Top stories: Mattapoisett boat yard fire, new pickleball courts, commendation for bravery

As we head into the weekend, let's take a look at the news from this past week.

The races for the upcoming Primary Election are heating up as we get closer to the Sept. 6 vote, with three Democrats vying for the opportunity to unseat Republican Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson as Bristol County Sheriff. The gloves are also out as Bristol County District Attorney candidates, incumbent Thomas M. Quinn III and challenger Shannon McMahon, face off in the primary neither mincing words when it comes to their challenger. Don't forget that from Saturday, Aug. 27 to Friday, Sept. 2 you can vote early.

It is almost time for Friday Night Lights and high school games to begin. The teams are practicing their drills and getting ready to take the field. You can follow along with schedules, scores, polls, and pictures at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports.

Then there are the most read stories of the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com:

Massive fire at Mattapoisett Boat Yard

Crews battled a massive fire Friday, Aug. 19 that destroyed buildings, cars and vessels at Mattapoisett Boatyard. At least one person was hurt and an unknown number of firefighters suffered minor injuries, officials said.

It was most likely caused by the ignition of gasoline vapors during the replacement of a boat’s gas tank, according to Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray and state Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey.

A GoFundMe page has been put in place for Boatyard employee Phil Macomber, who was badly injured as a result of the fire.  According to the page, Phil has been part of the MBY family for nearly 20 years.

Gas vapors to blame for: Six alarms, 100 firefighters, 36 apparatus: How the Mattapoisett Boatyard fire was fought

Southcoast Pickleball opens in Fairhaven

Fairhaven is now home to one of the only indoor pickleball courts in MA, on Saturday, Aug. 20 Southcoast Pickleball opened its doors.

"We are one of the only facilities in the area dedicated exclusively to pickleball," said Adam Rogers, co-owner of the indoor facility, which opened at 4 David Drown Blvd.

The 22,000-square-foot indoor air-conditioned space, will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Sunday hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., all year long.

Southcoast Pickleball will feature seven indoor courts. There will also be a seating area, a lounge area as well as small changing rooms and a sales counter.

Players can make reservations either through www.playerlineup.com or by calling them directly. You can also rent equipment such as paddles and sign up for lessons.

Southcoast Pickleball opens: One of the only indoor pickleball courts in MA has opened — right here on the SouthCoast

Former NB priest is being sued for sexual assault

The Rev. Richard Degagne is accused of repeatedly sexually abusing Jason Medeiros in a lawsuit that was filed in Bristol County Superior Court on July 18.

The Acushnet man who was once an altar boy at St. Anthony of Padua parish is suing for alleged sexual abuse that took place more than 30 years ago when he was 12 and 13 years old.

The three-count lawsuit seeks a jury trial to determine damages, plus award costs and attorneys' fees, for mental distress and emotional injuries.

According to a press release through SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Network, Degagne was removed in 2019 and will not be returning to work, according to the Diocese at the time, despite the former priest's repudiation of the allegations.

Former New Bedford priest sued: Allegedly sexually abused a boy in the late 1980s

Voters asked to OK new South Coast Rail stations

Voters will be asked to approve New Bedford becoming an MBTA district city at the Nov. 8 state election, which is a requirement before rail service can begin at the two new platform stations being developed at Church Street and the Whale’s Tooth parking lot.

The question on the ballot will be, "Shall this City be added to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority?"

South Coast Rail is restoring commuter rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts to link New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton to Boston. The trains are supposed to start running to the new New Bedford stations by the end of 2023.

Rail impact: South Coast Rail stations coming to New Bedford — here's how it will affect neighborhoods

Bridgetender recognized for his bravery in helping youth with suicidal thoughts

Yves “Lou” Louis a bridgetender on the Padanaram Bridge, was presented with the Fire District 1 Citizen Commendation Award by Fire Chief Peter Andrade for what he described as his act of kindness and in recognition of his bravery for his efforts the morning of July 17.

When Lou arrived early for work one morning, a young person in the truck next to him started talking to him.

“I just happened to be there when someone called my name and wanted to talk to me,” Lou said. The person’s head was down, so he asked him again if he was OK, and Louis got a head shake in response. He asked again, and the response was, "I want to kill myself."

They talked, and he convinced the person that he should seek assistance with a call to the Suicide Prevention Hotline, but the young person became impatient and hung up. Ultimately, Louis called the police and then the ambulance from Fire District 1 for transport to St. Luke’s Hospital. He kept offering reassurance and guidance all along the way.

Suicidal thoughts: Padanaram bridgetender stepped in to help.

All of these stories can be found in their entirety at SouthCoastToday.com.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford area top stories: Mattapoisett fire cause, pickleball courts