Top stories: New Chinese eatery, city cop ousted, Diman educator returns and more

As we prepare to kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was.

Some exciting things are happening to the Fall River waterfront's most famous resident, Big Mamie. Officially known as Battleship Massachusetts, the World War II vessel and crown jewel of the Battleship Cove collection is getting a major facelift — for the first time since the 1990s — for her 80th anniversary.

Also, Jasiel Correia's wife started a smartphone company of her own, just days before the former mayor reported to prison on a fraud and extortion conviction.

Finally, good luck to the new owners of Lizzie Borden's Maplecroft. The piece of American history that's nestled in Fall River's Highlands sold last month after being on the market for nearly two years.

But the most read stories of the week on heraldnews.com were the following:

Chinese fare with Portuguese flair

Amid a sea of Chinese eateries scattered throughout the city, Mr. Chen aims to stand out from the rest.

Not just in name, though owner Dominic Chen proudly puts his own stamp on his restaurant. But with creative Asian fusion options, unique decor and a personal connection with customers.

A roughly 5-foot Lego Mario — the star of an impressive Chen family Lego collection on display inside the eatery — welcomes patrons at the new Rhode Island Avenue restaurant, who are greeted with a plentiful selection of tried and true Chinese favorites, as well as traditional dishes with a Portuguese twist. Take a peek inside and see what their menu has to offer here.

Cacoila egg rolls, chourico rangoon: This is Fall River's new Chinese restaurant.

Fall River officer ousted

Another Fall River police officer has been fired, making it the third termination since January. This time, the firing was in connection with a pending criminal domestic abuse case.

Former patrol officer Bryan Custadio was on paid leave since last November after his second of two arrests on domestic assault charges. He was recently terminated after an internal investigation and an officer hearing. Read more on this story here.

Another FRPD officer is fired: This is the third cop firing since January.

Retired Diman educator is back

For Brian Bentley, 38 years at Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School wasn’t enough. Eight years after he retired as principal, he’s back at the school as the interim superintendent for the upcoming school year.

“Being a lifetime educator, I love school,” he said. “Even in retirement, I always knew the school calendar; I always stayed in touch with who I called my Diman family.”

Outgoing Superintendent and Director of the Greater Fall River Vocational School District Dr. Elvio Ferreira said last month he would resign after three years on the job, departing for a position in Brockton. Towards the end of July, Bentley said, he started getting phone calls from school committee members about potentially stepping up for a one-year appointment as interim superintendent. He comes on board Aug. 1. Read more on this story here.

Former Bengal is back: A familiar face returns to Diman as interim superintendent

Councilor's phone seized in investigation

Westport police seized City Council president Pam Laliberte-Lebeau's cell phone from her New Boston Road apartment earlier this week, according to a search warrant, as part of an investigation into harassment complaints.

According to the warrant, police are investigating a complaint by a Westport couple who had been receiving “harassing and annoying” telephone calls “sending text, images and calling them” from so-called “spoof” or “burner” telephone numbers. The calls were identified as originating from a phone number belonging to Laliberte-Lebeau. Read more on this story here.

Investigation underway: Police seize City Council president's phone as part of harassment probe

City settles police brutality suit

A Massachusetts man who claims he was assaulted and injured while in police custody in late 2020 has reached a $65,000 settlement with the city.

William Harvey, who was living in Fall River at the time of his arrest after a domestic complaint, claims city patrol officer Nicholas Hoar hit him with a police baton and slammed his head into a door while he was handcuffed and being led out of a van outside the police station on Dec. 21, 2020.

The incident has led to an ongoing FBI investigation, according to sources. Since the incident, Hoar — who was on desk duty and taken off patrol at the time that Harvey was arrested — has been on paid administrative leave from the department. Read more on this story here. 

'I just wanted it over with': Fall River settles a police brutality lawsuit for $65,000, but the FBI may be involved

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories from Fall River, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Tiverton