Before we begin the new week in earnest, we’re taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.
Top stories this past week included:
Freetown-Lakeville Superintendent Alan Strauss resigned from his position, citing “abusive treatment.” Here’s what we know, as of this writing.
Our picks for the 2024 Taunton Daily Gazette Golf All-Scholastics, the 2024 Taunton Daily Gazette Girls Cross Country All-Scholastics, and the 2024 Taunton Daily Gazette Boys Cross Country All-Scholastics.
Taunton Eats took a look at which local organizations that Riverhouse is helping out with proceeds from igloo reservations.
What to know about the Bridgewater Prom Expo.
A Taunton woman won a $1 million dollar grand prize as part of the state lottery’s “Waves of Cash” game. Here’s what she’ll do with her winnings.
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a contemporary cape in Taunton that sold for $735,000. The house on Black Pond Lane has a custom-designed kitchen with a large island, a spacious family room, a stunning primary ensuite, and a convenient playroom. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Fall River diocese, Freetown-Lakeville schools hit with lawsuits over Taunton child rapist
The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District and the head of the Diocese of Fall River Bishop Edgar M. Cunha have each been sued in connection with a case where a Taunton man raped a 14-year-old child who he interacted with as a substitute teacher and a Sunday school teacher.
Taunton resident Gilbert Hernandez was sentenced in 2024 to multiple decades in prison in Fall River Superior Court for charges that included rape of a child and rape of a child with force, according to a Fall River Herald News article. The incidents took place in 2018.
On Tuesday, the victim, who was identified using the pseudonym Jane Jones, filed two lawsuits against the Freetown-Lakeville School District, the bishop, Hernandez, and employees of the Fall River diocese.
Freetown Lakeville Middle School
This is what we know, as of this writing.
Lawsuits: Fall River diocese, Freetown-Lakeville schools hit with lawsuits over Taunton child rapist
Taunton city councilor wants to put veterans housing in former school. Here’s her plan
Would the former Maxham Elementary School be better suited for housing for seniors and veterans?
City Councilor Estele Borges said she believes the answer is yes.
“I want what’s best for our seniors and veterans. I believe in giving them the quality of life they deserve, but it has to be in the right place,” Borges told the Gazette.
The former Maxham Elementary School in Taunton, 141 Oak St., has been the home to numerous City Departments since 2010 when City Hall was the victim of a fire caused by arson. Photo taken January 6, 2025
Here’s her plan.
Housing: Taunton city councilor wants to put veterans housing in former school. Here’s her plan
Kelly Dooner takes reins as Taunton’s new state senator
Kelly Dooner, a Republican and former Taunton city councilor, was sworn in as the new state senator for the 3rd Plymouth and Bristol District.
She’ll be representing Berkley, Carver, Dighton, Marion, Middleborough, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Taunton and Wareham.
Senators Ryan Fattman, Peter Durant, Bruce Tarr, Kelly Dooner and Patrick O’Connor.
These are her legislative priorities.
New state senator: Kelly Dooner takes reins as Taunton’s new state senator. Here are her priorities
Lakeville man indicted in deadly 4-vehicle OUI crash, DA’s office says
A Lakeville man was indicted on Jan. 3 on a murder charge after allegedly causing a fatal four-vehicle crash while driving drunk in 2024, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office said.
The crash, on Jan. 19, 2024, claimed the life of 75-year-old Richard Reed of Lakeville.
David DeLorenzo, 74, was indicted by a grand jury in Plymouth County Superior Court on the following charges: second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating a motor vehicle, homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, four counts of assault and battery with a deadly weapon and reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
This is what we know, as of this writing.
Facing charges: Lakeville man indicted in deadly 4-vehicle OUI crash, DA’s office says
Freda’s restaurant in West Bridgewater closes after 38 years. What’s next?
Freda’s restaurant in West Bridgewater said goodbye, after 38 years, on Dec. 28, 2024.
The restaurant was named for owner Steve Stathis’ mother, Freda.
Stathis said he’s retiring and will be spending his days hanging out with his grandson.
Owner Steve Stathis is outside Freda’s, 105 Copeland St., West Bridgewater, on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, two days after he retired and the restaurant closed after 38 years.
What’s next for the restaurant space?
‘Years of laughter and memories’: Freda’s restaurant closes after 38 years. What’s next?
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories: Fall River diocese, Freetown-Lakeville schools sued