Taunton stabbing suspect ordered held for mental health evaluation: 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:
Former Diman soccer player Austin Mendonca fulfilling a longtime goal of coaching varsity soccer: at his former rival Bristol-Plymouth. A 2019 Diman graduate, the Fall River native was named the new Craftsmen boys varsity soccer coach in July, succeeding Michael Oliveira in the role. For Mendonca, taking on such a role "has always been a dream."
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a sprawling raised ranch in Raynham that sold for $649,000. The Dean Street home was built in 1967, and has undergone many updates and renovations. It has a good-sized kitchen, a large primary suite with an attached office/nursery, a separate laundry room, and a cozy updated family 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:
Psychologist says Taunton stabbing suspect spoke of 'conspiracy ideas'
Douglas Hagerty, 35, of Lakeville, the suspect in Tuesday's stabbing of five Taunton police officers, was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at his arraignment Wednesday morning in Taunton District Court.
He faces multiple charges, including armed assault with intent to murder.
Hagerty was also ordered to undergo an immediate mental health evaluation Wednesday morning, and appeared again in court on Wednesday afternoon.
On the recommendation of the clinical psychologist who evaluated him, who said the suspect talked to him about "conspiracy ideas," Hagerty was ordered to undergo an additional 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital.
'Flat Earth': Psychologist says Taunton stabbing suspect spoke of 'conspiracy ideas'
Taunton landfill solar array finally approved. How much money will the city make?
The former Taunton landfill is going to be home to a solar array, after the City Council approved a lease agreement on Sept. 19 with developer Nextgrid.
They plan to install a little over 7,800 solar panels on the southern side of the landfill, and the project won't cost the city or taxpayers any money.
Instead, Taunton is leasing that portion of the landfill to Nextgrid, which will be spending its own money for the installation. Here's how much the city stands to make over the course of the agreement.
Landfill to get solar array: Taunton landfill solar array finally approved. How much money will the city make?
Fallen Brockton firefighter's loved ones keep his memory alive
Matthew Flaherty, who lost his life in a motorcycle crash almost a year and half ago, has family, friends, and fellow first responders celebrating the person he was and keeping his memory alive.
Flaherty was a U.S. Marine and 10-year veteran of the Brockton Fire Department.
“The firefighter community enveloped us,” said Casey Goodale, Matthew’s twin sister, adding “they helped us through the journey.”
They drive his van: Fallen Brockton firefighter's loved ones keep his memory alive
Dighton's embattled police chief resigns amid insider trading charges
Shawn Cronin, Dighton's embattled chief of police, resigned his position effective Sept. 30.
Less than a year after Cronin was named Dighton's chief of police, Selectmen placed him on administrative leave indefinitely in June amid allegations Cronin had engaged in insider trader and hours after he had turned himself in to federal authorities to face the charges.
Dighton police chief resigns position: Dighton's embattled police chief resigns amid insider trading charges
Bingo, large seating events postponed at Taunton Council on Aging due to renovations
The Taunton Council on Aging has temporarily relocated its services until the end of the year while the current space undergoes renovation. The senior center at 30 Olney St. closed on Sept. 5 and will remain closed through Dec. 31.
Off-site events will go on as planned, although the renovations have forced the COA to postpone large seating events like bingo, Friendsgiving and Wisdom Wednesday.
Taunton COA renovations: Bingo, large seating events postponed at Taunton Council on Aging due to renovations
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: Suspect in Taunton stabbing held for evaluation
