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Crypto ATMs, snow removal bylaw among possible Town Meeting discussions

ATM

Four months out from Town Meeting, what members will be asked to vote on is already beginning to take shape. Besides the routine agenda items like approving the town budget, Town Administrator Cody Haddad proposed two additional ones: changing the...

School Committee announces $59 million Fiscal Year budget request

A breakdown of the Fiscal Year 27 budget request. Source: DHSTVmedia

As the deadline to submit a budget for Fiscal Year 2027 approaches, the Dartmouth School Committee is looking to request $59,277,916, which is about 7% higher than last year's budget. Superintendent June Saba-Maguire noted that creating the budget...

Stinking up the Humane Society with love from the animals

One of the bonded kittens was more focused on getting pets. Photos by Kat Sheridan

Valentine’s Day is a holiday to celebrate love, with pink hearts and chocolate boxes. But what about people who aren’t feeling good about love and don’t want to celebrate the holiday in the traditional puppy-love way? The Humane Society & Shelter...

Dartmouth man let out on bail following vehicle homicide that killed one, injured another

Andrew Johansen being brought into court. Photos by Kat Sheridan

A Dartmouth man charged with vehicular homicide, resulting in the death of one woman, has been released on bail after an arraignment in New Bedford District Court. The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, when Andrew Johansen...

Dartmouth man charged with killing an elderly woman, injuring another in fatal accident

New Bedford District Court stock photo.

Andrew Johansen, 34, of Dartmouth has been accused of killing a 70-year-old woman and injuring another woman in a motor vehicle accident that occurred around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6. Both women were pedestrians at the intersection of Route 18...

Former Dartmouth man found not guilty for half sister's murder

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Former Dartmouth resident David Reed, who was accused of killing his half sister with a conch shell in 2001, has been found not guilty. Reed's half sister Rose Marie Moniz had been found dead at her home on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford on March...

Things to do: Week of Feb. 5

file photo

Saturday, Feb. 7 Sinking of the S.S. Larchmont Learn about the sinking of the S.S. Larchmont off Watch Hill, which occurred in February of 1907. The sinking occurred when the ship collided with the schooner Harry Knowlton three miles offshore....

Planning Board race sees two potential contenders so far

File photo

As the Annual Town Election approaches, Planning Board incumbent Kevin Estes may face some competition from challenger Joel Smith. As of Tuesday, Feb. 3, Estes and Smith are the only two people to have taken out nomination papers for the Planning...

Who let the dogs out to fro-lick through the snow?

Margo Hand and Millie start their walk. Photos by Kat Sheridan

After a freezing cold spell, residents enjoyed comparatively spring-like temperatures of high 20s to low 30s degrees on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Ducks swam in the partially melted ponds, dogs with both thick fur and cloth coats frolicked through the snowy...

Finding shelter from the cold through the Continuum of Care

moby dick motel

Every year from mid-November to the end of March, the Bristol County Continuum of Care provides shelter to the homeless when it's below 30 degrees or when there's bad weather. What first began as a shelter in the basement of Sister Rose's House — a...

Groundhogs predict a longer winter

Punxsutawney Phil predicts 6 more weeks of winter. Source: AP News

After last weekend's snowstorm and the string of below freezing days, spring may not arrive for six more weeks, at least according to the groundhogs. Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog from Pennsylvania, saw his shadow early on Monday, Feb. 2. He...

Temps may be low, but spirits are high as residents brave the cold

Dartmouth may have been spared from more snowfall Sunday, but the town still faced the bitter cold as temperatures never rose above 21 degrees and the windchill made it feel colder. But despite the cold, residents braved the outdoors. Cars pulled in...

Chris Markey officially announces candidacy for District Attorney

Chris Markey speaks at the Fall River District Court. Photo by Kat Sheridan

“I pledge to be the fearless district attorney you would want if your child was a victim of a crime,” Markey said. “I also pledge to be the thoughtful and fair minded district attorney if your child was ever to be charged with a crime.” After 15...

UMass Dartmouth celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.'s memory at 24th annual breakfast

Dr. Keisha Blain gives her keynote speech. Photos by Kat Sheridan

“I want you to know the names,” said Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in the ‘I've Been to the Mountaintop’ speech that he gave on April 3, 1968, “That we and the people will get to the promised land.” UMass Dartmouth held their 24th annual Martin...

Four years after phone policies implemented, teachers pleased but students less so

Anna Spinelli browses her phone. Photo by Kat Sheridan

Four years ago, Dartmouth High School enforced “Cell Hotels” for students to put their phones in during classes. Now the administration says that it’s had a positive impact on both students’ social and academic lives. Under the policy established...

Dartmouth middle schoolers take a peek at some future career opportunities

students learning

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Dartmouth Middle School seventh graders got a glimpse into their potential future career paths in the school’s annual career day. Twenty-nine local professionals attended the event to share their jobs with over 280 students...

School choice program to continue into 2026-2027 school year

chris oliver

Dartmouth Public Schools' school choice program is set to return for the 2026-2027 academic year. The school choice program, which began in 2016, gives high school students from neighboring towns the opportunity to attend Dartmouth High School. This...

School Committee sets 2026-2027 school calendar

The calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year for Dartmouth Public Schools has been set. The school year will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and the last day is set for Thursday, June 17. Unlike previous years, students will have Dec. 23 off, with...

New grill and bakery to grill up local and cultural flavors

Ellie Paris in the door of the new grill and bakery. Source: Ellie Paris

Cape Verde, Portugal and Brazil are coming to Dartmouth. At least, the cuisine will be when The Grill Basket Express opens in the 15 State Road Shaws plaza. “I think there’s no better legacy than impacting other people and inspiring and motivating...

Buzzards Bay Coalition protects four new properties with conservation restrictions

Over 37 acres of land will be protected and placed under conservation restrictions with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, permanently protecting the private properties from any future development plans. A conservation restriction allows a land owner to...

Storm dumps foot of snow, see how Dartmouth responded

The town sign in the snow. Photos by Kat Sheridan

After snowing all day Sunday and into early Monday morning, Dartmouth ended up with a little over 12 inches of snow as of 8:30 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Most people stayed in on Sunday, making soup and hot cocoa, organizing...

State Rep. Christopher Markey to run for Bristol County District Attorney

chris markey

After serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for 15 years, state Rep. Christopher Markey is looking to switch gears and run for Bristol County District Attorney. On Wednesday, Jan. 21, District Attorney Thomas Quinn announced that he...

Snow day is snow problem as Dartmouth continues to face winter storm

The frozen Padanaram Harbor. Photo by Mari Huglin

As the winter storm that started this morning continues into the evening and Monday morning, Dartmouth has gotten around 14 inches of light and powdery snow as of 12 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 26. The snow is estimated to turn into potential mixed...

Non-essential town functions closed Monday

Stock image of Town Hall.

Non-essential town facilities will be closed on Monday, Jan. 25 and resume on Tuesday, Jan. 26. School will be canceled and trash pick up will be on Tuesday, Jan. 26. The select board meeting will be happening virtually and the school board...

State Rep. Christopher Markey to not seek reelection, will run for Bristol County District Attorney

Christopher Markey

After 15 years of serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, state Rep. Christopher Markey will not be seeking reelection this November. Instead, he will be running for Bristol County District Attorney, a position now open as incumbent...

Residents make their final preparations for impending snow storm

Nearly every shopping cart at the Shaw's on State Road was in use on Saturday, Jan. 24 as residents prepared for the upcoming storm that's projected to bring between 8 and 15 inches of snow. With one day remaining before the storm's arrival,...

Dartmouth prepares for impending snow storm

Stock photo of the Department of Public Works.

With Dartmouth expected to get between eight and 15 inches of snow onSunday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 26, the Department of Public Works and the town are taking preparations and have some tips. A parking ban will be in effect from 9 a.m. Sunday to...

Dartmouth, New Bedford residents go out in the cold to protest I.C.E.

An American flag waves over a sign against I.C.E. Photos by Kat Sheridan

“We have to come out and show people that not everybody stands behind these terrible crimes of I.C.E.,” said Rafael Pizarro of New Bedford. “People are willing even in this cold to come out and have their voices heard. I think it’s important to do...

Prestige car wash water shut off for bylaw violations

A picture of Prestige Car Wash. Source: Katie Boss

The Department of Public Works denied TD Construction a utility layer license, which allows contractors to work on sewer and water pipes, during the Thursday, Jan. 22 Board of Public Works meeting. The company was working on Prestige Car Wash on...

Sherbrooke Farms traffic, civil and environmental concerns discussed at Zoning Board meeting

Part of the Sherbrooke Farms land. Photos by Kat Sheridan

The petitioners for Sherbrooke Farms granted the Zoning Board of Appeals an extension on their application decision, giving them until May 14 to have public meetings about the 40B apartment building application. Sherbrooke Farms would have 156...

Zoning board approves Audi/Volkswagen dealership

A sky view of the land between the Dartmouth Collision Center (left) and the Walmart (right). Source: Google Earth

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the request to build an Audi and Volkswagen dealership during the Thursday, Jan. 22 meeting. This will be located between the Walmart and Dartmouth Collision Center on State Road. Chair Michael Medeiros stated...

District Attorney Thomas Quinn to not seek reelection

Thomas Quinn. Source: District Attorney's Office

After serving nearly 12 years as the Bristol County District Attorney, Thomas Quinn will not be seeking reelection for a fourth term. He did not say why he decided to not seek reelection. Quinn grew up in Bristol County and became a prosecutor 40...

Fire breaks out on Hixville Road, no one injured

Damage done to the interior of the house. Source: Stacy Mangan

A fire broke out at a house on Hixville Road on Friday, Jan. 16. One person and dog escaped, while another dog died in the fire. The source of the fire is unknown at this time. The other three inhabitants were uninjured as well. The basement and...

Bristol County Jail eliminates nearly $3 million

In an effort to prioritize jail operations, Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux has eliminated nearly $3 million in non-jail positions within the Bristol County Sheriff’s Department. The units that saw positions eliminated or left vacated are COVID...

Schwartz School student selected for 50th annual Meeting Street Telethon

surf

When Alex Murphy of West Bridgewater was still in his mother’s womb he had a stroke that caused him to be born with a number of complex medical needs. Murphy was born with microcephaly, which causes a baby’s brain to be smaller than average and...

Rhode Island man sentenced for assault, robbery in Dartmouth

The Fall River Superior Court. Photo by Kat Sheridan

Muhammad Sheikh, 41 of Woonsocket, Rhode Island was sentenced to serve two years at the state prison and three years of supervised probation for assault and robbery at the King Smoke Shop at 245 State Road. He was charged with armed robbery,...

No school but snow much fun

Avarey Landgrof, 7, tips over in her sled.

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, kids spent their day off frolicking in the snow. There were snowmen built, sleds sliding down the hill behind Dartmouth Middle School and snow ball fights. Snow started early Sunday morning, and continued into...

UMass Dartmouth earns prestigious Carnegie classification

UMass Dartmouth

UMass Dartmouth is among the 5% of colleges and universities that have been nationally recognized with the 2026 Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement for its community engagement initiatives. The Carnegie Elective Classification...

Parking ban in effect until 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19

A parking ban will be in effect from 12 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18 until 12 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 due to snow conditions. Vehicles shouldn't be parked on the hydrant side of the street. If there isn't a hydrant, park on the even house numbered side.

Round the Bend Farm has their first winter open farm day

Two children run along the stone fence at Round the Bend Farm. Photos by Kat Sheridan

It may be January but it wasn’t too cold for a farm dog to beg for homemade food while kids ran around and explored nature at the first ever winter open farm day at Round the Bend Farm. “I think we relax when we’re in nature, I think we’re tuned...

Fourth graders sing a chorus or two

Three girls from the Potter School sing a solo during the concert. Photo by Kat Sheridan

“Really, this concert is a gift to you,” a DeMello School fourth grader told the audience during the school's winter concert, “I’m sure you’ll agree once you hear us singing like absolute angels.” The DeMello, Potter and Quinn Schools held their...

Select Board seat up for grabs in upcoming Town Election

voting

As the Annual Town Election cycle kicks into gear, the race for a spot on the Select Board is the only potentially contentious one so far. As of Wednesday, Jan. 15, four people have taken out nomination papers for an open seat on the Select Board,...

Parks and Recreation department hosts hip hop classes

The Department of Parks and Recreation is hosting hip hop dance classes for ages five to 13. The classes will be on Wednesdays from Jan. 28 to March 25 with no class on Feb. 18. Students will learn the latest dance moves to popular music. The...

Parks and Recreation department holds a theater class

Magic mirror on the wall, who will be Snow White in the Department of Parks and Recreation play? Anyone ages five to 15 is welcome to try out and get a chance to be Snow White, or anyone in the musical. The theater class will teach kids the basics...

Princesses in Dartmouth

Camila Sovik, age 6, stirs some sugar into her tea. Photos by Kat Sheridan

Kids got all dressed up in nice dresses and pretty headbands to go to church, but not for worship. Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church had a high tea on Sunday, Jan. 11. “I thought it’d be fun,” said Kanie Semedo, age 7. About 25 people came out to...

Zoning board approves 56-unit luxury apartment building

The site of the pending luxury apartment building. Photo by Kat Sheridan

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a 56-unit luxury apartment building, to be built at 806 to 808 State Road at a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 8. The developer’s representative, John Markey, wrote a draft decision for the board to read over and...

A new Audi and Volkswagen dealership could be coming to Dartmouth

The lot that could become a car dealership. Source: Town of Dartmouth.

The Zoning Board of Appeals heard the case for a new Audi and Volkswagen dealership that could be built on State Road, between the Walmart and Dartmouth Collision Center. They have scheduled a second meeting to consider potential impacts of their...