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Rev. Talbert Swan: Transparency, trust, human rights commission key

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Head of Greater Springfield NAACP calls for creation of municipal civil rights policy, in wake of Ferguson.

The Rev. Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the NAACP, has sent an Aug. 22 follow-up letter to Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, suggesting the mayor reactivate the city's human rights commission, and also raised the possibility of a municipal civil rights policy.

Earlier in the week, Swan sent letters to both Sarno and Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse requesting the establishment of commissions, in both Springfield and Holyoke, to prevent the civil unrest that resulted in Ferguson, Mo., in the wake of a fatal police shooting of an unarmed, black teen, from potentially happening here in the future.

Morse responded that he would keep the recommendation under advisement, while Sarno noted he has already established a number of committees to address a range of issues, such as domestic and gang violence and those specific to neighborhoods.

"When reading the mayor's letter, I got the sense the mayor is focusing administration efforts on curbing gang violence in Springfield, which they need to do and I commend them on those efforts," Swan said. "However, the situation of civil unrest in Ferguson has to do with historic distrust between police and the community. If there had been trust there, we might have seen a different response."

"In the African American community," he added, "there is often a rush to judgment that something is an act of police violence and, in the white community, the default is that the police officer was justified in shooting a young black male for aggression. This happens because of the tenuous relationship between the African American community and police. That is what I am attempting to get the mayor to focus on. What can his administration do to increase trust. "

Swan added "there needs to be greater transparency in terms of police investigations."

"There also needs to be a more representative police department that reflects the community they police," he said.

He also added that involving "African Americans and others of color in making recommendations about police and procedures regrading civil rights polices" is "not addressed by an anti-violence commission, or by lunches and public gatherings, or the Mason Square initiative (to reduce gang numbers), or any of the other entities that have come into creation under this administration."

He said he would like to see a more "transparent process" in terms of the police complaint review board, and for that board to have "statutory authority and not just the ability to make recommendations to the mayor and police commission."

"There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle missing in Springfield to foster the creation of trust between the police and community," Swan said.

"The police complaint review board is a mystery. No one seems to know what they are doing. They issue an annual report with some numbers that only deal with the cases before them. There are a number of cases that never come before them. There is no process by which the members are vetted. They are not approved by the City Council. There is no city input. They are appointed by the mayor."

Swan said he would like to see a municipal civil rights policy that "clearly defines the civil rights of the individual, has an element of training about diversity and inclusion and culture competency, and dictates how police investigations are handled, so they are clear and transparent."

"Municipalities across America have civil rights polices in place," Swan said.

He said the human relations commission he would like to see reactivated came into being under Mayor Charles Ryan in the 1960s.

"This works toward the same goals (as a municipal civil rights policy), and was active under several administrations, but is defunct under Sarno."

"The city determines how such a policy is enforced, and it goes beyond any one department. It gives a clear understanding of what occurs when a citizen's civil rights are violated. I understand we have federal and state laws, and often cities defer to them, as opposed to having a municipal civil rights policy. Having to mitigate civil rights violations through state and federal courts can take a long time, however, where a municipality with enforcement in place can handle them much quicker at a local level."

Swan said he has not sent a follow-up letter to Mayor Morse, as he and Morse have talked.

"I am working with Mayor Morse on some things that could potentially happen in Holyoke, so I have not responded to his letter. We are in conversation."


The text of the Rev. Talbert Swan II's Aug. 22 letter to Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is below:

August 22, 2014
Mayor Domenic Sarno
City of Springfield
36 Court Street
Springfield, MA 01103

Dear Mayor Sarno,

Thank you for your response to my letter requesting the establishment of commission
to identify, analyze and make recommendations regarding the underlying issues,
which may potentially cause civil unrest in the city of Springfield. I had the
opportunity to read your letter online and can well appreciate the efforts you
detailed, which concentrate on tackling “the persistent scourge of urban America,
street gang violence.” These efforts are commendable, however, while gang
violence is a scourge on our society, efforts toward curbing police misconduct and
abuse and improving police community relations must also be engaged to avoid a
potential “Ferguson” from occurring in our beloved city.

I am in full support of assisting the new police commissioner in actualizing his vision
toward improving relations, however, to do so, we must focus on rebuilding trust
between the community and law enforcement. This can best be done through
engaging law enforcement officials, members from the legal, business and faith
communities, and community residents and leaders in a collaborative effort toward
identifying problems and proactively employing strategies to solve them. Such
strategies include, establishing a municipal civil rights policy, establishing a protocol
when there are police officer involved shootings that foster transparency in the
investigative process, and addressing the issues of respect between law
enforcement and diverse communities.

Notwithstanding the commendable efforts you noted in your letter, I remind you
that the city has expended over $1 million in settlements to residents for police
misconduct since your tenure began. This number does not include legal and other
costs, all at the expense of the taxpayers. The figure also only includes four high
profile cases involving Melvin Jones, Douglas Greer, Louis Giles and Nicole Jones. It
would be interesting for the public to know what the bottom line is on all such cases
over the past few years.

In addition to the enormous financial burden of such cases, the continued mistrust
between residents and police creates a dangerous atmosphere in our city, where
some residents are unwilling to cooperate with law enforcement and some police
continue to disrespect residents and abuse their authority.

I remind you that the city established a human relations commission man years ago,
which served as an advisory body that promoted equal rights and better
understanding amongst residents by addressing issues that could potentially
increase the likelihood of civil unrest. This commission, while very active in previous
administrations, has been inactive during yours. Perhaps reactivating this important
commission will serve the concerns of my request.

As I stated in my previous letter, the conditions in Ferguson were a “perfect storm” that may have been foreseen. I am certain that Mayor James Knowles of Ferguson, who publicly stated, that there was “no racial divide” in his city, thought that efforts already employed by his administration were sufficient to avoid civil unrest. The past ten days have proven otherwise. We now have the opportunity to act in a proactive manner to prevent disquieting events by tapping into the genius of our
best resources, our residents. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely
GREATER SPRINGFIELD NAACP
Rev. Talbert W. Swan, II
President


Refurbished McDonald's on Center Street in Ludlow reopen Friday

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To commemorate the reopening, a $1,000 scholarship will be made to a Ludlow High School graduating senior.

LUDLOW – The newly renovated McDonald’s on Center Street reopened Friday afternoon and features comfortable seating, flat panel TVs, a double drive-thru, free WiFi and new lighting.

To commemorate the reopening, a $1,000 scholarship will be made to a Ludlow High School graduating senior. Donations also will be given to the Ludlow Veterans Services, the Cub Scouts and the Ludlow PTO.

Menu specials at this time include $1 hotcakes on Sundays, a $1.99 Big Mac on Mondays, a 49 cent hamburger and a 69 cent cheeseburger on Tuesdays, a $1.99 quarter pounder on Wednesdays, $1.99 egg white delight McMuffins on Thursdays, $1.99 filet-o-fish on Fridays and $1.99 Happy Meals on Saturdays.

Judge rejects defendant's request to toss out statements in West Springfield motor vehicle homicide case because he was drunk, had concussion

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Vincent Albertson, 24, of Agawam, is charged in the death of 16-year-old Agawam resident Amanda Croisetiere, a passenger in his car.

SPRINGFIELD — A Hampden Superior Court judge has denied a move by motor vehicle homicide defendant Vincent Albertson to have his statements to police tossed out.

His lawyer, Christopher Todd, argued Albertson's rights were violated because he was drunk during some of the statements and had a concussion so he was not legally able to waive his right to remain silent.

Albertson, 24, of Agawam, is charged in the death of 16-year-old Agawam resident Amanda Croisetiere, a passenger in his car. The three surviving passengers said Albertson was driving.

The Nov. 30 crash in West Springfield occurred shortly after 11:30 p.m. near 109 Morton St.

According to the summary in the ruling by Judge Edward J. McDonough Jr., Albertson told West Springfield detective Brian Duffy at the scene he was driving and had four or five beers. At Baystate Medical Center about 45 minutes later, Albertson told Duffy he was not driving because his license had been suspended due to a previous operating under the influence charge.

The next day, Albertson, in a private room, said in a recorded statement after he waived his Miranda rights he had had four or five beers, plus a couple shots of vodka. He admitted to smoking marijuana two hours before the crash.

At that point he said he didn't remember if he was driving.

Police told Albertson the driver's side airbag had deployed and had blood on it which would likely lead to DNA evidence. He said the blood was likely his because he was looking in the front seat for his glasses after the accident.

Assistant District Attorney Neil Desroches said during the hearing on the motion to suppress statements it appeared Albertson had a good memory about all that happened except for whether he was driving.

Albertson drove north with four passengers. The car, a 2012 Nissan Altima, went off the road, hit a utility pole and flipped onto its side, police said.

Croisetiere was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. She was a sophomore at Agawam High School.

Police believe Croisetiere was not wearing a seat belt.

Albertson is charged with manslaughter, motor vehicle homicide while driving under the influence of liquor and negligent operation; driving with a suspended license; and operating under the influence of alcohol, second offense.

McDonough said of defense expert Dr. Ryan Searle, who had formed an opinion from looking at Albertson's medical records, "The most the doctor could offer was that due to a concussion it was 'possible' that Albertson was not at full mental capacity."

The judge said even if Albertson did sustain a concussion in the crash, a finding he could not make, there was no evidence to support a finding he was suffering from any cognitive impairment during his three interviews with police.

McDonough also wrote, "While a defendant's claims to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol or some other disability during questioning deserve careful scrutiny, police are entitled to rely – as did detective Duffy here – on outward behavior and/or personal assurances of sobriety and comprehension."

The trial date for Albertson is Sept. 9. He is held on $25,000 cash bail.

Commonwealth vs Vincent Albertson


Stone Soul Festival to presents 2nd annual William H. Carney Medal of Honor awards

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The awards will be presented on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at The Cedars Banquet Hall

SPRINGFIELD – They are being called The Magnificent 7.

They are a group of local men and women who will be recognized for their dedication and community service as the Stone Soul Festival Committee presents its second annual William H. Carney Medal of Honor Awards.

Each is being recognized for specific work in the community. They are:

Henry M. Thomas III (recreation and education), executive director of the Springfield Urban League and University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees chair; Michael J. Ashe Jr. (community protection and corrections), Hampden County sheriff; Helen R. Caulton Harris (senior centers and veteran services), Springfield Department of Health and Human Services director; Bud L. Williams (community service), Springfield city councilor; Steve Bradley (eradicating systemic inequities), Baystate Health Systems executive; Naomi White Inniss (historic preservation), retired director of multicultural affairs at American International College; and state Rep. Benjamin Swan (D-Springfield), (civil rights).

“They are dedicated. They have vision and persistence,” said Jay Griffin, program chair for the Stone Soul Festival and the William H. Carney Medal of Honor. “Their impact on individuals and the community has been recognized countless times. They are the go-to people when there is an issue in the city or in their area of operation.”

The awards will be presented at The William H. Carney Medal of Honor Award Ceremony Tuesday at 6 p.m. at The Cedars Banquet Hall, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield.

Recipients will receive a William H. Carney Medal of Honor, modeled after the Congressional Medal of Honor, with their name on it.

The event is open to the public, and there is no charge. A light buffet will be served.

“This is like a lifetime achievement award,” Griffin said.

The Stone Soul Festival Committee was so impressed by the accomplishments of Carney that the award was established in his honor.

William Harvey Carney was an African American soldier during the Civil War in the 54th Massachusetts (Colored) Volunteer Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Fort Wagner in Charleston, S.C., where he saved the American flag and planted it on the parapet despite being wounded several times. Later he made his way back to the Union lines and turned over the flag to another survivor of the 54th. He reportedly said, "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!"

He died in 1908 and is buried in New Bedford.

The Peter Brace Brigade, living history re-enactors, represent the 54th Massachusetts troop, was inspired by Carney.

Amherst will be offering recycling bins for bottles and cans downtown very soon

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If the recycling program works, the town will expand it to other areas.


AMHERST- The town will soon have seven recycling bins downtown to collect cans and bottles and if the pilot program is successful, the Department of Public Works will seek grants to expand it.

The town has been thinking about offering the bins for many years but had to weigh the costs of such a program with the reality of implementing it, said Susan Waite, solid waste & recycling coordinator, 

Collecting the bottles and cans is labor intensive and costly, she said. And the town gets paid by weight.

She said bottles and cans are mostly air.

  But the Recycling and Refuse Management Committee believes the cost is worthwhile  to get the town compliant with Board of Health Regulations regarding recycling and demonstrate consistency with the Town's values.

"In addition, permanent recycling collection bins are an effective public education tool to raise consciousness about the amount of discards we produce and promote behavior change," she wrote in a press release.

She said signs will be posted with the bins to let people know what they can and cannot place in them. People think that disposable drink cups are recyclable but they are not, for example, she said.

 "There are moral and environmental costs," she said to such a program. Recycling "is not the panacea we would like it to be.

"That's the only reason we haven't done it long ago. I know the town leadership is very strongly in favor" of it.

Longmeadow Recreation Department announces closing dates for town pools

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The pools opened for the season began on the first day of summer for local students, back on June 25.

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Recreation Department has announced the timetable of town pool closings for the season:

Reynolds Pool, which is located in Bliss Park, closes today, Friday, Aug, 22.

Greenwood Pool will remain open through Monday, Sept. 1.

Greenwood is open on weekday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.


Corey Brantley admits to threatening to throw infant, kidnapping, assaults in Springfield domestic violence case

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Assistant District Attorney Clarissa Wright said the victim said Corey Brantley threatened to throw their 9-month-old child against a wall if the victim did not get him money.

SPRINGFIELD - A 39-year-old city man on Friday pleaded guilty to kidnapping and hitting a woman in a domestic violence case.

Corey Brantley also pleaded guilty to threat to commit a crime. Assistant District Attorney Clarissa Wright said the victim said Brantley threatened to throw their 9-month-old child against a wall if the victim did not get him money.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Edward J. McDonough Jr. sentenced Brantley to a total of 4½ years in the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow.

That consisted of a 2½ year sentence for assault and battery followed by a two year sentence for a second assault and battery charge.

Brantley was sentenced to four years of probation on the kidnapping charge.

He must stay away from the victim and complete a batterer's program.

Wright had asked McDonough to sentence Brantley to three to five years in state prison followed by three years probation.

Defense lawyer Nikolas Andreopoulos asked the judge to sentence him to 2½ year in the Ludlow jail plus probation.

Wright said the kidnapping charge was because Brantley made the woman drive him around in Chicopee and Springfield saying she had to get money for him. When she went into a place she used to work - after Brantley told her to get him money - she called police, Wright said.

Brantley slapped her in the back of her head and jabbed his fingers in her face, Wright said.

Wright said Brantley has had seven restraining orders taken out against him, has a 14-page criminal record including violent crimes, and has violated restraining orders as well as had default warrants issued against him.

She read a statement from the victim, who was in the courtroom, saying she believes if Brantley gets a chance he will harm her children or herself.

The woman said she would never have peace of mind again after Brantley is released.

Andreopoulos said the incident began when there was a dispute over money on the day Brantley had packed up and was leaving the city for good and planning to cut his ties to the woman and their child.

He said if the case had gone to trial the defense would have challenged the kidnapping alleged.

Andreopoulos said Brantley suffered from post traumatic stress disorder when at age 8 three of his siblings died in a house fire.

"He resorts to the bottle," Andreopoulos said.

McDonough told the woman he appreciated her coming to court and submitting her victim impact statement.


Repeal the Casino Deal activists take issue with politicians saying repeal of gaming law may not mean demise of MGM Springfield casino project

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Anti-casino activists are voicing their displeasure with statements by some elected officials and political candidates that if the ballot question to repeal the state's casino law passes in November, it may not spell certain doom for the already approved MGM Springfield casino project. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — Anti-casino activists are voicing their displeasure with statements by some elected officials and political candidates that if the ballot question to repeal the state's casino law passes in November, it may not spell certain doom for the already approved MGM Springfield casino project.

In their respective editorial board meetings with The Republican/MassLive.com this week, Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker and state Rep. Joseph Wagner, D-Chicopee, both said that they are keeping all options on the table regarding the fate of the Western Massachusetts casino, regardless of how things shake out for the 2011 law.

"We would have an ability ... to revisit the issue and the question," said Wagner, one of the author's of the state's gaming law, on Thursday. A day earlier Baker said, "If the repeal effort is successful, I'm going to file legislation to put the Springfield casino back on the map."

Framing both statements as government action against the potential will of the state-wide voters, John Ribeiro, Repeal the Casino Deal campaign chairman, took aim.

"In Wagner’s world, apparently a majority of the voters isn’t good enough," Ribeiro said in a statement. "What we are seeing is a blatant disregard and lack of respect for voters and it demonstrates a commitment to special interests, rather than the people’s interests."

The group previously called on Baker to "respect the will of the voters" after he made his comments on Wednesday.

In July 2013, however, the voters of Springfield approved the MGM project, 58 to 42 percent, with 24.74 percent turnout. Still, casino opponents argue that since a casino will impact people beyond the city its located in, everybody in the state should get to vote on it.

MGM's estimated $800 million Springfield casino is the only project to provisionally receive one of three casino licenses from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Penn National Gaming has received the sole slots parlor license and its facility is currently under construction in Plainville.

In the greater Boston area, Wynn Resorts and Mohegan Sun are competing for the region's sole license with proposals in Everett and Revere, respectively.

The ballot question's wording was previously approved by Secretary of State William Galvin's office and a yes vote on question 3 means overturning the current casino gaming law and a no vote is a vote in favor of the law.



South Hadley children to form 'Kazoo Bridgade' wagon convoy moving library books to new location

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Begining at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, their convoy will be carting books from the now-closed public library at 27 Bardwell St., to the soon-to-be-opened South Hadley Public Library at 2 Canal St.

SOUTH HADLEY — There is more than one way to move library books, just ask the town's children, who will be part of a "Kazoo Brigade" on Saturday, using wagons and strollers and tricycles to transport books to the new facility.

Begining at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, their convoy will be carting books from the now-closed public library at 27 Bardwell St., to the soon-to-be-opened South Hadley Public Library at 2 Canal St.

"The public is cordially invited to watch and cheer the spectacle as it marches up Main Street to the new library," event co-organizer Joan Rossner said in a statement.

"Light refreshments await the young movers when they arrive at the new library," she said. "Each child will have a kazoo! Many children will be pushing and pulling red wagons, doll carriages, strollers, small tricycles and other wheeled 'vehicles.' Each child will be responsible for the safe transport of several books from the children's holiday book collection."

The festivities include a chorus of kazoo music.

Registration is required.

Contact Rosner at (413) 535-8679.

In case of rain, the event will be held on Aug. 24 instead.

The new library is expected to open sometime next week when the move is completed.

Carol Ross addresses Amherst community about decision not to participate in WHMP forum on racism Thursday morning

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Carol Ross said she wanted to explain why she did not attend the forum "partly out of respect for our community members who did attend."

AMHERST – Carol Ross, the town's newly created Media & Climate Communications Specialist, said in a statement she did not participate in the WHMP forum Thursday on racism because she did not believe it was an appropriate forum to address the issues.

The radio station organized a two-hour program called "Reading, Writing & Racism" on the Town Common. More than three dozen attended and seven from the community were panelists. WHMP news director Denise Vozella and morning show host Bob Flaherty co-hosted.

"Without giving this issue too much energy, I do feel it is important to communicate this information, partly out of respect for our community members who did attend and to also stress how important it is to go into our new year with hope and positive momentum. Many people are working hard towards this goal. We have much to be proud of and much more to look forward to," Ross wrote in a letter to families.

In the statement accompanying the letter, she explained her reasoning.

"If we are truly serious and genuine about creating a space for progressive and proactive discourse in our community, we have to be committed to authenticity and determined to create an appropriate platform to do so, and not succumb to or encourage sensationalism, rhetoric, impatience or insensitivity to the variety of voices and needs within our community.

"I believe the administration's request to postpone, in consideration for inviting expert panelists to provide substance, tangible pathways and proper context was reasonable and speaks to this goal. It also speaks to the administration's commitment to this effort.

"My request to refrain from participating in what I felt would be a basic media tactic called race-baiting (as an unfair and misguided attempt to provoke participants), was honored and supported by this administration.  This was not an affront to any of the panelists, as Mr. Flaherty suggested multiples times, which in and of itself is divisive."  

Town and school officials opted out of participating in the community forum a day before the forum was held. In an email Superintendent Maria Geryk wrote the "decision was made after a long conversation with WHMP fueled by a change in our understanding of the format."

They had previously agreed to take part.

Participants including two recent African-American high school graduates addressed myriad topics from the importance of hiring more staff and teachers of color and retaining them to ensuring that students of color are encouraged to take honors and advanced placement classes.

 "If Mr. Flaherty was truly committed to the well-being of our community and truly concerned about racism, he would have respected and understood the concerns expressed during our conversation of August 20 about the potential negative impact of conducting a dialog about racism out of context of the larger issues facing us as a community and society, and without expert input regarding tangible pathways that lead to equitable outcomes. 

"Based solely on inflammatory statements in an email sent by Mr. Flaherty two days before the discussion, with reasonable concern, the administration simply asked Mr. Flaherty to postpone the discussion to a later date with the assurance that the panel would include those who could effectively address systemic racism and truly move the dialog forward.

"Instead, Mr. Flaherty made the decision to continue the dialog not only without regard for the complexity and sensitive nature of this issue, but also took the opportunity to state publicly that the reason for the request for postponement was due solely to a fear of backlash from the audience.

Flaherty could not be reached for comment.

"The decision to postpone is sound. Amherst Together will not be a side show to appease sensationalism. We have real work to do, that will take patience and collaborative effort," she also wrote.

Geryk along with Town Manager John P. Musante created the joint venture between the schools and the town called "Amherst Together" and hired Ross to help to foster a collaboration to help create a community in which people feel like they belong.

Accused double-murderer Robert Honsch of Ohio to be arraigned in Westfield District Court

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Robert Honsch disappeared after the deaths of his wife and daughter in 1995 until police discovered him last month living in Ohio under an assumed name.

WESTFIELD — Robert Honsch, accused of murdering his wife and 17-year-old daughter in 1995, will be arraigned in Westfield District Court on Monday.

Hampden County District Attorney James Orenstein made the announcement Friday after Honsch, 70, waived extradition in Wooster, Ohio, earlier this week. Honsch was living under the name Robert Tyree with a new wife and three children, police have said. Marcia Honsch, 53, and Elizabeth Honsch, 17, both were found with bullet wounds to their heads, investigators said at the time.

Marcia Honsch's body was discovered by a hiker in Tolland State Forest. Her daughter's body was found wrapped in a sleeping bag behind a shopping mall in New Britain, Conn., eight days later, police said.

Honsch disappeared until police discovered him living under an assumed name last month. He was charged as a fugitive in Ohio, but will face murder charges here and in Connecticut.


Connecticut man arrested on slew of burglary charges following investigation into more than a dozen house breaks

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A Connecticut man is facing a slew of charges following an arrest early Saturday morning in connection with that police say are more than a dozen open burglary investigations in his town.

PLAINFIELD, Ct. A Connecticut man is facing a slew of charges following an arrest early Saturday morning in connection with that police say are more than a dozen open burglary investigations in his town.

William Gibson mugshotView full sizeWilliam R. Gibson

William R. Gibson, 26, of Moosup Village in Plainfield, is facing multiple counts of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, larceny and criminal mischief following an investigation that's spanned much of the month of August. Plainfield police say the investigation led to Gibson being identified as a suspect earlier this week and that on two occasions Thursday, police stopped him as he was en route to a bus terminal in Providence, R.I. with a ticket to Texas in hand.

Although the first time police stopped Gibson Thursday afternoon he was said to be without any of the items allegedly stolen from several houses in his hometown, the second stop allegedly revealed enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant. Gibson was picked up around 3:45 a.m. Saturday morning on the aforementioned charges.

Police say some of the allegedly stolen items, including jewelery, were recovered. But they anticipate more arrests will be forthcoming as they work to close the books on the approximately 20 open burglary investigations in the town of less than 15,000 residents.

Gibson was held in lie of $250,000 bond and scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning.


Westfield City Collector Michael J. McMahon announces retirement plans

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Michael McMahon has served as city collector for the past 15 years.

WESTFIELD - City Collector Michael J. McMahon has notified the City Council of his intent to retire at the close of the current fiscal year.

McMahon, appointed to a new three-year term as collector by the council Thursday night, said he plans to retire on or about July 1, 2015.

"He will be a hard, hard man to replace," said Ward 2 Councilor Ralph Figgy. "Mike McMahon has always used a compassionate approach to dealing with the public in his duty as collector," Figgy said.

McMahon has served as city collector for the past 15 years. Prior to that he was employed with the state Department of Revenue.

The City Council Thursday night also approved the reappointment of Anthony Paroline to the post of zoning enforcement officer and buidling inspector to a new three-year term that expires June 30, 2017. Paroline has served in the position for the past two years.

Councilors also approved the appointment of local businessman Robert T. Goyette Jr. to the Airport Commission. Goyette, who replaces Joseph Mitchell who resigned earlier this year to become Westfield Advancement Officer, will serve until Feb. 2017.

Richard K. Sullivan III, son of former Mayor Richard K. Sullivan Jr., was appointed to the city's Zoning Board of Appeals until February filling a vacancy on that board.

Veteran member of the city's Off Street Parking Commission Patricia Reynolds was given a new three year term that expires in February, 2017.

South Hadley holds kids 'Kazoo Brigade' to help transfer books to new library

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On Saturday sixty children with a parade of wagons, bikes and trikes powered by the children’s “Kazoo Brigade” transported a few more from the now-closed library at 27 Bardwell St., to the soon-to-be-opened facility.

Did “Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo” make the trip?

The children’s book series by author Nancy Krulik may have. In the last week professional movers switched over 900 carts of books and materials to the new South Hadley Public Library on 2 Canal Street.

On Saturday sixty children with a parade of wagons, bikes and trikes powered by the children’s “Kazoo Brigade” transported a few more from the now-closed library at 27 Bardwell St., to the soon-to-be-opened facility.

Why kazoos? Library trustee Gillian Woldorf who attended with daughter Tovah said "Why not? It is traditional during a parade that people make noise. Instead of banging pots and pans we decided on kazoos."

The books transferred were from the holiday collection in the children's room. Each child was given one book with older marchers given more. Town police officers aided the marchers with traffic control on the parade route. The new library is slated to open this week.

Obituaries today: Daisy Marie Blue worked at Goodwill Industries

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Obituaries from The Republican.

 
082314-daisy-blue.jpgDaisy Marie Blue 

Daisy Marie (Bess) Blue, 62, of Springfield, passed away on Monday. Born in Dade County, Fla., she had been a Springfield resident for several years and was employed by Goodwill Industries. She was a member of Revival Time Evangelistic Center. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, Motown music and her grandchildren.

To view all obituaries from The Republican:
» Click here


Mason Square Health Task Force weighs in biggest losers, weight-loss winners

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Dunbar Executive Director Wanda Givens said the event was well-received in the community.

SPRINGFIELD - The Mason Square Health Task Force convinced 120 Mason Square residents to get off their couches to tracks, gyms, river fronts and cycling routes for a three-month weight loss blitz.

Charlene Dickerson said she and her "team," dubbed "encouraging to be encouraged" lost a collective 40 pounds since May 3. The task force launched the effort out of the Dunbar Y Community and Family Center in partnership with Baystate Health and and the Center for Disease Control.

"I used to just stay on the couch and watch television and eat, but now I'm hooked," said Dickerson, who was joined at a recognition luncheon and weigh-in on Saturday by her family/team members, Helen Thadison and Jean Williams.

The three spent the better part of the week over the last four months walking, biking and Zumba-ing their way to a better state of mind and body, all three said.

"We talk about everything: diet ... what kinds of water to drink. They really went out of their way here to keep us on track," Thadison said.

Dunbar Executive Director Wanda Givens said the event was well-received in the community.

"We got folks who have never done anything, there was a sense of camaraderie. We got people hooked up with agencies in the city they never knew existed," Givens said.

She added that she hopes to gain funding to expand the program citywide next year.

President Obama tries to rally support for U.S. Export-Import Bank's renewal

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The bank provides loans, loan guarantees and credit insurance to foreign buyers of U.S. products. But it will cease functioning unless Congress renews its charter before October.

EDGARTOWN, Mass. -- President Barack Obama is trying to rally support for a taxpayer-subsidized bank that he says creates jobs.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama urges business owners to lobby Congress to renew the U.S. Export-ImportBank.

The bank provides loans, loan guarantees and credit insurance to foreign buyers of U.S. products. But it will cease functioning unless Congress renews its charter before October. Some Republican lawmakers who supported the bank in past years now want to put it out of business.

In the Republican address, party chairman Reince Priebus says there will be less government spending, flexible health care and better education under complete GOP control of Congress. The party needs to pick up six seats in the November elections to win back the Senate.

Iggy Azalea falls off stage during MTV Video Music Awards benefit concert

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Iggy Azalea tumbled off the stage during an MTV Video Music Awards benefit concert, but she appeared unharmed and posted a video of the fall on social media.

LOS ANGELES -- Iggy Azalea tumbled off the stage during an MTV Video Music Awards benefit concert, but she appeared unharmed and posted a video of the fall on social media.

The Australian rapper fell Friday night while performing her hit "Fancy" at The Avalon in Los Angeles. Security guards quickly pulled Azalea back onto the stage, and she barely missed a beat as Charli XCX joined her for the chart-topping single.

Afterward, Azalea told the crowd she felt "very blessed" that she did not break her legs. There was no immediate word if she was injured.

Azalea appeared in good spirits, posting a video of the fall on Instagram. She wrote in the caption: "I know I laughed."

Neither Azalea's representatives nor MTV immediately responded to emails seeking comment.

Tori Kelly and Sam Smith also performed at the event benefiting Lifebeat -- Music Fights HIV/AIDS.

Azalea is up for seven awards at the VMAs airing live Sunday.

2 men shot by homeowner after house party in Revere, police say

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Police are investigating after a 21-year-old man and his 50-year-old stepfather were shot in an incident that apparently stemmed from a fight at a house party.

REVERE, Mass. (AP) -- Police are investigating after a 21-year-old man and his 50-year-old stepfather were shot in an incident that apparently stemmed from a fight at a house party in Revere.

A spokesman for the Suffolk District Attorney's office said in a statement that investigators believe the younger man was kicked out of the party but later returned with his stepfather, and the pair began striking the home with rocks and baseball bats.

Authorities said that prompted the homeowner, 77-year-old Robert Distefano, to go outside with a handgun. When the two men approached him, Distefano fired the weapon according to the statement.

Both men were hospitalized with gunshot wounds but were expected to survive.

Distefano was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm within a home, a misdemeanor, but was not charged in connection with the shooting itself.

Israeli airstrike collapses 12-story apartment tower in Gaza City

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Israeli aircraft fired two missiles at a 12-story apartment tower in downtown Gaza City on Saturday, collapsing the building, sending a huge fireball into the sky and wounding at least 22 people, including 11 children, witnesses and Palestinian officials said.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli aircraft fired two missiles at a 12-story apartment tower in downtown Gaza City on Saturday, collapsing the building, sending a huge fireball into the sky and wounding at least 22 people, including 11 children, witnesses and Palestinian officials said.

Israel has launched some 5,000 airstrikes against Gaza in nearly seven weeks of fighting with Hamas, but Saturday's strike marked the first time an entire high-rise was toppled. The explosion shook nearby buildings.

The Israeli military said the airstrike targeted a Hamas operations room in the building, but did not explain why the entire tower with 48 apartments was levelled.

Gaza police say Israeli aircraft fired a warning missile at the roof of the tower at dusk, followed five minutes later by two missiles with explosives.

Ayman Sahabani, the head of the emergency room at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, said at least 22 people were wounded, including 11 children and five women.

The leveling of the tower was a further sign of escalation following a breakdown of Egyptian-brokered cease-fire talks and the collapse of a temporary truce earlier this week.

The military said Gaza militants fired at least 93 rockets and mortar shells at Israel on Saturday. The barrage came a day after a mortar shell from Gaza hit a farming village in southern Israel on Friday, killing a 4-year-old boy.

Israeli media said large numbers of residents of southern Israeli communities near the Gaza border were leaving their homes and heading for safer areas following the death of the boy in Kibbutz Nahal Oz.

"I say whoever can leave, whose presence is not crucial should leave," said Minister of Public Security Yitzhak Ahronovich during a visit to the south on Saturday.

Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon called on southern residents to be ready for a prolonged campaign against Hamas militants.

"In the end we will win," he said Saturday. "This is a test of staying power and strength."

Meanwhile, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry urged Israel and Hamas to resume indirect talks and agree to an open-ended cease-fire.

The appeal came Saturday after Western-backed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi in Cairo. Egyptian officials did not say how they expected renewed talks to produce a different outcome after repeated failures.

Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev had no immediate comment regarding the renewed call for a cease-fire. Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Gaza's ruling Hamas, said the group would consider the Egyptian appeal, but there was no sign it would budge from longstanding demands.

Also Saturday, senior Hamas officials said the group has signed a pledge to back any Palestinian bid to join the International Criminal Court.

Such written consent increases already strong domestic pressure on Abbas to take such a step. Palestinian acceptance of the court's jurisdiction could expose Israel -- as well as Hamas -- to war crimes investigations.

The Egyptian-brokered talks and a temporary cease-fire collapsed earlier this week, and fighting has persisted since then.

More than 2,100 Palestinians, including close to 500 children, have been killed since the Gaza war began on July 8, according to Palestinian officials and U.N. figures. Israel lost 64 soldiers and four civilians. The U.N. says three-fourths of those killed in Gaza have been civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for the collapse of the most recent cease-fire. In a phone conversation with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, Netanyahu alleged that Hamas has violated 11 cease-fires since the war started, Netanyahu's office said.

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