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Marion budget review addresses past and future spending

From left: Select Board members John Hoagland, Randy Parker and Norman Hills at a Tuesday, Feb. 3 meeting. Photo by Grace Roche

MARION — Midway through the 2026 fiscal year, Marion officials are reviewing past and future budgets to prepare for rising costs. Finance Director Heather O'Brien and Finance Committee Chair Sean Healy discussed the 2025 and 2027 budgets at a...

Tri-Towns face bitter temperatures this weekend

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While a storm forcasted to bring another snowy weekend is moving out to sea, the Tri-Town is still feeling the sting of freezing temperatures. Jody Dickerson, the Marion Department of Public Works director, said Marion roads are clear but people...

Off to the races! Cub scouts compete in annual pinewood derby

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ROCHESTER — Dozens of Cub Scouts waited on bleachers, anticipation thick in the air as their pinewood derby cars idled at the start line. The Cub Scouts of Rochester and Marion raced handmade cars against each other at the annual district pinewood...

'Buddy Benches' promote inclusion at Sippican Elementary

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MARION — Making friends has become easier for elementary students with the installation of two new benches at Sippican Elementary donated through an educational fund. The Marion Scholarship Education Fund Committee donated $2,500 to Sippican School...

Marion teens prepare for mission trip serving youth in foster care system

The youth of Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for their trip Saturday, Jan. 24. Photos by Grace Roche

MARION — While the youth of Saint Gabriel's Episcopal Church have gone on several trips to volunteer in communities in need, they haven’t gotten to serve people their own age. For each trip, Youth Director Wendy Reardon selects a few projects for...

Old Colony will again ask voters to consider construction of new building

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ROCHESTER — Voters in Rochester, Mattapoisett, Lakeville, Acushnet and Carver will once again be asked to approve a plan to rebuild Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School that was rejected in a November vote. At a Wednesday, Jan. 28...

Old Colony looks for a revote on building project

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ROCHESTER — Leaders of Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School are calling for a revote after a November bid to rebuild the aging high school was denied by voters. The school discussed next steps at a Tuesday, Jan. 27 public meeting...

Marion and Rochester chiefs elected as leaders of police chiefs association

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Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli and Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad were selected as the respective president and second vice president of the Southeastern Police Chiefs Association. Nighelli and Assad were elected by the members of the...

Tri-Towns persevere through foot of snow

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As Massachusetts’s biggest snowstorm in several years comes to an end, Tri-Town residents and employees are surviving the winter wonderland. Jody Dickerson, the Marion Department of Public Works director, said snow removal in town has been going...

Large house fire breaks out in Mattapoisett

Several towns responded to the Mattapoisett fire on Monday, Jan. 26. Photos source: David Curran

MATTAPOISETT — A large, fast-moving fire broke out at a Mattapoisett home Monday afternoon. Several towns helped fight the flames at 2 Martha's Way, which was occupied when the fire broke out. Fairhaven, Marion, Rochester, Acushnet and New Bedford...

Tri-Town weathers a snowy Sunday

Snow fills the back yard of a Mattapoisett house. Photo source: Mary Dermody

With heavy snowfall across Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester continuing through Monday, residents are “hunkering down” and waiting out the storm. Rochester Town Administrator Cameron Durant said the town treated roads before the storm began and...

Old Rochester athletic field construction continues, causes closures through next year

A Yard Boss employee drills irrigation well. Photo source: Old Rochester Regional School District

MATTAPOISETT— Construction is underway on the Old Rochester Regional High School athletic fields, bringing improvements to the space. The school is using $750,000 in funds former state Rep. William Straus secured the district as part of a 2022...

The future of Marion looks more pedestrian friendly

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MARION — Two shared use pathway projects will soon make Marion more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly. Construction for the 3.8 mile-long project is slated to begin in 2027, after final designs are submitted to MassDOT in February. The Marion...

Tri-Town prepares for weekend of heavy snowfall

Crews across Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester are hooking up plows and preparing for the incoming snowstorm. Photo by Grace Roche

With 8-12 inches of snow forecast to hit the South Coast this weekend, crews in Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester are preparing for the storm. At the Mattapoisett and Rochester Highway Departments and the Marion Department of Public Works, workers...

Four unit apartment catches fire in Mattapoisett

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MATTAPOISETT — Five fire departments were called to an afternoon structure fire at 5 North Street in Mattapoisett. Following a report of the smell of smoke, the Mattapoisett Fire Department responded to the four unit apartment and observed smoke...

Under-budget building project will pay for solar panels in Marion

Town officials discussed installing solar panels on the new Department of Public Works building at the Wednesday, Jan. 21 Select Board meeting. Photo by Grace Roche

MARION — Building cost savings for Marion’s new Department of Public Works location will be reinvested to save taxpayers even more money in the future. The Select Board approved the use of $90,000 originally budgeted for the project to be used to...

Mattapoisett addressing ecological, safety concerns with $3.5 million grant

A new culvert will help protect the salt marshes around Molly's Cove. Photo source: Marc Anderson

MATTAPOISETT — A $3.5 million federal grant will allow Mattapoisett to replace a too-small and deteriorating piece of drainage infrastructure in Molly’s Cove, a salt marsh off of Mattapoisett Neck Road. The current culvert — a structure embeded...

Snow day shenanigans: Tri-town residents enjoy fresh snowfall

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Across the Tri-towns, kids and adults alike took advantage of time off from work and school to enjoy a snow day. After several inches of snow covered the area this weekend, winter activities abounded Monday, Jan. 19. In Rochester, father-son duo...

Rochester student receives academic honors

HINGHAM — A Rochester student was recognized as part of a Hingham school’s honor roll. Ninth-grader Bella Glynn was named to Notre Dame Academy’s president’s list, as she was among students who earned a grade of 90 or above in all major courses...

Service project feeds families at Old Rochester Junior High

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MATTAPOISETT — Seventh-grader Andrew Cody rushes around a small room in his junior high school’s building. He’s busy scanning the barcodes of the dry goods packed into the space with a scanner connected to his computer. He cuts out stickers and...

'Everybody deserves to feel pretty for one night': The Gleason YMCA's sew good prom dress drive

Four dresses have been donated so far in the drive. Photos by Brandy Muz

Getting dolled up in glitzy dresses and spending the night dancing away at prom with friends is something most high school students dream of. That's what Special Events Coordinator Cathy Longfield for the Gleason Family YMCA is aiming to make sure...

State grant funds career development at Old Rochester

The Old Rochester Regional School District school committee discussed the high school's career development program at its Thursday, Jan. 15 meeting. Photo by Grace Roche

MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School will soon receive a $75,000 state grant to support career development. The school board approved the Innovation Career Pathways Implementation and Support Grant from the Massachusetts Department of...

Acushnet, Old Rochester tuition deal negotiation progresses

Superintendent Michael Nelson, right, addressed the Old Rochester Regional School District school committee at its Thursday, Jan. 15 meeting. Photo by Grace Roche

MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional School District has formally begun negotiations on a tuition deal with the Acushnet school district. Old Rochester Superintendent Michael Nelson announced this step towards bringing Acushnet high schoolers...

New boating regulations ensure education, safety on the waters

The new boating law requiring motorboat operators to complete safety training goes into effect April 1. Photo by Grace Roche

A new boater safety law will soon come into effect for Massachusetts motorboat operators. Beginning April 1, the Hanson-Milone Act requires all boat operators to complete a safety education course about navigational rules, emergency procedures and...

Friends of Jack supports pediatric health around the South Coast

Jill Fearons, left, and Dr. Brian Sard, Chairman and Medical Director of Pediatrics at Southcoast Health, pose together after The Friends of Jack donated $11,529 to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford to purchase medical equipment. Photo source: Friends of Jack Foundation

MATTAPOISETT — Jill Fearons never left her son Jack’s side when he was admitted to Boston Children’s Hospital at 5 years old. Jack needed surgery to correct a brain malformation that can cause motor and cognitive dysfunction. As he was recovering...

Marion town administrator will not leave position for Harwich

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HARWICH — Marion Town administrator Geoffrey Gorman was not selected for an open town administrator position in Harwich. At a Harwich Select Board meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, the Board unanimously elected James McGrail for the position of town...

Marion Town Administrator vies for new job in Harwich

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HARWICH — Geoffrey Gorman, the town administrator for Marion, is running for the open town administrator position in Harwich. The other candidates are James McGrail, Middleboro town manager, and Jim Kreidler, former Winchendon town manager. Gorman...

Over 200 gather to voice opposition over ICE

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MATTAPOISETT — Over 200 people from across the South Coast showed up to an anti-ICE rally in front of Salty the Seahorse in Mattapoisett, Sunday, Jan. 11. Protests took place all over the country in response to the death of Renee Good, a...

Turk's Seafood expands with purchase of former Rustico building

The former site of Rustico will soon be transformed into a test kitchen and catering space. Photo by Grace Roche

MATTAPOISETT — When Turk’s Seafood ends its season each year, owner Richard Pasquil and his staff ask themselves how to make the business even better when it opens again. This year, the answer came in the form of Rustico, a former pizza restaurant...

Mural competition coming to Marion to decorate Town Hall

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MARION — A mural competition to decorate the main entrance of the newly constructed Marion Town Hall will take place this March. Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman announced the competition at a Tuesday, Jan. 6 Select Board meeting. Submissions...

Old Rochester Regional School District awarded agricultural education grant

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MATTAPOISETT — The Old Rochester Regional School District was awarded a $30,000 grant to support their Grow Education program, an experiential learning opportunity teaching students about how food is grown and produced. The district received the...

A whalin’ we must go: The Tri-towns participation in the annual “Moby-Dick” Marathon

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NEW BEDFORD — Several Tri-town residents were among the 3,000 readers who spent 25 hours on one mission — reading "Moby-Dick" at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. From Saturday, Jan. 2 to Sunday, Jan. 3 seafarers, scallywags and sailors headed to the...

Old Colony junior rebuilds father’s first generation Xbox 360

Moskos stands proudly in front of his work. Source: Rick Durta

ROCHESTER — Tyler Moskos hit a “gold mine” when he found his fathers first generation Xbox 360 tucked away in the family basement alongside multiple games for the console. Moskos’ father bought the console in 2005 and played it for four years...

Turn a new page on reading goals with librarian recommendations

Amanda Lawrence from the Mattapoisett Public Library with "Beta Vulgaris". Source: Amanda Lawrence

Many Americans set the goal to read more in the New Year. Head to your local library to meet the librarians and even get some recommendations for reading in 2026. For many people, the new year is a time to set goals and make resolutions....

Old Colony culinary students dish about their favorite holiday foods

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ROCHESTER — Good things come to those who bake! From apple pie to Christmas roast, Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School culinary students are rustling up a festive favorite foods for family members and loved ones this holiday season....

Rochester Council on Aging celebrates the New Year with state representatives

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ROCHESTER — Twist, shake, shout! The Rochester Council on Aging rang in the New Year with singing, dancing and a live band Monday, Dec. 29. The Rochester Council on Aging hosted a luncheon alongside Rep. Mark Sylvia and Plymouth County District...

Snapshots of the year: A look at the Tri-towns in 2025

Culinary graduates and Lakeville residents Emily Silvia, Duncan Matterazzo and Abigail Dawicki smile together at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School graduation. Photo by Grace Ann Natanawan

2025 was a busy year for the Tri-towns of Mattapoisett, Marion and Rochester. From fires to festivals to stranded manatees, the Tri-towns came together through it all. Take a look back at what went on in the Tri-towns in 2025 through some of the...

Elizabeth Taber Library rings in the ‘noon’ year

Landon, 11 months, and Marcus, 8 months, are mesmerized by shiny streamers at the Elizabeth Taber Library on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Photos by Grace Roche

MARION — For many young children, midnight New Year’s Eve celebrations are way past their bedtime. The Elizabeth Taber Library, at 8 Spring St., held a “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration for kids and their caregivers, counting down to 12 p.m. instead of...

Marion native Andy Doubrava earns a Michelin Star at Nashville restaurant

Tiffani Ortiz, left, and Andy Doubrava pose together. Photo source: Andrew Thomas Lee

NASHVILLE — With roots in the Tri-town, Andy Doubrava, executive chef of Nashville’s The Catbird Seat, has earned a Michelin Star. Alongside his fellow executive chef and wife Tiffani Ortiz, Doubrava received news that The Catbird Seat has earned...

Holiday swim raises funds for charity

Nearly 50 people participated in the Christmas Day Swim at Mattapoisett Town Beach. Photo source: Debbi Dyson

MATTAPOISETT — A group of swimmers braved the icy waters of Mattapoisett Harbor to raise funds for an area nonprofit. Helping Hands and Hooves. About 45 people attended Helping Hands and Hooves’ 22nd annual Christmas Daw Swim at Mattapoisett Town...

Tour de fire station: Rochester fire department continues to ask for improvements

A fire truck is parked inches from the garage door.

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department has wanted a new fire station, with improved safety and efficiency features, for three years. The fire department and Rochester Building Committee have worked together for three years to create a plan to...

Green thumbs up with Marion Institute’s Grow Education program

Students explore the dirt and plants they are growing. Source: Marion Institute

MATTAPOISETT — Third and fourth grade Tri-town students get their hands dirty and thumbs green with the Marion Institute’s Grow Education program, bringing experimental learning to the outdoors. Started in New Bedford, Grow Education has been...

Merry and bright: Tri-town residents light up the town

Marino Carrier sits in a sleigh on his front lawn, one of the many decorations at the Mattapoisett resident's house. Photo by Grace Roche

Across the Tri-town, residents have decked out their houses and yards with Christmas lights, blowups and other decorations. For some, it has become an annual tradition to entertain neighbors and other visitors with their holiday decorations and add...

Forest bathing re-leaf with Sippican Land Trust

Diane Pienta leads the walks and therapy-like sessions on Sippican Land Trust properties. Photos by Mari Huglin

MARION — It's all about walking slow with Diane Pienta on one of her beneficial forest bathing walks. Pienta, of Fairhaven, has been guiding forest bathing walks for over five years in partnership with the Sippican Land Trust. She leads walks...

Rochester waste facility fined for water pollution

A machine processes, sorts and creates commodities from recyclable materials at the Rochester Zero Waste Solutions location. File photo

ROCHESTER — Zero Waste Solutions, a waste management company at 48 Cranberry Highway, was among seven waste facilities in Massachusetts fined for discharging industrial waste into waterways without a permit. The company is among several indirect...

Marion nonprofit brings festive decoration ashore

The Buoys of Hope tree sits outside the Marion Music Hall at 164 Front St. Photos by Grace Roche

MARION — Christmas trees made of repurposed, painted buoys are a common holiday sight around New England. When Deming Dwyer, Taylor Karvonen and Morgan Karvonen — all juniors at Tabor Academy — noticed them last year, they had an idea. During a...

‘Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader’: Mattapoisett resident performs at Atlanta Falcons 60th anniversary

Botelho shakes her pom poms.

MATTAPOISETT — Elaine Botelho was on the Atlanta Falcons’ first cheerleading squad in 1966. The 78-year-old has lived in Mattapoisett since 2005 and is a mother, grandmother, teacher, gardener and former president of Mattapoisett Woman’s Club....

Ex-Old Colony teacher sentenced to 5 years for raping former student

Andre Arsenault appeared in Plymouth County Superior Court for his sentencing Friday, Dec. 19. Photo by Grace Roche

BROCKTON — Andre Arsenault, a former culinary arts teacher at Old Colony Regional Vocational High School convicted of rape, assault with intent to commit rape and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, was sentenced in Plymouth County...

Old Colony presents possible steps forward after rejected building project

Members of the Old Colony Building Project panel.

ROCHESTER — After residents voted against constructing a new Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School building, the school held a meeting with member towns to discuss next steps. Superintendent Aaron Polansky and representatives of Old...

Outdoor expansion could come to Elizabeth Taber Library

Macy Davis, the children's librarian at the Elizabeth Tabor Library, presented the grant proposal at the Tuesday, Dec. 16 Select Board meeting. Photos by Grace Roche

MARION — A Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game grant could bring a new outdoor learning area to the Elizabeth Taber Library. Children’s librarian Macy Davis presented the library’s grant proposal to the Select Board at its Tuesday, Dec. 16...