Somerset Scorecard: Weekly Update on all things Somerset

This is a weekly update on all things Somerset. If you have news that is related to Somerset, inbox us at info@fallriverreporter.com Photo credit: Erin Raffa

Good Morning Somerset.

We’ve got the preliminary numbers from the 2024 Presidential Election, and it looks like third time’s a charm for President Trump here in Somerset. Residents voted in the majority for Trump this week, despite being the minority in the 2020 and 2016 elections. Trump received 5,614 votes over Harris’ 5,175. Somerset joined neighboring communities in voting in the majority for Trump, including Seekonk, Swansea, Dighton, Rehoboth, Westport and even Fall River, who for the first time, voted in the majority for a Republican Presidential candidate.

Just-in Time

Somerset, you have a new State Representative. Republican Justin Thurber beat Democrat Pat Haddad on Tuesday in a historic win. According to election data, this is the first time this seat for the 5th Bristol District has ever been held by a Republican. In his statement to constituents after Haddad conceded, Thurber thanked Haddad for her service and promised to work with everyone who wants to be a part of the solution to address local and state issues.

Down Bad

Students, parents and staff from South Elementary school were shocked last week when trees surrounding the school property were cut down unexpectedly. The natural buffer between the elementary school and the Somerset Middle School property were apparently destroyed to make room for a new soccer field. Staff at the school said they had no notice the trees were being removed. The once green, wooden landscape now gives way to views of powerlines.

After complaints from parents, Somerset Public Schools Superintendent Jeffrey Schoonover visited the site. Sources say he was also unaware of the destruction. Plans for the new Somerset Middle School, which opened in September, did not include the removal of the trees and none of the visual plans for the property showed the trees being torn down.

Students took to the playground last week in protest, writing “Save the Trees” with chalk.

Somerset School Committee and Somerset Middle School Building Committee Member Victor Machado could not be reached for comment on the matter.

Sale Away at the COA

The Somerset Council on Aging is holding its annual fall indoor yard sale this Saturday, November 9th from 9 AM to 1 PM. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this. Grab a coffee and head over early for the best finds. The Council on Aging is located at 115 Wood Street.

That’s all for this week, Townies.