Taunton holds Pride Festival; hotel planned downtown: Top stories
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:
Riley O’Connell, 18, daughter of Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell, went missing from the Evoke Wellness facility in Ohio where she has been receiving therapy for over a month in her long-term battle with mental health issues, according to a statement from the mayor's office. As of this writing, Riley had not yet been located. O'Connell asked for space for her family at this time. If anyone has any information regarding her whereabouts, they are asked to contact the Hilliard, Ohio Police Department at 614-334-2324.
Jack Teixeira, the 21-year-old air national guardsman accused of posting top-secret government data to friends on a Discord social media forum, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston Thursday. Teixeira, of North Dighton, was indicted on six charges of willful retention and transmission of classified information relating to the national defense, according to a news release from the office of Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
It was a banner week for the defending D1 state champion Taunton High School baseball team, who once again punched their ticket to the big game. The title game had not yet been played as of this writing, but even so, it was another storied season for THS baseball.
The Taunton High softball team won their third straight trip to the D1 title game as well. Their 2-0 win over King Philip on Tuesday as also their fifth win in a row. They played Central Catholic for the championship on Saturday, which hadn't happened yet as of this writing, but it was certainly a softball season to be proud of, no matter the outcome.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Hundreds turn out for 2nd annual Pride Fest at Hopewell Park in Taunton
Taunton held its second annual Pride Festival on June 10 at Hopewell Park, and hundreds of people turned out to celebrate.
There were speeches, performances, and tons of fun, including a dance contest. Mija Almeida, Taunton representative for the South Coast LGBTQ+ Network, gave a speech, and there were special drag performances too.
If you missed the festival, we've got some of the highlights.
Taunton celebrates Pride: Hundreds turn out for 2nd annual Pride Fest at Hopewell Park in Taunton
Here's what we know about an 18-room hotel planned for Taunton — and the concerns raised
A plan to convert a former Weir Street rooming house into an 18-unit hotel has councilors concerned about potential roadway safety hazards, City Councilor Barry Sanders said.
Manuel Soares is proposing to turn his former rooming house at 49 Weir St. into an 18-room hotel. The Ugly Duckling Restaurant & Bar is on the first floor of the three-story building, as well as a vacant storefront where Silver City pawn shop was once located.
Gazette Reporter Ed Baker takes a look at the proposal, and the concerns raised, here.
New hotel in Taunton?: Here's what we know about an 18-room hotel planned for Taunton — and the concerns raised
Owner of Deep Pond Farm in Taunton says he's in danger of closing down
Deep Pond Farm owner Georges Ghazal said he won’t have a choice but to shut down if the city doesn’t compromise on some of the demands they have to be fully permitted.
When reached Tuesday, he wasn’t willing disclose further details regarding the permitting requirements for the East Taunton farm, because he is still trying to save the business, he said.
In an emailed statement Tuesday afternoon, Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell told the Taunton Daily Gazette, "We have been working with Deep Pond Farm to address safety and accessibility issues as they try to expand their business."
Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story here.
East Taunton farm to close?: Owner of Deep Pond Farm in Taunton says he's in danger of closing down. Here's why
Which Dighton-Rehoboth workers made the most in 2022? Here are the top 15 highest earners
Which employees for the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District made the most for fiscal year 2022-2023?
The Gazette analyzed salary data to find out.
Normally, we'd list the Top 10 earners, but in this case, there was a five-way tie for 10th place and a two-way tie for fifth place.
These are the Top 15 earners for the Dighton-Rehoboth Regional School District.
Salary data: Which Dighton-Rehoboth workers made the most in 2022? Here are the top 15 highest earners
Recently updated Taunton multi-family sold for over $600K
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report featured an updated multi-family home in Taunton that sold for $643,000.
The School Street house was built in 1900, and is a two-family with a huge walk-up attic that has the potential to add even more living space.
Check out the units in this home, as well as other top-selling properties.
Weekly home sales: Recently updated Taunton multi-family sold for over $600K
Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News 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 Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5 Pride hotel Deep Pond Farm Dighton-Rehoboth
