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:
For over two decades, Mark Ottavianelli helped reshape Taunton High athletics to where it is today. He reflected on his time with Taunton.
Get to know Dighton Elementary School’s new principal, Taunton resident Katelyn Lima.
Arrests were made this past week in the Taunton cold case murder of the Vargas brothers.
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a Raynham cape that sold for $655,000. The home on King Philip Street is a hidden gem, with a bright kitchen with quartz countertops, a large family room with a fireplace, and a finished basement with a pool table. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.
After a stunning loss against Georgia in Euro 2024, Portugal will be facing Slovenia on Monday.
There have been some upgrades at Water Wizz.
The first presidential debate in the 2024 race for the White House took place.
These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers:
Former NFL linebacker is co-owner of Taunton’s newest cannabis shop
A onetime NFL linebacker is now playing a major role in the latest recreational marijuana business to open in Taunton.
A former linebacker for the Miami Dophins and Baltimore Ravens, James Crawford of Atlanta, is the majority owner of Y Cannabis — the city’s fourth fully-licensed retail marijuana store, which is officially open for business.
Learn more about it, right here.
Retail marijuana:Former NFL linebacker is co-owner of Taunton’s newest cannabis shop. What to know
Million-dollar community center opening in Taunton’s Whittenton neighborhood
A new community center called “The Loft” in Taunton’s Whittenton neighborhood could open as early as this fall.
“Part of what T.R.U.E. Diversity is trying to do is change the narrative around what a community center is,” said the Taunton non-profit’s Executive Director Tanya Lobo.
The Loft is a collaborative effort among T.R.U.E. Diversity, the Whittenton Community Partnership and Mass Development to revitalize the Whittenton district economically and socially.
Take a look at what’s planned.
The Loft:Million-dollar community center opening in Taunton’s Whittenton. What will it offer?
Country fried steak and gravy? Southern soul food is coming to Taunton
Ty Moore is hoping to bring people together and spread happiness, through her connection to soul food.
She plans to open a Southern soul food restaurant, Nytia’s Soul Kitchen, in downtown Taunton late this summer.
“Food brings people together. If I can do that with food and my smile, and my personality, so be it. Love transcends,” Moore said.
![Chef and Owner of Nytia's Soul Kitchen, Ty Moore, showing off a plate of her country-fried steak smothered in gravy, with a side of mashed potatoes and peas.](https://www.tauntongazette.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/18/NTDG/74136764007-nytias-soul-kitchen-1.jpg?width=236&height=472&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
See what’s on the menu, as Moore works on achieving her dream.
Nytia’s Soul Kitchen:Country fried steak and gravy? Southern soul food is coming to Taunton. What to know
Taunton’s road improvement program earns national recognition
Taunton has invested millions of dollars over the last four years to resurface and restore more than 44 miles of roads.
The city recently received national recognition for its efforts to better its roadways.
The National Asphalt Pavement Association, a long-time trade association representing the road infrastructure improvement industry, awarded the City of Taunton the 2023 Quality in Construction Award for excellence in resurfacing city streets.
Taunton Daily Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story.
City streets:Taunton’s road improvement program earns national recognition
Have a blast July 4th: Where to watch fireworks in Taunton, around the SouthCoast
Fourth of July is coming this week, and celebrations and fireworks are planned all over the SouthCoast.
Even after the holiday has passed, Taunton has its own plans for its annual Summer Celebration.
So as we head into the holiday week, here’s what’s happening around the SouthCoast, plus what’s planned for a bit later in Taunton.
Have a blast July 4th:Where to watch fireworks in Taunton, around the SouthCoast
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached atkfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.