News Notes

Seekonk's town meeting is November 18 at 7pm at Seekonk High School

Search for Fire Chief Resumes
The town is resuming its search for a new fire chief because an agreement could not be reached with the candidate that was selected, Fred MacDonald, a fire captain from East Providence, according to a town press release. Selectmen approved a conditional offer of employment to MacDonald in August after a lengthy search. According to the release, “the Town and Mr. MacDonald have been unable to successfully negotiate a contract and therefore the search will be reopened.” MacDonald, who lives in Seekonk, has been with the East Providence department for 21 years. The Board of Selectmen wished MacDonald the best.

Three New Businesses to Open in Town
The Planning Board approved plans for three new businesses in town: two convenience stores, one with a gas station; and one motorsports vehicle business, according to a Sun Chronicle article. Motorsports Nation Massachusetts plans a motorcycle, ATV and personal watercraft sales and service business on Progress Street, off Route 6, behind the Speedway gas station. The gasoline/convenience store is planned for 1075 Newman Ave/Route 152. Another convenience store, without gas service, is planned for 635 Fall River Ave at the corner of County Street at Luther’s Corners.

Deputy Chief in Walpole May be Seekonk’s Next Police Chief
Selectmen were expected to name Christopher MacKenzie, Deputy Police Chief in Attleboro, as the town’s new Police Chief, according to an article in the Sun Chronicle. MacKenzie joined the Walpole Police Department in 1998 rising through the ranks from patrolman to sergeant to lieutenant and patrol commander before becoming deputy chief and second in command in 2015. Frank John resigned as police chief at the end of July. Deputy Police Chief David Enos has been overseeing the department.

Seekonk Receives State Grant for Recycling
Seekonk is one of several towns to recently be approved for a grant under the state’s Sustainable Materials Recovery Program. Seekonk was granted $9,900. The Governor’s office awarded more than $2.9 million to 262 municipalities and regional solid waste districts, according to a Sun Chronicle article. The grant may be used to improve local recycling, composting, reuse, and household hazardous waste diversion programs, according to the MassDEP website.