent insurance investigation also found that the fire was deliberately set. Samples from the debris were sent to an independent laboratory for analysis and testing confirmed the presence of accelerants which were used to set the fire.

Massachusetts State Troopers assigned to the Fire Marshall’s Office began an investigation into the fire and began to question witnesses. One of those witnesses was Shawn Lee Medeiros who was present at the scene of the fire. Mr. Medeiros told investigators that he was working at the Hawthorne Country Club the morning of the fire transporting tables and chairs from the country club to building in New Bedford. Mr. Medeiros was questioned several times by law enforcement. In addition, state troopers secured surveillance video in the area.

On March 27, 2024, the Bristol County grand jury indicted Mr. Medeiros for starting the fire. A warrant issued for his arrest and he was arrested on March 28, 2024. At his arraignment, Mr. Medeiros was released on the condition that he stay away from the Hawthorne Country Club and that he report to the probation department at least one time per week.

The grand jury probe was headed up by Assistant District Attorney Jason Mohan.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.




PSA: Emergency Management Drill to take place at New Bedford’s St. Luke’s Hospital

“There will be an emergency management drill at St. Luke’s Hospital. Please note that this is a planned drill and these exercises are designed to make sure our teams are trained and well prepared to care for our patients and community in a real emergency.

All emergency and clinical services will remain open and uninterrupted during these times. If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical emergency, do not hesitate to call 911.

St. Luke’s Hospital Trauma Drill
Friday, March 29
8 am – 10 am“-Southcoast Health.




Protestors Demand End To Massachusetts Right-To-Shelter Law

By Sam Drysdale

About a dozen protestors rallied on the State House steps Wednesday afternoon and called for the state to end its right-to-shelter law, as Massachusetts’ family shelter system has swelled over the past year and is on track to cost the state $2 billion by next summer.

The protestors held signs reading “HEALEY HOTEL HELL,” “END MA SANCTUARY INCENTIVES” and “LAWMAKERS WOKE TAXPAYERS BROKE.”

“The right to shelter law and the sanctuary city laws that have been imposed on the state by the State House and by the Supreme Court of Massachusetts create incentives that dig a hole that will never be filled,” said Lou Murray, chairman of Bostonians Against Sanctuary Cities.

A 1983 law makes Massachusetts the only state in the country that has a legal obligation to shelter unhoused families, which the state has always interpreted to include noncitizens living in the state.

About half of the residents of the Emergency Assistance shelter system are new immigrants, and the system’s dramatic growth by thousands of families in the last year has largely been driven by newly arriving families from other countries, as Massachusetts and the U.S. at large struggle with an immigration crisis.

“It’s a twist of the law, that it has to even let people that just come into the state for the sole purpose of shelter to use the right of shelter,” Murray said.

The protestors argued Wednesday that the shelter system was “totally overrunning our state budget,” and that ending the state’s right-to-shelter law would slow the wave of new arrivals.

Massachusetts’ emergency shelter costs will approach $1 billion annually this fiscal year and next fiscal year, according to Gov. Maura Healey’s administration.

“Tax dollars are a precious resource, and what is happening in Massachusetts is entirely unsustainable,” said Henry Barbaro, executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for Immigration Reform. “I think that there are plenty of poor and needy Americans that should come first.”

House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Aaron Michlewitz earlier this week acknowledged the strain on the state budget.

“Massachusetts is also seeing a migrant crisis like like no other state in the nation, one that has put our emergency family shelter system and our budget at a breaking point at the moment,” Michlewitz told members of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. “And although our fiscal outlook is still pretty strong, and we built up our reserves to record highs, the budget before us today that we’re dealing with is going to be one of the most challenging I’ve had to deal with as the chair.”

Healey capped the family shelter system at 7,500 families last fall, and since then close to 800 families have joined a waiting list hoping for a spot in stable shelter. American citizens do not get priority over those who recently entered the country.

While calling for federal aid and reforms to alleviate the crisis, Healey has also attempted to help families in shelters to obtain work permits so they can become self-sufficient and help employers fill holes in the labor force.

In order to get a spot in the Emergency Assistance system, a noncitizen must have come to the U.S. through legal means, as a refugee, asylum-seeker or through another legal process.

“In Massachusetts, they get a right to shelter, driver’s licenses, in-state tuition. All sorts of things. Gov. Healey should be turning the magnets off, because it’s unsustainable,” Barbaro said.

Citing rising costs, lawmakers in both the House and Senate recently passed bills to put limits on the amount of time a family can stay in the EA shelter system. Both would restrict stays to nine months, with different ideas for exceptions and extensions.

Asked about the idea of cutting shelter costs by placing time limits on family stays, Murray said it was not enough.

“The exceptions to the rule overwhelm the reform, I really think the only thing that we can do right now is to repeal the right to shelter,” he said.




54-year-old New Bedford career criminal, cocaine trafficker, sentenced to prison

“A 54-year-old New Bedford career criminal, who was convicted after a week-long jury trial last month of trafficking cocaine, was sentenced yesterday to serve eight to 10 years in state prison, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The charges were brought against Benjamin Duarte brought after New Bedford Police executed a search warrant at the defendant’s 2nd floor apartment located at 407 Park Street, in New Bedford on April 1, 2016. As a result of their search, police recovered 51.99 grams of Cocaine and 2 and 3/4 pounds of Marijuana. The drug evidence introduced at trial consisted of 44 grams of rock-like Cocaine and 8 individual bags of Cocaine powder, bagged in a manner consistent with street level distribution. In addition, there was significant non-drug evidence including, 3 bottles of Inositol powder, (a common substance used to mix with Cocaine to increase the amount of product for sale), a grinder, multiple boxes of plastic sandwich bags, scissors, 2 digital scales, cut corner baggies and $1,680.00 in US Currency suspected of being profits from prior illegal drug sales.

The trial was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Steve Butts and Cate Sauter. The state prison sentence was imposed by Judge Susan Sullivan.

The defendant has a 9-page criminal record dating back to the early 1980s, including convictions for firearm offenses, assaults and robberies. He also has two more pending cocaine trafficking cases currently scheduled for trial later this spring.

“The defendant is a career criminal who was arrested for three separate drug trafficking cases over a period of four years. Yet he continued to sell and possess drugs while being out on bail three separate times,” District Attorney Quinn said. “He clearly has no respect for the law and is a danger to the community. He needs to be kept off the street to protect the public. The prison sentence will accomplish that.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.




Non-citizen, Fentanyl trafficker arrested in New Bedford, to be deported after serving prison sentence

“A 49-year-old Braintree narcotics trafficker arrested in New Bedford in possession of nearly 500 grams of Fentanyl was sentenced to serve six to six-and-a-half years in state prison last week, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

Robinson Paradis-Feliz pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with Trafficking Fentanyl.

On June 27, 2019 at approximately 5 pm, New Bedford Police stopped the defendant’s vehicle and located a pink Victoria Secret’s gift bag that was stapled closed in the center console. This bag contained 493 grams of Fentanyl.

While this case was pending, this defendant was arrested after having a large amount of drugs delivered through the US Postal Service to his home in Norfolk County. That caused the US Attorney’s Office to adopt the Norfolk case and resolved it for a sentence of 6 years and 9 months in federal prison.

“This defendant was selling large quantities of a lethal drug that is contributing to the tragic fatal overdoses we continue to see nationwide. While out on bail, he was arrested and prosecuted by the federal government for similar crimes,” District Attorney Quinn said. “The defendant is not a US citizen and, as a result of this conviction, he will be deported.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.




New Bedford man arrested after reports of person with pistol in waistband walking around

“NEW BEDFORD – Patrol officers have arrested a man in the north-end sector for unlawfully carrying a gun.

On March 25th, at around 10 AM, a call was received regarding a man with a pistol in his waistband walking on County St. in the area of Coggeshall St. Shortly thereafter, Officer Michael Dane located a male who matched the description provided. Ofc. Dane approached the male and conducted a search, soon discovering that he was carrying a firearm in his front waistband.

The male was identified as JONATAS MENDES, 40, of Hazard Ct. MENDES did not have a license to possess the gun, which was a .38 caliber revolver. He was taken into custody and charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by submitting a tip on our website or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-New Bedford Police Department.




New Bedford’s Mayor Mitchell reacts to offshore wind energy proposals and bids

NEW BEDFORD – In a Wednesday letter to Massachusetts state officials, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell assesses the proposals of the offshore wind energy developers which have submitted bids under the Tri-State (Massachusetts-Rhode Island-Connecticut) offshore wind energy procurement.




Massachusetts State Police seek man wanted in connection with nightclub homicide; $5,000 reward

“We and our partners at the Essex County District Attorney’s Office, Lawrence Police, and the United States Marshals are seeking FRANKLIN LARAS for the Dec. 24, 2023 homicide of a 29-year-old man in a #Lawrence nightclub.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information about the whereabouts of Franklin Laras.

Please view the poster below and call law enforcement if you have info on LARAS or his whereabouts.”-Massachusetts State Police.


Massachusetts State Police photo