Trouble has followed Tarawood Kennels from Halifax to New Hampshire where three dozen dogs and puppies have died in two separate fires in the past three weeks in Bristol, NH.

The first fire at the facility on Nov. 22, property that had been owned by Bobbie Choate’s step-father, Oley Firth, killed two adult dogs and five puppies.  The fire appears to have been caused by a heat lamp that had been knocked over. Although the cause is listed as “still under investigation”.

The alarm was called in at 4:28 a.m.  Bristol FD arrived on scene eight minutes later at 4:36 a.m.    Initial observation of the 90 Chestnut St. property  showed the fire spreading outside the building to the second floor.

The homeowner was located removing a dog from the walkout basement.  She told firefighters that she was the only one at the residence and she was fine.

The last unit cleared the scene almost five hours later at 9:35 a.m.  According to the report, the fire originated in a common room or den of the 1 ½ story cottage.  The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation.  Loss due to the Nov. 22 fire is estimated to be $165,000.

The latest fire on Wednesday, Dec. 13, burned an outbuilding on the property, killing 3 adult dogs and 26 puppies.  The nine dogs housed in the burned cottage survived.

The alarm came in at 7:45 a.m. Dec. 13, with Bristol FD on the scene four minutes later at 7:49 a.m.  Firefighters had been alerted that there were dogs in the building and once the fire had been knocked down, two closed-top kennels were observed with an adult dog and puppies in each, and an open top kennel with multiple puppies but no adult.  The adult dog was later found under debris just inside the front door.

Bristol police were notified and obtained warrants.

New Hampshire’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals took the surviving dogs into their care, and two SPCA workers took custody of the bodies of the deceased dogs and puppies.

The surviving dogs remain in the care of the SPCA according to communications liaison Sheila Ryan.

It remains to be seen when and whether they will be returned to Choate, who also is known by the name Bobbie Harmon.  The property ownership is listed to Bobbie Harlfinger on Bristol, NH, real estate records.

The process determining the fate of the dogs, according to Ryan, could be lengthy, with an expedited hearing expected to review the case and determine if the animals should be returned to Choate or placed for adoption.  Then Choate would have the right to appeal. “It could be months,” Ryan said.

Choate and her Tarawood Kennels on Plymouth St., Halifax, near the Plympton town line, were the subject of much concern.  As her operation grew, and the number of dogs her permit allowed was increased, Halifax neighbors complained, citing the increased noise level of dogs continually barking at all hours. Choate, also known as Jennifer Harmon, had applied to the Halifax Zoning Board of Appeals to increase the number of dogs at her kennel to 100 with unlimited litters of puppies.  That application was later withdrawn.

Halifax selectman Kim Roy made several trips to the Tarawood Kennels property to record the noise from the dogs and replayed it at one of several hearings.  That, in addition to other evidence presented, caused selectmen to vote to limit the number of dogs allowed at the property to 25, and permit only six litters of puppies per year.

Choate was not happy with the decision and expressed her displeasure at the hearing.

At a subsequent July 25 hearing to answer a dog bite incident at the kennel, Choate told selectmen that the Halifax property had been sold and the kennel operation would shut down August 10.  Choate told selectmen she was moving her kennel operations to New Hampshire after closing Halifax.  At that time she told selectmen she was also moving a 30-horse facility to New Hampshire.

New Hampshire, according to SPCA representative Ryan, doesn’t require a breeder’s license for operations that produce less than 50 puppies per year.  She also said that the SPCA is encouraging legislation that would put stronger regulations in place to protect the animals.

Jessica Zeoli

Express correspondent

Halifax townspeople were introduced Tuesday night to the 4 Daughters Compassionate Care  marijuana grow facility proposed for Halifax.

After the Board of Selectmen met Tuesday, Nov. 28 for various housekeeping tasks, the meeting re-assembled upstairs for a presentation regarding a potential marijuana greenhouse facility to be located on the border of Halifax and Middleborough.

Brian Striar, CEO of 4 Daughters Compassionate Care, the company proposing the project, explained that the land where they wish to put the facility would be on the southern border of Halifax near River, Thompson, and Wood streets.

The greenhouses would serve completely as a place to grow the marijuana, where no selling or dispensing would take place. The facility would contain 24/7 video surveillance, along with a 10-foot fence surrounding. All entrances would require an ID to pass through as well.

The greenhouses would contain metal sheets which would cover up over 10 feet of the sides, with tinted glass at the tops, preventing anyone driving by from knowing the type of plants growing inside. There would also be brush blocking view of the greenhouses from the street.

The company has already begun a similar project in Sharon and have experimented in Colorado. 4 Daughters Compassionate Care has also conducted research among universities on the uses, and efficient growing techniques of marijuana plants. Striar is predicting 40,000 square feet of plants to start which would produce 12,000 pounds of marijuana, 3% of revenue would return to the town, estimating about $660,000 profit for the town. Striar says this amount is only for stage one of this process, and if successful, could skyrocket to a couple million of dollars for the town in later phases of the project.

Along with helping the community with tax cuts, the facility could also provide 20 to 50 job opportunities for members of the town.  4 Sisters Compassionate Care is interested in hiring as many citizens of Halifax as possible.

The project was brought up for discussion among the citizens attending the meeting. one concerned citizen asked, “Will trucks be going through the center of our town, and if so, are the vehicles neutral so no one knows they contain marijuana?”

The question was quickly answered by stating the trucks are encouraged to use route 105 to route 44 to avoid any of these concerns. Next, a question regarding the change in property value for homes near the facility came forth. It was explained that the homes are a quarter of a mile away from the facility, making it not a threat to property value.

The next item of concern – the odor – was brought forth by a member of the community. It was stated that the odor was tested by blowing fans from the greenhouses to one area. After a quarter mile, the smell was no longer apparent. The closest home is within a quarter mile of the potential facility. Also, by adding vents at the tops of the greenhouses, the smell would be released higher, making the distance for the odor to travel smaller and not noticeable. 

The opinions of the members of the board all seemed to favor of the facility, although none of the members had previously voted in favor of Question 4, which legalized marijuana in the state of Massachusetts. Board member Kim Roy stated, “The facility should be considered by the town since the income could offset tax bills.”

Troy Garron, Clerk, stated, “If it were a dispensary, forget it. But since it is not, it could professionally solve concerns of high taxes.” It was followed up by Thomas Millias, Chairman, who stated it was a great idea since one small facility could equal the profit of about six Walmarts within the town.

After the small concerns of the community were addressed by 4 Sisters Compassionate Care, it was unanimously agreed as a good potential plan for revenue for the town of Halifax.

The next Selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 12.

On Saturday Dec. 2, the Halifax Firefighters Association and Girl Scouts will, once again, team up with Santa and Mrs. Claus to collect new unwrapped toys and non-perishable food.

Gift certificates are a great idea for the older boys and girls. These items are donated to the local churches and food pantries and distributed to families in Halifax that are in need. Items can be left curbside or dropped at the Fire Station on the day of the event.

Please check the list below for the time Santa will be in your neighborhood. The route has changed the route from past years.

If you do not see your street listed, please use the time for the street closest to yours. The truck is unable to make it down all the streets in town.

Call Christine Markunas 781-588-4886 with any questions.

10:00a.m.-Fire station; 10:05a.m.-Lydon Lane; 10:15 a.m.-Holmes St. to Aldana Rd; 10:20a.m.-Brandeis Circle; 10:25 a.m.-Colby Drive; 10:30 a.m. – Harvard Street/McClelland Rd.; 10:35 a.m.-Oak Street/Marilyn Way; 10:40 a.m.-Lawrence Road; 10:45 a.m.-Twin Lakes Drive; 10:50 a.m.-Chestnut Road; 10:55 a.m.-Annawon Drive; 11:00 a.m.-Cedar Lane/Baker Street; 11:10 a.m.-White Island Rd./Wamsutta Ave./Standish St.; 11:15 a.m.-Ocean Ave./Upton St./Dwight St.; 11:25a.m.-  Lingan St./13th Ave./Richview Ave./10th Ave.; 11:30 a.m. –  Indian Path Road 

11:50a.m.-Hemlock Lane;  12:00p.m.-Clyde O. Bosworth Rd./Stoney Weir Rd./Pheasant Hill Rd.; 12:05 p.m.-Cranberry Drive; 12:10p.m.-Old Plymouth Street/Christmas Tree Lane/Elm Street; 12:20p.m.- Hudson Street/Old Farm Road/Lamp Post Drive; 12:25p.m.  -Spencer Drive/Pond Street/Autumn Lane; 12:35p.m.-  Furnace Street/Circuit Street; 12:45 p.m. Thompson Street/Firefly Road/Orchard Circle; 12:55p.m.-Highland Estates; 1:05 p.m.-Summit Street/Kestral Lane/Harvest Lane; 1:10 p.m.-Walnut Street/Bourne Road; 1:15p.m.-Thompson Street/River Street/Wood Street; 1:25p.m.-South St./Hayward St./Franklin St./Kenzie Path/South St.

Jessica Zeoli

Express correspondent

The board of selectmen met Tuesday, Nov. 14, beginning with the swearing in and pinning of new members of the Halifax Fire Department. Derek Coveney, Steven Enright, Richard Ferguson, Peter Hogan, and Dillon Riley were all recognized as full time members. Robert Beary, Reid Broderick, Kevin Heath, Evan McSherry, and Keith Pontes were recognized as call department members.

The meeting reassembled with members of HOPs to bring forth the idea of designated parking spots for library patrons at the public library. Currently, the lot is used for the park, library, and acts as an alternate lot for the fields behind the school. It was noted that the lot is being filled up before the opening hours of the library most Saturdays due to town sporting events on the weekends.

The board addressed issues of turf wars over the spots and that there is nothing set up to enforce those parking spaces. “Perhaps more spots within that lot could lower the issue or even a sign indicating another lot to use if full”, stated Selectman Troy Garron. The board was unable to come to a decision due to the potential plans of HOPS adding a walkway and benches in that area.

The finalization of an Eagle Scout’s project was announced, stating that two plastic benches to mimic wood are planning on being created for the Town of Halifax to enjoy.

The idea of a truck exclusion from Pine Street was considered by the board. The problem is that heavier trucks have been using Pine Street to cut off the intersection between routes 106 and 105, causing the bridge on Pine Street to begin to crumble due to the excessive weight. Residents of Thompson and Pine streets appeared before the board to explain their thoughts regarding this idea of the truck exclusion. The majority ruled it a bad idea since traffic would switch back to the intersection between route 105 and 106, creating traffic blocks and difficulty at the intersection. The board agreed to give the town surveyor their concerns and ideas of signs warning drivers of a weight limit, which will be addressed in the agenda on Dec. 12.

Members of Hudson Street also met before the board to state their concerns over the lack of speed limit signs in their area. Multiple families presented the fears and limitations they face due to speeding vehicles passing by each day. The suggestion of two “Thickly settled” or “30 mph” signs were brought forth by residents of Hudson Street which was quickly approved by the members of the board. Other notes regarding a “School bus stop” sign to be placed on the curve of Hudson Street and other concerns will be brought up to the Safety Department.

Thoughts regarding an emergency exit for the Town Hall were discussed, but no decision was made.

There will be a special town meeting on Nov. 20 regarding funding for HOPS.

The meeting ended with selectmen discussing the donation of vehicles from Davis Automotive to the Fire Department where they are used for the Jaws of Life training required for all members.

The next Selectmen’s Meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 20.

Jessica Zeoli

Express correspondent

The Halifax Board of Selectmen met Tuesday night to discuss the pledge of an alcoholic license for Happy Dragon which is planning to open its doors the first week of November. The selectmen signed off on the pledge, all in favor of it.

Friends of HOPS met in front of the board in order to discuss the date for the upcoming 5k which they decided will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2018. There will only be a 5k for all ages, instead of also including the 1k for children which they have done previous years. The board discussed possible complications holding the event on a Sunday could bring, such as overcrowding of Plymouth Street since services at the church will occur around the same time, but briefly touched upon designated spots for the church and for the 5k event.

Along with the 5th annual 5k for HOPS, they have also discussed a possible brick fundraiser which will act as its final fundraising campaign. They are planning to work with Bricks ‘R’ Us, as well as interested sponsors or families in the town to create memorial bricks and multiple benches which would face in towards the playground located next to the library. It would act as a place for people to sit, as well as provide some sort of barrier and protection from drivers. Updates on this campaign will be provided in a meeting to follow on Nov. 20 at 7:30p.m.

Joy Blackwood, the superintendent for Silver Lake Public Schools, spoke to the board regarding a solar panel plan to be installed at the Middle School and High School to increase revenue. Although the project is still in its planning stage, the superintendent discussed teaming up with SOLEC, an energy company, to install a canopy of solar panels above the parking lots and possibly above bleachers. “The company has already looked over the High/Middle school property and estimates needing 4-5 months to create a serious plan and placement for these panels which would provide 2 megawatts of energy for the schools, the largest project in the state for school grounds,” stated Blackwood.

Special legislation is needed to lease the land to the solar company, which will be discussed in an upcoming school committee meeting Thursday, Nov. 9.

The board quickly approved the Boy Scout’s request to use the town green on Saturday, Nov. 18, for their bottle and can redemption fundraiser.

Paula Hatch met with the board to discuss possible funding for Special Education and proposed a stabilization fund which would allow remaining money from other expenses such as electric, to be transferred into this fund. Selectman Kim Roy stated how our current strategy is already working so well and that the remaining money may not even be significant enough to overpower the fees of that account, since it was stated by Blackwood that the remaining funds would only be about 2% of the school districts income. With this being said, the board declined this action but is still excited to see what future programs are to come for Silver Lake Middle and High School Special Education.

Site plans were changed in regard to the exterior remodeling of Dunkin Donuts located at 355 Plymouth Street, Halifax. It was stated that after the approval of the Department of Health, that seating is to be placed within the facility as well.

Plans to add speed limit signs for Hudson Street are in action pending approval of the Department of Safety that meets Wednesday night.

Summer Schmaling asked selectmen for their opinions regarding creating a position for a department head of maintenance for all schools of the Silver Lake district. Members of the public, as well as fellow custodians, discussed how the work would be too strenuous, as the position would require the up-keep of fourteen schools. The job raised questions about transportation for the person filling the position from building to building, as well as healthcare benefits, which directed the board to drop the suggestion.

The meeting ended with some great news —  a new candidate for the open full-time position of Patrol Officer for Halifax. Michelle McRae was brought forth, where the members discussed her exceptional resume and agreed to bring her on board following her completion of the police academy, testing, and a physical and drug test.  As Selectman Thomas Millias stated, “It’s nice to be presented with someone extremely qualified for the position.”

The next scheduled selectman’s meeting is for next Tuesday, Oct. 31.