Police continue to investigate the incident that turned out to be a man scratched on the forehead.

This updates a story posted at 5:25 p.m., Oct. 2, 2014.

HOLYOKE -- Even tweezers can be a weapon, sort of.

A report police received Thursday (Oct. 2) afternoon about a man walking into Holyoke Medical Center's emergency room at 575 Beech St. with a stab wound turned out to be a case of domestic dispute, with a woman defending herself by swiping at the man with tweezers and scratching his forehead, Lt. Manuel Reyes said Thursday night.

"It wasn't a stabbing. It was like a superficial, surface cut," Reyes said.

Valeria Pellicier, 19, of Holyoke was arrested for domestic assault and battery and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, but police continue to investigate the incident and the charges could be dropped. Among points being investigated is where the incident occurred, he said.

Dr. Rashmi Patel, 45, appeared before the commission on Wednesday to argue in favor of having his license to practice restored.

The Connecticut Dental Commission will decide whether a Suffield man should be allowed to practice dentistry in the state after one patient died in his care and another nearly choked to death, according to reports.

Dr. Rashmi Patel, 45, appeared before the commission on Wednesday to argue in favor of having his license to practice restored.

Patel, who has offices in Torrington and Enfield., had had his license suspended in April after a 64-year-old woman who was having 20 teeth removed went into cardiac arrest. She later died at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
He is also accused of not being present in the room when another patient nearly choked on a gauze pad during surgery.

According to the Republican-American of Waterbury, Connecticut, Patel and members of the state Department of Public health presented their closing arguments to two members of the state commission. The two members, Steven G. Reiss of Brookfield and Jeanne P. Strathearn of West Hartford, will make recommendations to the full commission based on the testimony. The full commission will then make a final determination about the license at some point in the future.

According to WFSB Eyewitness News in Hartford, the attorney representing the Department of Public Health, David Tilles criticized Patel’s care as “reckless,” and said “his own testimony isn't credible. He contradicts himself, his own statements contradict him too.”

According to the Republican-American, Patel’s attorney at the hearing, Paul E. Knag of Stamford argued that the burden of proof should be with the Department of Public Health, and they have not met it.

At a hearing in July, Patel was represented by Springfield lawyer Michael Kogut, a 2010 candidate for Hampden District Attorney and chairman of the anti-gambling group Citizens Against Casino Gaming.

The tales deal with "curses, death and immortality."

WILBRAHAM – Residents are invited to watch a program of “Gothic Victorian Tales” which will be performed at the Wilbraham Public Library Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Rita Parisi of Waterfall Productions will give theatrical performances of three tales by 19th century writer Sarah Orne Jewett, said Adult Services librarian Mary Bell.

The tales deal with “curses, death and immortality,” Bell said.

Last year Parisi performed Summertime Tea at the library, and Bell said she is excited to have her return for another show.

Sarah Orne Jewett, a native of South Berwick, Maine, was one of New England’s most prolific female writers of the 19th century. Her stories mirrored the everyday lives of New Englanders, often reflecting the mysterious and supernatural atmosphere of the region.

Parisi has been entertaining audiences for more than 17 years in the New England area. In 2002, she founded Waterfall Productions to create shows that highlight her passion for theater as well as history, literature and costuming.

She performs her shows all over New England. Some of her films have debuted at the Boston International Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival.

The event is free and open to the public and is funded by the Friends of the Wilbraham Library.

For more information call the Reference Desk at 413-596-6141.

Biden delivered a wide-ranging speech that stressed the importance of building allies around the globe, while defending international law in places like Ukraine and combating the violent extremism of ISIS.

CAMBRIDGE - Vice President Joe Biden said Thursday that the United States could not have interceded earlier than it did to combat the Islamic State  in Syria, because our Arab allies were not ready to be part of a campaign.

"It's absolute fiction to suggest" that America could have acted more quickly, Biden, a Democrat, told an audience of students at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University.

Biden said Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar took time to realize the threat ISIS posed to them and to be willing to work with America. "Even if we wanted it to be, it cannot be our fight alone," Biden said. "This cannot be turned into a U.S. ground war against another Arab nation in the Middle East."

Biden spoke to the students for nearly an hour and a half, delivering a wide-ranging speech that stressed the importance of building allies around the globe, while defending international law in places like Ukraine and combating the violent extremism of ISIS.

Biden's speech came as the U.S. is confronting a spate of foreign policy troubles. One immediate threat is ISIS, the extremist Islamic group that wants to create an Islamic state in parts of Iraq and Syria and that recently released videos showing the brutal beheadings of two American journalists. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes.

In other areas, fighting is continuing between the Ukrainian military and pro-Russian separatists forces. President Barack Obama blames Russia for the conflict, and the U.S. has engaged with allies in Europe and imposed economic sanctions, though Obama ruled out military involvement. The U.S. is also facing increasing economic competition from countries like China.

Obama's approval ratings on foreign policy are low, and he has faced criticism from Republicans, and some Democrats, for what is perceived as a weak foreign policy.

Biden, in his speech, said the U.S. must counter the threat of ISIS not with boots on the ground, but by building a coalition and supporting opposition forces in Syria as well as Iraqi efforts to reestablish democracy and defend their territory. "We recognize outside military intervention won't be enough; societies have to solve their own problems," Biden said.

Biden said the U.S. is working with partners to delegitimize ISIS in the Islamic world and to cut off financing of foreign fighters.

At the same time, Biden stressed, the U.S. is not in existential danger. "We face no existential threat, none to our way of life or our own security," Biden said.

Asked by a student about U.S. cooperation with allies that have a poor record on human rights, such as Saudi Arabia, Biden compared it to cooperating with Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin to defeat the Nazis during World War II. "It's not inconsistent to look out for our self-interest while you're making it clear to the ally of the moment that you do not agree with their violation of human rights," Biden said.

In Ukraine, Biden said the U.S. was able to use non-military means to combat Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to take power - through financial aid, building alliances and providing other assistance. When Putin sent troops to Ukraine, Biden said, "We rallied the world to check his ambitions." Biden said the U.S. does not want Russia to collapse, but Putin's advances on Ukraine "cannot be tolerated."

Much of Biden's speech centered on the importance of building allies –strengthening traditional alliances in Europe and Asia and building new ones with emerging Democratic powers like India and Mexico.

Biden said managing the U.S. relationship with China is essential. "Nowhere is it written that there must be conflict between the United States and China," Biden said. "There are no obvious impediments to building that relationship, and we're committed to building up that partnership where we can, but to push back where we must."

Touching on a politically sensitive domestic issue, Biden also talked about the need to pass immigration reform in order to build trust with countries in South and Central America. "It's one thing to say we respect the rest of the Americas, the majority of which are Hispanic," Biden said. "It's another thing to say I respect them and yet not respect the immigrant population that's Hispanic here in the United States. It does not connect."

Earlier in the afternoon, Biden attended a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee at Mistral Restaurant in Boston. Prominent Massachusetts Democrats including U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, lieutenant governor candidate Steve Kerrigan and congressional candidate Seth Moulton were expected to attend.

The audience at Harvard was respectful, with students asking questions about topics including AIDS funding and America's reputation in the world. Speaking before Biden's speech, students expressed mixed views of the administration's foreign policy.

Lily Velona, a Harvard freshman and Democrat, said she is concerned that Obama did not get approval from Congress before taking military action against ISIS. "It's not within the spirit of the Constitution," Velona said.

Auden Lawrence, a junior and a Democrat, said she is impressed with how the White House has handled foreign policy. "They were met with a lot of challenges," Lawrence said. "I think they're obviously taking situations across the world seriously."

Saturday's planned tours are now Sunday. Anyone with tickets who can't make it Sunday can get a refund from the Westfield Athenaeum next week.

WESTFIELD - A forecast for rain is forcing organizers of the Westfield Historic Ghost Tour to postpone all of Saturday's scheduled tours by a day.

The four planned tours on Saturday will now be on Sunday. The hour-long tours are scheduled for 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Friday's tours will go on as scheduled.

Saturday's tours have been sold out. People with tickets for Saturday may use them for the rescheduled tours on Sunday, said Cindy Gaylord, Westfield Historic Commissioner.

Anyone with a ticket for Saturday who cannot attend on Sunday may stop by the the Athenaeum during the week for a refund, she said.

The tours feature performers as "ghosts" coming alive at the Mechanic Street Old Burying Ground to tell their stories.

Volunteers include members of Westfield on Weekends, Westfield State University, Westfield Police Department, and many other community volunteers.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6-12 and are on sale now at the Westfield Athenaeum. It is not recommended for children under the age of 6.

Additional information may be found on-line at www.westfieldonweekends.com.

The resolution, which was sponsored by councilors William Dwight, Jesse Adams and Marianne LaBarge, refers specifically to an Israeli flag that someone apparently attempted to burn at Congregation B'nai Israel and a rainbow flag that was reportedly stolen from Jackson Street Elementary School.

NORTHAMPTON - The City Council unanimously approved a resolution condemning acts of hatred at its meeting Thursday night.

The resolution, which was sponsored by councilors William Dwight, Jesse Adams and Marianne LaBarge, refers specifically to an Israeli flag that someone apparently attempted to burn at Congregation B'nai Israel and a rainbow flag that was reportedly stolen from Jackson Street Elementary School. The gay community uses the rainbow flag as its symbol.

The resolution states that the council "vehemently condemns" such acts and calls upon the citizens to engage in respectful debate with one another.

In other business, the council appropriated $q12,100 to buy a 12-acre parcel that will expand the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. The money will come out of the fund set aside for the Conservation Commission by the Community Preservation Committee to make such purchases.

Mayor David J. Narkewicz also formally introduced his administrative order reorganizing the departments in city government following a procedural debate about putting the late file on the floor that bubbled over into resentment over the separation of powers.

"You dropped this on our desk at the last minute," Adams told Narkewicz, who responded that the city charter gave him until September 30 to file the order with the council. Adams nonetheless indicated that the mayor could have sought the opinion of the council over such matters as reducing the role of the Board of Public Works.

The council set a public hearing on the matter for Oct. 15, but LaBarge suggested the issue is moot.

"No matter what people say, it doesn't mean anything," she told Narkewicz.

Festive hats are the hallmark of the popular event.

HOLYOKE — Hundreds of women wearing festive hats — and some men, as well — gathered at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House Thursday for the 2014 Annual Tea Event in support of Square One, a Springfield-based non-profit which helps at-risk families in Hampden County.

"Square One is an organization that's committed to getting children off to a good start in life," said president and CEO Joan Kagan. "We do that by providing early learning programs, by providing supports to their families, and by offering a wide range of services, focusing on the health and wellness of children — and by doing advocacy on their behalf."

Square One's offices are located in Springfield, with programs throughout Hampden County. The agency provides services to over a thousand children a day, said Kagan.

The annual tea event began as a small group of women and children at the agency's Main Street children's center, said Kagan. It soon expanded to the Colony Club, and this year filled the Log Cabin's main function room with 460 in attendance.

State Sen. Gale Candaras, introduced by mistress of ceremonies Maureen Sullivan, spoke of concerns held by all working mothers, regardless of income level. "Even if you have a great job, a beautiful home, and a loving husband, if you go to work and don't know if your child will be safe and well-cared for, you have nothing."

Established in 1883 as Springfield Day Nursery, Square One provides much more than day care. A new program, for instance, offers structured visitation for mothers who have lost custody of their children because of drug addiction issues. A weekly Narcotics Anonymous meeting is geared specifically toward single mothers. Yet another program helps post-incarcerated women get back on their feet, stay off drugs, get job training, and stabilize their families.

"You can give to Square One with confidence, knowing every dime is spent appropriately," said Candaras.

Health New England's corporate responsibility director Lynn Ostrowski recognized Square One staffer Julie Gagne, who works with moms who have been released from the regional Women's Correctional Facility in Chicopee. Gagne had once been an incarcerated, drug-addicted mother herself, said Ostrowski. She undertook a 12-step program and GED studies while in jail, and is now drug-free, financially independent, and helping other women negotiate the same "difficult internal path."

Newell Rubbermaid human resources director Hannah Butler introduced Stephanie Rivera, a young mother who supports her family as a medical assistant. Rivera left an abusive relationship in New York, moved to Western Massachusetts, and started taking classes while living in a family shelter, said Butler. Square One provided Rivera with the childcare and support services she needed.

Butler noted that the mission of Square One has not changed in 131 years, by providing support services to impoverished mothers "eagerly ready to work."

"Don't give up; never give up; there's always a way," Butler said, reading a statement from Rivera. Two other mothers were also honored for turning their lives around.

"I stand in awe and respect of these young women who have met their challenges head-on and re-written their life stories," said Kagan.

Kagan said she was thrilled to see the room filled with supporters. "We're raising friends as well as raising funds," she said.

“I saw 90 people at the public hearing and not one person” opposed it, BelArts offical Haskell Werlin said.

BELCHERTOWN – BelArts Solar Artisan Village’s $58,759,750 proposal to develop the former state school property is dead.

The Belchertown Economic Development Industrial Corporation, the selectmen-appointed board that owns the land, unanimously voted to kill the project last month, following a recommendation from MassDevelopment, which is the state agency the BEDIC is using to oversee future use there.

The state and town boards met behind closed doors to reach the decision, saying the purpose of the executive session was to consider the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property and that the chair determined an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position.

They had concerns on whether BelArts could pony up the needed financing to make it happen.

Contacted Thursday, selectman Ron Aponte was asked what happens now. Although not a voting member of the BEDIC, he is the selectmen's liaison to the panel.

He said another request for proposals would be issued early next year.

“We certainly hope" momentum created by MassDevelopment's involvement and the willingness of the state to begin releasing remediation money will continue, the selectman said.

Richard Henderson, MassDevelopment’s executive vice president for real estate, spoke at the well-attended public hearing on Aug. 6 public forum when many residents spoke in favor of the BelArts idea. The official made his recommendation to turn down the project while meeting with the BEDIC board Sept. 17.

Henderson, who lauded the imagination shown by the BelArts team at the August hearing, said financing it was the real hurdle.

“Can you afford what it is going to cost to build all this?” he said.

BelArts representatives say they are disappointed by the decision. They said they were not invited to the Sept. meeting and learned of the rejection the next day via a conference call initiated by MassDevelopment.

“I saw 90 people at the public hearing and not one person” opposed it, BelArts offical Haskell Werlin said.

Who is that in the front row? Why, it must be President Calvin Coolidge.

Why wouldn't Silent Cal' be in a silent movie?

The Washington Post on Thursday published an article about the discovery of rare newsreel footage of the 1924 World Series between the New York Giants and the Washington Senators at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C.

The footage is of the deciding Game 7, which was won by Washington, 4-3

The story is obviously timed to coincide with the opening of the playoff series between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals. But sharp-eyed observers from the Northampton area might taken note of more than just Hall of Famer Walter Johnson on the mound.

There, 'round about the 1:33 mark of the 4 minute video, is a clip of President Calvin Coolidge, Northampton's favorite son, sitting alongside First Lady Grace Coolidge.

Coolidge, who today is known mostly by his nickname "Silent Cal', was president from August 2, 1923 – March 4, 1929. He was also mayor of Northampton at one point, and his presidential library is located inside the Forbes Library.

For the briefest of moments, right after a clip of the Senators' Bucky Harris going deep, Coolidge can be seen sitting in the front row.

Excitement of the game notwithstanding, Coolidge looks somewhat bored. Perhaps seeing the camera on him, perhaps not, the president looks directly at the screen and, most dramatically, removes his hat.

After that it's back to the ballgame.

It's understandable if President Coolidge were bored. One of the stories that persists about him to this day involves how he was not really into sports.

When George Halas and Red Grange of the Chicago Bears were introduced to Coolidge in 1925, the president is reported to have said 'It's nice to meet you, gentlemen. I've always enjoyed animal acts.''

Jamel Bonden, 21, was charged with possessing a firearm and ammo after he had been previously convicted of a crime.

The Republican File Photo 

SPRINGFIELD - A 21-year-old city man was charged Wednesday in federal court with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition while a convicted felon, charges that could net him 10 years in prison, officials said.

According to the office of U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, Jamel Bolden was charged in U.S. District Court with possession of a firearm and ammunition after being previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.

Bolden was arrested on June 7, 2013 after he was found in possession of a Ruger Single Six .22 caliiber Magnum revolver and six rounds of ammunition.

If convicted, Bolden faces up to 10 years in prison, three years probation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow of the U.S. Attorney's branch office in Springfield.

EASTHAMPTON — Good news has come through for CitySpace, the non-profit in charge of developing and managing Easthampton's Old Town Hall, the historic downtown building that serves the city's arts community. On Oct. 1, the City Council gave its unanimous approval to a $256,000 Community Preservation Act grant to help restore the 1869 Town Hall's lobby and front entrance. The money...

EASTHAMPTON — Good news has come through for CitySpace, the non-profit in charge of developing and managing Easthampton's Old Town Hall, the historic downtown building that serves the city's arts community.

On Oct. 1, the City Council gave its unanimous approval to a $256,000 Community Preservation Act grant to help restore the 1869 Town Hall's lobby and front entrance. The money will supplement a $133,000 state tourism grant awarded in May, also geared toward sprucing up the building.

The money will renovate the lobby, ripping up faded linoleum floors in favor of wood, installing architecturally appropriate front doors, updating ancient restrooms and introducing heat during the winter.

The second floor, which contains a grand ballroom/auditorium, is currently unusable because of handicap accessibility issues and an unfinished sprinkler system. Dealing with the second floor is part of the group's long-term plan, but is not covered under the current funding.

The Old Town Hall is leased by CitySpace and owned by the City of Easthampton. The building offers arts programming by its tenants, which include Flywheel Arts Collective, Easthampton City Arts +, and Big Red Frame/Elusie Gallery.

Easthampton financial director Melissa Zawadzki will work with the architectural design firm Reinhart Associates to develop a formal request for proposals.

City Space president Ed Check said he is grateful to the people of Easthampton, to Mayor Karen Cadieux, the City Council and the Community Preservation Act Committee for supporting CitySpace's mission.

Springfield firefighters had a difficult time fighting the fire because of hording.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is considering three men for pardons, including two individuals with drug convictions in the 1990s and one who was incarcerated in connection with an armed assault that occurred in 1989.

By COLLEEN QUINN

BOSTON — Gov. Deval Patrick is considering three men for pardons, including two individuals with drug convictions in the 1990s and one who was incarcerated in connection with an armed assault that occurred in 1989.

A pardon is the forgiveness of a crime or penalty, and differs from a commutation which is the lessening of a penalty or prison sentence.

Parole Board Chairman Joshua Wall, who was involved in making the recommendations, disclosed the information Friday during a hearing before the Governor's Council, which is weighing his judicial nomination. The Governor's Council must vote on any pardons or commutations recommendations that the governor makes, under the state constitution.

The last time there was a gubernatorial pardon was in 2002 under Acting Gov. Jane Swift, when seven pardons were approved. Since he took office in 2007, Patrick has never recommended pardoning anyone.

"I do have good news to report in that area. There are going to be some," Wall told the council. Patrick has nominated Wall to serve on the Superior Court, and his nomination has generated support and opposition.

The people recommended for pardons are True-See Allah, 43, who was convicted of armed assault with attempt to murder for his participation in a 1989 shooting - he was not the shooter; Jeffrey Snyder, 43, who was convicted of two drug offenses in 1995 for bringing marijuana to school when he was a high school student; and Edem Amet, 42, a Georgia resident, who was convicted of three drug offenses while he was a college student in Springfield in 1994 and 1995.

Wall said Patrick will "definitely" pardon some people before he leaves office, adding he believes there could be more than three. The Parole Board will make additional recommendations, he said.

Wall said he thinks pardons matter to Patrick, and that pardons and clemency are part of rehabilitation. "That is my belief too," Wall said.

As the chair of the Advisory Board of Pardons, a function of the Parole Board, Wall is one of the architects of changes to the guidelines that will make it easier for people to get pardons and commutations of their sentences, according to Wall.

On Friday, Wall described the changes to the parole and commutation guidelines when answering questions about parole board rates and the time it takes for parole decisions to be released.

Under the previous guidelines, only someone with a "compelling need" was eligible for a pardon, according to Wall. Typically someone must demonstrate they have a compelling need because of employment, immigration status, or firearms licensure related to employment, according to an attorney for the Patrick administration.

"One of the things that struck me is why do they have to have a compelling reason," Wall said.

The revamped guidelines will make it possible for someone to receive a pardon if they have made an "extraordinary contribution" in their community, Wall said.

The guidelines around pardons were finalized in January, and guidelines for commutations were finished in July.

Previously, someone who sought a pardon to avoid consequences related to their immigration status would find it difficult to receive a pardon, according to Wall. That changes under the new guidelines.

For example, Wall said, the board recently held a hearing for a man who would have been ineligible for pardon under the old standards because of his immigration status. He has been very involved in his church, and wanted to become a U.S. citizen.

"He applied for citizenship and that's how people knew he had a criminal record," Wall said, referring to Amet.

The circumstances around Amet's request for a pardon stem from his desire to become a U.S. citizen. He is a Liberian citizen who was born in Switzerland, and never lived in Liberia. He seeks a pardon for three school zone drug convictions, according to the pardon recommendation written by the Parole Board Advisory Board of Pardons.

Amet made three sales of crack cocaine to a confidential police informant in June and July 1995, while he was a college student in Springfield, according to the advisory board clemency recommendation. Amet served two years in the Hampden House of Correction. After he was released, he moved out of state, and "successfully reformed his behavior," the advisory board decision stated.

In the Snyder case, he is seeking a pardon for two drug offenses in the hopes of improving his employment prospects, according to the advisory board decision. As a high school student in 1995, he brought marijuana to school with the intent to sell three or four bags during the day. He was convicted of two crimes - possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in a school zone. He served two years in the Berkshire House of Correction. He now lives in Sheffield with his wife and daughter, and is looking for work, according to the advisory board. He worked for 17 years at the Kolburne residential school in New Marlborough, until it closed in June 2012.

"Snyder paid a very high price for a one-time marijuana offense. He reformed his behavior and had led a productive adult life," the advisory board wrote in its recommendation decision. "He would like to continue working with young people but it is unlikely to obtain such employment with the marijuana convictions."

The third person being considered for a pardon is Allah, who was a 19-year-old named Troy Watson in 1989. He was involved in gang-related shooting, according to the Board of Pardons decision. Allah said he went looking for people to help him strike back at rivals that had jumped him, and found a "young kid" who was "chomping at the bit." Allah was walking back to a car to get a sawed-off shotgun when his partner drew his own gun. The victim, Macarthur Williams, was shot and paralyzed. Allah told the board he met Williams by chance a few years ago, and Williams forgave him.

"True-See Allah has been punished for his crimes, he has been rehabilitated, he has made extraordinary contributions to his community, and a pardon advances the interests of justice," the advisory board wrote in its decision.

For Allah, the Board of Pardons recommended a conditional pardon, meaning the pardon not include the right to obtain a firearms identification card, "recognizing that Mr. Allah possessed a gun in the commission of a violent offense with serious injury," the board wrote.

As of April, the advisory board had not given a favorable recommendation since 2009, according to a spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The board has received a total of 605 clemency petitions since 2007, according to Terrel Harris, a spokesman for EOPSS.

Barbara Dougan, the Massachusetts project director for Families Against Mandatory Minimums, has been advising people to file petitions for the commutation of a prison sentence this month so that they be considered in "that very short window of opportunity when the governor is leaving office."

Dougan said the new guidelines appear to lay out a more "streamlined" process.

The additional guidelines for commutations direct the board to "focus" on inmates who "present no current risk of reoffending," and are serving an "unduly harsh sentence for a non-violent offense," or serving an "unduly" harsh sentence for being part of a joint venture in a violent crime. The board is also directed to focus on those who have "served a substantial portion" of their sentence and are suffering from a terminal illness or debilitating medical condition.

"We're absolutely thrilled that the administration is taking this approach," Dougan told the News Service about the new guidelines. She said, "What we're telling our folks is they need to get their commutation requests in by the end of the month."

MGM Springfield is the "biggest threat" to jobs and businesses in the area, according to Republican Nathan Bech, who is challenging two-term state Rep. Michael J. Finn in next month's general election.

This is part 3 of a 3-part series on the debate between state Rep. Michael J. Finn, D-West Springfield, and Republican Nathan Bech. Part 1 focused on the first half and Part 2 focused on the second half, which was in a Lincoln-Douglas format.

In Thursday's heated debate at the municipal building sponsored by the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, Bech slammed Finn for voting to approve the state's expanded gaming law, which allows for two casinos in eastern Massachusetts, one in Western Mass. and one slots parlor.

"(MGM Springfield is) not going to create jobs. Casinos will hurt the small businesses in West Springfield, in Springfield and in Chicopee because, when a casino moves into the area, it has the effect of sucking all the money out of the local economy," said Bech. "I don't think anybody here has any doubt that, if I go to Boston as your state representative ... I will fight tooth and nail to stop that casino."

He said that fight is especially important because both major party candidates for governor, Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Baker, have said that if voters repeal the casino law at the ballot box on Nov. 4, they would work with the Legislature on a way to make sure MGM Springfield can build anyway.

"I think you can rest assured that my opponent will do nothing," he said.

Other job creation priorities for Bech include tuition breaks for veterans instead of undocumented immigrants, and an overhaul of independent contractor laws to make it easier for people to provide freelance services, make Massachusetts more welcoming to entrepreneurs and increase state investment in education while keeping control of the money local.

"Opportunity is everywhere around Western Mass. right now," said Finn. He then spoke about his record as a member of the West Springfield Town Council before he was elected to the state Legislature in 2010, trying to get the town included in an economic development program. That program was expanded under a new bill passed this year and praised by Forbes magazine "as a model for the rest of the country when (states) are looking at how to improve their economies."

Finn said one of the first pieces of legislation he would file if re-eleced would be to strengthen drunk driving and vehicular homicide laws, but another priority would be to continue a strong trend of creating new jobs.

He said Bech "conveniently left out" details of the state's record of economic recovery.

"Massachusetts has emerged from the great recession stronger and faster than the rest of the country," said Finn. "We currently have a bond rating that is the highest we've ever had. It saves taxpayer monies every day, so it shows that we're being fiscally responsible."

Bech said one his first moves would be to eliminate tolls on the western end of the Massachusetts Turnpike, and remove them completely once the road is paid for.

When asked how he would bring down the cost of living in Massachusetts, Bech listed a series of scandals that are costing taxpayers money.

The case of Annie Dookhan, who tampered with evidence at a state drug lab and forced a systematic review of thousands of cases, cost $332 million, according to Bech. Severance packages for toll workers will cost $24 million, welfare fraud wastes $200 million and problems with the health connector website cost half a billion dollars, he said.

All told, he said, the state Legislature has taken $2 billion "and thrown it into Boston Harbor" because of a lack of accountability.

He said he wanted to drop the sales and income taxes.

Finn defended the Legislature's response to the crime lab scandal, saying it wasn't their fault and they dealt with it decisively. But he agreed that there is sometimes waste. He said he was "actually quite shocked" when Gov. Deval Patrick spent $11 million to renovate his office, but "there wasn't much we could do about it."

To bring down the cost of living, he wants to get people off welfare, thereby redirecting money and increasing the tax base. Bech and Finn agreed that homeless families need to be taken out of hotels and given opportunities to earn their own incomes.

The chamber asked Finn to choose a state-run program that he would eliminate. He said he couldn't.

"I can't say I would stop any of the programs because they're all important," he said. Instead, he said lawmakers need to rethink their priorities and invest more in education. He supports the concept of universal pre-kindergarten, but said he hasn't seen a funding plan that would make it work.

The 6th Hampden District includes West Springfield and parts of Springfield and Chicopee. The election is Nov. 4.

Police are looking for a 34-year-old man suspected of raping and stabbing three teenage girls last weekend.

Fire Chief Stephen Burkott said everyone is welcome to tour the stations, especially parents with young children.

CHICOPEE – Each of the fire department’s fire stations and main headquarters will be open to the public Sunday afternoon as part of the department’s 26th annual open house, Fire Chief Stephen S. Burkott announced.

The open house will be from 1 – 3:30 p.m.

Burkott said members of the public, especially those with young children, are welcome to go to any of the department’s stations during those hours and meet the men and women who serve as firefighters.

Deputy Fire Chief James McInerney will be coordinating events that include fire truck and equipment demonstrations. There will be station tours and fire prevention information at each station.

Fire safety literature will be available for the adults as well as fire hats, stickers, and fire safety coloring books for the children.

At Fire Department Headquarters, The Home Depot will be making fire safety crafts. Papa Gino’s restaurant will provide refreshments for visitors. There will also be a demonstration using the “Jaws of Life”.

The bazaar is at St. John the Baptist Parish Center at St. Elizabeth Church.

LUDLOW – If you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts, consider putting St. Nick’s Christmas Bazaar on your calendar.

This year the bazaar will be Saturday, Nov. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Parish Center at St. Elizabeth Church.

The event is sponsored by the League of the Sacred Heart, the men’s organization of the church.

Patricia Flaherty, publicist for the event, said there are always unique gifts at the bazaar including flower arrangements, wreaths, specialty breads, honey, scarfs, chocolate, ornaments, fabric bags, paintings, crocheted items, photography, framed pressed flowers, slate paintings and note cards.

The Christmas Bazaar is free to the public. Parking also is free, Flaherty said.

She said a light lunch will be served for a nominal price.

Shoppers can find items which are hand crafted and are difficult to find in stores, Flaherty said.

The bazaar is a nice event for people of all ages, she said.

A fire has destroyed three administrative buildings at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania, and officials are concerned about memorabilia stored there.

SHANKSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- A fire at the Flight 93 National Memorial destroyed three administrative buildings on Friday, leaving officials concerned about some of the memorabilia and archival material stored there.

Wind-whipped flames didn't touch the under-construction memorial and visitors center, which are about 2 miles away on the large property in rural western Pennsylvania, National Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst said. No one was injured in the fire, whose cause is under investigation.

The buildings comprised the park's headquarters, with conference facilities, storage space and the superintendent's office. About 10 percent of the memorial's archival collection was kept on site, and many objects were in fireproof safes, officials said.

Park staff saved an oral history collection and photo collection. The Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the memorial last month was not on site, officials said, but a full inventory will have to wait.

"Until the area is declared safe, however, staff will not be able to access the collection storage area and determine the condition of any other objects," the park service said in a statement.

Among the items whose status is unclear is a flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2001. Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who led the chamber on the day of the attacks, donated it during an anniversary ceremony last month.

The memorial, in Shanksville, marks the spot where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed during the Sept. 11 attacks. The plane, which was traveling from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, went down in a reclaimed strip mine after passengers fought back against its hijackers. All 33 passengers and seven crew members were killed along with the hijackers.

A memorial plaza was completed in time for the 10th anniversary of the attacks in 2011. It features a white stone wall, which traces the path of the doomed flight, with separate panels for each victim. There are plans for a 93-foot-tall tower with 40 wind chimes.

Officials have said they hope construction of the visitors center, which is estimated to cost $17 million to $23 million, will be finished by June. That would give park officials three months to install exhibits in time to open for the 14th anniversary of the crash.

The president of the Families of Flight 93, Gordon Felt, issued a statement expressing sadness about the fire and saying the group awaited further information on the cause.

All told, the park is expected to cost about $60 million. The government spent another $10 million for the land, which is about 75 miles east of Pittsburgh.

Hillary Clinton, preparing for what POLITICO termed a "midterm blitz" of campaign stops to stump for Democrats running for state or federal office, will visit Massachusetts to try to give Martha Coakley's campaign for governor a lift.

Hillary Clinton, preparing for what POLITICO termed a "midterm blitz" of campaign stops to stump for Democrats running for state or federal office, will visit Massachusetts to try to give Martha Coakley's campaign for governor a lift.

Democrat Martha Coakley

Clinton will visit at least a half dozen states, including Kentucky, Iowa and New Hampshire, where Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is locked in a tight re-election battle against former Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown, whom defeated Coakley in 2010.

In additional to key Senate battlegrounds, POLITICO first reported that Clinton has several stops planned for Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls, including Gov. Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire, Tom Wolf in Pennsylvania and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.

Coakley's campaign on Friday hosted First Lady Michelle Obama in Dorchester, and confirmed that it was working with Clinton to bring her to Massachusetts.

"We are thrilled that Secretary Clinton wants to support Martha's candidacy and are working on finalizing the details of welcoming her to campaign with us in Massachusetts," spokeswoman Bonnie McGilpin said in a statement.

Coakley is deadlocked in the tight race to succeed Gov. Deval Patrick against Republican Charlie Baker.

Health officials say a New Jersey child who tested positive for a virus causing severe respiratory illness across the country has died, although it's not clear what role the virus played in the child's death.

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Health officials say a New Jersey child who tested positive for a virus causing severe respiratory illness across the country has died, although it's not clear what role the virus played in the child's death.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told New Jersey health officials that a Mercer County child tested positive for enterovirus 68 and died last week, the state Department of Health said in a news release.

Department spokeswoman Donna Lensner would not provide any other specifics about the child, although she confirmed the death is the first in New Jersey of someone who tested positive for the virus since early August, when health officials around the country noticed a spike in harsh respiratory illnesses in children. They determined enterovirus 68 was to blame.

"Our thoughts remain with the family at this very difficult time," said New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd. "While the child has tested positive for EV-D68, the cause of death has not yet been determined and it is unclear if EV-D68 played a direct role or was a contributing factor in his death."

The CDC says at least four people in the U.S. infected with the virus have died, all in September, but the agency also stresses it's not clear if the virus caused the deaths. It has sickened at least 500 people in 42 states and Washington, D.C. -- almost all of them children.

The New Jersey department said the CDC also reported another confirmed case of the virus in a Middlesex County child, bringing the total count in the state to nine people who have been infected with enterovirus 68. Those cases are in Camden, Burlington, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Essex, Passaic and Sussex.

The enterovirus germ is not new; most people who catch the virus experience only a runny nose and low-grade fever. It was first identified in 1962 and has caused clusters of illness before.

This year, the virus has gotten more attention because it has been linked to hundreds of severe illnesses. Beginning last month, hospitals in Kansas City, Missouri, and Chicago have received a flood of children with trouble breathing.