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:
Scenes from Taunton’s Winter Wonderland.
In local sports: Greater Taunton area boys basketball players to watch this winter, Greater Taunton area hockey players to watch this winter, and Greater Taunton area wrestlers to watch this winter.
The Raynham Police Department is set to conduct random alcohol compliance checks at local establishments in the coming weeks.
Taunton High School math teacher Lisa Dermody recently completed the New York City Marathon.
Thirteen Taunton Public Schools students received perfect scores on the 2024 MCAS tests.
A look at some scholarships available to Taunton-area students.
The Trescott Street Gallery is inviting artists to submit work for its January 2025 exhibit, “Echoes of Winter.”
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell and East Coast Towing have joined forces for their annual toy drive, benefiting Citizens for Citizens’ Operation Christmas.
A look at some new restaurants that plan to open in the Taunton area in 2025.
Kinfolks BBQ has been forced to close its newly-opened second location in Seekonk due to circumstances beyond its control.
Taunton will be building three new fire stations.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
What probation conditions were placed on Taunton mayor? What court documents say
The continued without a finding verdict in Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell’s domestic violence court case comes with more consequences than if the charges were merely dismissed, which is the outcome that O’Connell’s lawyer initially sought.
A Judge rejected O’Connell’s request to dismiss the charges in a hearing in October, and as a result the case was headed towards a jury trial, but in the end, O’Connell’s lawyer and the prosecuting attorney were able to come to an agreement.
Taunton Mayor Shaunna O’Connell walks to the podium at Attleboro District Court with attorney Jay McMahon on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, in her domestic violence case
Here is what the continued without a finding verdict means, and what are the conditions of O’Connell’s administrative probation.
Continued without a finding: What probation conditions were placed on Taunton mayor? What court documents say
Dighton-Rehoboth principal resigns mid-school year
Dighton-Rehoboth high school Principal Jacqueline Ash has announced her resignation after 18 months in the position.
Her last day will be Jan. 17, 2025.
“After 38 years in education, the time has come for me to begin a new chapter, though leaving this exceptional school community will not be easy. It has truly been a privilege to serve as your principal and to witness the remarkable growth and success of our students,” said Ash in her resignation letter.
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Principal Jacqueline Ash.
Dighton-Rehoboth Regional High School Assistant Principal Dustin Demers has been appointed acting principal.
‘Will be sorely missed’: Dighton-Rehoboth principal resigns mid-school year
Free trash bags for Taunton seniors
Mayor Shaunna O’Connell announced in a press release that seniors in Taunton will enjoy another year of free trash bags.
After an initial rollout in 2020, the program has evolved, to offer free trash bags to all seniors 65 and older who live in a 1-4 unit building, regardless of income level.
Here’s how eligible seniors can apply.
Free trash bag program: Did you know Taunton seniors can get free trash bags regardless of income? How it works
Did your favorite food or drink spot in Taunton close in 2024? Here’s a look at some
This story about the local restaurant scene took a look at some of the restaurants that unfortunately closed in 2024.
Local restaurants: Did your favorite food or drink spot in Taunton close in 2024? Here’s a look at some
Taunton icon Tex Barry’s reopens. Here’s what owner says is their secret to success
Tex Barry’s has reopened, with some new upgrades, but also with the classic formula that has served them well for more than six decades.
Namely, their signature chili meat sauce.
It’s a secret recipe, and owner Michael Keene is the only one who makes the chili used for Tex Barry’s chili dogs.
Tex Barry’s, at 15 Main St. in Taunton, recently reopened after eight months of renovations. Despite the new features and upgrades, the place retains its 50s diner atmosphere, seen here on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.
Keene dishes on the secret to the beloved hot dog joint’s success.
Tex Barry’s is back: Iconic Taunton hot dog joint reopens. Here’s what owner says is their secret to success
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Top stories:Taunton mayor’s probation conditions; D-R principal resigns