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Palestinian leader accuses Israel of religious war

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The Palestinian president has accused Israel of igniting a "religious war" by allowing Jewish worshippers to visit a contested holy site in Jerusalem.

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) -- The Palestinian president has accused Israel of igniting a "religious war" by allowing Jewish worshippers to visit a contested holy site in Jerusalem.

Mahmoud Abbas says the visits are provocative, and that Palestinian worshippers will defend the site, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

Jews are allowed to visit, but they are not supposed to pray there. An increase in the number of visits has sparked clashes and raised Muslim fears that Israel is plotting to take over the site and sparked clashes.

Abbas' remarks -- at a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat -- came as Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian demonstrator in clashes in the West Bank on Tuesday.


President Obama, Vladimir Putin circle each other warily in China

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The White House said Obama and Putin spoke three times Tuesday on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific economic meeting, tackling some of the tough issues that have strained their relationship.

JOSH LEDERMAN
Associated Press

BEIJING (AP) -- On the surface, President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin were all niceties -- a pat on the back here, a pleasantry there. But away from the cameras, the two leaders circled each other warily at a global summit in China, coming face to face while relations between their countries continue to deteriorate.

The White House said Obama and Putin spoke three times Tuesday on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific economic meeting, tackling some of the tough issues that have strained their relationship, including Russia's provocations in Ukraine and support for Syria's embattled government. They also discussed the fast-approaching deadline in nuclear talks with Iran, in which the U.S. and Russia find themselves on the same negotiating team.

Unlike at some of their past meetings, Obama and Putin kept their deep-seated policy disagreements behind the scenes. But their public encounters suggested their relationship remains tense.

Picturesque Yanqi Lake, just outside of Beijing, became the venue for an awkward pas de deux between two of the most powerful leaders in the world. Entering an ornate, wood-paneled room for the start of the summit, Obama and Putin looked a bit like sidekicks to Chinese President Xi Jinping. The summit's host led the way, with the American on one side and the Russian on the other.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Putin said in Obama's direction. Yes, it is, concurred a reticent Obama, avoiding eye contact with Putin and addressing his response to no one in particular.

As the three presidents came to a stop at the head of the table, Putin reached out to give Obama a slap on the back. But Obama had turned in a different direction, and it didn't appear that the Putin's hand landed on its intended target.

A few hours later, the two again found themselves in close quarters under an overcast sky as leaders planted trees in honor of their counties. Putin strode confidently up to his tree, ahead of Obama, who clasped his hands behind his back before picking up a shovel and greeting a Spanish TV crew with a wave.

Neither the White House nor the Kremlin offered much in the way of detail about the policy conversations Obama and Putin had on the sidelines of the summit. Putin's spokesman said only that the two had spoken a few times, touching on "bilateral relations, the situation around Ukraine, Syria and Iran."

The U.S. is furious over Russia's presumed role in fueling pro-Russian rebels in neighboring Ukraine. White House officials have accused Russia of sending heavy weapons to the separatists and shelling Ukrainian troops, and have denounced Russia's buildup of forces along the border.

A truce reached in September between the rebels and Ukraine's government is teetering, destabilized by what the White House calls a "blatant escalation" by Russia and rebel-organized elections in eastern Ukraine that the U.S. condemned as a "sham." Vice President Joe Biden, in a phone call last week with Ukraine's president, vowed further U.S. sanctions against Moscow "if Russia continued to willfully violate the terms" of the cease-fire.

Russia's economy has taken a major hit following U.S. and EU sanctions -- the ruble has plunged by a third this year and hit an all-time low last week -- but Putin has dismissed the notion that he's hurting at the hands of the West. Addressing the Asia-Pacific economic summit here Monday, Putin said his government had the resources to stabilize its currency without taking any emergency measures.

"We want Russia to play a different role," Ben Rhodes, Obama's deputy national security adviser, said Tuesday. "We want Russia to be a stabilizing force on issues that we care about. But they're not going to be able to do that ... if they're violating the sovereignty of a country next door."

Rhodes said Obama wouldn't not be seeking out a meeting with Putin while in Beijing -- nor in Brisbane, Australia, where the leaders will once again run into each other during a Group of 20 economic summit this weekend. "Putin knows where we stand," Rhodes said, adding that Obama may discuss Russia's actions with other G-20 leaders.

For Obama and Putin, awkward encounters at international gatherings have become almost expected. But the optics have gained even greater attention as the Ukraine crisis has taken center stage.

In June, on the sidelines of D-Day anniversary commemorations in Normandy, France, Obama and Putin avoided each other during a group photo, with Obama even using Britain's Queen Elizabeth II as a buffer. The two later spoke briefly during a private leaders' lunch.

And during a formal meeting last year during a summit in Northern Ireland, Putin slumped in his chair and sat stone-faced as Obama tried to joke about the Russian leader's athletic ability. Obama later said Putin frequently looks like "the bored kid in the back of the classroom."

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AP White House Correspondent Julie Pace in Beijing and AP writer Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow contributed to this report.

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Nagee Jones, 22-year-old career offender, scheduled to plead guilty to latest firearms charge

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In his waistband, Jones had a 40 caliber handgun reported stolen in Granby, Conn. in 2013, according to Springfield police records.

SPRINGFIELD - Nagee Jones's short life of crime is about to cost him a long prison sentence.

A career offender at 22, the Springfield man pleaded innocent in U.S. District Court in July to being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the time of his arraignment, the defendant was in state custody awaiting trial on drug and firearms charges.

Four months later, Jones has agreed to plead guilty in the federal case - a move that will expose him to a minimum mandatory 15-year term.

A change-of-plea hearing is scheduled for Wednesday before Judge Michael Ponsor.

Jones was arrested in February with a .40-caliber handgun with 11 rounds of ammunition, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd E. Newhouse, who said the 22-year old already qualified as a career offender.

Investigators found Oxycontin pills and crack cocaine on Jones, along with a license stolen from a street robbery victim several days before. In his waistband, Jones had a 40 caliber handgun reported stolen in Granby, Conn., in 2013, according to Springfield police records.

Under federal sentencing guidelines, the defendant faces a term between 262 and 327 months if he pleads guilty to the firearms charge.

 

Military members get slew of Veterans Day freebies

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Veterans can start off their day chowing down on a free breakfast at a number of restaurants, including IHOP, which is serving up red, white and blue pancakes.

JULIE WATSON, Associated Press

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Veterans Day is not only a time to honor those who have served in the military: For American businesses, it's also a time to back up that appreciation with a freebie.

A slew of locally owned businesses and national chains are offering up something free Tuesday to anyone who has served in the military — a trend that has been growing since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Veterans can start off their day chowing down on a free breakfast at a number of restaurants, including IHOP, which is serving up red, white and blue pancakes.

They can then walk off the calories in a national park, which is offering free admission to everyone — and get their energy back with a free 12-ounce cup of Starbucks brewed coffee for current and former military members and their spouses.

Veterans can get a free haircut at Great Clips or a card to redeem one by Dec. 31 and then grab lunch or dinner without spending a dime at Applebee's, California Pizza Kitchen or Chili's, among others.

And that's only scratching the surface: There are free appetizers, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, car washes and even admission at select theaters to see the World War II film "Fury," starring Brad Pitt.

"I've been inundated from businesses and restaurants all offering something free tomorrow; it's kind of overkill," said retired Navy Cmdr. David Glazier, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. "There's only one of me, and I can only eat one lunch."

While veterans appreciate the deals, many, like Glazier, will miss out because they will be working.

"I hear a lot of veterans complain about that," he said. "The reality is Veterans Day is really only a holiday for banks and a few federal workers, so most veterans aren't able to get off work to enjoy those things that are offered only on Veterans Day."

Glazier plans to go to Knott's Berry Farm, the theme park south of Los Angeles, which is offering free tickets to present and former military members and one guest until the beginning of January.

Most veterans are well aware that companies are seizing the opportunity to give back as well as market themselves, but Glazier said that's not a bad thing.

"To me, the real perversion is Memorial Day, because Memorial Day has become a giant party day and sale day for American businesses, yet that is supposed to be the day we honor America's war dead," Glazier said. "Veterans at least are alive and here. So offering a free lunch to them or another sincerely good deal, I think it's a nice thing to do."

Chicopee police seek pizza shop theft suspect

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The theft was reported Sunday by owner of Paradise Pizza, 67 Springfield St.

CHICOPEE - Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man police believe is the suspect involved in stealing money from the counter of a Springfield Street pizza shop last week.

The theft was reported Sunday by owner of Paradise Pizza, 67 Springfield St.

The shop provided police with surveillance video of a man who they said had previously stolen money right off the restaurant's front counter.

The suspect fled the shop, jumped on a bicycle and was last seen riding toward Chapman Street.

The video shows a white man dressed in blue jeans, a grey hooded sweatshirt and a gray knit hat.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicopee Police detective division at (413) 594-1735.

Holyoke finalizes $750,000 sale of Lynch School to Miami firm that will build retail site with several tenants

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The Florida company buying Lynch School has retail sites with tenants like AT&T, Starbucks and AutoZone.

HOLYOKE -- Mayor Alex B. Morse will announce this week the city has finalized a deal to sell the former Lynch School at Northampton and Dwight streets to a Florida company for $750,000 to develop into a retail site.

"I'm pleased that we have reached this next step in the process. My administration was successful in luring competitive bids for the redevelopment of Lynch School and I have supported this effort since I introduced the proposal earlier this year," Morse said Monday (Nov. 10).

Frontier Development of Miami, Florida will buy the old school and plans to redevelop the property into a two- to three-tenant retail site, officials have said.

Tenants at other Frontier Development retail sites include AT&T, Sprint, AutoZone, Cold Stone Creamery, Foot Locker, Mattress Giant, Lane Bryant women's clothing and Starbucks, along with restaurants and pharmacies, according to the company website. The latter would seem to be out of play since Lynch sits across Northampton Street from a Walgreens and a Rite Aid.

The City Council approved the sale 9-6 on July 8. Morse said he finished details of the sale last week.

The company would need to apply for a zone change to build a retail site on the property. The site currently is zoned residential single family and such a project would require a change to highway business, officials have said.

A two-thirds majority of the 15-member City Council, or 10 votes, is needed for a zone change. Such a vote would take place after a public hearing.

The sale to Frontier Development means Morse will have gotten the long-discussed Lynch School redeveloped.

"This is a good project for the city, creating jobs, expanding our tax base, and redeveloping a crucial gateway into our city," Morse said.

Lynch School was considered an enviable location for a developer, city officials thought, overlooking streams of traffic emerging from Interstate 91 off ramps and along Northampton Street (Route 5). But the city had a hard time finding a developer until Morse announced May 6 the city had a tentative agreement to sell the property to Frontier Development.

Frontier Development could wind up developing more of the area than just Lynch School as adjacent properties also could be acquired, Morse said.

Besides getting Lynch developed, a benefit of the sale is that the city will save the thousands of dollars spent annually to maintain the property, he said.

Lynch ceased being a school in 2008 after the School Committee reorganized the system.

In August 2010, the School Committee voted 5-3 to surrender Lynch to the city for redevelopment. Previous attempts to find a viable developer failed.

Some councilors and School Committee members wanted Lynch School restored as school property. School Superintendent Sergio Paez proposed in the spring that with Lynch School again the domain of the School Department, a multistep plan he envisioned could proceed involving expansion of prekindergarten programs and moving School Department headquarters out of the space it leases at 57 Suffolk St. into a municipally owned building.

But Paez said at the June 30 meeting of the council Development and Government Relations Committee that while he would prefer to proceed with the version of his plan that would restore Lynch, he understood the city also has other needs and his plan could proceed with other options.

As Mohegan Sun eyes expansion to compete with Massachusetts casinos, MGM Springfield says it will 'dominate' the region's gaming market

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MGM says its Springfield casino project will dominate the market and that the company is not concerned about the potential for increased competition from Connecticut. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — In response to a report that the Connecticut-based Mohegan Sun is considering expansion to compete against Massachusetts casino projects like the pending $800 million MGM Springfield development, the Las Vegas entertainment giant says it expected such a move and is not concerned.

"We fully anticipated that our competitors would react to our entrance into the market. MGM Springfield is uniquely poised to dominate New England’s multi-billion dollar gaming market, while creating thousands of new jobs, and recapturing hundreds of millions of dollars currently being spent out of state," said Carole Brennan, a spokesperson for MGM Springfield. "We are confident that our innovative design, tested marketing plan and strong brand will make MGM Springfield a premiere destination resort casino in New England."

Mohegan Sun, which lost two bids to open casinos in the blossoming Massachusetts casino gaming market, stands to lose customers and market share in the Northeast U.S. gaming market to the MGM Resorts International casino when it opens in Springfield. MGM's projections estimate that nearly a third of its customers and profits will come from Connecticut as they tap into the wealthy Hartford capital region.

A statewide 60-40 percent vote last week upheld the Massachusetts casino law, which allows for the licensing of up to three resort-style casinos and a slots parlor in the Bay State. In addition to the MGM Springfield project in the South End of the city, local voters and the state have already approved Wynn Resorts' $1.6 billion Everett casino and Penn National Gaming's $225 million slots parlor in Plainville.

Neither Wynn or Penn National Gaming opted to comment on this article when asked about Mohegan's renewed push for another casino facility to the south of the commonwealth.

Mohegan Sun, which opened in 1996, is one of two state-sanctioned casinos operating in southeast Connecticut. Along with Foxwoods, which opened in 1992, they draw a significant amount of tourism and entertainment dollars from nearby states, including Massachusetts.

Connecticut state Rep. Peggy Sayers, a Democrat from Windsor Locks, said last week that an off-track betting facility near Bradley International Airport could be a good location for an expansion of gaming in that state, The Connecticut Mirror reports.

MGM previously said that the company believes the diversity of non-gaming amenities to be offered at its Springfield location will sustain the facility amid increasing competition in the region, including a potential casino in the the Albany, N.Y. area just 85 miles to the west.

Unlike the old casino model where gaming dominates the landscape and there are few doors and windows, the facility is slated to have approximately 19 doors and include several other entertainment options which MGM hopes will keep people coming back even as their options for gambling multiply in the years to come.

The host community agreement signed between MGM and the City of Springfield and approved by the voters here includes a pledge by MGM to leverage its standing with entertainment promoters and entertainers themselves to underwrite, co-promote, book and schedule at least four shows each at the MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall and CityStage each year following the opening of the casino. That part of the agreement commits MGM to boosting the city's entertainment options for a minimum of eight years and has the potential to hurt Mohegan Sun, as that casino's venue currently dominates the region's concert landscape.

MGM has also coined the term "inside-out casino" to describe their plan to create a facility where people can easily access of the resort's amenities, such as the bowling alley, the movie theater or one of the restaurants and bars without encountering the gaming area, should they want to avoid it.

The MGM Springfield project is set to begin breaking ground soon with a grand opening set for 2017.


State police arrest 28-year-old Belchertown man on heroin charge following vehicle stop in Granby, foot chase into marsh

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Eric Bressette was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute.

GRANBY -State police, stopping a vehicle on Carver Street for a violation Monday afternoon, arrested a 28-year-old passenger on heroin and other charges after he allegedly fled on foot into a marshy area.

The suspect was caught after he tripped over a fallen tree and was seen discarding what turned out to be bags of heroin, according to a release issued by state police.

The incident began shortly before 1:20 p.m. when Trooper William Medina of the Belchertown barracks stopped the vehicle, a Chevrolet Tahoe.

During Medina's investigation, Eric L. Bressette jumped out of the vehicle and fled. Medina gave chase on foot caught up to the suspect about 150 yards later.

Bressette resisted arrest and Medina recovered 40 bags of heroin which appeared to be packaged for resale.

Bressette had active warrants out of the East Brookfield District Court and Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown.

Bressette was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.


Carolyn Gardner supporters filing petition with Amherst school district asking for renewed negotiations

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Last month, lawyers for the Carolyn Gardner filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination after she was placed on unpaid administrative leave in August.

AMHERST - Supporters of former math teacher Carolyn Gardner will be submitting a petition to the school committee Tuesday night asking that the district reopen negotiations.

Last month, lawyers for the former Amherst Regional High School teacher filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination after she was placed on unpaid administrative leave in August.

She told the district she was unable to return because of medical issues incurred last year when she was the target of a number of messages, some of them racist. 

She sought an alternative position but did not want the two offered. Someone else filled a third position she was interested in. 

Her attorneys said they filed the complaint after the district's attorney Regina Tate characterized Gardner's claims of mistreatment as "baseless" and refused a request for mediation.

Tate said a financial settlement was offered but refused.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 101 people and one organization signed the petition.

The petition is asking that the district to "disavow the statement" Tate made, "regarding Ms. Gardner's claims of mistreatment as 'baseless' allegations." 

They are asking that the district support Gardner and meet and negotiate with her "and her attorneys to resolve the issues contained in her MCAD complaint."

The petition states that the "the school district has unilaterally placed her on unpaid medical leave, so that she is left without income to support herself and her child;

 "The school district has refused to meet with her, to explore alternatives, to negotiate, or even discuss the situation with her and her attorneys, but instead, offered a termination settlement with unacceptable conditions."

 "We had hoped it need not come to this point. However, a complaint being filed does not preclude the district from coming to the table with Carolyn and her attorneys," Sonji Johnson-Anderson, a friend of Gardner who helped create the petition and Justice for Carolyn website, wrote in an email.

"It is also a show of Carolyn's willingness to working with the district as this issue has consequences for us all. It is in the district's best interest to resolve this amicably. 

"In terms of continuing to discuss a settlement, if there is to be further discussion, it is up to the attorneys to initiate a dialogue," School Superintendent Maria Geryk wrote in an email. "In the meantime, we have met with our attorney in this matter, and he is in the process of responding to the MCAD complaint. Each point made by the attorneys for Ms. Gardner will be responded to by me in that forum."

Gardner supporters are asking people to attend the Amherst Regional School Committee meeting Tuesday and wear orange in support. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the high school library. 

Agawam High School art students to breathe new life into old military photos through veterans portrait project

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AGAWAM -- Military vets are somewhat used to being honored for their service to the country, often through general statements of gratitude given in speeches on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. But art teachers at Agawam High School want to take that gratitude a step further and personalize it. Deb Florek and and Amber Waters have begun collecting...

AGAWAM -- Military vets are somewhat used to being honored for their service to the country, often through general statements of gratitude given in speeches on holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

But art teachers at Agawam High School want to take that gratitude a step further and personalize it.

Deb Florek and and Amber Waters have begun collecting old military photos from Agawam veterans, which will be used by 40 of their honors arts students to create personalized portraits. The works of art will be given to the veterans once they're done.

Most students already have a vet in mind: an uncle, grandmother or grandfather. But those who don't will craft portraits of veterans in the community.

"They were so excited to do this," Florek said of her students. "They're really looking forward to it and want to show off their skills."

Most portraits will be on the larger side -- at least 18 inches by 24 inches, Florek said -- and mediums will vary from watercolor to charcoal to acrylic paint, depending on the artist's style.

Agawam vet Gary Janulewicz substitute teaches at the high school. When he heard about the portrait project, he volunteered to collect photos from community veterans for students who don't already have one in mind. Janulewicz, 71, could be seen passing out out small squares of paper describing the project at the Agawam Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday.

One of the portraits will be of Staff Sgt. Brett Graveline, who has served more than 20 years in the military. Graveline was medically evacuated from Iraq in 2009 after he suffered severe injuries in a helicopter crash.

Janulewicz said vets like Graveline deserve to be honored in such an unconventional manner.

"From the veterans that I've talked to, they're really enthusiastic about wanting to have it done," he said. "I think it's about getting more attention and recognition in a new way."

Florek said students are in the very beginning stages of the project; most are sketching preliminary drawings or choosing their veterans. The due-date for the portraits will fall sometime before the school's spring arts festival in April, where they'll be showcased.

The art teacher said she wants the portraits to be something both the vets and students can be proud of.

"We hope that they'll frame them and keep them forever at their home, and cherish them," she said.

Live stream: Freedom Tower window washers trapped on collapsed scaffold in New York City

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The accident was reported at 12:45 p.m. Officials are working to reach the trapped window washers.


Reports out of New York City indicate as many as three window washers are clinging to a collapsed scaffold on the side of the Freedom Tower, some 50 stories above Manhattan.

CBS New York reports emergency responders are rushing to the scene in an attempt to rescue the workers.

The incident was first reported at about 12:45 p.m.

The station reports the workers had finished cleaning and were about to raise the platform to the roof when it malfunctioned.

CBS New York reports there are three workers trapped, but Eyewitness News 7 cites Port Authority officials who say there are two workers on the scaffold.

Photos from the scene and a live video feed each show the scaffold hanging at an steep angle on the side of the tower.

Vermont State Police ask public for help finding missing 14-year-old Wayne LaRose

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Vermont State Police are asking the public for help finding a missing 14-year-old boy, Wayne LaRose, who hasn't been seen since Tuesday afternoon.

MONKTON, Vermont — Police in the Green Mountain state are asking the public for help finding a missing 14-year-old boy who hasn't been seen since Tuesday afternoon.

Wayne LaroseView full sizeWayne LaRose

Troopers say Wayne LaRose was last seen at his family's home in Monkton around 3 p.m. Tuesday. And while they know he left on foot following an argument with his step-mother, he never returned home and concern for his well being is growing.

LaRose is described as a white male, standing approximately 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He has curly, dark brown hair and brown eyes with a scar on the left side of his forehead.

LaRose was last seen wearing blue jeans, a red and black flannel shirt over a white undershirt, and a black hoodie with "Adidas" written in neon-orange lettering. He was also wearing a black, silver and green Boston Celtics cap.

Vermont State Police say LaRose may be in the Monkton, Bristol, Vergennes, or Starksboro areas.

Anyone with information about LaRose's whereabouts is asked to call the Vermont State Police- New Haven barracks at (802)-388-4919 or submit an anonymous tip by addressing a text message to "CRIMES" (274637) with the keyword "VTIPS" in the subject line. Information can also be submitted anonymously online at http://vsp.vermont.gov/tipsubmit.


Bomb threat prompts evacuation of Amherst-Pelham Regional High School

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Students are now at Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School.

AMHERST - A bomb threat prompted emergency personnel to evacuate Amherst-Pelham Regional High School Wednesday afternoon.

Principal Mark Jackson said students are now at Amherst Regional Middle School while police and fire personnel search the building.

The is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.


Springfield seeks bids for renovation-expansion project at Clifford Phaneuf Environmental Center, home of ECOS in Forest Park

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The renovation-expansion project at the Clifford Phaneuf Environmental Center has been pursued off and on for the past two decades.

SPRINGFIELD — The city plans to advertise for bids this month for an estimated $3 million project to renovate and expand the Clifford A. Phaneuf Environmental Center at Forest Park, culminating nearly two decades of on-again, off-again discussions and plans.

Peter Garvey, the city's director of capital asset construction, said the bid documents will be available beginning Nov. 26, and bids are scheduled to be due by Dec. 18.

"I'm thrilled," said Burt Freedman, a long-time center teacher and strong advocate for the project. "I could not be happier for the students. The news will put smiles on the faces of thousands of people."

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who approved the use of federal funds for the project, said both he and his daughters went through the Environmental Center of Our Schools (ECOS) program at the Forest Park center.

The log-constructed building, which served as the old skatehouse at Porter Lake, has housed ECOS since 1970, helping to educate thousands of Springfield students.

"I am very excited about it," Sarno said regarding the center project. "It holds a special place in my heart and in my mind."

Sarno said the program plays an "invaluable role" in providing a diverse education for students and respect for the environment.

He praised Freedman for his "stick-to-it-ness" in pursuing the project over the years.

Freedman, one of the original ECOS teachers who has spent much of his teaching years at the center, said the upcoming project "makes an important statement to the students about the value of environmental science education." Freedman said his continuous advocacy for the project has been "a labor of love," and he praised Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick for his support.

The project will both preserve and enhance the center, restoring and protecting its historic features, adding a multitude of energy conservation measures, and expanding its academic and public uses, said Stephen Jablonski, of Jablonski Devriese Architects of Springfield, the project architect.

The building, constructed in the 1930s, will have two compatible additions – one for a classroom and wrap-around porch, and one for a new kitchen, Jablonski said. The renovations will bring in 21st century features while restoring the look from the 1930s, including the addition and replacement of windows, he said.

The renovations and expansion will also result in the building being used for some public functions and meetings, and can generate rental income, officials said.

The environmental center was named after the late Clifford Phaneuf, who was a teacher instrumental in creating ECOS and directed the program for 17 years. Approximately 10,000 students, teachers and parents come to the center each year, Freedman said.

"People who participated in ECOS when they were kids – when they go back there, they are going to recognize it," Jablonski said, of the coming renovations. "But they are not going to believe how much it has been upgraded and added on to."

Eighteen years ago, city officials including then-Mayor Michael Albano stood outside the log building, announcing plans to use a portion of a $5 million state grant toward renovations of the center among other projects.

After multiple stumbles and steps over the years, the city is now prepared to move forward with the project, officials said.

The city will finance the project now by using a portion of $25 million in federal disaster aid, received as compensation for damage in the city related to the tornado of 2011. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which awarded the grant, gave approval for projects on a case-by-case basis, whether or not the uses were directly affected by the tornado of June 1, 2011.

Jablonski said the improvements and highlights include making the building completely code-compliant; a new fire sprinkler system; and switching from oil heat to high-efficient natural gas. The switch to gas will result in the removal of an old oil tank next to Porter Lake that has been of concern, he said.

In addition, the improvements will result in installation of a pump for sewage and resulting tie-in to the city's sewer system, Jablonski said.

Among features aimed at energy conservation, there will be solar electric panels, known as a photo voltaic system, installed on roof of the building, Jablonski said.

There also will be water-based heat pump using water in Porter Lake as a heating and cooling source, and radiant-floor heat in the classroom addition, he said. The landscaping plan will be "wonderful," including a 'stunning" semi-circle plaza with stone pavers and plantings, he said.

"ECOS is something to be proud of, and is home-grown," Jablonski said. "But the (current) building is out of sync with the main goal – getting people interested in, and respectful, of the environment."

Freedman said many people have been worried that the deterioration of the existing building could affect ECOS continuing.

"So there has been unbelievable public support from current and former teachers, parents and students," Freedman said. "What especially has been gratifying is the response from parents and now grandparents who were once students themselves and love that their children and grandkids can go through the ECOS program. It's great news for the city and the school district."


Judge backs state in lawsuit over proposed Western Mass. medical marijuana dispensary

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JM Farm's Patient Group, which wants to open a dispensary in Deerfield, had joined in a lawsuit to force the state to give the company a provisional license for a medical marijuana dispensary.

BOSTON - A judge has upheld the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's decision to deny medical marijuana dispensary licenses to three companies, including one in Western Massachusetts, based on background checks of their employees.

JM Farm's Patient Group, which wants to open a dispensary in Deerfield, had joined Beacon Wellness Center and Mass Organic Therapy in a lawsuit aimed at forcing the state to give them provisional licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries.

Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Heidi Brieger last month ruled in favor of the state. "By allowing the Plaintiffs to reenter the licensing process, this court would substitute its own reasoning for DPH's," Brieger wrote in her decision. "Every future applicant denied provisional licensure would seek a similar 'second bite of the apple' in the courts, resulting in a even more sluggardly administrative process."

The dispensaries had argued that the decision by DPH not to grant them a license was "arbitrary and capricious" because the dispensaries met every condition DPH set. All three companies said they scored higher than other successful applicants during a ranking process, but their applications were deferred until they dealt with personnel matters that turned up during background checks. Each company severed ties with the individual in question, but was denied a license anyway.

Attorney General Martha Coakley's office, which represents DPH, argued that the problems uncovered in the background checks were enough of a reason to deny the licenses.

Brieger wrote that DPH explicitly stated that it denied the license because of the background checks, and the department "has broad discretion" in making licensing decisions. The judge wrote that JM Farm's and the other companies can still participate in the next round of medical marijuana applications, which is scheduled to begin after Jan. 31, 2015.

Several unsuccessful medical marijuana companies have sued the state over its licensing process, which has been marred by problems. So far, judges have generally sided with the state.

The JM Farm's suit was significant for Western Massachusetts, which until recently, had no approved dispensaries moving forward. Last Friday, however, DPH granted preliminary approval to Patriot Care Corporation to go ahead with building a medical marijuana dispensary in Greenfield. DPH also removed a "hold" that had been placed on New England Treatment Access, which plans to build a dispensary in Northampton.


Photos: Freedom Tower window washers rescued after being trapped high above Manhattan

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Social media was filled with images of the dramatic rescue going on high above Manhattan.

The dramatic bid to rescue some window washers trapped on the side of the Freedom Tower in New York City has attracted a great deal of attention on socal media,

Twitter is filled with several dozens of photos of the workers clinging to a damaged scaffolding on the 68th floor of One World Trade Center.

The incident was first reported at 12:45 p.m. New York City firefighters are working to free the workers.

Comcast gives free laptops to Holyoke schools, promotes low-income internet access program

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As a group of students worked on a digital learning program at Kelly Full Service Community School on Wednesday, school officials announced a new partnership with Comcast that would provide more access to internet.

HOLYOKE -- As a group of students worked on a digital learning program at Kelly Full Service Community School on Wednesday, school officials announced a new partnership with Comcast that would provide more internet access.

Comcast will donate a laptop to each school in the district, 11 laptops total.

"We're very excited to be collaborating with Comcast," Gina Roy, Holyoke Public Schools director of student services, said, She added that the use of the laptops offers the opportunity to bring such technology out of the computer lab and into the classroom.

Representatives from Comcast at the event also promoted their internet access program for low-income families.

The program offers internet service for $9.95 a month for families that are eligible to participate. Internet Essentials is open to families whose children qualify for free or reduced meals. The program guarantees a fixed monthly cost and there are no activation or equipment rental fees.

The Comcast program also offers allows families to buy a computer for $150, plus tax.

"This is just another partnership in the city of Holyoke that benefits residents," Mayor Alex B. Morse said on Wedesday. "Making sure that parents know about the discount is a really great and positive thing. I think it will go along way in improving test scores and making students better citizens."

Springfield police identify fatal stabbing victim as 23-year-old Bay Street resident Antrone Hill, say incident was drug-related

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A second victim, stabbed during the altercation, is in stable condition.

SPRINGFIELD - Police have identified a man fatally stabbed during a confrontation at a Girard Avenue apartment complex as 23-year-old Bay Street resident Antrone J. Hill.

Police were summoned to Bergen Circle Towers, at 15 Girard Ave., at about 12:15 p.m. They found two victims suffering from stab wounds in a seventh floor apartment, Sgt. John M. Delaney said.

The other victim, 25, is in stable condition. Police have not released his name.

Investigators believe Hill and others went to the seventh floor apartment and confronted the other victim. Hill, after an argument, attacked that victim with a knife, Delaney, public information officer for the department, said.

The fight moved down a hallway inside the apartment and the victim, defending himself, stabbed Hill to get away.

Hill died in a city hospital's emergency department.

Detectives, under the direction of Capt Thomas Trites, continue to investigate the incident and police are not looking for any other suspects. Charges have not been filed against the surviving victim.

Delaney said detectives believe the incident was drug-related. He declined to say if the surviving victim produced his own knife or somehow gained possession of Hill's.


UMass Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy promises more funding, new position to help recruit and retain minority students

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Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy sent a message to the community as a follow up to concerns raised at an Oct. 16 Town Hall forum.

AMHERST - The University of Massachusetts is creating a new assistant provost for diversity position to increase its focus on recruiting under-represented undergraduate students.

That was part of a message Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy sent to the community as a follow up to concerns raised at an Oct. 16 Town Hall forum attended by hundreds following a number of racist messages on campus.

So far, just one student has been arrested.

Devin Ayres, 20, of North Andover was charged with vandalizing property, and property damage to intimidate after he allegedly left two racist messages on the doors of two rooms.

The police investigation into other incidents continues,In the memo, Subbaswamy wrote "This semester we have been reminded yet again how much work remains to be done. A series of racist, hateful, threatening acts outraged our community.

On October 16, just days later, hundreds of members of our community turned out at a Town Hall meeting to show their personal commitment to change.

 "While such incidents and feelings are not unique to our campus (and our society in general), they call on us to re-examine fundamentally our commitment and approach to diversity and inclusion. They demand that we live up to the standard we have set for ourselves."

To help address issues raised, he wrote that there will be an immediate increase in Community Scholarships for in-state, low-income or first-generation college attendees.

At the forum students said that there is not enough aid available for students with limited means.  

He said he will make philanthropic support for need-based scholarships an explicit priority during the remainder of the UMass Rising campaign and beyond. That campaign, which ends June 30, 2016 seeks to raise $300 million.

He wrote that a Graduate Student Diversity Task Force will be created to recommend ways to improve the recruitment, retention and degree completion of under-represented minority graduate students.

"These steps, and others to follow, will help build a more diverse community. At the same time, we must be more effective in building a climate of respect and mutual learning. Toward that end, under the leadership of Provost Newman and the Faculty Senate, the effectiveness of the current diversity component of the General Education curriculum is under review," he wrote.

"I am heartened by the ongoing discussions on multiculturalism in our community led by our students, staff and faculty.  More concrete actions will soon be forthcoming from these deliberations coordinated through the Steering Committee."

Auditions scheduled by Exit 7 Players in Ludlow for 'A Chorus Line'

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The auditions for the musical will be held in January.

LUDLOW - Exit 7 Players will hold auditions for its spring musical, 'A Chorus Line,' Jan. 4 at 6 p.m. and Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Exit 7 Theater at 37 Chestnut Street.

'A Chorus Line" is a musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and a book by James Kirkwood Jr. and Nicholas Dante. It is a musical about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It tells about the ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show.

The show will be directed by Janine Flood, musically directed by Daniel Monte and choreographed by Amy Bouchard. Producers are Christina Climo and Crhis McKenzie Willenbrock.

Those who wish to audition should arrive with a headshot or recent photo and be dressed to dance, preferably in baggy clothing. The show features jazz, ballet and tap dancing so bring appropriate shoes.

Please prepare 32 bars of music in the style of the show.

For more specific audition information go to the Exit 7 Players website at exit7players.org.

Show dates are April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m.

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