At a celebration of life Monday, which coincided with World Lion Day, a large crowd of Ramses’ admirers gathered in front of his exhibit, sharing kind words and memories as a final way to say goodbye.

Parks and Forestry Superintendent Derek Corsi, who oversees zoo operations, opened the celebration, saying Ramses truly was an icon at the zoo.

“(Ramses) is basically that person who you put on the season ticket. He’s the Tom Brady, and we are surely going to miss him,” Corsi said. Reported By Madison Dunphy mdunphy@thesunchronicle.com

"The zoo’s iconic African lion was 20 years old. His death, announced on social media Friday morning, comes roughly two months after a birthday celebration was held for him celebrating the milestone and a week after he entered hospice care after zoo staff noticed declined comfort in his back legs and decreased interest in his favorite food items."

"But when it became clear that there was further decline in his quality of life, staff made the difficult decision to move forward with humane euthanasia, which happened Thursday morning, zoo curator Casey Ribeiro said."

“Ramses was a magnificent lion. Not only was he often seen as the face of Capron Park Zoo, but also of Attleboro itself as his roar echoed across the zoo and out into the community each day,” Ribiero wrote on the zoo’s Facebook page. “It became a sound that so many of us will always remember.”

"A celebration of life will be held for the public on Monday at noon outside Ramses’ enclosure. It will be included with regular zoo admission for visitors of the zoo to learn more about Ramses’ life, ask questions, look at photos, and share memories. The memorial also coincides with World Lion Day."

Remembering Ramses

"Ribeiro said it has been a sad couple of days for staff, many who worked with Ramses for their entire 15-plus year careers at the zoo. But, they have been sharing warm memories of him and were comforted to know he went in peace and dignity."

“He arrived here as a young lion, and quickly became one of the most recognizable personalities, adored by both our team and the thousands of visitors who came to see him,” Ribeiro said."

"She also fondly remembered when Ramses was featured in the “celebrity animals” section of an Oct. 20 edition of People Magazine in 2008. He was just two years old at the time."

"Ranked the No. 1 cancer care center in New England and the No. 3 cancer hospital in the nation, the internationally renowned Dana-Farber Cancer Institute will officially open its ambulatory cancer clinic in Sturdy Hospital’s new Cancer and Specialty Care building on Thursday."

"The cancer care clinic, located on the third floor of the new building at 20 O’Neil Blvd., will have 10 exam rooms, 17 infusion bays, genetic testing and counseling services, nutrition guidance, social work and support services, survivorship services, supportive oncology and on-site pharmacy support."

"The new building was part of a $60 million, two-year project that includes a more than 60,000-square-foot facility, centralizing multiple services including cancer treatment, hematology, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology and general surgery."

“Patients in the Attleboro community will now be able to receive treatments from the frontiers of oncology right here without having to travel into Boston,” said Dr. Asma Latif, Attleboro, medical director for the new Attleboro facility." Reported by Madison Dunphy mdunphy@thesunchronicle.com

"The city’s water superintendent resigned Monday, saying the job had become “too much” amid staffing shortages."

“There’s no distribution crew and I was out there by myself, doing the work of six people,” Morton said Tuesday. “It just became too much.”

"Morton resigned less than a year after he was named permanent water superintendent in June 2025. He had served as temporary water superintendent since December 2024."

"Before coming to Attleboro, Morton worked for 26 years in public works"

"Former Assistant Water Superintendent Matt Crotty has been named acting water superintendent." By Madison Dunphy mdunphy@thesunchronicle.com

For reference, these are the jobs currently listed for the Water Department, including the new superintendent position.

Maintenance Craftsman/Laborer

Posted May 8, 2026 | Open Until Filled

City of Attleboro External Posting (05/08/2026) Water Department Maintenance Craftsman/Laborer Salary Range: $24.45 - $29.26 per hour The City is seeking to fill... Full Description

Superintendent of Water

Posted August 3, 2026 | Open Until Filled

City of Attleboro External Posting (08/03/2026) Superintendent of Water Salary Range: $106,758.30 - $144,123.96 The City of Attleboro Water Treatment Plant seeks a... Full Description

Water Maintenance Craftsman/Hoisting Operator/Laborer

Posted May 13, 2026 | Open Until Filled

City of Attleboro External Posting (5/13/2026) Water Department Water Maintenance Craftsman/Hoisting Operator/Laborer ... Full Description

"A proposed apartment complex at the former Composite Modules site, an old electronics manufacturer at 61 Union St., has won approval from the city’s zoning board and conservation commission."

"The proposal also includes about 143 parking spaces on an adjacent 55,555-square-foot parcel."

"The project is expected to cost about $50 million."

"The city council in April voted 7-3 to grant the developer a $4.7 million tax break."

"Despite the tax break, the development is projected to generate an additional $3.7 million over 20 years, compared with $291,000 over the same period if the existing structure remains, according to the proposal."

"Developers still must secure demolition permits from the building inspection office and fire department." Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com

"The Attleboro Water Department recorded an estimate of .99 inches, which was calculated from 8 a.m. Tuesday morning to 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, and from midnight to 8 a.m. Thursday morning."

"Mansfield saw 1.27 inches, Taunton 1.25 inches, and Worcester 3.50 inches."

"For Attleboro, the city is still in critical drought (Level 3) restrictions, with a lot of rain needed in order to change that, according to the city water department." Reported by Madison Dunphy mdunphy@thesunchronicle.com

"Until last month, January 2024 held the record as the Attleboro Public Library’s busiest month. But June surpassed that mark by 20%, averaging 419 daily visits."

"In June, 12,273 items were circulated, 228 new library cards were issued and 111 discounted passes for area museums — available to library cardholders — were used, according to statistics collected by Carrie Sherman, the library’s head of reference services."

"We can't keep doing this" Mayor warns Attleboro fireworks may be a thing of the past"

"This year’s fireworks display and America’s 250th celebration ranked among the city’s best in recent years. But amid financial uncertainty, the city may not sustain the annual event."

“It was a great night. But, I also want to let you know that we can’t keep doing this,” DeSimone told councilors Tuesday."

"She cited the city’s financial challenges, including the fiscal 2027 budget, which led officials to lay off employees to close a $2.5 million deficit."

"The city laid off its community engagement manager and assistant parks and forestry director, both of whom played key roles in organizing events such as the Fourth of July celebration."

"In February, the city council approved an $85,000 transfer of free cash — money left over from previous years — to fund this year’s Fourth of July celebration and future events."

“Currently, we should be raising money for next year, but we’re actually chasing this year’s money,” Kevin Turner, chair of the Independence Day Committee, told councilors at the time."

"The 250th celebration cost about $70,000, most of it for police and fire details on the day of the event, Turner said."

"DeSimone said about $50,000 remains in the account."

“We could expend that money on another fireworks next year, make maybe next year the last one, or we could use it for another event in the city, or we could sit on it and see what the future holds,” DeSimone said." Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com

City officials are weighing a temporary ban on data centers, citing concerns over water supply and rising electricity demands.

Massachusetts currently houses between 40 to 50 data centers across the state, according to various sources including the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism.

Mayor Cathleen DeSimone spoke in support of the moratorium at Tuesday’s public hearing at city hall.

DeSimone said her biggest concern was the city’s water shortage, which has forced residents to operate under Level 3 “critical” drought conditions.

DeSimone said even though Attleboro is not a likely location for a data center, it’s not unreasonable to take precautions.

Still, she urged the council to eventually consider a permanent ban.

Sustainability Commission Chair Mike Davis echoed concerns over water pollution and usage.

He also referenced studies outlining effects on public health.

According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, neighbors of data centers across the country have reported headaches, vertigo, nausea, sleep disturbances, ear pain and hypertension, as well as constant ringing in the ears due to the 24/7 noise.

And, noise-canceling headphones have proven unsuccessful in drowning out the ongoing hum, the Institute states.

DeSimone said even though Attleboro is not a likely location for a data center, it’s not unreasonable to take precautions.

The measure currently sits in the council’s Economic Development and Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Councilor Brendan McIntyre.

If voted out of committee, it will go before the full council. No date has been set for a vote. Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com

"Police in Attleboro are investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins that took place last weekend, while Mansfield police report three vehicles stolen in recent weeks."

"In Attleboro, break-ins were reported overnight from Saturday through Monday in two areas: The Starkey Avenue area, including Holden Street and Pleasant Street and the Mendon Road area in South Attleboro."

"In both locations, suspects operated between midnight and 4 a.m., police said."

"Most of the vehicles were parked in residential driveways and were unlocked, police said."

"In South Attleboro, police reported similar incidents in recent years often involved suspects traveling from neighboring communities and moving through multiple neighborhoods before heading elsewhere."

"Suspects typically work in pairs or small groups. One person drives a getaway vehicle — sometimes without headlights to avoid detection — while one or more accomplices walk through neighborhoods checking for unlocked doors. Witnesses have described suspects wearing dark clothing."

"Police also encouraged residents to review home security or doorbell camera footage recorded between midnight and 4 a.m. for suspicious activity, including individuals walking through neighborhoods or vehicles moving slowly along residential streets."

"Anyone with surveillance footage or information about the Attleboro incidents should call 508-222-1212. Suspicious activity in Mansfield should be reported to 508-261-7300." Reported by Stephen Peterson speterson@thesunchronicle.com

Local health officials are urging caution as cases of cyclosporiasis surge nationwide, even though none have been reported in the area.

"Cyclosporiasis occurs when food or water becomes contaminated with microscopic amounts of human waste, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Leafy greens, herbs, fruits and vegetables are among the most common sources of infection."

"Public health nurses Sheri Miller-Bedau in Attleboro and Ann Marie Fleming in North Attleboro also reported no cases but said residents should remain cautious. There’s always a concern since it’s in the state,” Miller-Bedau said."

“At this time, Sturdy Health reports no confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis,” said Dr. Brian Patel, Sturdy Health’s chief medical and quality officer."

"Patel said that in addition to washing hands with soap and water after using the restroom and before food preparation and handling, people should thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables, including separating and rinsing individual leaves of leafy greens and fresh herbs."

“Some fruit, like raspberries, are very difficult to clean,” he said.

"Patel added that cyclospora, the parasite that causes the illness, is highly resistant to chlorine and can be acquired through swimming." Reported By Rhianwen Watkins rwatkins@thesunchronicle.com