City of Fall River Announces First Round of ARPA Allocations

(FALL RIVER, MA- October 29, 2021)- Mayor Paul Coogan joined the ARPA Advisory panel
and Congressman Jake Auchincloss Friday for a press conference announcing the first round of
allocations of the City of Fall River’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

A vote of the
advisory panel on Thursday, October 28th approved funding for three proposals.

? Water Main Replacement – City of Fall River Department of Community Utilities
o Allocation: $8,350,000.00

o Purpose: Replacement of 17,720 feet of water main, replacement of 36 lead
services and reconstruction of affected streets and sidewalks.

? Operation Compass – Fall River Police Department
o Allocation: $474,686.00
o Purpose: Public safety improvements through increased bike patrols, walking
beats and gang prevention programs as well as new equipment- including 50
security cameras and 20 radar speed displays.

? Fall River Annual Children’s Holiday Parade – Greater Fall River Re-Creation
o Allocation: $75,000.00

o Purpose: To continue the City of Fall River’s annual Children’s Holiday Parade,
which has substantial impacts on tourism and economic development in Fall
River while providing a positive outlet for Fall River’s youth

At the press conference, Mayor Paul Coogan and the ARPA Advisory Panel reminded
community members that this round of funding was the first of many votes and allocations. The

time sensitive nature of the Children’s Parade and the recent uptick in public safety incidents
called for these proposals to be reviewed and funded quickly. The Advisory Panel has already
received over a dozen written proposals for ARPA funding, which will be reviewed in
forthcoming meetings.

The City of Fall River is in the process of formalizing an application process for eligible
entities to apply for ARPA funding. An application is expected to be available online and in City
Hall by the end of November. However, Mayor Coogan urged all non-profits and small
businesses who are considering applying for funding to begin researching the eligible uses of
ARPA funding to consider whether they may be able to apply.

“We are glad to start putting our ARPA funds to use,” said Mayor Coogan. “All three
proposals that received funding today represent projects and issues residents care about. As we
receive new information about ARPA regulations and additional sources of funding, I look
forward to reviewing more proposals and using this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move Fall
River forward.”

The ARPA Advisory Panel was assembled in June of 2021 to advise the Mayor on
potential uses of ARPA funding. It consists of City Officials, business leaders, community
members and community utilities providers.

DEM OFFERING $75,000 IN GRANT AWARDS TO IMPROVE, MAINTAIN 
BOAT PUMP-OUT FACILITIES AND KEEP NARRAGANSETT BAY CLEAN

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that $75,000 grants are available to communities and private businesses that own and/or operate boating facilities that are accessible to the public.

The grants, funded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service Clean Vessel Act (CVA), support construction and maintenance of marine and land-based pump-out facilities to assist boaters with properly disposing of sewage. Every year, DEM applies for federal funds to buy or replace CVA equipment for use by municipalities and private marinas to offer pump-outs. Since 1994, DEM has awarded over $2 million in CVA grants.

“Coastal Rhode Island waters are classified as a no-discharge zone, meaning it’s illegal to pump waste within three nautical miles of the Rhode Island coast,” DEM Acting Director Terry Gray said. “CVA grants empower thousands of Rhode Island recreational boaters to do their part to keep our waterways clean by using subsidized pump-out service to properly dispose of their sewage.”

DEM works with partners to reduce pollution into local waters. Boat sewage poses a potential threat to water quality by introducing bacteria and other pathogens and chemicals that are harmful to humans and marine life. This pollution is also a major factor in harmful algae blooms. In 1998, Rhode Island became the first state in the nation to receive a statewide “no discharge” designation from the US Environmental Protection Agency that prohibits boaters from discharging sewage into local waterways.

There are currently 17 pump-out boats and 40 landside facilities located across Narragansett Bay and coastal waters. Many existing facilities require repair and upgrades as they have exceeded their useful life expectancy since initial construction.

All pump-out facilities must be kept fully operational to adequately meet the demand. Some 40,000 boats are registered in Rhode Island, and the state welcomes many thousands more visiting boats each year. Last year, a total volume of over 600,000 gallons of sewage was pumped out at these locations and diverted from directly entering Rhode Island’s surface waters. Visit DEM’s website for a map of marine pump-out facilities in Rhode Island.

Marinas, yacht clubs, and municipalities are eligible to apply for funding. Projects to construct, replace, retrofit, or maintain pump-out facilities will be considered. Up to $18,750 is available for land-based projects, and up to $56,250 is available for pump-out boat facilities. Up to $4,875 is available for operations and maintenance expenses related to a pump-out boat, and up to $1,875 is available for operations and maintenance expenses related to a land based pump-out facility. A 25 percent funding match is required. All facilities that receive CVA grants must be open to the public and may not charge more than $5 per 25 gallons pumped. To receive grant funding for operations and maintenance of land based pump-out facilities, the operator of the facility agrees to not charge boaters any fees for pump-out services.

For more information or to download an application, click here.

Applications can be mailed to DEM Office of Water Resources, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 or emailed to steven.engborg@dem.ri.gov. All applications are due by 4 PM, Friday, Dec. 3, 2021.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.
 

With the nine-member Fall River City Council continuing to ask the Sixth Floor in Government Center for an updated five year budget forecast that will be delivered post-election, Council voted down spending $539,712 to pay off the previous Winter's Snow and Ice Deficit for Fiscal Year 2021, along with an appropriation Deficit of $759,121.

Council also voted on a motion to reject a request using nearly $1.7 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for Revenue Losses, and nearly $3 million to rehire positions. 

After Fall River City Council President and Mayoral Finalist Cliff Ponte indicated he had questions for The Fall River Public School Department, Council voted down sending $1.6 million to meet 100% of Net School Spending. 

Buck-le Up! Deer Crashes Abound in Autumn

As daylight saving time comes to an end, Massachusetts drivers need to buck up this fall and be on the lookout for deer – and the increased risk of becoming drowsy behind the wheel due to the time change.

A driver crashed into a deer once every two hours, on average, in the Commonwealth between  October and December in 2020, according to a AAA Northeast analysis of Massachusetts crash data.
There were 1,402 deer crashes during that period with the most occurring between 6 and 8 p.m. After the time change, most crashes were between 5 and 7 p.m. 

Deer crashes peak in autumn because it’s deer mating season, which means they’re on the move at dusk and dawn – just like commuters driving between work and home. It’s a recipe for potentially serious crashes, particularly because visibility decreases in the fall as each sunrise is later and sunset is sooner. The vast majority (81 percent) occurred outside daylight hours.

“Drivers need to be especially vigilant and anticipate deer darting into the roadway, especially during evening hours,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast. “And I speak firsthand—I hit a deer just last night on a dark, wooded road, and did a lot of damage to my car. Fortunately I was able to brake, and I had my seat belt on, but it could have turned out very differently if that deer had come through my windshield. I’ve also had deer dash out in front of my bike in wooded areas, so cyclists should be watchful as well!” 

Along with earlier sunsets, the end of daylight saving time can also increase the risk of drowsy driving. The time change can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to loss of sleep. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, losing one to two hours of sleep can double your crash risk, and an individual operating a vehicle with five hours of sleep or less in a 24-hour period faces crash risk as someone driving drunk. 

Deer crashes occur across the Commonwealth, but some regions see more incidents than others. 
The top counties for deer crashes in Massachusetts last year were Worcester (248), Bristol (194), Plymouth (192), Middlesex (184) and Essex (125)

Top towns for deer crashes last year were Westport (24); Andover (21), Middleborough (18), New Bedford (17), Plymouth and Bellingham (16), Freetown and Winchendon (15) and Sherborn (14).

Most deer-related crashes occur because drivers simply don’t see deer crossing the roadway in low-light conditions. But many crashes occur due to driver distraction or inattentiveness. AAA reminds motorists to:
•    Slow Down. Reduce speed in low-light conditions, which will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
•    Scan off-road areas. Deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road.
•    Be patient. Where there is one, there may be many, so don’t speed off after a deer crosses your path as there may be more nearby.
•    Be prepared. If a collision is unavoidable, apply the brakes firmly and remain in your lane; swerving sharply to avoid an animal can cause an even more serious crash. 

The best way to avoid a deer crash is to never drive drowsy or distracted or with excessive speed. In the event a deer crash is unavoidable, swerving is almost never a good option, especially on country roads. Going to the right could send the vehicle into a ditch, tree or light pole. Swerving to the left could result in a lethal head-on crash.  And remember to not get behind the wheel if you’re already tired.  Rest first, and remember that sleep is the only substitute for lack of sleep.
 

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, at approximately 10:35pm, Fall River Police Uniform Division Officers
responded to the 7 Days Food Market, 164 Durfee Street. Reports were that a masked male entered the
business armed with a handgun, demanded money from the clerk, and was able to flee the scene with an
undetermined amount of money.
Since that armed robbery detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Division have been working to locate the
suspect. Following various leads, and with assistance of Massachusetts State Police, the suspect was
identified as Nelson Coelho (37 years of age). Investigators were able to locate Coelho at a residence in the
200 block of Pine St. in Fall River yesterday (10/25/2021) afternoon (4:15pm). It was also learned that
Samuel Lozano (42 years of age) was involved in the robbery of the 7 Days Food Market.
Samuel Lozano was placed under arrest and will be charged with Armed Robbery while Masked, he was
also served with an outstanding warrant.
Nelson Coelho was placed under arrest and will be charged with the following offenses Armed Robbery
while Masked, Breaking and Entering Misdemeanor (2 counts), Trespass (2 counts).
No additional information will be released at this time. Photographs of Coelho and Lozano are not currently
available.
*****************************END OF RELEASE*********

According to NBC 10, Fall River Police have arrested a man in an attempted robbery that happened Saturday afternoon. Police said a woman told officers a man approached her while she was stopped in traffic with her window open at the intersection of Plymouth Ave and Interstate 195 W.

The woman said that the man reached into her car and began to grope her while demanding money. Investigators stated that the woman fought back and fled the area to call the police. Police were able to identify the man as 43-year-old Todd Gluchacki. He was charged with attempting to commit a crime of unarmed robbery, indecent on a person over the age of 14, and breaking and entering into a motor vehicle for a felony.

Southern New England is preparing for its first Nor’easter of the season. According to CBS 12 in Providence, the storm is expected to arrive today and last through tomorrow morning. Experts say a high wind warning will kick in around 6 p.m.Wind gusts are expected to surpass 60 mph, some surrounding areas will experience lower speeds.

A flood watch has also been issued for Rhode Island, Connecticut and most of southeastern Massachusetts, with anywhere between 2 and 4 inches of rain expected. National grid spokesperson Ted Kresse said yesterday the utility is preparing to restore any and all power outages that occur throughout the storm.

Southcoast Health Earns NRC Health Excellence Award for Top Patient-Satisfaction Ratings

NEW BEDFORD Mass. – Southcoast Health was honored by NRC Health as a recipient of its 2021 NRC Health Excellence Awards, recognizing top-performing hospitals and health systems in overall patient satisfaction ratings. 

“As a community health system, providing an exceptional patient experience has always been one of our top priorities. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated providers, nurses and staff who put our patients first day in and day out, making this achievement possible,” says Keith Hovan, President and CEO of Southcoast Health. “We are humbled to receive this positive recognition from our patients, and it is even more meaningful this year as our organization still faces many challenges brought on by the pandemic.”

Out of 42 eligible hospital systems nationwide, Southcoast Health was selected for the first place ranking of the NRC Health Excellence Award - Small Health Systems based on its real-time net promoter score (NPS) for the “Would Recommend Facility” question throughout April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. 

The NRC Health Excellence Awards are given each year to an elite group of winners that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the care experience, earning top satisfaction ratings from patients and their families. Their desire to better understand patient needs and aspiration to design experiences that inspire loyalty to embody the NRC Health mission to bring human understanding to healthcare. 

“Earning this award is a tremendous accomplishment and demonstrates Southcoast Health’s commitment to providing exceptional service and compassionate care close to home,” says Olayinka Oluwole, Director of Service Excellence and Patient Experience at Southcoast Health. “Thank you to all our care providers and staff who continue to step up throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring our patients can safely receive the care they need. This award recognizes all you do to provide our community with an outstanding patient experience.”  
 
For nearly four decades, NRC Health has helped healthcare organizations illuminate and improve the moments that matter most to patients, residents, physicians, nurses, and staff. The 2021 NRC Health Excellence Award winners were publicly announced on Wednesday, August 4, during the 27th Annual NRC Health Symposium. A complete list of winners can be found here.

“We are very proud to recognize the amazing organizations that have continued to put their patients first even in the face of an unimaginable crisis,” said Helen Hardy, Chief Growth Officer at NRC Health. “We commend these honorees for their service and passion in providing outstanding care for patients and their families and for truly embracing our mission of Human Understanding. Congratulations, Southcoast Health for this well-deserved award.” 

To learn more about Southcoast Health’s Patient Experience Department, please visit Patient Experience at Southcoast Health - Southcoast Health. 
 

Yikes! Gas Prices Continue to Haunt Motorists

Westwood, MA, October 25, 2021 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is up 8 cents from last week ($3.27), averaging $3.35 per gallon. Today’s price is 26 cents higher than a month ago ($3.09), and $1.25 higher than October 25, 2020 ($2.10). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 3 cents lower than the national average. Nationally, prices have risen for 27 consecutive days. 

“With the U.S. economy slowly recovering from the depths of the pandemic, demand for gas is robust, but the supply is tight,” says Mary Maguire, Director of Public/Government Affairs. “We haven’t seen prices this high since September of 2014.”

The recent rise in the pump price is due to higher demand coupled with a decline in stocks alongside elevated crude prices. Global oil production is still below pre-pandemic levels. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), total domestic gasoline stocks decreased by 5.4 million barrels to 217.7 million last week.

However, gasoline demand increased from 9.19 million barrels per day to 9.63 million. Since the cost of oil accounts for more than half of the pump price, consumers will be paying more as long as crude prices remain high.

AAA Northeast’s October 25 survey of fuel prices found the current national average to be 6 cents higher than last week ($3.32), averaging $3.38 a gallon. Today’s national average price is 20 cents higher than a month ago ($3.18), and $1.22 higher than this day last year ($2.16).
 

The L-A Chargers have opened as a 5.5 point hone favorite versus the Patriots this coming Sunday at SoFi Stadium with coverage on the Patriots Radio Network on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480 at 1pm with a 4:05 kickoff. 

The O/U is at 47.5

Patriots covered a 7 point spread versus the Jets this past Sunday. 

Upcoming New Bedford Vaccination Clinics
Clinics Now Offering Approved Booster Shots for Eligible Recipients 

COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for the next several days in New Bedford.  No appointment is needed at these walk-up clinics. Available vaccines can change according to supplies. Clinics now are offering CDC-approved booster shots for eligible recipients, in addition to first- and second-dose vaccines. Details on boosters are below.

Saturday, October 23:
-    Cape Verdeans Veterans Association Hall (561 Purchase St.) – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pfizer and Moderna

Monday, October 25:
-    Andrea McCoy Recreation Center (181 Hillman St.) – 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Pfizer and J&J 

Tuesday, October 26:
-    Former Fire Station 11 (754 Brock Ave.) – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., J&J and Moderna
-    Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (874 Purchase St.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J
-    Normandin Middle School (81 Felton St.) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

Wednesday, October 27:
-    Keith Middle School (225 Hathaway Blvd) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

Thursday, October 28:
-    Greater New Bedford Community Health Center (874 Purchase St.) – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Pfizer, Moderna, J&J
-    Roosevelt Middle School (119 Frederick St.) – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Pfizer for ages 12+ and J&J for ages 18+ (Minors need parental consent, provided either in advance online, or in-person at the school)

Background on Clinic Restorations: Last week, state health officials briefly withdrew state support for certain COVID-19 vaccination clinics in New Bedford, and elsewhere in the region. Three clinics at New Bedford Public Schools were cancelled as a result.

This week, the state has restored support for school-based and Block-by-Block clinics through Nov. 3, following previously published schedules. State and city health officials are still finalizing support and schedules for local vaccine clinics after Nov. 3. 

Booster Shots Approved for Eligible Recipients: The CDC now has approved booster recommendations for Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J vaccines. Booster shots are available at local vaccine clinics, for people who are eligible under the following criteria. 

For people who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
-    65 years and older
-    Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
-    Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
-    Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For anyone 18 and older who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, a booster shot is recommended two or more months after their initial shot. 

Mixing & Matching: The CDC also has approved mixing and matching of vaccine types for the booster dose. When first getting vaccinated, people should still get two doses of the same vaccine type, but for the booster, a different vaccine from the initial series can be used, following the criteria above. 

More info: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1021-covid-booster.html

Reminder on the importance of vaccinations, especially ahead of the holidays: Vaccination levels in the region remain low, and daily case rates remain high. Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is not only about protecting yourself – it’s also about protecting your family, friends, and community. Vaccination is critically important ahead of the holiday season, when large family gatherings could lead to super-spreader events among people who are unvaccinated. 

City leaders and health officials are urging unvaccinated residents to get their first shot and begin vaccination as soon as possible, in order to have safe and healthy holidays. 

WITH DEER MATING SEASON HERE, DEM CAUTIONS DRIVERS THAT
MORE DEER-VEHICLE CRASHES OCCUR NOW THAN AT ANY OTHER TIME

PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising motorists to be on high alert for deer crossing roadways, particularly at dawn and dusk. The deer breeding season (known as the “rut”) is currently underway and will continue through November and much of December. Deer tend to move around far more frequently during this time, and November is typically the peak period for collisions with motor vehicles. Hitting a deer can easily total your car and, depending on its severity, the average collision can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 in repairs, according to auto body industry estimates. Moreover, nationally, there were 190 deaths from collisions with animals in 2018, according to the Insurance Information Institute. There were 1,163 reported vehicle-deer collisions in 2020, according to DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Public Domain, Creative Commons

To avoid hitting a deer, use the Insurance Information Institute’s defensive driving tips:
•    Be especially attentive during peak deer hours. From sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions.
•    Use extra caution when driving through deer-crossing zones. Scan the shoulders of the road in front of you; deer may dash out from the shoulder or wooded areas adjacent to the road. Also be especially careful in places known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland.
•    Know that deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby.
•    Use high beam headlights if driving at night when there is no oncoming traffic. The higher light will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway.
•    Follow the speed limit. Keeping your speed down will give you more time to respond to unexpected wildlife movements.
•    Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away.
•    Brake firmly but stay in your lane when you notice a deer in or near your path. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars.
•    Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car-deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt.
•    Do not rely on deer-deterring devices. Deer whistles, deer fences, and reflectors have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions.
•    If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. The best procedure is to get your car off the road, if possible, and call the police.
•    In the event a deer damages your car, contact your insurance agent or company representative to report the incident.

In accordance with state law, any deer-vehicle collision must be reported to DEM's 24-hour Dispatch Office at 222-3070, as well as to local police and your insurance company. You can also notify DEM Dispatchers if you see an injured or road-killed deer. Though small consolation, the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident may choose to keep the deer with a permit from DEM. The owner may request a permit when calling the 24-hour dispatch office to report the accident.

State Health Officials Announce Ninth Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

Residents urged to continue take precautions to avoid mosquito bites

BOSTON (October 22, 2021) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the ninth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The individual is a male in his 60s who was exposed to WNV in Middlesex County. 

Twenty-seven communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, and Suffolk counties are at high risk and 71 communities are at moderate risk for WNV. There are no additional risk level changes associated with this new case.

“While the risk from WNV is declining at this time of year, some risk will continue until there has been a hard frost,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “People should continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites anytime they are outdoors.”

In 2020, there were 11 human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], or IR3535 according to the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the DPH by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/MosquitoesandTicks or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800. 
 

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Booster Availability, Additional State-Sponsored Booster Sites

Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 boosters now available for eligible residents

BOSTON — Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced how eligible Massachusetts residents can access Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots.

 In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Moderna COVID-19 booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, and individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions or who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who received their second shot of Moderna vaccine at least six months prior.

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster is now available to all individuals who received a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 single dose vaccine at least two months ago. 

Both Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots are now available to:

•    Individuals 65 years and older
•    Individuals 18+ who live in long-term care settings
•    Individuals 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
•    Individuals 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots are now available to:

•    All individuals 18 and older who received a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months ago.

CDC recommendations now allow for mixing and matching of different COVID-19 booster doses. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. The Administration recommends that residents with questions about which booster is right for them should ask their health care provider for advice.

To view more information from the CDC, please click here.

Massachusetts residents are able to receive COVID-19 booster doses from more than 460 locations, including over 450 retail pharmacies, and state sponsored COVID-19 booster locations, with appointments available now for booking. With the approval of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters, over 750,000 residents are newly eligible for booster shots under federal eligibility criteria.

How to Get a Booster

If you are eligible, here are the steps to find a convenient location for getting a COVID-19 booster:

•    Visit the VaxFinder tool at vaxfinder.mass.gov for a full list of locations. Residents are able to narrow results to search for locations that are offering boosters, with appointments available now for booking. Many locations are booking appointments out weeks in advance.

•    For individuals who are unable to use VaxFinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9 AM-2 PM) is available by calling 2-1-1 and following the prompts for assistance. The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available to in approximately 100 additional languages.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as vaccines are authorized by the CDC. As a reminder COVID-19 can be given at the same time as your annual flu shot. If you are now eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose and have not received your annual flu shot yet, ask your health care provider or pharmacist for both vaccines.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free. Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster. Additional information on the COVID-19 booster, including FAQs, can be found at mass.gov/COVID19booster.

Individuals can check if they are eligible for a booster using the eligibility tool at mass.gov/BoosterCheck.

Massachusetts leads the nation in first dose vaccination rates per capita, with more than 90% of eligible residents having received at least one dose. Almost 79% of the eligible population, totaling over 4.7 million residents in Massachusetts, are fully vaccinated. 

The agenda for the Fall River City Council has been made public, as the current council will meet one week before the General Election in Fall River.

Council will begin at 6pm as a Committee on Finance, looking at a Kennedy Park Renovation Project that is the subject of a PARC Grant that will create new tennis and pickle ball courts.

A pair of resolutions will ask for the Sixth Floor to answer questions on the use of A-R-P-A dollars while a second resolution will seek to discuss a new Fall River Marijuana Review Commission. 

During its Regular Session, Council will be asked to move money from the General Stabilization Fund to pay off a little over $500,000 in snow and ice removal debt. 

The Coogan Administration will also ask council to expend nearly $1.7 million to the Fall River School Department will reach the Net School Spending Numbers.                                                

Massachusetts 4th District Congressman Jake Auchincloss responded to Ted Cruz’s “Stop the Surge Act” that would move immigrant processing centers to New England by writing a letter to the Texas Senators Office.

In the letter, Auchincloss stated that he appreciated Senator Cruz considering Massachusetts as a place for immigrants but he stated wasn't falling for his “scare tactics.” The congressman went on to supply facts of statistics against the idea of immigrants causing large numbers of violence, saying "not only do immigrants make our cities and towns safer, they also contribute to our economy, paying roughly 9 billion dollars annually in taxes."

Auchincloss closed saying that the Commonwealth has no time for the senators "crass attempts to degenerate immigrants." 

The Boston Celtics opened up their 2021-22 season last night as they traveled to Madison Square Garden in New York to take on the Knicks under new head coach Ime Udoka. The Celtics took the game to double OT only to fall short, losing 138-134. 

In good news for Celtics fans, a COVID-recovered Jaylen Brown finished with 46 points, along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists but it wasn't enough to combat a 35 point night for New York Knicks “big man”Julius Randle and 32 point game for Evan Fournier. The Celtics will travel home for their game at the TD Garden tomorrow at 7:30 PM against the Toronto Raptors.

According to NBC 10, law enforcement in New Bedford is trying to get ahead by knowing who may retaliate and be targeted next by collecting information on them using a point system to help classify those who are gang affiliated, taking 20 points to be classified as a gang-affiliate.

Previously, there would be no way for an individual to know if they were on the list because it wasn't not a public record. Now, there are mail notifications and the opportunity to meet with investigators.

Currently, there are 31 active gangs in New Bedford with over 580 validated gang members and police are looking for a better solution to tackle the issue. Social media has been known to be used for recruitment, retaliation, and to fuel tensions between them.

The New Bedford police are working with an outside agency to comb through every one of its policies to determine if updates are necessary. A new policy book is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION – HIGHWAY DIVISION
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING MEETING

Project File No. 608049
A Live Virtual Design Public Hearing will be hosted on the MassDOT website below to present the design for
the proposed Corridor Improvements on Route 79/Davol Street in Fall River, MA.

WHEN: 6:30 pm-8:30pm, Wednesday, October 27, 2021

PURPOSE: The purpose of this hearing is to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted
with proposed Corridor Improvements on Route 79/Davol Street Design Build project. All views and comments
submitted in response to the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.

PROPOSAL: The proposed project includes both design and construction of the Route 79/Davol Street corridor.
The existing Route 79 is being relocated approximately onto the current alignments of northbound and
southbound Davol Street, which will allow creation of development parcels along the existing Route 79

alignment. The work also includes, but is not limited to, the design and construction of local street connections to
the corridor, including Brightman Street, President Avenue, Hathaway Street, and Turner Street. 

The project also
includes the design and construction of a network of shared use paths and sidewalks, and new traffic signals. The
project also requires the design and construction of a new bridge structure and retaining walls, as well as a new
drainage system.

A secure right-of-way is necessary for this project. Acquisitions in fee and permanent or temporary easements
may be required. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is responsible for acquiring all needed rights in private or
public lands. MassDOT’s policy concerning land acquisitions will be presented in the hearing.

For more information aboutthe project visit: www.mass.gov/route-79-davol-street-corridor-improvements
Project inquiries, written statements and other exhibits regarding the proposed undertaking may be submitted to
Carrie E. Lavallee, P.E., Acting Chief Engineer, via e-mail to dot.feedback.highway@state.ma.us or via US Mail
to Suite 6340, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116, Attention: Major Projects, Project File No. 608049. Statements
and exhibits intended for inclusion in the public hearing transcript must be emailed or postmarked no later than
ten (10) business days after the hearing is posted to the MassDOT website listed below.

This hearing is accessible to people with disabilities. MassDOT provides reasonable accommodations and/or
language assistance free of charge upon request (e.g interpreters in American Sign Language and languages
other than English, live captioning, videos, assistive listening devices and alternate material formats), as
available. For accommodation or language assistance, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity and Civil
Rights Officer by phone (857-368-8580), TTD/TTY at (857) 266-0603, fax (857) 368-0602 or by email
(MassDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us).

 Requests should be made as soon as possible prior to the meeting,
and for more difficult to arrange services including sign-language, CART or language translation or
interpretation, requests should be made at least ten business days before the hearing.
This Live Virtual Design Public Hearing or a cancellation announcement will be hosted on the internet at
https://www.mass.gov/massdot-highway-design-public-hearings

JONATHAN GULLIVER CARRIE E. LAVALLEE, P.E.
HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATOR ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER

The Boston Red Sox lost to Houston early this rmoning by a final of 9-2, after the Astros broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th inning by scoring 7 runs in a game that took 4 hours and 8 minutes to play. 

The win evens the series going into a Game 5 at Fenway Park later this afternoon on WSAR and WHTB, with coverage at 4:08 and a 5:08 first pitch...

Thursday is a travel day, as Game 6 will happen Friday at 7:08 on WSAR 1480 and 95.9

If needed a game 7 would happen Saturday with coverage on the Red Sox Radio Network at 7:08 and a first pitch at 8:08 from Houston's Minute Maid Park. 

Statement from Swansea Board of Selectmen Regarding the
Cancellation of Public Forums to Discuss Town Hall Proposal

We, the Board of Selectmen, regret to inform the public that all public forums on the topic of the
municipal office space are cancelled. These forums were scheduled for Tuesday, October 19,
2021 and Thursday, October 21, 2021. This is a major proposal coming before the Town at the
Fall Town Meeting on November 1, 2021. The Selectmen will be making a motion to postpone
indefinitely the article to acquire the office space and the related articles with it. These are
Articles 9, 10 and 11 on the Warrant posted last week. We continue to encourage citizens to
attend the annual Fall Special Town Meeting as there are many additional important Articles to
address which include those providing funding for video camera equipment for our police
cruisers and police station, and for architectural services for the library project, as well as
housekeeping items necessary to setting the tax rate in late November.

A little about how we got here:

The first step in acquiring any property is the solicitation of a Request for Proposals (RFP),
which the Town issued in April. Once the proposals are analyzed, the Town chooses which to
award. It then seeks authorization of the acquisition at Town Meeting. As we approached Town
Meeting, we were triple checking that the t’s were crossed and the I’s were dotted. We reviewed
all questions asked by members of the public, members of the Advisory and Finance Committee
and members of the Town Hall Building Committee. Such deliberations began in August of this
year and were conducted publicly, at open meetings of various committees in the interest of
being as transparent as possible. In so doing, we worked through a cogent, conscientious vetting
process of this proposal. Contemporaneously, after a bid is awarded, the standard process is for
the parties to discuss and negotiate further details needed to draft a contract. Part of this process
also includes a legal review.

In aiming to answer all of the questions raised, in performing our due diligence, and during the
negotiations and legal review, we have found we are legally unable to move forward with this
proposal and that we cannot, in good faith, continue to prepare terms and conditions for a
contract with the Proposer. 

During this process, the Town first became aware of both factual and
legal issues with the Proposal. For instance, as asked specific questions about access, we learned
that there were impediments to the needed repair of the ring road question, and in providing a
dedicated driveway/entryway to what would be the Town’s portion of the building. As we
received varying answers to our inquiries about the cost of construction, legal issues were
identified. As a result, we cannot ask the Town to vote on this proposal to move forward in the
next step of the process.

This cancellation in no way reflects our thoughts on the merits of the proposal, the financial
sense the proposal makes, the capability and well-meaning intentions of the developers, and the
sincere and dire need for municipal office space that is a safe, code compliant, and a healthy
workplace that can provide quality governmental services to our community. The Board will
reposition ourselves to continue to pursue other opportunities for office space, to develop a full
capital improvement plan that answers questions of how the creation of municipal offices fits
into the development of other worthy projects, such as a Highway Garage, Fire Station, or
Library, and to increase accessibility to government. We will continue to draft our plans for all
public buildings to determine how they fit financially in our future plans and how we can address
the many challenges the Town faces with appropriate, fiscally sound, and conscientious
solutions.
 

On October 18, 2021, at approximately 10:33 PM, the Fall River Police Department responded to Stop &
Save located at 201 Rock Street after receiving multiple 911 calls. Upon arrival, responding officers located
the store clerk lying on the ground, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

 The clerk was pronounced
deceased at Charlton Memorial Hospital a short time later. 

The Fall River Police Department and the
Massachusetts State Police are asking for the public’s assistance identifying the individual captured on digital images. 

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this person is asked to contact Detective Nicholas
Custadio at 508-324-2796 ext: 259 and/or Trooper Robert Twitchell at 508-993-2016 and the TIPS line at .(508) 672-TIPS (8477).

DESCRIPTION :
• Male, 20 to 30 years old
• Light skin complexion
• 5’-7” to 5’-9” tall
• Dark colored clothing
• Gray backpack
• Gray Nike sneakers with black and
white accents
• Tattoo on the right inner portion of the
hand near the thumbntacting 

AAA: Massachusetts Gas Prices Up Nine Cents,
Highest Prices Locally in Seven Years

Westwood, MA, October 18, 2021 — Massachusetts’s average gas price is up nine cents from last week ($3.18), averaging $3.27 per gallon. Today’s price is 17 cents higher than a month ago ($3.10), and $1.17 higher than October 18, 2020 ($2.10). Massachusetts’s average gas price is 5 cents lower than the national average.

“Compared to the price of gas a year ago, it now costs consumers about $17 more to fill up their vehicles,” says Mary Maguire, Director of Public/Government Affairs. "And unfortunately, it doesn't look like drivers will be finding relief at the pump any time soon." Increasing crude oil prices are the primary factor in the higher prices at the pump.

The last time prices in Massachusetts were this high was October of 2014 at $3.32 per gallon.

BOSTON (October 18, 2021) – With the arrival of flu season in Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to get vaccinated now to protect themselves, their families, and prevent the spread of flu, as well as ease the burden of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses on the health care system.

Every person over the age of 6 months is recommended to get a flu shot every year.
On Friday, October 15, DPH began its statewide surveillance reporting for the 2021-2022 flu season.

Weekly data will be reported every Friday on the severity of influenza-like illness, hospital visits, and flu-related hospitalizations across Massachusetts. Since September 1, 37 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported in Massachusetts. The number of cases is within the expected range for this time of year.
 

Statement from University of Massac¬¬husetts President Marty Meehan on the passing of Colin Powell

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of former U.S. Secretary of State General Colin Powell. General Powell’s trailblazing career was marked by many firsts – the first Black national security advisor; the youngest and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the first Black Secretary of State.

I had the honor of working with General Powell when I served on the House Armed Services Committee, and I can attest to his commitment to public service, his loyalty to those he served and led, and his unyielding love for this country.

Even after retiring, General Powell remained an influential and positive force in our national conversation, forcefully speaking out against some of the most destructive forces in today’s politics. Today, my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues, and to all of those who were fortunate enough to work with him over his distinguished career.”

Fall RIver School Committee Contender Colin Dias  has been notified by the city's election division that an error was discovered in printing the ballot that will be used on Tuesday November 2. 

Dias' address was incorrectly printed on the final version of the ballot that was delivered earlier this month. 

Dias says he'll take no legal action; he says has the right to ask that ballots be reprinted but will not do so in advance of the election. 

A specimen ballot was released last week. 

Swansea police are searching for a man who stole a valuable diamond necklace from a local jewelry store.

According to NBC 10, police said the man entered Hannoush Jewelers on GAR Highway on Saturday afternoon and asked to see the diamond necklace, then ran out. They did not say how much the necklace is worth.

Police described the thief as 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet tall with a skinny build and tattoos on both arms. He was wearing a black Tommy Hilfiger t-shirt and black pants, according to police. Police said he got into a coupe with an out-of-state license plate with unknown registration.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 508-674-8464.

 Chief Todd Costa is pleased to announce that the Somerset Police Department has launched a body-worn camera program to enhance transparency and accountability within the department.

The program took effect Thursday, Oct. 14, with body-worn cameras issued to Somerset patrol officers, front-line supervisors and detectives for use in the field.

In accordance with the department’s newly adopted body-worn camera policy, all officers are required to activate cameras during dispatched calls for service with the public, motor vehicle stops, investigatory stops and pursuit driving. Officers also are required to activate cameras during any situation that they believe may become adversarial. 

The Somerset Police Department’s body-worn camera program is one of the first of its kind in Bristol County.

“Body-worn cameras are an effective tool that we anticipate will help the department demonstrate a commitment to transparency, ensure officer accountability, increase community trust and protect officers from unjustified complaints of misconduct,” Chief Costa said. “Our officer’s willingness to embrace this new program demonstrates their professionalism and commitment to serving the community, and we are proud to be spearheading this new initiative in Bristol County.”

The department has a dedicated server to collect and store video data from body-worn cameras. The department plans to regularly review and update body-worn camera policies to align with identified local and national best practices. 

Funding for the body-worn camera program was provided by a $27,014 grant from the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research.

The grant was part of $7.8 million in funding that the Baker-Polito Administration allocated last year to provide access to equipment and strengthen training, crime prevention and enforcement initiatives across the Commonwealth. The JAG program provided $4.6 million to fund needs such as protective equipment and communications infrastructure. 

The department thanks Capt. William Tedford for applying for and obtaining the grant.

###

Fan Duel Sportsbook has the Patriots as a seven point home favorite versus the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium Sunday at 1pm. 

Coverage on WSAR will begin on The Patriots Radio Network at 10am Sunday Morning  on WSAR at 95.9 and 1480.

The ALCS involving the Red Sox and Houston moves to Fenway Park for Games 3, 4 and Five this week, with Eduardo Rodriguez getting the baseball tonight for the Red Sox. 

The Red Sox Radio Network will arrive on WSAR at 7:07pm with a first pitch of 8:07. 

The series is even at one game each. 

The deadline for tens of thousands of Massachusetts state workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has officially passed.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, more than 40,000 employees have submitted the required form, or applied for an exemption, before Sunday's deadline while there are still about 1900 workers who are at risk of losing their jobs. Terminations would not be immediate, according to the state, which has said those who haven’t been vaccinated will first face a disciplinary process.

For Massachusetts State Police, an agency already short-staffed, the union says about 300 members remained unvaccinated, accounting for 15% of the workforce. According to the State Police Association, more than 150 state police employees have already quit or submitted paperwork saying they intend to do so.

While some are agreeing with Baker's executive order, it’s also receiving criticism. All state employees are told they should report to work as usual today unless told otherwise.

The Fall River City Council will meet in a special session Monday at 6:15 to discuss a five year forecast regarding the current Fiscal Year Municipal Budget. 

The session will include Citizens Input. 

The session was called at the behest of Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte. 

Its not clear if anyone from the Administration will attend to answer questions. 

The New England Patriots will host the Dallas Cowboys Sunday at Gillette Stadium Sunday Afternoon, as the Patriots are a 3.5 home underdog with an O/U of 50.5

Patriots are 2-3 ATS.  The Patriots are 2-3 in second place in the AFC East. 

Coverage starts on WSAR at 1:30 on The Patriots Radio Network with a 4:25 kickoff. 

The Red Sox and Houston will play games 1 and 2 in Minute Maid Park tonight and Saturday afternoon...

Chris Sale will get the Game One Start at 8:07; coverage on WSAR on The Red Sox Radio Network will start tonight at 7:07. 

Saturday's Game 2 will see a 3:20 Broadcast Start, with a 4:20 first pitch. 

Sunday is a travel day back to Boston and Fenway Park, with Game 3 Monday night at 8:07. 

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Releases September 2021 Gross Gaming Revenue for Plainridge Park Casino, MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor 
                                                                                                                                                                                                         
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported today that the month of September 2021 at Plainridge Park Casino (PPC), MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor generated approximately $89 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).  
 
PPC, a category 2 slots facility, is taxed on 49% of GGR. Of that total taxed amount, 82% is paid to Local Aid and 18% is allotted to the Race Horse Development Fund. MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, category 1 resort-casinos, are taxed on 25% of GGR; those monies are allocated to several specific state funds as determined by the gaming statute.  
 
To date, the Commonwealth has collected approximately $894 million in total taxes and assessments from PPC, MGM and Encore since the respective openings of each gaming facility.   
 
View comprehensive revenue reports for each gaming licensee here. MGC issues monthly revenue reports on the 15th of each month or next business day.  
 
 

Get admissions assistance on the spot at Bristol Community College's free workshops

Bristol Community College’s admissions and financial aid teams make it easy to apply for admission and financial aid at the college’s free On-the-Spot Workshops, taking place October 19 to November 15, 2021, in Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton. 

Prospective students can get assistance completing the college’s admissions application with Bristol’s admissions coordinators and be on their way to enrolling in classes for Spring 2022.  

The college’s financial aid counselors will be available to help students and their families complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), the key form needed to apply for financial aid or scholarships. 

Event registration is strongly encouraged. 
 
To make an appointment online or for more information about Bristol Community College’s On-the-Spot Workshops, including locations, hours and what information to bring to the events, please visit http://www.bristolcc.edu/onthespot.      
 

With the Commonwealth continuing to experience above average rainfall totals during the month of September, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides has declared all regions in the state at Level 0-Normal Conditions, including the Cape Cod region, which was previously declared at a Level 1-Mild Drought. Due to the declaration, the Commonwealth’s Drought Management Task Force has been deactivated until the state experiences another drought

Early Voting for Municipal Election Set for Oct. 23 at Main Public Library Downtown

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Early voting for the city’s municipal election will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the city’s main public library downtown, the Board of Election Commissioners announced.   

Registered voters will be able to cast ballots that day, next Saturday, at the main facility for the New Bedford Free Public Library system, downtown at 613 Pleasant St. 

New Bedford voters are casting ballots this year for the city’s Assessor-at-Large, three of the six elected School Committee members, all five Councilors-at-Large and all six Ward Councilors.

Polling locations citywide will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2.

Another option for voters looking to cast ballots ahead of Election Day is absentee ballots, which are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday in the Election Office in City Hall, at 133 William St. Parents or family members can apply for an absentee ballot on behalf of children attending college out of town. Those ballots must be returned to the Election Office by 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2. 

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot in the Election Office is noon Nov. 1. The office is in Room 114 on City Hall’s first floor. 

Anyone with questions on their voting status or polling location, or who would like to request an early or absentee ballot for themselves or a family member, can call the Board of Elections at (508) 979-1420. 

According to CBS 12 in Providence, the FBI is launching a new effort to address the issue of hate crimes  The FBI Boston division announced yesterday that it’s participating in a nationwide campaign to increase public awareness of hate crimes and encourage people to report them.

The FBI reported 426 hate crimes last year within the Boston division’s jurisdiction, which includes Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine and New Hampshire. Of those incidents, 310 were reported in Massachusetts and 14 came from Rhode Island.

The agency said it’s working to combat hate crimes through community outreach, investigative activity, and law enforcement coordination. Special agents are working with local, state, and tribal partners to offer assistance and training on federal hate crime statutes.

Former Jasiel Correia II Campaign Manager and Chief of Staff Gen Andrade has seen the number of Federal Criminal Counts filed against her shrink for 6 to four, after Federal Prosecutors filed the paperwork ncessary in the Moakley Federal Courthouse on Tuesday. 

The changes were made necessary after the convicted former mayor was acquitted of the same counts at his sentencing. 

Correia is set to report to a minimum security federal facilty on December 2, while Andrade is set for trial on December 6. 

The New England Patriots have opened as a 4 point home underdog as the Dallas Cowboys visit Gillette Stadium this Sunday for a 4:25 kickoff. 

Coverage on the Patriots Radio Network begins at 1 with a 4:25 kickoff on WSAR at 1480 and 95.9 Sunday afternoon. 

Fox Sports Radio will offer a complete rundown of NFL Coverage prior to the Patriots Network join time. 

The Over/Under is 50.5. 

Dallas is 5-0 ATS while the Patriots are 2-3 ATS

The nine-member Fall River City Council approved five grants, including a COVID-19 Grant worth over half a million dollars, along with a Narcan Grant over a little over &7,000 and a Commonwealth Grant of some $400,000 for Tennis Courts at Kennedy Park, 

The council stopped short of calling a special meeting to discuss what City Council President and Mayoral Finalist Cliff Ponte maintains as a structural deficit in the FY 2022 Municipal Budget, but the idea was stopped cold when Linda Pereria objected. 

The budget will be a point of discussion two weeks from now in the final session before Election Day on November 2., 

The Boston Red Sox will open The A-L-C-S on Friday, with a Game One  in Houston's Minute Maid Park, after the Astros eliminated the White Sox. 

Game Two will be on Saturday, with Sunday as a travel day to Boston and Fenway Park for Games 3, 4, and 5 of the best of 7 series, with the winner representing the AL in the World Series, 

According to the Red Sox Website, standing room will run $81 with the bleachers at $121, with Green Monster Seats at $356. 

 Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued orders activating up to 450 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to help support two missions. The Governor’s orders activate up to 200 members of the Guard to support COVID-19 testing in K-12 schools throughout the Commonwealth and up to 250 members to offset potential staffing shortages at the Department of Correction (DOC).

The Commonwealth has developed a nation-leading COVID-19 testing program to help K-12 students remain in school safely. Over 2,200 schools have currently signed up to participate in at least one of three types of testing: test and stay, symptomatic testing, and pooled testing. Since the beginning of the school year, results from pooled testing show pool positivity rates of less than 1 percent, and test and stay, which is used to test close contacts, has saved approximately 25,000 school days for students who would have otherwise had to quarantine. 

As these testing programs continue to ramp up, up to 200 members of the National Guard will be activated to expand testing support at schools across the Commonwealth. The Guard members will begin training this week and begin administering COVID-19 testing in selected schools on Monday, October 18.

Governor Baker will also activate up to 250 Massachusetts National Guard personnel as a contingency measure in anticipation of possible staffing shortages at DOC. This week Guard personnel will begin training to assist the DOC, if necessary, with transportation and exterior security functions.  

In close coordination with public safety officials, the DOC continues preparations for the possibility of a reduction in DOC staffing levels due to non-compliance with Executive Order 595 <https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-595-implementing-a-requirement-for-covid-19-vaccination-for-the-commonwealths-executive-department-employees>, which requires all Executive Department employees to demonstrate proof of vaccination against COVID-19 by October 17. Activating the Guard in advance of the deadline allows for Guard personnel to immediately begin job-specific training and assume roles, if needed, in the event of a reduction in DOC staffing levels. 

The availability of support from the National Guard will safeguard DOC operational continuity and continued access to services and programming for inmates. The DOC is further prepared to augment correction staff with the return of retired correction officers in addition to Guard personnel.

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, Massachusetts reported just under 10,000 new cases of COVID-19 in the week ending Sunday.The number of new cases is down 8.2% from the previous week. Massachusetts ranked 41st among the states where Coronavirus was spreading the fastest on a per-person basis. In the latest week, cases in the United States decreased 12.6% from the week before, with just over 656,000 cases reported. 

Bristol County has reported around 1100 new cases and 11 deaths in the latest week. Massachusetts ranked second among states with people who have received  at least one shot, with 78% of its residents at least partially vaccinated.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, police in Albany, New York are investigating a shooting that left a New Bedford man dead and six others with injuries. Police received a report of shots fired at approximately 11 P.M. Saturday. They arrived to find 29-year-old Alexander Bolton with a gunshot wound to the torso.

NBC 10 is also reporting he had been living with his mother in New Bedford, but was visiting his father near Albany over the weekend. He was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Six other men were treated at the hospital for gunshot wounds. Police described their injuries as non-life-threatening. A motive for the shooting has not been released.

After more than a year and a half, fans returned to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence on Saturday night.

According to CBS 12, fans were excited to be back at “The Dunk” to see the Providence Bruins exhibition matchup with the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Dunk is also offering vaccines for all of their events in October, including when the WWE comes to town.

Saturday night was a trial run at the dunk with just 3000 tickets sold but they expect to have a packed house for opening night.

According to NBC 10, an investigation continues into what caused a massive fire at a 25-acre auto auction yard in Taunton. The blaze broke out at insurance auto auctions on Myricks Street around 5:30 P.M. on Friday night and took firefighters multiple hours to knock down. 

Deputy Chief Scott Dexter said shortly after the flames were knocked down that tires and airbags exploded during the fire. Heavy Machinery had to be brought in to move cars away from others that were burning. The fight against the fire lasted for approximately two-and-a-half hours. Thirty of the 4000 cars in the lot were destroyed by fire, many others were damaged.

The fire department is working with local and state police to determine how it started. Luckily, nobody was hurt.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a Brockton Police Officer is recovering after he was shot several times while responding to a home yesterday. Police were initially called to Taber Avenue after receiving several reports of shots fired in the area. The officer was shot four times by the suspect, who at the time was retreating into his home.

The officer was rushed to Boston Medical Center with injuries that aren’t believed to be life threatening. The shooting led to an hours-long standoff between the suspect and police, which ended when he shot himself outside of his home.

The suspect was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Police later discovered a man’s body inside a vehicle near the home. The victim had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing

What started as a shutdown to take out and even to outdoor dining only , restaurants continue to have new problems in the industry; this time it's a lack of kitchen staff. 

According to the digital edition of the Fall River Herald, south coast restaurants are facing labor shortages despite a 10% increase in hourly wages for limited-service workers year over year. This year has seen a 70%  increase in job vacancies and 10% decrease in people searching for work.

Owners say getting people to just apply for a job has been a challenge. Some say they’ve had to reduce hours at a few of their restaurants and also have been forced to stop taking events. 

One of the Co-Conspirators in the Jasiel Correia II Marijuana Letter of Non Opposistion Saga that resulted in the former Fall River Mayor being convicted of Bribery counts earlier this Spring is now asking the Federal Court in Boston to be included in the restitution order filed versus the former Fall River Mayor.

Hildegar Camara invested $50,000 based on what his attorneys indicated was false and misleading representations regarding the Sno Owl Smart Phone application by Correia. 

Camara told the court in testimony and at sentencing that he had lost his life savings after investing in Sno Owl. 

His attorneys have filed documents with the court claiming their client is a victim under the provisions of the Crime Victims Rights Act along with two other federal restitution acts. 

Camara avoided jail time for his role as a middleman in the marijuana portion of the case. 

The New England Patriots are 1-3 in the AFC East, and 1-3 ATS thus far in the 2021-22 NFL Season, as the Patriots are -9.5 road favorites versus Houston on Sunday. 

The Patriots Radio Network will begin coverage Sunday Morning starting at 10am with a 1pm kickoff. 

The Patriots were 7 point home underdogs versus Tampa Bay last Sunday in Foxboro. 

The American League Wild Card will be decided tonight at Fenway Park versus the Red Sox and New York Yankees, with the winner going to Tampa for a best-of-5 ALDS that starts later this week. 

Coverage on WSAR at 95.5 and 1480 starts at 7:07pm with an 8:07 first pitch. 

WSAR noted that bleacher tickets were avaliable as of Monday. 

With millions of dollars entering southern New England under the American Rescue Plan act, a relief plan created by congress to assist in pandemic recovery, some south-coast cities have spent it differently so far.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Fall River, of the $69 million received, has only spent $260,000 so far for "Operation Compass" which Mayor Paul Coogan's office said it “provides funding for police overtime, the purchasing of new surveillance equipment and other means to improve public safety.”

Fall River also created an American Rescue Plan Advisory Panel that is supposed to make recommendations on how the rest of the money should be used, and two public meetings were held over the summer to solicit input from residents.

In New Bedford, the city has not spent a dime of their $64 million yet as New Bedford mayor Jon Mitchell said he wants to spend the money on “one-time items,” rather than new permanent programs that would eventually need city revenue once federal funds run out.

Taunton, who received just under $21 million have spent over $424,000 on T.R.U.E. Diversity, a summer program to help disadvantaged young people, and Boys and Girls Club of Metro South for on-site social workers to provide mental-health support to young residents at various sites.

According to NBC 10, a Massachusetts man who was the first person charged under a Rhode Island law that provides for stiff punishments for people who sell illicit drugs that result in death.

The 57-year-old Cary Pacheco, of Westport, was sentenced last week after pleading no contest to selling the fentanyl that resulted in the death of Andrew Paiva in Newport in 2018. Pacheco was charged under Kristen's law, a 2018 law that establishes a penalty of up to life in prison for anyone who delivers a controlled substance that results in death.

He will spend 18 years in prison.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, a 62-year-old man was seriously injured in a car versus pedestrian crash in Warwick. It happened just after seven o’clock on Sunday night when the man entered the roadway, not in a crosswalk, when he was struck by a Honda Accord. The driver immediately stopped and remained on the scene.

Police said the victim was semi responsive in the roadway when first responders arrived. He was transported to Rhode Island Hospital where he remains in critical care.

Initial investigation determined speed and alcohol do not appear to be involved.

According to NBC 10, despite having the highest vaccination rates in the country, New England still remains a strong area of effect with COVID-19. Hospitals across the region are seeing full intensive care units and staff shortages are starting to affect care. Public officials are pleading with the unvaccinated to get the shots.

Even though parts of New England are seeing record case counts, hospitalizations and deaths that rival pre-vaccine peaks, the region hasn’t seen the impact the delta variant wave has brought on other parts of the country.

According to the Associated Press, full vaccination rates across the six New England states range from a high of 69.4% in Vermont to 61.5% in New Hampshire. Despite the relatively high vaccination rates there are still hundreds of thousands of people across the region who, for one reason or another, remain unvaccinated and vulnerable to infection.

According to CBS 12 in Providence, Merck & Co. said Friday that its experimental COVID-19 pill reduced hospitalizations and deaths by half in people recently infected with the Coronavirus and plans to have health officials in the U.S. and around the world to authorize it. If cleared, Merck’s drug would be the first pill shown to treat COVID-19. All COVID-19 therapies now authorized in the U.S. require an IV or injection. Health experts including the top U.S. infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci has long called for a convenient pill that patients could take when COVID-19 symptoms first appear, much like how the medication Tamiflu helps fight Influenza.

The U.S. Government has committed to purchase 1.7 million doses of the drug if it is authorized by the FDA. Merck has said it can produce 10 million doses by the end of the year and has contracts with governments worldwide. The company has not announced prices.

Several other companies, including Pfizer, are studying similar drugs that could report results in the coming weeks and months.

With the return of New England Patriot Legend and future Hall of Famer, Tom Brady this week, as Brady's new team, defending Super Bowl Champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, more media coverage follows and has reached Gillette Stadium for a special event. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, for the first time in Patriots franchise history, the Today Show and NBC’s Nightly News are broadcasting from Gillette Stadium today.

The long-awaited match up between Belichick and Brady has accumulated the expected hype and more with record setting ticket prices, a primetime television broadcast, and an expectation to be the most watched major sports game in the country.

Bristol Community College and BayCoast Bank announce new BayCoast Bank Scholars program, providing high school students an opportunity to gain free college credits and career experience? 

Bristol Community College is proud to announce the new BayCoast Bank Scholars program. This innovative scholarship and apprenticeship program was developed in collaboration with BayCoast Bank and intended to assist students from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds to earn their Associate Degree in business at Bristol and bachelor's degree in business management, at the University of Massachusetts, while working at BayCoast Bank and gaining valuable professional experience. In addition to providing students with a jump start on their careers, while earning college credits in a supportive college environment, the privately funded initiative is also supporting BayCoast Bank’s commitment to a diversified banking workforce throughout their institution, as well as both organizations’ shared commitment to fostering a college-going culture in the region. 
 
Through BayCoast Bank’s generous financial support, students selected for the collaboration by B.M.C. Durfee High School, in Fall River and neighboring New Bedford High School, are able to complete their Associate Degree in business at Bristol, free of charge, including tuition, fees, books, technology and other expenses. Upon completion from Bristol, students in the program will receive guaranteed transfer into the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Business Management program to complete their bachelor's degree.  
 
Bristol’s courses are uniquely offered by the college’s accelerated FastTrack Business program, in hybrid and online formats, allowing students to quickly complete their associate degree in one year, before seamlessly transferring and completing their undergraduate degree in a total of three years. Students in the program are provided with a dedicated academic advisor and access to wrap-around tutoring services to support student success and encourage completion. Students in the BayCoast Bank Scholars Program also benefit from one-to-one mentors from within the Branch network and the company’s Management Team. 
 
BayCoast Bank is a successful community bank serving the people and businesses of southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Bank upholds the time-honored belief in community involvement and provides a wide range of financial services. For more information about BayCoast Bank, please visit https://www.baycoastbank.com/home/home.