PFAS in Watson Pond fish; Berkley selectmen resign: Top stories

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:

Raynham having an animal shelter that isn't being used. It's been years in the making, but despite all the money and time put into beautifying and modernizing a space for the shelter, no animals are currently being held or taken there, and there's no timetable as of this writing for when it will be operational. So, how did things reach this point?

The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a waterfront colonial in Dighton that sold for $443,005. Located right on the Taunton River, this Park Avenue home boasts original woodwork throughout, and a large entertaining deck with a front-row seat to aquatic wildlife. 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:

Elevated PFAS found in fish at Watson Pond in Taunton

A recent advisory from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health listed Taunton’s Watson Pond as one of 13 state-run water bodies with elevated levels of PFAS chemicals found in the fish.

Also referred to as "forever chemicals," PFAS are found in industrial processes that produce things like furniture, clothing, cookware and fire retardants.

DPH says these chemicals are toxic, they do not degrade, and they have been linked to a number of cancers, birth defects and conditions that weaken the immune system.

Cleaning and cooking the fish would not get rid of PFAS; DPH has included consumption limits in its advisory.

DPH issues Watson Pond advisory:Elevated PFAS found in fish at Watson Pond in Taunton. What you need to know.

Dave's Fast Mart in Dighton has a new owner and a 'small town atmosphere'

For Dave Cordeiro, the new owner of Dave's Fast Mart in Dighton, owning his own store has always been a dream of his.

Since purchasing the Somerset Avenue convenience store formerly known as Fast Mart in November, that dream has come true.

Cordeiro, who manages the store with his wife Eulalia Cordeiro, said it's "a family-orientated business."

Many of his customers are returning customers, who note that the place has "a small town atmosphere."

Convenience store dream comes true:Dave's Fast Mart in Dighton has a new owner and a 'small town atmosphere'

7 highlights from Mr. THS 2023 — Slam dunks, crazy beachwear and talent firsts

A new Mr. THS has been crowned.

Ryan MacDougall, aided by his contestant manager Kaysie DeMoura, is Mr. THS 2023.

The competition was a fun event for the whole family as always, and spectators praised the contestants’ “hard work, creativity and willingness to take risks,” said THS math teacher and Student Council Advisor Caitlin Dermody.

Dermody said about 1,000 students, faculty, and family members were in attendance; we've got all the highlights, right here.

Mr. THS is crowned:7 highlights from Mr. THS 2023 — Slam dunks, crazy beachwear and talent firsts

Dighton Selectman Ken Pacheco not running for re-election

Town politics made headlines this past week, in both Dighton and Berkley.

First up, in Dighton, veteran Selectman Kenneth Pacheco is not running for re-election.

Selectman Chair Leonard Hull said that Pacheco has been dealing with recent medical issues, although Pacheco had made the decision not to run before suffering a mild stroke.

As of this writing, town nurse and Board of Health Chair Nicole Mello is the only candidate for an open selectmen's open seat in the April 8 annual Town Election.

Dighton Town Election:Dighton Selectman Ken Pacheco not running for re-election. Here's why and who is.

2 Berkley selectmen resign, dramatic exodus from Town Hall continues

Meanwhile, in Berkley, Selectman Dean Larabee and Chair George F. Miller — neither of whom is up for re-election — have both announced the are resigning effective May 6, the date of the annual town election.

Selectman Wendy Cochrane, whose term is up this year, hinted she may not be running for re-election either.

Both Larabee and Miller said they will say more at their final meeting as selectmen, but it looks like Berkley Town Hall is headed towards a major shake-up.

Berkley Town Hall shake-up:2 Berkley selectmen resign, dramatic exodus from Town Hall continues. Here's what we know.

Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Gazette Top 5 PFAS Watson Pond Dighton Berkley election