16 pizza shops go head-to-head for the right to be judged by The Republican's pizza perfectionists.

The most important week of the 2011 Valley Food Championship Pizza Playoffs – so far – is here.

The fate of 16 pizza shops is in your hands. So is the fate of the taste buds of our three judges.

As we seek to determine the best pizza in the Valley, we've relied on readers of The Republican, MassLive.com and El Pueblo Latino to nominate and vote for their favorite pizza shops in an NCAA tournament-style competition. Round 3 is the final stage of voting – you will decide which elite eight pizza shops will be visited by judges from The Republican newsroom for the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship of the competition.

So don't let the judges – arts and entertainment editor Ray Kelly, sports reporter Pam McCray and photographer Don Treeger – down. Send them and their stomachs to the best eight pizza shops out of the 117 you originally nominated.

In each region in Round 3, you can vote in each of the two matchups. The two winners in each region will advance to the Elite 8 quarterfinals. The 2 unsuccessful pizza shops in each region will be eliminated.

Round 3 voting is open until Wednesday, June 8 at noon until 4 p.m. It's time to cast your ballot!

Links to Round 3 polls:

North | South | East of the River | West of the River

The woman was struck while undergoing wilderness rescue training at the outdoor adventure company, Zoar Outdoor.

CHARLEMONT– A western Massachusetts woman who survived a lightning strike during the violent weather that slammed the region this week couldn’t have been in a better place at the time.

The woman in her 20s was struck while undergoing wilderness rescue training at an outdoor adventure company in Charlemont on Wednesday.

Zoar Outdoor President Bruce Lessels told The Recorder of Greenfield the woman from the town of Florida was seated near an electrical outlet inside a building when struck.

The instructor was Sawyer Alberi, a former combat medic in Iraq.

Alberi and the other students went into action, checking the conscious woman’s vital signs and keeping her comfortable until an ambulance arrived.

The fire chief said the woman had no outward signs of a strike. Her name was not made public.

The legislators gathered at Court Square as Business Improvement District workers from Springfield, Boston and Hartford cleaned up downed trees and branches.

Photo by Mark M. Murray / The RepublicanMassachusetts House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, center, speaks at a press conference held in Court Square, Springfield, Friday. Some of the other state representatives behind him include, from left, include Angelo Puppolo, of Springfield, Donald Humason, of Westfield, and Thomas Petrolati, of Ludlow.

SPRINGFIELD – State legislators including House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo pledged Friday to assist Springfield and area communities in recovering from Wednesday’s tornadoes that wreaked havoc and devastation across the region.

DeLeo and a dozen area legislators gathered at Court Square in downtown Springfield to pledge their support as work crews from the Springfield, Downtown Boston and Hartford Business Improvement Districts cleared downed trees and branches. Boston and Hartford sent approximately 15 laborers.

“We are going to be there for the city,” DeLeo said. “My role here today is to send a message to the people of Springfield that the state is a partner.”

He and other legislators said they were impressed by the resiliency of the residents and team effort by local, state and federal agencies in responding to the devastation.

Several legislators spoke of the devastation in their districts, including homes that were destroyed and widespread power outages. The state will help in any way it can in the short-term and long-term, DeLeo said.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said progress continues as less than 5,000 households were still without power Friday morning, some buildings are being demolished, and cleanup moves forward. He also praised the “absolutely outstanding” efforts of Good Samaritans and good neighbors.

Legislators have toured their districts and joined DeLeo Friday in viewing the heavily damaged South End.

State Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, said many in her district, which includes the South End, have devastating losses. She spoke of one resident who had a boat atop his house, and “lost everything.”

Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr., D-Springfield, said the resources must continue to come to assist devastated neighborhoods.

“We have to make sure we do all we can,” Puppolo said. “We are all unitied on this.”

Rep. Brian Ashe, D-Longmeadow, said the magnitude of the devastation is “mind-boggling.”

More than 150 WMECO crews have worked to restore power in the Greater Springfield area.

6-3-2011 - West Springfield - Storm aftermath - Staff Photo By John Suchocki - Local resident walks down Sprague St. through the damage.

SPRINGFIELD – Most of the approximately 3,500 Western Massachusetts Electric Co. customers who remain without power in the East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres neighborhoods should see it restored sometime Friday night, a spokeswoman said.

National Grid, meanwhile, hopes to be able to restore power by midnight to the approximately 4,500 East Longmeadow customers who have been in the dark since the tornado and intense thunderstorms ripped through region Wednesday afternoon.

“Our crews are diligently working on the transmission system and they are looking at midnight,” said Debbie Drew, spokeswoman for National Grid.

All told, some 9,000 National Grid customers remain without power in Hampden and Worcester counties, Drew said.

National Grid’s website reported that other Hampden County communities without power early Friday afternoon included: Brimfield, 216; Hampden, 79; Holland, 1,450; Monson, 116; Wilbraham, 1,115. The website states that personnel are still assessing conditions in those communities and no estimates are available as to when power might be restored.

Sandra Ahearn, director of communications for the Western Massachusetts Electric Co., said that a smaller portion of the East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres customers may not get their electricity back until Saturday morning.

Ahearn said more than 150 crews have worked to restore power to neighborhoods in Springfield, West Springfield, Ludlow and Agawam. By Thursday night nearly all customers were back in service in West Springfield, Ludlow and Agawam, she said.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, more than 11,000 customers in Springfield had power restored, Ahearn said.

Murray and Senate minority leader Bruce Tarr say action by the federal government is critical in directing money to the area.

Photo by John Suchocki / The RepublicanState Sen. James T. Welch, Senate President Theresa Murray and state Sen. Michael R. Knapik, from left, survey damage caused by Wednesday's tornado at the corner of George and Union Streets in West Springfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - State Senate President Therese Murray Friday called on the president to declare a federal emergency because of the tornado-caused devastation in Western Massachusetts. That would help direct federal money to the area, according to her.

“The president needs to act immediately,” the Plymouth Democrat said during a press conference Friday morning from a command post in West Springfield’s Merrick neighborhood, which has sustained massive damage.

Congress should stop partisan bickering and take action, Murray said, pledging that the state senate will do “whatever it takes” to assist when it convenes in formal session next week.

Action by the federal government is critical as it is the most important funding source to shore up the situation, state Sen. Bruce E. Tarr, R-Gloucester said. The senate minority leader was also at the press conference along with other legislators. Following the press conference, they took a tour of the Merrick neighborhood to survey some of the damage.

More details coming on MassLive and in The Republican.

Kevin Dumpson has found solace in Old Glory as he cleans up from devastating Springfield tornado - and remembers 9/11.

File photo / The RepublicanKevin J. Dumpson, of Springfield, pauses from digging for survivors following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001. Click on the link, above right, for a report from television station WSHM-TV, cbs3, in Springfield how once again, an American flag is giving Dumpson solace -- this time following Wednesday's devastating tornadoes in Western Massachusetts.

• Family talks about Angelica Guerrero of West Springfield, who sacrificed self to save daughter during tornado [BostonHerald.com]


• Massachusetts officials warns tornado victims to avoid out-of-state contractors [WWLP.com]


• Kevin Dumpson of Springfield finds solace in flag as he cleans up after tornado (video) [cbs3springfield.com]


• Village Green Campground in Brimfield destroyed in three minutes by tornado (video) [NECN.com]


• Raymond Clark, killer of Yale graduate student Annie Le, being sentenced for murder [HartfordCourant.com]


• Julianne McCrery, mother of 6-year-old Camden Hughes, whose body was found in Maine, transferred to women's jail in New Hampshire [Foster'sDailyDemocrat.com]


• Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston considers major reorganization, Associated Press reports [BostonGlobe.com]


• New jobs growth slows in USA; unemployment up to 9.1 percent [CSMonitor.com]


• Twitter posts tagged #westernma in Western Mass. [MassLive.com]


• Read more News Links »


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Storm Assistance Centers will be located in Springfield, Palmer and Southbridge.

The state is opening three "Storm Assistance Centers" to serve communities affected by the June 1 tornadoes.

Centers will be located in Springfield, Palmer and Southbridge. Exact locations are:

Springfield: Department of Transitional Assistance Office
95 Liberty Street, Springfield
(413) 858-1000

Palmer: Department of Developmental Service Central/West Regional Office
171 State Avenue, Palmer, 01069
(413) 283-3411 or (800) 323-3123

Southbridge: Department of Transitional Assistance Office
1 North Street, Southbridge
(508) 765-2400

CLICK HERE for our full map of tornado-related resources. Full text of the press release is below.

BOSTON – Friday, June 3, 2011 – The Patrick-Murray Administration today announced the opening of three Massachusetts Storm Assistance Centers in Springfield, Palmer and Southbridge that will provide vital supports for individuals and families impacted by severe weather in the region earlier this week. Governor Deval Patrick has called on agencies across state government to work collaboratively to meet the immediate health, human service, housing and employment needs of those affected by the storms.

"The people I have met over the past couple of days are shaken, but resilient, and ready to re-build their lives. By consolidating all available services in one place, these Storm Assistance Centers will make it easier for them to do just that," said Governor Patrick. "We stand alongside those affected by these devastating storms to help wherever we can."

“While visiting these communities following the devastating storm, the Governor and I witnessed first-hand the incredible work of public safety officials and first responders,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “As these communities recover and rebuild, these storm assistance centers will provide individuals, families, neighborhoods and the business community with the critical resources that they all need right now.”

"In the wake of this horrific disaster, these recovery centers will offer vital services and bring much-needed relief to folks who have endured so much over these past few days,” said Senator John Kerry. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re prepared to do everything in our power to help the people of Springfield rebuild their community and move forward with their lives.”

“As we work together to move forward from this disaster, I encourage Massachusetts residents impacted by the severe weather to take advantage of these resources," said Senator Scott Brown. "While the damage inflicted was truly devastating, I am hopeful these Centers will be a valuable tool as we begin the re-building process.”

"Having visited every community impacted by the tornados, I know firsthand that many people need help. These Centers will provide critical assistance and is another indication that the recovery process has begun. But I will continue to do everything I can to help the people of western and central Massachusetts who are in need," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

“I commend Governor Patrick for taking quick action to help the children and families in need. No one could have imagined the devastation in western and central Massachusetts on Wednesday left by violent storms and tornadoes," said Senate President Therese Murray. "Our hearts go out to those who have lost so much and the families and loved ones of those who were killed and injured. We must all work together and support our fellow citizens during this difficult time.”

"I applaud the Administration for opening these support centers," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. "I plan to work closely with Governor Patrick, Senate President Murray, and the Representatives of the cities and towns struck by this disaster to alleviate the pain, suffering and damage caused by Wednesday's tornadoes. This is something we’re going to work on together for as long as it takes to make these communities whole again."

Agencies of the Executive Offices of Health and Human Services, Housing and Economic Development, and Labor and Workforce Development will be on site in all three communities and will offer meetings with area residents to help them resolve their urgent needs for health, nutrition, housing and employment services.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby has sent representatives from the Departments of Transitional Assistance, Mental Health, Public Health and Veterans' Services; and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind to each of the centers to provide personalized assistance to impacted residents.

“We are ready to provide a range of health and human service supports to the individuals and families who were affected by these powerful storms,” said Secretary Bigby. “Our dedicated staff are committed to supporting those who have suffered difficult losses and enrolling them in services and programs for which they may be eligible." Staff will be on site to help individuals and families obtain cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, seek crisis counseling support services, and enroll in a range of other available benefits.

Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki will ensure that the storm assistance centers will are staffed by public and private sector economic development leaders and non-profit partners who can offer impacted businesses and homeowners advice on available state and federal resources that can assist with repairs, rebuilding and relocation. Additionally, the Division of Insurance will also be represented by experts who can help guide consumers through the insurance claims process. The Administration is also working with landlords to secure temporary office space for impacted businesses in downtown Springfield.

"Our homeowners and business owners are the backbone of our communities and we are committed to connecting them with the resources that are available so they can rebuild," said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. "These centers will offer guidance on a wide array of assistance, from Small Business Administration funding to business relocation and reopening tools to tips on how to file insurance claims. We stand behind all of the people whose lives and livelihoods have been uprooted and we will not rest until everyone is back on their feet."

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Joanne F. Goldstein has dispatched the state's Rapid Response team to help staff each of the three centers. The Rapid Response teams will assist impacted employees with filing for unemployment benefits and include a Spanish speaker at each center. Additionally, a business representative will be available to discuss programs and grant opportunities available to employers and businesses impacted by the storm.

"During this time of need, it is important to provide fast and easy access to unemployment benefits and job training opportunities to those employees impacted by the storms," said Secretary Goldstein.

Individuals and families impacted by the storms are encouraged to visit one of three new Massachusetts Storm Assistance Centers listed below. The Centers will be open today from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. thereafter, including Saturday and Sunday, until further notice:

Springfield: Department of Transitional Assistance Office
95 Liberty Street, Springfield
(413) 858-1000

Palmer: Department of Developmental Service Central/West Regional Office
171 State Avenue, Palmer, 01069
(413) 283-3411 or (800) 323-3123

Southbridge: Department of Transitional Assistance Office
1 North Street, Southbridge
(508) 765-2400

The Governor declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts on Wednesday following tornado activity that produced high winds, significant property damage, power outages and loss of life. This declaration was amended Thursday to include only those four counties hit hardest by the storms: Worcester County, Hampshire County, Hampden County and Franklin County.

Since the storms passed through Massachusetts on Wednesday evening, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has coordinated federal, state, local, voluntary and private resources following the disaster.

Don Treeger | The Republican06.01.2010 | A child runs for cover as bad weather moved back into the area following a tornado touchdown in the South End of Springfield. This was on Central St.

Preliminary findings rank the tornado as an EF3, meaning that it was packing winds of 136-165 mph.

Submitted photo of tornado from parking lot at MassMutal in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD – The tornado that ripped through Western Massachusetts and claimed three lives Wednesday exceeded speeds of 136 mph and grew to be a half-mile wide, meteorologists said.

National Weather Service meteorologist Eleanor Vallier-Talbot said Friday that a preliminary investigation has determined that the tornado was at least a category EF-3 in the hardest hit areas, meaning that it was packing winds of 136-165 mph.

“It could possibly go higher,” Vallier-Talbot said of the ranking of the tornado, or tornadoes. It’s yet to be determined whether one, two or more tornadoes hit here, she said.

Vallier-Talbot was part of a National Weather Service survey team that viewed tornado damage in Monson and Southbridge on Thursday.

“It was unbelievable,” said Vallier-Talbot, who has been with the weather service for 26 years. “I never thought I would see that up here in my life.”

Another weather service team is touring the devastated areas today and a final determination on the ranking of the tornado will likely be released later this afternoon or tonight, Vallier-Talbot said.

Vallier-Talbot said her team estimated that the tornado, which is believed to have formed in Westfield, had grown to be half a mile wide by the time it reached Monson.

Storm damage, perhaps from the tornado, was reported as far east as Southbridge and Douglas, she said.

Vallier-Talbot said she had been on duty in Taunton Wednesday when she saw the tornado’s signature on the radar. “I was like ‘That’s here in Massachusetts?’” she said.

Although such tornadoes are extremely rare here, history has shown that it can happen, she said, noting that an EF-4 tornado that hit Worcester on June 9, 1953 raged on the ground for 64 minutes and killed nearly 100 people.

“That’s the standard-bearer,” she said.

Meteorologists rank tornadoes on the Ehanced Fujita Damage Classification Scale.

City utility crews expect to complete power restoration in tornado-damaged area by Friday night.

WESTFIELD – Munger Hill School, closed for the past two days because of roof damage from Wednesday’s tornado, is scheduled to reopen Monday.

Superintendent of Schools Shirley Alvira and Mayor Daniel M. Knapik Friday praised Munger Hill staff, especially its custodial staff, for their quick response to ensure the 376 students are able to return to their studies Monday. Other municipal workers, such as public safety, emergency management and Department of Public Works, are also credited for efforts in securing the school and clearing storm related damage throughout the Munger Hill community, Knapik said.

Westfield Gas and Electric Department, with assistance from other utilities, were continuing efforts Friday to restore electric power to the city’s southwest corridor devastated by Wednesday’s storm.

The utility reported Friday afternoon that less than 100 customers were without power but that it expected to complete the task later in the day. Power was restored to Pontoosic and Knollwood Acres areas and most of Shaker Road customers had power restored Thursday night. Remaining work continued in Shaker Heights area that includes Falley Drive and some of Steiger Drive.

Police Traffic Supervisor Sgt. Edward Murphy said portions of Steiger and Falley drive were either closed or had limited traffic flow because of utility work in the area.

The tornado destroyed a section of Munger Hill School’s steel roof and, coupled with storm debris forced the cancellation of classes there Thursday and Friday.

“We have to relocated two classrooms to other areas within the building but it will be open on Monday,” Alvira said.

The superintendent said additional counselors will be in attendance Monday to assist students and staff if necessary.

Alvira said Munger Hill custodians “worked around the clock” to make necessary repairs at the school.

Also, Knapik said custodians from other schools assisted in the cleanup at the elementary school Friday afternoon.

“It was just a great, tremendous response from all municipal employees and to the community as a whole in responding to the storm aftermath,” Knapik said.

School Director of Operations Frank B. Mahar Jr. said Friday his staff is “still assessing the cost of repairs” to Munger Hill. “It will be couple of bucks,” he said.

No serious injuries were reported in Westfield during Wednesday’s storm.

Movable building materials will also be collected.

SPRINGFIELD – The city has announced that tree and branch debris can be placed on the tree belts and along the edge of the street on residential properties and will be picked up in coming days as part of the tornado cleanup.

Residents are also being asked to separate tree debris from building materials. Movable building materials placed on tree belts and along the edge of streets will also be transported by the city. Residents are encouraged to place their building material debris in 35 gallon barrels or trash bags.

The city is working with Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to have members of the National Guard assist elderly and disabled residents with the clean up in affected areas.

The tree and branch pickup was announced jointly by the Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management and the Department of Public Works.

Donations of goods are being accepted at Hubbard Park on Sunday.

SPRINGFIELD – The Indian Orchard Citizens Council and Ward 8 City Councilor John A. Lysak will be hosting a collection effort on Sunday to aid the victims of Wednesday’s tornado.

Sunday’s collection will occur from noon to 4 p.m., at the Hubbard Park Building on Parker Street.

Donations of clothing, toiletries, and non perishable food items will be accepted. All donations will benefit Springfield victims of the tornado.

“The recent tornado disaster that has struck our city has caused a level of urgent relief to become necessary.” Lysak said. “While Springfield is not accustomed to this type of disaster, I am confident that we will stand strong and rebuild as a community. I am happy to be partnering with the Indian Orchard Citizens Council to provide an opportunity for residents of Ward 8 and Greater Springfield to donate to the relief.”

Susan Soto, president of the citizens council, said the group is “excited to be working with Councilor Lysak to bring assistance to our neighbors in this time of need.”

Obituaries from The Republican.

William E. Hurlburt

EAST LONGMEADOW - William E. Hurlburt, 63, died at home Saturday. He was born in Northampton on March 30, 1948 to the late William and Irma Pellsier. Upon graduating from Northampton High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, in which he served for 20 years. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a retired supervisor for the United States Postal Service at its Main Street station in Springfield.

Obituaries from The Republican:

• 
  Corley, Josephine M. "BaBa"




• 
  Gorski, Carol A.
  



• 
  Guimond, Margaret Mary Dean (Peg)
  




• Holda, Catherine M. (Hipsky)
  




• 
  Hurlburt, William E.
  



• 
  Kusek, Laurie A. (Czabaj)




• 
  Mallalieu, Scott D.
  



• 
  Masterman, David N.
  




• Matt, Richard "Dick"
  




• 
  Milvae, John N.
  



• 
  Starzyk, Edward S. "Ed"




• 
  Wojciechowski, Mildred (Hager)
  



• 
  Zingale, Helen (Hudyma)
  

The shooting happened inside an area that had previously been damaged from the tornado

A Republican photo by Don TreegerSpringfield police at the scene of a shooting at Main and Williams Street in the South End.

SPRINGFIELD - Police are on the scene of a shooting in the South End that involved police.

At least one person was transported to the hospital shortly after 4 p.m.

Details are at the moment extremely sketchy. More information will be posted as it develops.

The scene at Main and Williams Street is in the area of the South End hardest hit by the recent tornado. The area was already cordoned off by the Massachusetts National Guard earlier in the week due to danger from possible building collapses, and guardsmen were not allowing the press or general public within two blocks of the scene.

abc40 television is reporting that police officers shot two people.

Dozens of police and detectives were dispatched to the scene.

The Dow fell 97 points following news of an increase in the national unemployment rate.

Associated Press photoSpecialist John Urbanowicz works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Friday.

NEW YORK –Evidence is piling up that the economic recovery has lost some of its vigor. That has deflated a stock market rally and pushed indexes down for five straight weeks, the longest losing streak since mid-2008.

So, what’s next? Don’t hold out hope for more help from the government, analysts say. Another round of stimulus spending isn’t in the cards, the Fed has already slashed interest rates near zero and has said it will end its bond-buying program on schedule at the end of this month.

With high gas prices crimping consumer spending and companies still reluctant to hire, investors may have to settle for a stock market and an economic recovery that plod slowly along.

“The market is clearly getting used to uneven economic data,” says Jeff Kleintop, chief market strategist at LPL Financial. “We’ve moved from a recovery phase to a more modest pace of economic growth.”

A weak employment report spurred another stock sell-off Friday, two days after the Dow Jones industrial average had its worst drop in nearly a year. The Dow lost 97.29 points, or 0.8 percent, to close at 12,151.26.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 index fell 12.78, or 1 percent, to 1,300.16. The Nasdaq composite fell 40.53, or 1.5 percent, to 2,732.78. Each index lost 2.3 percent for the week.

Despite the market’s recent slump, analysts say there are still plenty of bright spots in the economy including business spending and bank lending. The market could still manage to struggle higher this year, Kleintop says, but the ride from here will likely be a long and slow climb. Picture a jagged valley of dips and steps, not a straight shot up or down.

Investors will probably have to scale back their expectations for profits, much as economists from JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and other banks recently lowered their estimates for economic growth. Kleintop expects to see corporations cut their earnings estimates in the coming weeks. The news is sure to push their stocks lower. “There will be more days like (Friday),” Kleintop says.

Stocks had a strong start to the year, hitting their highest levels in nearly three years in late April. But the market has been sputtering since then as troubling signs emerged about the economy. Investors probably overreacted to strong corporate earnings at the start of the year, said Andrew Wilkinson, senior market analyst with Interactive Brokers.

“I think what investors need to do is get accustomed to a more sluggish pace of growth,” Wilkinson says.

Employers added only 54,000 new workers in May, the fewest in eight months and well below what analysts were expecting, the Labor Department reported. Private companies hired the fewest new workers in nearly a year. The unemployment rate inched up to 9.1 percent from 9 percent.

Stocks fell sharply after the opening of trading but recovered some ground after a report from the Institute for Supply Management came out at midmorning. The group of purchasing executives said the economy’s service sector grew in May for an 18th straight month. The pace of growth picked up slightly from the ISM report April, which was the worst in eight months.

Later in the morning European officials said Greece would receive the next installment of its emergency loan package, lifting some uncertainty about Greece’s fiscal crisis. European stocks and the euro rose after the European Union, European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund gave Greece more breathing room as it tries to service its debts.

The Labor Department’s closely-watched monthly jobs report reinforced earlier signals that the U.S. economy is slowing. High gas and food prices have cut into consumer spending and the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan have hurt U.S. manufacturers by slowing down supplies of industrial parts.

The Dow plunged 280 points Wednesday, its worst drop in nearly a year, on a weak payrolls report from ADP and the biggest decline in a key manufacturing index since 1984. That combined with other weak readings on the economy prompted analysts to lower their projections for growth in 2011.

“We are clearly seeing a significant slowdown in economic activity, and a lot of that has to do with the effect of higher energy prices and the disruption from Japan,” says David Kelly, chief market strategist with J.P. Morgan Funds.

Rising pessimism about the economy’s health have some investors hoping the Federal Reserve will drum up another rescue package. The Fed’s current $600 billion bond-buying effort has been credited with fueling months of gains in the stock market since last August. That program, dubbed QE 2, ends this month. So will signs of sagging economic growth spur a QE 3?

Most economists doubt it.

“QE 3 isn’t on the table,” says Anthony Chan, chief economist at J.P. Morgan’s private wealth unit. The economy isn’t in as bad shape as it was last summer when the Fed hatched its bond-buying plan, Chan says. At the time, many worried about a double-dip recession, and weak inflation had the Fed fearing a spiral of falling prices known as deflation, a scourge of the Great Depression.

Now, rising gas prices have pinched consumer spending and have been blamed for weaker retail sales. The consumer price index has climbed 3.2 percent over the past year.

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. shares fell 12 percent after the company lowered its outlook for sales and earnings in 2011. Large retailers that sell the company’s products are lowering their expectations for economic growth this year.

“Persistent softness in the U.S. economy and increased inflationary pressure have caused us to revise our outlook for the balance of the year,” President and CEO Mark Ketchum said in a statement. “Our revised expectations are lower than they were just a short while ago.”

More than two stocks fell for every one that rose on the New York Stock Exchange. Trading volume was 3.6 billion shares.

More than 1,300 twisters have been reported, doubling the total at this point last year.

Storm damage is seen in downtown after a tornado in Springfield, Mass., Wednesday, June 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Residents begin digging through the rubble of their home after it was destroyed by a tornado that hit Joplin, Mo. on Sunday evening, May 22, 2011. The tornado tore a path a mile wide and four miles long destroying homes and businesses. (AP Photo/Mike Gullett)

The tornadoes that swept through Western and Central Massachusetts Wednesday are among more than 1,300 twisters reported across the country this year. Putting things in perspective, that number is more than double the amount of storms reported at this point last year.

While the alarming jump in funnel clouds seen this year is leaving meteorologists and scientists scratching their heads, those same experts are confident that the increase isn't evidence to suggest tornadoes are becoming more frequent, according a report by the St. Louis Beacon.

Perhaps even more staggering than the amount of tornadoes that have touched down on U.S. soil this year --- primarily from March through May --- is the death toll. The three deaths caused by Wednesday's tornadoes puts the national mark at 522 this year, which is the highest recorded total since 1953 and the highest since the National Weather Service began keeping records in 1950, according to USA Today.

Despite the destruction and devastation caused by Wednesday's tornadoes and the other massive storms to strike down in Joplin and Tuscaloosa, researchers say that tornadoes are still typically popping up in tornado alley areas in the Plains and the Southeast.

Wednesday's storms came at what is typically the back end of the tornado season. It is proven, though, that towards the end of the season, northern states will receive severe weather.

"In June, you'll normally get severe weather in Colorado, in the northern Plains and upper Midwest," says Weather Channel meteorologist Tom Moore. "You'll also get a decent amount of severe weather in New York and New England."

Ward 5 Councilor David A. Murphy is among those who are hopeful that on-going efforts to rezone King Street will make that area more attractive for commercial development.

NORTHAMPTON – The city’s fiscal 2012 budget sailed through the City Council relatively peacefully Thursday on first reading, although some aspects of the $93.5 million plan remain unsettled.

The council actually approved $70.8 million in spending for the general fund, the amount over which it has oversight. The remainder of the $77.3 general fund consists of revenues outside the council’s purview, such as state aid and the $1.7 million ambulance fund. In separate votes, the council gave preliminary approval to the water, sewer and solid waste enterprise funds, which are self-regenerating. When added to the general fund, the enterprise funds bring the total cost of running the city for fiscal 2012 to $93.5 million.

The measures passed 7-0 on first reading. The final vote will come at the council’s next meeting later this month. With the council’s two main budget hawks absent, there was no discussion about individual line items. Ward 7 Councilor Eugene C. Tacy was not in attendance due to a personal matter. Angela Plassmann, the other councilor who has been critical of city spending, resigned in April amid turmoil over a zoning violation on her property.

In recent years, Mayor Mary Clare Higgins has had to either cut jobs or seek a Proposition 2½ override to achieve a level-service budget. The 2012 budget has not required either to date, although Higgins is asking the various unions that represent city employees to forego contracted raises and cost of living increases. She is still in negotiations with those unions. Higgins also asked city workers to agree to changes in their health insurance coverage that result in higher co-pays. All but the firefighter’s union have agreed to those.

Finance Director Susan Wright said the School Department budget has no money for pay raises and that the School Committee has compiled a list of cuts should money have to be funneled into salary increases. Among those cuts is the loss of 7.5 teaching positions.

At Large Councilor Jesse M. Adams said he feels the budget is a good one.

“I think it adequately reflects the priorities and values of the city,” he said.

Adams said he was pleased that the budget came with an update on the city’s success in implementing its Sustainable Northampton plan, a long-term effort to maintain a high quality of life here.

“Some people said that plan would gather dust,” he said.

Some $66 million in budget revenues are coming from local taxes, with residential property owners bearing about 80 percent of the burden and commercial owners the rest. Council President David J. Narkewicz noted that the state’s contribution to the budget is also at an all-time low, which prompted some discussion about broadening the commercial tax base.

“It’s something we talked about and has been talked about and will be talked about in the future,” Narkewicz said.

Ward 5 Councilor David A. Murphy is among those who are hopeful that on-going efforts to rezone King Street will make that area more attractive for commercial development. Murphy said residential property owners once accounted for 75 percent of local tax revenues, five percent less than they contribute today.

Also pending in the budget plan is final approval by the council of Higgins’ proposal to raise fines for parking violations. Under her plan, tickets for meter violations would go up by $5 and fines for other infractions would rise by $10. The council has approved those measures in first reading.

Businesses can get assistance finding temporary office space, help filing insurance claim, getting power back and clearing roads and can be put into contact with the U.S. Small Business Administration and whatever other federal help materializes.

The Republican | Michael S. GordonDozens of businesses along Main Street in the South End of Springfield were severely damaged by Wednesday's tornadoes. Allan W. Blair, president of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, estimated that at least 30 South End businesses were destroyed.

SPRINGFIELD – Help, including temporary office space, is available for tornado-ravaged businesses, but problems with phones, cellular signals and power are keeping businesses from coming forward.

“The people who need the most help are the least able to get into contact with us,” Gregory P. Bialecki, state secretary of housing and economic development, said Friday during a conference call where he urged local chambers of commerce to compile lists of impacted businesses.

Getting businesses up and running as soon as possible is an important part of the region’s recovery, he said.

“We are doing this all on the fly. ... I am not going to pretend otherwise,” Bialecki said.

Allan W. Blair, president of the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts, estimated that at least 30 businesses were destroyed in Springfield’s South End alone. The neighborhood, like the hard-hit Merrick neighborhood in West Springfield, was home to older buildings long subdivided into offices and small shops.

“A lot of professionals, insurance sales, architects, consultants,” Blair said.

Alexandra McNitt, executive director of the Chamber of Central Mass South in Sturbridge, said there are stretches of Route 20 in Brimfield that are devastated.

“We have very scanty details,” she said.

Bialecki, who plans to tour the South End on Monday, said his department will have representatives available to business owners at the “one-stop” center the state is establishing at the state Department of Transitional Assistance Office 95 Liberty St. in Springfield and at the Department of Developmental Service Central/West Regional Office, 171 State Avenue, Palmer.

There, businesses can get assistance finding temporary office space, help filing insurance claim, getting power back and clearing roads and can be put into contact with the U.S. Small Business Administration and whatever other federal help materializes.

The Scibelli Enterprise Center, located in the Springfield Technical Community College Technology Park just outside the damage zone, is available as temporary office space, said Marla S. Michel, director of the center.

Cathedral's classes will be held at Elms College in Chicopee, while St. Michael's Academy classes will be held at Western New England University.

File photo by Mark M. Murray / The RepublicanDamage to the science wing at Cathedral High School in Springfield is seen following Wednesday's tornado.

SPRINGFIELD – Students from Cathedral High School and St. Michael’s Academy Middle School, will finish the year at new locations due to serious tornado damage that occurred on Wednesday.

Cathedral High School students will resume classes on Tuesday at Elms College in Chicopee, said Mark Dupont, a spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield.

The college is making classroom space available.

St. Michael’s Academy Middle School, which is located within the Cathedral complex, will relocate on Tuesday to space being provided at Western New England University, and finish the school year there, Dupont said.

Additional details were not immediately available.

There was serious damage at Cathedral including its science wing, a gymnasium wall, and windows.

More details coming in The Republican.

Neal visited the hardest hit areas of his district in Western and Central Massachusetts.

The Republican | Michael S. GordonU.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, right, discusses tornado damage with Springfield resident Gerald Foley on South Branch Parkway on Friday.

SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, equipped with a pair of sneakers, has seen the tornado damage ranging from severely damaged homes, schools and business blocks to the pummeled and toppled trees of his district.

Neal’s 2nd District stretches through Western and Central Massachusetts, and he said Friday he has seen the hardest hit areas including Monson, Wilbraham, Brimfield, Southbridge and various neighborhoods in Springfield.

He believes the touring and ongoing assessments by local, state and federal agencies and officials are helping to gather accurate information that is needed and will help “hasten aid.” He has conferred with the White House and with state and federal agencies.

At mid-afternoon on Friday, he stood on South Branch Parkway in Sixteen Acres, and praised the work being done by electric company crews that are restoring power in the neighborhood. In addition, he viewed some of the damage to private properties including rows of downed trees and large branches.

“It doesn’t stop the joggers,” Neal said.

Neal spoke with Gov. Deval L. Patrick soon after the tornadoes hit, and has traveled with the officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

The state has a special hotline (617) 521-7777 for insurance complaints.

Photo by Jim Kinney / The Republican David W. Valentine, right, a property field trainer with The Travelers Companies, points out damage to a Rosella Street home as homeowner Sean T. Wylie looks on.

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance adjuster David W. Valentine disappeared up through the closet and into the attic crawl space of 29 Rosella St. in the hard-hit East Forest Park neighborhood.

“I can hear his tape measure. That means he’s still alive,” joked homeowner Sean T. Wylie.

A few minutes later Valentine descended flashlight in hand. The prognosis was not good.

“You have at least one cracked rafter that I can see,” Valentine, a property field trainer with The Travelers Cos. in Hartford said. “Again, with more light I might be able to see more.”

He’ll only visit two or three homes Friday. he said it takes hours to navigate storm-clogged roads and he likes to spend a lot of time with each homeowner. Another Travelers adjuster worked across the street while Valentine met with Wylie.

That splintered rafter meant that Valentine’s original guess that Wylie’s home had only suffered $5,000 to $10,000 in damage probably was too low.

“But at least everyone in the family is OK,” Valentine said. “We can take care of sticks. That’s all this is: sticks.”

Wednesday’s tornado took an oak tree more than four feet around at its base and snapped it in two, dropping the top half across 29 Rosella Street, a Cape about halfway down this cul-de-sac off Island Pond Road.

It’s one of countless damaged homes in the region and Valentine is one of hundreds of insurance adjusters who have fanned out across the impacted areas toting clipboards, flashlights, digital cameras, flashlights and flooding step ladders.

Plymouth Rock Assurance deployed mobile car-claims specialists and opened a drive-in center appraisal center in West Springfield.

The Travelers’ Valentine said he’d write a check to Wylie Friday to cover Wylie’s immediate living expenses.

“I tell people to use it for whatever you need, just give me receipts for what you buy,” he said.

On a conference call with area chambers of commerce Friday, Barbara T. Anthony, undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation asked if anyone has either had trouble filing an insurance claim or has heard of anyone who is unable to file a damage claim.

She got no response. But she expects problems to arise as more homeowners get in touch with insurers and claims process, which can be contentious, move forward.

The state has a special hotline (617) 521-7777 for insurance complaints.

Anthony also warned people not to fall prey to out-of-state or unlicensed contractors.

Consumers can verify contractor licenses by calling 1 (888) 283-3757 or check www.mass.gov/consumer.

Valentine lives in Dartmouth and normally works out of Worcester responding to floods and hurricanes. The recent Alabama tornado was his first twister, he’d spent a week in Birmingham before getting called home to respond to Springfield.

No matter the disaster, he said his first step is to always make sure the family in the home is OK. Next, he makes sure the building is still squarely on its foundation. Walls that are bowed out in the middle are telltale signs that there is structural damage within.

“Sometimes it is just too dangerous to do much more. I don’t want to walk under the tree,” Valentine said. “I almost always have to come back.”

In the meantime Wylie is staying with friends. He had the day off work Friday because hi s employer, Lenox American Saw in East Longmeadow, didn’t have power.

“It’s just going to be a lot of detail, cleaning up, hiring contractors then doing more cleaning,” he said. “I’m sure there will be a lot of paperwork.”