Carousel back to life, Pink Bean returns, new city admin: Our top stories of the week
As January charges toward an end — and many of us are wondering where the month went — let's take a moment to slow down and reflect.
Remember the rare eagle that was spotted in Somerset and Dighton last month? Well, he has some company. Birdwatchers are flocking to the Lloyd Center for the Environment and its grounds to catch a glimpse of the rare red-headed woodpecker — a visitor that some say hasn’t been seen in this region in 40 years. Researcher Jamie Bogart said this guest was seen on Jan. 11 between the bird-feeder stations at the center.
Oh, and it was our most-read story of the week.
Also among The Herald News' most-read stories is the much-anticipated introduction to Fall River's new city administrator, who will be taking the reins of a position that has been vacant for more than two years.
In other news, a Swansea resident is gearing up for summer and party season with the launch of his ice vending business, and we also have the latest Greater Fall River real estate report.
In case you missed it, here are The Herald News’ top stories from around Fall River last week, according to our readers:
Carousel coming back to life
Folks wondering what's to become of the vacant, but once full of life Fall River Carousel building won't have to wait much longer.
Local business owners are poised to breathe life into the historic Battleship Cove pavilion this spring, and residents can soon begin making new memories at the long-missed city attraction.
Contrary to Facebook chatter, the building is in fine fettle. Work is underway to get the carousel up and running and for an ice cream shop to open there by Easter.
Read more about what's on tap for the carousel building here.
What's going on with the Carousel?: Plans include ice cream and some sprucing up
What's happening at city hall
After more than two years of vacancy, Mayor Paul Coogan's administration has a new city administrator following a Council vote.
It’s been challenging to fill the position, but last week councilors unanimously approved the mayor's latest candidate for the second-most-powerful job in Fall River government.
Meet Seth Thomas Aitken, who joined the city’s law team in May as assistant corporation counsel and will now be given a two-year contract. Learn more about Aitken and his plans for the city here.
'Your success is the city’s success': Here's who has been hired as Fall River's new city administrator
Caffeine lovers, rejoice
It's been nearly three months since Fall River's Pink Bean closed its doors, citing staffing shortages, and patrons have had to make the trek to Somerset to get their Pink Bean fix.
Last week, they finally brought the Mojo back to Fall River, with the reopening of its new and improved shop, much to the delight of locals.
Customers who visit can expect to see some changes when they return to the Purchase Street shop, which has been transformed into the first-ever Pink Bean Express location.
Read more about what's in store at the updated Fall River site here.
Pink Bean Express: Fall River gets its Mojo back with reopening of coffee shop
Off the market
Get a dose of house envy with a look at some recent top selling-homes in Greater Fall River.
A Highlands home dating back to 1925 — which recently sold for a cool $615,000 — boasts classic Colonial beauty both inside and out.
A formal fireplaced living room featuring custom bookcases and crown moldings? A private yard with gardens, and a large formal dining room with French doors? It's no wonder the five-bedroom, four-bath Madison Street residence wouldn't be empty for long.
Real estate report: Classic Colonial in Fall River's Highlands sells for $615,000
Ice, ice baby
It's cold outside, but Swansea resident Christopher Carreiro says business is just heating up for him and his new ice vending business.
He said some people have questioned the logic of opening this type of business during the winter months, but his research has led him to conclude that winter is the best time to open such a business — giving it exposure before the busy months when people are searching for bags of ice for spring and summer gatherings.
To try out the Kooler Ice vending machine yourself, stop by 495 Wilbur Ave. Read more about it here, and find out how a gender reveal party helped get the wheels turning on the venture.
Ready for summer?: This new Swansea ice vending machine business is.
Bonus
Our top Fall River story last week wasn't actually a story at all. However, the latest dive into our archives tells the tale of Fall River's past in vintage photographs. Take a walk down memory lane, Fall River-style in our newest gallery and see if you recognize any familiar faces or places.
From the Archives: Take a walk down memory lane, Fall River-style in this photo gallery
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories from Fall River, Westport, Swansea, Somerset, Tiverton
