Brockton teacher on TikTok; black bear to be euthanized: 5 top stories last week

Kathy Bossa, The Enterprise
·3 min read

BROCKTON − A Brockton gym teacher turned to TikTok to connect with his students during COVID. He never thought his remix about Brockton would attract so many.

A missing Whitman woman was found dead Wednesday in a vehicle at Logan Airport's central parking deck. State police found the body of Margaret Mbitu, 31, in a vehicle. They say evidence points to her having been killed.

A local bear nicknamed "Pumpkin" is set to be euthanized after attacking livestock in Hanson for the second time Wednesday evening, the Hanson Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.

The Randolph Police Academy graduated recruits from Brockton, Easton, Randolph, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

West Bridgewater Middle-Senior High School Class of 2024 seniors returned to the elementary schools for a "Halloween Parade" on Tuesday.

In case you missed it, here are five stories of the top stories from the past week throughout the Brockton area.

Brockton teacher uses social media to connect with students; video explodes on TikTok

A Brockton teacher found the formula to grow a social media platform — and it was all by accident. It only took one TikTok video for Steven Fortes, 51, a gym teacher in Brockton, to “blow up” online. The teacher of 26 years used TikTok as a way to connect with his class during the COVID pandemic to keep them engaged. The app, for him, was just a tool but now has blossomed into something more.

Brockton teacher uses TikTok: Brockton teacher uses social media to connect with students; video explodes on TikTok

Steve Fortes at Rocky Marciano Stadium on Wednesday, October 25,2023.
Steve Fortes at Rocky Marciano Stadium on Wednesday, October 25,2023.

Body of missing Whitman woman found at Logan — suspect flew to Kenya

A missing Whitman woman was found dead Wednesday in a vehicle at Logan Airport's central parking deck. State police found the body of Margaret Mbitu, 31, in a vehicle. They say evidence points to her having been killed. Authorities have charged Kevin Kangethe, 40, of Lowell, with her homicide. Investigators say Kangethe boarded a flight to Kenya and that police in the East African country are trying to locate the man.

'Heartbreaking': 'Heartbreaking': Body of missing Whitman woman found at Logan — suspect flew to Kenya

Margaret Mbitu, 30, of Whitman, who was reported missing by her family on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, was found dead in a garage at Logan Airport and an arrest warrant has been issued for Kevin Kangethe, 40, of Lowell, who has boarded a flight to Kenya, according to a written statement from state police on Nov. 2.
Margaret Mbitu, 30, of Whitman, who was reported missing by her family on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023, was found dead in a garage at Logan Airport and an arrest warrant has been issued for Kevin Kangethe, 40, of Lowell, who has boarded a flight to Kenya, according to a written statement from state police on Nov. 2.

Thai Food Theory brings tranquil vibes and fresh pad Thai to South Easton neighborhood

Tucked away in Easton is a place serving tranquil vibes, fresh pad Thai, and crispy orange chicken. Thai Food Theory, an original Brockton-based restaurant, recently moved to 574 Washington St, in Easton. Walking inside the establishment, you’re greeted with warm rustic accents, lush plants, and hand-painted art on the wall. The aroma of jasmine rice and pineapple chicken floats in the air. The owner Jarunee Chansyna, wants customers to enjoy the rich flavors of Thailand while also enjoying the serene music and calm aura.

"Fresh pad Thai:: Thai Food Theory brings tranquil vibes and fresh pad Thai to South Easton neighborhood

The first person you will see at the Thai Food Theory restaurant is Karla Hernandez, who will have a menu ready for you when you arrive, as she does here on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.
The first person you will see at the Thai Food Theory restaurant is Karla Hernandez, who will have a menu ready for you when you arrive, as she does here on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023.

East Bridgewater senior, seventh grader having XC seasons to remember

When Ezra Blasko graduates high school in May, he will be remembered for having one of the best finishes to a cross country career in program history. When Emmeline Holdsworth advances to eighth grade, she will be remembered for having one of the best starts to a cross country career in program history. East Bridgewater High witnessed both ends of the spectrum this fall.

'Breakout year': 'Breakout year': East Bridgewater senior, seventh grader having XC seasons to remember

East Bridgewater's Ezra Blasko during a meet against Abington on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2024.
East Bridgewater's Ezra Blasko during a meet against Abington on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2024.

Brockton High immediately implementing these 7 action items to improve safety, discipline

Brockton High School Interim Principal José Duarte outlined an action plan in a message sent to parents and staff on changes that will be implemented "immediately" to address safety and discipline concerns that have plagued the high school.

7 action items: Brockton High immediately implementing these 7 action items to improve safety, discipline

Interim Principal José Duarte poses with students during Brockton High School's Class of 2024 yearbook photo at Rocky Marciano Stadium on Friday, Oct, 20, 2023.
Interim Principal José Duarte poses with students during Brockton High School's Class of 2024 yearbook photo at Rocky Marciano Stadium on Friday, Oct, 20, 2023.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. 

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area top 5 stories: Brockton teacher on TikTok; black bear