It was certainly a busy 2022 in Dartmouth.

The past 12 months saw a number of new faces get elected to local office, a resident as involved in a tri-state chase, the closure of Big Value Outlet, the cleanup of toxic soil in Bliss Corner, and one of Dartmouth’s own got to be featured in a Disney film.

Here’s a look back at some of the top stories that appeared in Dartmouth Week in 2022:

‘Indian’ reaffirmed

After more than three years of debate, the School Committee on April 25 voted 3-1 to reaffirm the high school’s controversial “Indian” name and logo, ensuring the symbol’s continued use at the institution.

The vote came after more than 80% of voters signaled their support for keeping the logo in a non-binding referendum in this year’s town election, which was held April 5. 

In the leadup to the vote, some tribal representatives spoke about the pain of having their culture reduced to a single warrior image, while others said they are proud to have a logo that accurately depicts their ancestors. 

Following the School Committee’s decision, the town formed a committee consisting of town and school officials to work on reviewing the culture, history and diversity of indigenous peoples “in a manner that prioritizes education, reconciliation and appropriate advocacy.”

The group is currently working toward holding a cultural event some time next year. 

Private entities like Round the Bend Farm, have gotten the ball rolling by holding its first annual “Wampanoag Experience Powwow” this September.

At Cushman School, families were able to learn more about the Mashpee tribe and its history through a display of items, along with taking part in traditional dances at the school’s inaugural fall festival.

New faces

This year’s town election saw voters elect a number of new faces to Dartmouth’s boards and committees. Among those taking office for the first time include Heidi Brooks on Select Board, who defeated two-term incumbent John Haran. 

For the Planning Board, challenger Dr. Nicholas Psichopaidas overwhelmingly defeated incumbent Steve Taylor 2,313 votes to 1,847.

In the race for Library Trustee, Lisa Tufano was elected to fill out the remaining term of the late Suzanne McDonald, whose legacy lives on with a community room at the North Branch library named in her honor.

Incumbents Chris Oliver and John Nunes retained their seats on the School Committee. Meanwhile, school officials are beginning the search for a new superintendent, as current superintendent Dr. Bonny Gifford announced she will retire in March 2023.

Incumbents also fared well in the September primary, as State Rep. Chris Makey was re-elected to another term in office after fending off challenger Cameron Costa in his first primary challenge since 2014. Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn III also cruised to reelection after beating challenger Shannon McMahon.

Later in the year, Dartmouth helped to elect Paul Heroux to be the next sheriff of Bristol County, defeating longtime incumbent Thomas Hodgson in a close race in November.

New leaders were also appointed to lead a number of non-elected posts this year.

Dartmouth High now has Ryan Shea as its principal, along with new coaches for hockey, basketball, and girls lacrosse. Bishop Stang also saw a change in leadership, with James Benson named its newest principal in April.

The Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust also gained a new leader, as Nick Wildman was named the new executive director of the land trust. He replaces Dexter Mead, who retired after 18 years at the nonprofit.

Shakeup at Fire District 2

After months of meetings, controversy and deliberation, Dartmouth’s Fire District 2 has a new chief. 

The Fire District 2 Prudential Committee appointed Erick Turcotte, a current lieutenant with Dartmouth’s Fire District 1, as District 2 chief beginning on Dec. 27.

Turcotte succeeds Deputy Chief Wayne Thomas who has served as acting District 2 fire chief since Nov. 16. Thomas himself took over for former acting chief Greg Edgcomb, who was dismissed from the position after implying that he might take legal action against the district over open meeting law violations. 

Scott Brooks II, a sergeant in the Dartmouth Police Department who was previously considered for the position, withdrew his application, said the prudential committee.

Environmental cleanups

This summer saw the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency begin its cleanup of toxic soil from five home’s in the town’s Bliss Corner neighborhood.

The clean-up is the result of years of investigation. Back in 2018, the state began looking into reports of historic dumping in the neighborhood dating back to the 1950s.

As crews began to dig into the South Dartmouth ground, they unearthed objects such as old tires, bottles, and rusted signs. More importantly, the EPA  found contaminants less visible to the naked eye: toxic materials such as lead and polychlorinated biphenyls — also known as PCBs. 

It is possible cleanup efforts can expand beyond the five homes, but liability is currently disputed between the town and the state. According to the EPA, soil around 20 Bliss Corner properties are well above the federal lead level.

The town and state are also at odds over a different environmental cleanup: nitrogen pollution caused by septic systems. Proponents argue updating the systems are the best step in cleaning up coastal waters, while local officials wonder if the state’s proposed changes to its Title V regulations are applicable to the South Coast. 

Many in town also feel their voices were left out of the drafting process.

Farmers, meanwhile, had to deal with one of the worst droughts in recent memory, with high temperatures and little rainfall causing topsoil to dry into a fine dust that is difficult to work with and inhospitable for planting.