March 31, 2009 - On
March 29, 2009 at approximately 02:19 AM, Norton Police received
a call reporting a vehicle had run off the roadway on Freeman
Street at Gary Road. The caller reported the vehicle was parked
on the sidewalk.
Ptlm.
Charles Turcotte arrived and found a vehicle parked on the
sidewalk, still running and headlights on. The passenger side of
the vehicle had run over the granite curbing and the vehicle was
resting on the sidewalk. Sgt. Robert Whitfield arrived to
assist.
As
Ptlm. Turcotte approached the vehicle, he located the operator
of the vehicle, identified as:
Stephen
Lucas, age 47, of 1 Bullock Drive, Norton MA
Lucas
was found to be unconscious behind the wheel of the vehicle.
Ptlm. Turcotte also observed a young boy, approximately nine
years old, to be sleeping in the front passenger seat. After
several attempts to wake Lucas, Ptlm. Turcotte was able to do
so. Lucas was directed to place the vehicle in park and shut the
vehicle off.
Ptlm.
Turcotte observed Lucas to have red, glassy eyes and detected a
strong odor of an alcoholic beverage being emitted by Lucas.
Lucas speech was slurred and he had difficulty maintaining his
balance as he spoke with Officers.
Officers
conducted a series of field sobriety tests and Lucas was
subsequently arrested and charged with the following:
Operating
Under the Influence of Alcohol 2nd Offence
Child Endangerment with Under the Influence of Alcohol
Failure to Stay in Marked Lanes
Drinking Alcohol from an Open Container
The
young boy was transported by police to the boy's mother and
released to her custody.
March 31, 2009 - MassHighway
has begun construction on parts of Rt. 123, including areas on
West Main
Street and Old Colony Road. Work is scheduled Monday - Friday
from 7am to 3:30 pm.
Motorists should expect delays and
seek alternate routes if possible.
March
30, 2009 - Taunton, MA – Senior citizens in Bristol
County are receiving grocery items thanks to the efforts
of The Greater Boston Food Bank, Bristol Elder Services,
Inc. and DeAvila’s Catering at The Columbia Cultural
Center.
(left
to right) Karen Cote, Bristol Elder Services, Christina
Peretti, The Greater Boston Food Bank, Joy and Carlos
DeAvila, DeAvila’s Catering at The Columbia Cultural
Center
On
the fourth Wednesday of each month a truckload of food
staples arrives at the Columbia Cultural Center in the
Myles Standish Industrial Park. The food is unloaded and a
small army of volunteers places eight to 12 items in a
brown bag for delivery to over 600 seniors in more than 15
communities in Bristol County.
"We’re
so happy to be part of this great effort," said
Carlos DeAvila of the Columbia Cultural Center. "We
have the room to sort, bag and get the hundreds of bags of
food items on vehicles and to the various senior centers
throughout the area."
While
DeAvila’s provides the venue, they are also actively
involved in the process. "We get right in there and
sort and package up the items," said Joy DeAvila.
"We’ve been blessed in the hospitality business and
this is our way of giving back."
Seniors
in need of food are encouraged to apply for assistance by
calling Bristol Elder Services at 508.675.2101 to request
a brief one page application. For more information on the
Senior Brown Bag Program visit www.bristolelder.org.
One
of dozens of volunteers packs up a vehicle with food items
to be delivered to seniors in need with the Senior Brown
Bag Program.
Dozens
of bags of food staples packed and ready to go to needy
senior citizens enrolled in the Bristol Elder Services
Brown Bag Program.
March
27, 2009 -
Winslow Farm Animal
Sanctuary, located at 37 Eddy Street in Norton, will be having
several Easter Egg Hunts over the next few weeks. There will be three hunts,
held on the following dates: March 28
& 29, April 4 & 5 and
April 11, all from 12:00 PM to 3 PM.
Annual
Easter Egg Hunts at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary are
not-to-be-missed events! Join children as they hunt for eggs
outside on Winslow's Nature Trail. Then enjoy walking our
beautiful, serene grounds and meet all of our wonderful animals.
Admission
is $8.00 per person for this event. Please check with us if
weather is questionable: www.winslowfarm.com
Candy
donations for this event would be greatly appreciated.
For
further information or directions to the fair, please contact
Winslow Farm phone at 508-285-6451, or by email at wnslofrm@aol.com.
Winslow
Farm Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit animal reserve, which is
owned and operated by Debra White. The farm was established in
1996 for the care of abused and abandoned farm and exotic
animals.
March
26, 2009 - Norton, MA - On Tuesday March 24, four subjects were arrested by Attleboro Police and Norton Police Detectives after an investigation into two residential house breaks.
On
Monday March 23, 2009, two house breaks were reported on
Goldenwood Drive in Norton. Through an investigation by Norton
Police Detective Todd Bramwell and Ptlm. John Chmielinski,
police were able to ascertain a possible suspect vehicle and
suspect information. The suspect information was sent out to
local are police departments.
On Tuesday March 24, area officers were looking for the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was observed on Robison Ave. in Attleboro, by
Ptlm. Rogers, of the Attleboro Police Department. The vehicle was subsequently stopped by Attleboro Police and Norton Police responded to the scene.
The
following individuals were arrested at the scene following a
brief investigation by Det. Bramwell and Attleboro Detective
Sergeant Arthur Brillion:
Calvin
Wiese, age 19 of 17 Indian Rd. Norton MA
Michael
Tierney, age 19, of 5 Whitney Place, Attleboro MA
Travis
O’Neil, age 18, of 18 Fox Den Rd., Attleboro MA
Justin
LaCasse, age 18 of 26 Bicknell St., Attleboro, MA
The
individuals were charged by Attleboro Police with receiving
stolen property over $250. Norton Police charged the individuals
for the two Norton house breaks. The four subjects were held at
the Attleboro Police Station and arraigned Wednesday at the
Attleboro District Court.
Police recovered computers and jewelry that were taken in the
house breaks.
March
25, 2009 - The new Move Over Law, that took effect on March 22,
aims to protect police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck
drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance workers.
The law requires all drivers approaching a stationary emergency
or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next
adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to
reduce their speed. Drivers who violate the Move Over Law face a
fine of up to $100.
“We
want to get the word out to all drivers to help protect our
emergency and maintenance vehicle workers,” EOPSS Director of
Highway Safety Sheila Burgess said at the event, held at State
Police General Headquarters in Framingham. “Making it home
safely can be as simple as slowing down and moving over when you
are faced with vehicles on the side of the road. Not doing so
can have serious or even fatal consequences.”
Every
year, first responders across the country are injured or killed
while providing emergency roadside help. In recent months,
several Massachusetts state troopers have been injured on the
job. According to the Merit Rating Board, in 2008 there were
nearly 2,000 violations of Chapter 89 Sec. 7a which deals with
obstructing emergency vehicles including failure to yield and
following too closely.
“The
Massachusetts State Police know all too dearly the consequences
of drivers failing to use caution when approaching troopers,
local police officers, firefighters, EMTs, tow drivers and
highway workers who are performing their duties at the side of
the road,” said Colonel Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the
State Police. “We are grateful to the Patrick Administration
and the Legislature for making this much needed new law a
priority, and helping protect those whose job is to protect the
public.”
Added
MassHighway Commissioner Luisa Paiewonsky: “Obeying the Move
Over Law will help protect drivers, as well as officers and
highway workers, from needless injury or even death. Highway
safety is a top priority in Massachusetts thanks to a strong
partnership among agencies who are dedicated to saving lives and
reducing injuries on our roadways. This law is an important step
in improving road safety.”
March
22, 2009 - Norton, MA - State Police are investigating
an accident on Route 495 in Norton Sunday morning that
claimed the life of one person and injured several
others.
UPDATE
- March 23, 2009 - On Sunday, March 22, 2009,
at approximately 2:54 a.m., State Police responded to a
two-vehicle crash on Route 495 South prior to Bay Street
(exit 9) in Norton that resulted in one fatality, one
serious injury and four minor injuries.
Preliminary
investigation indicates that a 2004 Nissan Maxima sedan
and a 2003 Infinity G35 coupe were both traveling in
close proximity at a high rate of speed on Route 495
South in Norton when the two vehicles lost control
nearly simultaneously. The Nissan, operated by 27-year-old
Juliano DaSilva of Brockton, exited the road to
the right, rolled over and collided with several trees
before coming to rest in the woods. The Infinity,
operated by 21-year-old Patrick Brandao of
Brockton, also exited the road to the right and
collided with several trees before coming to rest in the
woods. The front seat passenger of the Nissan, 25-year-old
Eduardo Dias of Hyde Park, sustained serious
injuries and was declared deceased at the scene. DaSilva
sustained serious injuries and was transported by
ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital. The rear seat
passenger of the Nissan, 27-year-old Luiz Dias
of Hyde Park, sustained minor injuries and was
transported by ambulance to Morton Hospital. Brandao,
who was not wearing a safety belt, received minor
injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance
to Good Samaritan Hospital. The two passengers of
the Infinity, 25-year-old Johnathan Alves of
Brockton and 20-year-old Wilson
Fernandes of Brockton, were both not wearing
safety belts and were transported by ambulance to Good
Samaritan Hospital for minor injuries.
Due
to the crash investigation and vehicle removal, the
middle lane of Route 495 South was closed for
approximately 2½ hours, and the right lane was closed
for approximately 7 hours.
Renowned Artist
Gail Pittman to Hold Design Showcase
March 19, 2009 -
DEDHAM, MA - Celebrity designer Gail Pittman shares her style
secrets with Boston on March 24 at the Gail Pittman Design
Showcase. Using her quick wit and Southern charm, Pittman will
show guests how to decorate tablescapes and outdoor entertaining
areas for the spring season. Publicity expert Gary Wright joins
Pittman to discuss the style of Southern Living magazine.
Gail Pittman
Pittman runs a
multi-million dollar operation named one of the 500 fastest
growing companies in the country by Inc. magazine. Her work has
also caught the eye of many celebrities. She has created
exclusive work for Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Donald Trump and
Paula Deen.
Wright has worked
developing brand recognition for clients ranging from Martha
Stewart to Oprah Winfrey, from Williams-Sonoma to Pottery Barn.
At party-planning company Southern Living At Home, Wright holds
the position of Director of Marketing and Field Development,
serving as a liaison between that company and Southern Living
magazine.
The Gail Pittman
Design Showcase, hosted by Southern Living At Home, runs from
6-9 p.m. on March 24 at the Dedham Place Hilton Hotel. The event
is open to the general public, but seats are extremely limited.
Tickets are $15, and attendees will be entered in a raffle for
free Southern Living At Home products. For tickets, contact
Christine Dimino at christinedimino@comcast.net
or 508-369-1266.
Nine Lives of Norton
Rabies Clinic will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at
the Norton Fire Station on Route 123, from 2:30pm-4:30pm.
The cost is $12.00 for all cats and small dogs. For
safety, all cats must be in a carrier and dogs must be on a
leash. For more information please contact Nine Lives of
Norton at: 508-285-5159, or ninelivesofnorton@yahoo.com.
Information is also posted on our website: www.ninelivesofnorton.org
One
Day at a Time (Fiction)
Author: Danielle Steel
Review by Shirley
Hogan
About
the Author Danielle
Steel is one of the most popular authors today. She
is an internationally known author, selling over 580
million books world wide. A few of her best sellers
include - A Good Woman, Rogue, Honor
Thyself and Amazing Grace. She also penned His
Bright Light, a story of the life and death of her
son.
Coco
Barrington, born into a wealthy and successful
family, chose a completely different lifestyle
as a dog walker. She lives in a shack on the
beach in a quaint community with hippies and non
conformists from the sixties. Coco is the
daughter of a famous author, who goes by the
name of Florence Flowers and Bernard
"Buzz" Barrington, the most important
literary and drama agent in LA, who died four
years ago. Her sister, Jane, is a very
domineering and successful producer who lives
with her life partner, Liz, and their dog, Jack.
Coco,
having lost her husband in a freak accident
after two years of marriage, decided she liked
her lifestyle, for now, to the dismay of her
family. She turned against her family’s
insistence that she become
"successful" like them. Jane asks her
to house sit in her palatial home and to take
care of Jack while she and Liz go out of town
for a few months to make a movie.
To
Coco’s surprise, a very interesting and
handsome British actor, Leslie Baxter, shows up
to stay while hiding out from a very disturbed
ex-girlfriend. They find they have nothing in
common but the strong attraction is undeniable.
Her whole life seems to be changing overnight.
Jane and Liz make a startling decision and her
mother has taken up with a man half her age.
Danielle
Steel again uses her magic resolving love and
conflicts concerning all family members.
Although it keeps your interest, the excitement
from some of her prior books is not there.
I
have rated this three and a half stars and would
still recommend it. Please email me
at: shirley@tauntonweb.com.
I may include your comments in my next review.
March 7, 2009 - Don't
forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour this weekend.
Daylight savings time begins on the second Sunday
in March officially at 2:00 a.m.
This is a good time
to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and also
your carbon monoxide alarms.
March 7, 2009 -
Perhaps taking a page out of President Barack Obama's campaign
strategy, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is using Twitter
to keep constituents and the media up to speed on his daily
activities.
Twitter is a free
service that lets you keep in touch with people through the
exchange of quick, frequent answers to one simple question: What
are you doing?
March 5, 2009 - The
Spring publication of the Massachusetts Abandoned Property List
is now available and contains 40,000 new individual, businesses
and charities. Abandoned Property includes forgotten savings and
checking accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policy proceeds,
stocks, dividends and contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes.
March 5, 2009 -
Norton, MA -- The 7th Annual Kathy Bailey Memorial Basketball
game is scheduled for Friday, March 6th at 6:30.
Norton Public Safety will take on the Norton Teachers at Norton
High School. Patriots Alumni Jim Bowman and Jon Williams
will be our celebrity referees and DJ Steven Bishop is our
master of Ceremonies! We are also hoping to have a
celebrity guest join us during half time. The Brockton Rox
Mascot will also be at the game to delight our fans! All
proceeds from the game will go to Norton families in need-
families in Norton coping with a terminally ill parent or
families who have lost a parent this year. Below is
a list of the players scheduled for this years game.
For information on
program sponsorship, raffle donation or concession donation
please contact Michelle Petersen at petefam4@comcast.net.
TEAMS
Teachers
Michael O'Rourke-NMS
Heather Caswell-NMS
Tom Arieta-JCS
Sean Oakley-JCS
Megan Oakley-HAY
Christine Paone-NMS
Ronald Frazier-HAY
Michael Brito-NMS
Ray Dewar-NHS
Polak-NHS
Jay Curran-JCS
Kristen Walsh-LGN
Nicole Desorcy- NHS
Bob Bielawa-JCS
Dom Eno-
Kevin Oneil-School Committee
Jen Ryan-JCS
Jenn Carlson-LGN
Police
Jeremy Derosier - NPD
Kevin Schleicher-NPD
Scott Sweeting - NPD
Rachel Samuelson-NPD
Jacob Dennett-NPD
Tom Petersen-NPD
Jim Cameron - NPD
Charlie Turcotte - NPD
Phil Landry-NPD
Kevin Schleicher-NFD
Steve Coffey-Sharon PD
Brian King-NPD
Leah Gray-Communications
Brian Clark-NPD
Steve Francis - NPD
Danielle Laurenti-NPD
John Conroy-MA State Police
Dave Ruskey-NPD
Jesse Winters - NPD
Christine Gordon - Communications
March
4, 2009 - Mansfield, MA -- Matthew Werner, 22, of Brockton, was
arraigned in Attleboro District Court this afternoon on charges of
attempted murder, assault and battery on a child causing
substantial injury, and assault and battery.
Assistant
District Attorney Jessica Lennon requested that Mr. Werner be held
without bail pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing. The
hearing will be held in Attleboro District Court on March 10th,
and Mr. Werner will be held without bail at least until that
hearing.
Mr.
Werner was arrested this morning shortly after 1 a.m. by Mansfield
Police at the Mansfield Holiday Inn. Mr. Werner is accused
of physically assaulting an adult woman from New Hampshire and the
woman's 11-month old daughter.
March
1, 2009 - Norton,
MA
– It's official! NortonReporter.com,
your online source for Norton news and information, officially
launched at 12 midnight on March 1, 2009. Please browse our site,
YOUR site, as it went "live" in February.
NortonReporter
is updated daily with news, features and
photos of Norton. We invite you to visit NortonReporter.com
everyday to see feature
sections including Coupons,
Calendar of
Events, Obituaries
and links to local sites of interest. NortonReporter
will soon launch "Town Talk", our Norton discussion
boards, where you can Sound Off on local issues.
TownWebs,
publisher of NortonReporter.com, launched TauntonWeb.com
on January 1, 2009 and RaynhamWeb.com
on February 1, 2009. While NortonReporter is new,
the TownWebs staff has years of media experience in Bristol
County.
NortonReporter.com
is looking for submissions (press releases, news tips, feature
stories, photos and more) from residents, local businesses and
non-profit organizations. NortonReporter is your
alternative to the current local media covering Norton.
Click
here for the 7News Report
