Hurdles for Raynham public safety complex; inside Berkley retail cannabis shop: Top stories

Kristina Fontes, The Taunton Daily Gazette
·3 min read

Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.

Top stories this past week included:

A look at "Pepper Paul," the hot sauce brand by  Paul J. Le Blanc of East Bridgewater. He started it three years ago, with the simple premise of not sacrificing flavor for heat. Through the steady work of grassroots marketing, selling at markets and fairs, and partnering with regional and state businesses, Le Blanc has grown Pepper Paul’s Hot Sauce products beyond a passion project.

The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a magnificent custom-built home in Taunton that sold for $825,000. Built in 1994, the show-stopping Tania Drive home features vaulted, cathedral, and tray ceilings, custom woodwork, arched windows, and French doors. Plus, it's got an open layout, and an expansive kitchen, a lofted living room, a cozy den, and a laundry/pantry room. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.

These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:

Will new Raynham public safety building ever happen? What we know about embattled project

More questions and hurdles recently popped up surrounding plans for a proposed public safety complex in Raynham.

Due to technical glitches, state officials from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) were unable to attend the meeting virtually.

But State Sen. Marc Pacheco was in attendance and in-person for the meeting, and was able to shed light on developments for the project.

Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip St., located right across the street from the land desired for the proposed new Public Safety Building.
Raynham Senior Center, 2215 King Philip St., located right across the street from the land desired for the proposed new Public Safety Building.

Here's what we know about the proposed $30.5 million complex.

Raynham safety complex: Will new Raynham public safety building ever happen? What we know about embattled project

Are Taunton tow trucks doing their jobs after crashes? Police investigating.

Are tow truck companies following the terms of their contracts with the city of Taunton?

That’s what the City Council and Taunton Police Department want to determine.

Workers from Big Wheel Towing and Recovery clean up the crash site where a Ventura Grain tractor trailer rolled over on Route 24 South in this undated photo.
Workers from Big Wheel Towing and Recovery clean up the crash site where a Ventura Grain tractor trailer rolled over on Route 24 South in this undated photo.

Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story.

Tow truck investigation: Are Taunton tow trucks doing their jobs after crashes? Police investigating. Here's why.

Step inside Berkley's first ever retail cannabis shop

Berkley's first recreational marijuana store, Renew Cannabis, 44 County Rd., is planning to have its products ready for sale in October.

Meanwhile, the store is selling a variety of other brands of cannabis products.

"We are a small independent company dedicated to high-quality service and high quality flower product," Renew owner and founder Matthew Radebach said. "We have a great staff that cares about the people that come in and the product. And we try to create a warm and welcoming environment."

From left, owner and founder Matthew Radebach and General Manager John Shea are behind the counter at Renew Cannabis, 44 County Road, Berkley in September 2023.
From left, owner and founder Matthew Radebach and General Manager John Shea are behind the counter at Renew Cannabis, 44 County Road, Berkley in September 2023.

Take a tour of the facility.

'Very welcoming vibe': Step inside Berkley's first ever retail cannabis shop

'Small but mighty town': Who is Dighton's new town clerk?

Shara Costa, Dighton's new town clerk, was sworn in by Town Moderator Bill Moore in July.

Town Clerk Shara Costa, left, was sworn in by Town Moderator Bill Moore on July 31, 2023.
Town Clerk Shara Costa, left, was sworn in by Town Moderator Bill Moore on July 31, 2023.

Costa has over 25 years of sales, sales operation, data analytics and demand planning experience, according to a written statement from the town.

Get to know Dighton's new town clerk a little better.

'Small but mighty town': Who is Dighton's new town clerk?

23 Greater Taunton area girls fall athletes to watch in 2023

With the fall high school sports season in Greater Taunton hitting its stride, local athletes are looking once more to lead their teams to glory.

Last year, Dighton-Rehoboth made it the further than any other Greater Taunton area girls high school team, falling to Medfield in the Division 3 Round of 16. The Falcons girls soccer and field hockey teams also qualified for their respective tournaments, as did Bridgewater-Raynham girls soccer.

Here are the 23 area girls fall athletes to watch out for in 2023.

Fall high school sports: 23 Greater Taunton area girls fall athletes to watch in 2023

Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Taunton Gazette Top 5: Progress for Raynham safety complex?