The 10 suspected militants who were killed were believed to be allied with a prominent militant commander in the area.
Associated PressSupporters of the Pakistani religious party Jamaat-e-Islami chant slogans during a rally against drone attacks, in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, June 4, 2011.
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan — Three American missile attacks killed 15 suspected militants on the Pakistan side of the Afghan border on Wednesday, Pakistani officials said, the latest in an uptick in such strikes that coincides with a chill in ties between Washington and Islamabad.
The first pair of drone-fired missiles hit a vehicle and a compound near Wana, the main town in South Waziristan tribal area, killing 10 people, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media.
The victims were believed to be allied with Maulvi Nazir, a prominent militant commander in the area, according to the officials.
South Waziristan was the main sanctuary for the Pakistani Taliban until the army launched a large ground offensive in 2009. But militants continue to inhabit the area and often carry out attacks against Pakistani soldiers.
Later, four missiles hit a vehicle in North Waziristan, considered a major militant sanctuary, killing five, the officials said.
The U.S. does not publicly discuss drone strikes in Pakistan, but officials have said privately that they have killed several senior al-Qaida and Taliban commanders. More than 200 attacks have taken place since 2009.
The frequency of attacks dropped in earlier in the year, but have since resumed their normal pace.
The uptick follows the U.S. raid that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan on May 2. That operation angered the Pakistani army and parliament, which demanded an end to the strikes. Pakistan's army has been known to cooperate with some of the attacks in the past, but it is unclear whether it still does so.
Investigators said no one at the Houston-based Multi-Chem Corp. plant in this city in the Cajun country of south Louisiana was injured and all 20 workers at the site were accounted for.
NEW IBERIA, La. (AP) — A fire at a plant where chemicals are blended and stored for oilfield operations forced residents to evacuate or hunker down Tuesday night while a grayish-brown column of smoke rose hundreds of feet into the air hours later.
Investigators said no one at the Houston-based Multi-Chem Corp. plant in this city in the Cajun country of south Louisiana was injured and all 20 workers at the site were accounted for.
Officials weren't certain what kind of chemicals were on fire in the warehouse.
Louisiana state police and Iberia Parish emergency management officials said the first blast was reported about 4 p.m., followed by several more explosions. The plant is near the Acadiana Regional Airport, which was shut down as a precaution.
"It was a big explosion, I mean a big one," said Odis Lounsberry, who was in his front yard near the plant. He said several smaller blasts followed.
Lounsberry, who said he is an inventor by trade, said he got a bad taste in his mouth after feeling drops of a liquid hit him.
"It was like a bitter taste, just a foul taste," he said.
He said he could hear the rush of the flames burning. A short time later, he got a knock on his door and police told him he had to leave.
Firefighters have determined the best thing is to let the fire burn itself out.
Mary Celeste Clement, a children's book author, lives about 2 miles away and said she evacuated to Lafayette after she saw smoke pouring from the plant.
"I packed my bags and left," she said. "I didn't want to take the chance."
Twelve people gathered at an evacuation staging area in New Iberia's City Park and likely would be housed in hotels for the night at the company's expense, Red Cross volunteer George Gauthier said.
Initially an evacuation order for a 5-mile radius was ordered, but later it was narrowed to 1 mile.
Clement said it was scary.
"You could tell it was a major explosion, black, black smoke," she said.
Clement said friends in neighboring towns told her they could see the smoke for miles.
Outside the evacuation area, life in this Oil Patch town of about 32,000 west of New Orleans went on almost as usual. People were out in the afternoon heat mowing lawns and socializing.
Katie Dupuis, a spokeswoman for Multi-Chem, said the fire started where the company stores chemicals in outdoor tanks. Multi-Chem blends a variety of chemicals used in the oilfield industry.
She said the company was trying to determine which chemicals were burning and that at least two storage tanks were burning.
Dupuis said it was too early to know what caused the explosions and fire. "We know our employees followed proper protocol," she said.
The plant is near a primate center where 6,500 animals are housed. University of Louisiana-Lafayette spokeswoman Christine Payton said primates houses closest to the fire were checked and apparently were unharmed.
New Iberia was founded in 1779 when Louisiana was under Spanish colonial administration. It is a blue-collar town typical of the state's coastal communities. The region is known for its salt deposits and the Tabasco hot sauce produced at nearby Avery Island.
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Associated Press writers Cain Burdeau and Janet McConnaughey in New Orleans contributed to this report.
The alleged rape was reported to have occurred in a secluded locker area.
ATTLEBORO — A 15-year-old eighth-grader at an Attleboro middle school has been charged with raping a 14-year-old girl at school.
Acting Police Chief Kyle Heagney says the Coelho Middle School student, whose name was not released because of his age, was arrested Tuesday after police obtained a warrant from Attleboro Juvenile Court.
The chief tells The Sun Chronicle the alleged rape occurred during school hours on May 31, but school officials did not learn of it until June 6. The alleged rape was reported to have occurred in a secluded locker area. School officials notified police as soon as they learned of it.
The girl is also an eighth-grader.
The boy was released into the custody of his parents and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Attleboro Juvenile Court.
The suspect was arrested without incident shortly after 6 a.m. at 55 Fernwold St.
The Post-Standard | John MarianiSyracuse police Sgt. Tom Connellan speaks at a news conference on the homicide on South Geddes Street in August, 2010.
SPRINGFIELD – State police raided an East Springfield neighborhood home early Wednesday and arrested a 24-year-old man wanted in connection with a Syracuse, N.Y. homicide.
Emilier “Emmy” Carrasquillo-Fuentes was arrested without incident shortly after 6 a.m. at 55 Fernwold St., according to a press release issued by state police. Local police and federal agents assisted in the raid.
The arrest culminates a two-month investigation when investigators learned of the suspect’s ties to Massachusetts, state police said.
Carrasquillo-Fuentes is wanted in connection with an August 21, 2010 double-shooting at a Mobil gas station parking lot on South Geddes Street in Syracuse. One victim, 25-year-old Luis Quinonez-Osorio, died in the shooting. The shooting injured 25-year-old Yojan Ceballos.
Investigators believe since that time the suspect has attempted to evade capture by changing his appearance, moving frequently and receiving assistance from associates.
Carrasquillo-Fuentes will be brought to District Court for arraignment as a fugitive from justice later today. Local authorities will then work to arrange his rendition to New York to answer to the murder and attempted murder charges against him, state police said.
Participants in the arrest included members of the Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, FBI agents and Springfield and Chicopee police officers.
Jesus Carmona, 15, was sentenced in January to 10 years to life in New York state prison for his role in the shooting. Carmona pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and first-degree assault.
According to The Post-Standard of Syracuse, investigators believe a second gunman fired the .45-caliber bullets that struck and killed Quinonez-Osorio. Carmona is believed to have fired a shot from a 9 mm handgun that injured Ceballos. Under New York law, Onondaga County Judge Anthony Aloi explained at the sentencing, Carmona was equally responsible as the man who fired the fatal shot.
Carmona was prosecuted as an adult because of the seriousness of the crime.
Cathedral High School students will also host the second day of their supply drive.
Below is a list of announcements regarding resources and tornado relief efforts we've received in the newsroom so far on Wednesday, June 15.
If you know of a resource that should be added to this list -- or to the map at the bottom of this post -- please post a comment or email online@repub.com.
The United Way is coordinating volunteer efforts. Call 2-1-1 for information.
Call ahead before heading out to a donation center, to make sure that location is still accepting donations. And, avoid scams: check the Better Business Bureau charity guide before donating.
EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
Springfield Partners for Community Action hosts clothing distribution today
From a press release sent by SPCA development specialist Jennifer Picard:
Springfield Partners for Community Action will distribute clothing, personal care items, and baby care products to those affected by the tornado on Wednesday, June 15, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at its offices at 721 State St., 2nd floor.
Residents picking up items at the distribution should bring proof of address. Please use the State Street entrance.
Free twin beds and mattresses are also available for pick up, but only by appointment; please call 413-263-6500 to make arrangements.
People who need elevator access for Wednesday’s distribution should call 413-263-6500 prior to arrival.
Open Pantry distributes clothing, hygiene supplies today
From Open Pantry:
On Wednesday June 15th Open Pantry's People's Center will be open to only those affected by the tornado. People will be able to get free clothing and hygiene items. The People's Center is located at 287 State Street, Springfield. We will be open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. If you have any questions please call (413) 737-5354.
Peter Pan collecting donations in Chicopee through Friday
From a press release:
Peter Pan Bus Lines is using its 1939 Futuristic Bus as a donation collection site at 510 Front Street, Chicopee today through Friday. The vehicle is one of three of its kind in the country. It was built for the 1939 World Fair. Peter Pan and First American Insurance Agency have teamed up to collect essential items for many of the relief agencies helping Tornado victims.
Cathedral students hold second day of supply drive
From Mark Dupont, spokesman for the Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese:
Cathedral High School students will be holding a supply drive in collaboration with the Diocese of Springfield’s Catholic Charities Agency to help in the tornado relief effort.
Donations will be collected at St. Catherine of Siena Parish at 1023 Parker Street in Springfield Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14th and 15th, from 4 to7 p.m. Donors are asked to drop off household items such as lamps, dishes, flatware, blankets and towels. Toiletries, spring and summer clothing, baby needs such as diapers and baby food are also needed.
Non-perishable food supplies, preferably microwavable, will also be helpful. Donors are asked to drop items off at the Social Center entrance.
Messina O'Grady tweeting tornado relief efforts
O'Grady, a South Hadley resident, has been working to coordinate donations in the aftermath of the storm. Follow Mass Tornado Relief on Twitter or find O'Grady on Facebook.
Springfield Falcons launch jersey auction for tornado relief
Our Sports Desk reports:
The Springfield Falcons announced Tuesday they have started the first phase of their online jersey auction to help benefit the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross and aid with tornado relief throughout Western Massachusetts. The Falcons currently have 10 jerseys up for bid through Falconsahl.com/Ebay, including team-autographed Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks jerseys.
Friendly's restaurants collecting donations, starting today
From a press release outlining the company's efforts:
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, which operates more than 500 company-owned and franchised family dining restaurants, announced today that the company will raise money through customer donations at over 140 restaurants throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut to benefit the Pioneer Valley Red Cross’ tornado relief effort.
Collection drop boxes will be placed at the cash register of each restaurant. Friendly’s will match all of the donations collected from customers. The fundraising effort will begin on June 15 and continue through July 10.
Scholarship fund supports Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero
From a press release:
A scholarship fund to help Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero, who lost their mother, Angelica F. Guerrero, in the June 1 tornado, is being spearheaded by a Union Street businessman.
Angelica Guerrero, 39, saved the life of 15-year-old Ibone by shielding her in a bathtub during the tornado, which caused their Merrick neighborhood apartment house to collapse around them.
Eighteen-year-old Fabiola, who just finished her first year at Holyoke Community College, was not at home when the twister hit.
Victor E. Thomas Jr., who owns Ruggers Rugby and Soccer Supply, has started The Angelica Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Holyoke Community College Foundation. Contributions may be sent to the HCC Foundation at 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040 or by going online to http://www.hcc.edu/
To learn more about Angelica, her family and different ways to help them go to Angelicasfund.com.
The map below includes shelter locations, agencies accepting donations, storm assistance centers and other resources.
Map Key:
Red line: Street closed.
Blue line: Road open, but police advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
Green marker: Shelter location
Pink marker: Donations accepted
Pink marker with dot: Information resource + donations accepted.
Yellow marker: Food / donation distribution point.
Turquoise marker: Information and links to other resources.
RMV offers free ID replacement for tornado victims
According to a press release from the Department of Transportation, "Governor Deval Patrick has directed that the RMV waive the $25 fee associated with duplicate IDs and license for residents living in the communities impacted by the storms." Read more here.
Food Bank seeks volunteer help at Hatfield warehouse WWLP reports:
Food Bank Program Director Christina Maxwell says "Right now we need more people to volunteer to help distribute food and water. The community has been wonderful responding to this need and we've been getting cash donations as well as food donations. We could definitely use volunteers at our warehouse in Hatfield and people can go on our website to find out how to sign up for those opportunities."
STCC library rolls out calendar of relief events
Nice use of a Google calendar to aggregate both fundraising and distribution events happening here.
Red Cross releases video of Sen. Scott Brown's Springfield tour
Ryan Hughes, a Central Mass Chapter volunteer for the Red Cross, shot and edited video chronicling Scott Brown's June 4th tour with the Red Cross. Rick Lee, executive director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, writes:
Ryan is a professional videographer who took a high definition camera out on my ride-along with U.S. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts into some of the most severely affected areas of Springfield.
I should note that, Senator John Kerry was with us in the shelter June 1st and returned last week to revisit our shelter to speak with clients and workers. He personally thanked almost every Red Crosser he came upon and told me he had raised $25,000 through his Facebook page to support Red Cross relief in western Massachusetts.
Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and much of our local political delegation have been on scene and offering their support.
When asked what we needed most I told both Senators Brown and Kerry “we need the Individual Assistance and Presidential Declaration to fuel federal financial assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the homeowners, renters and businesses affected by these devastating storms. They pledged to do all they could to support that.
"Monson Unites" shirts available starting Today
Posted by Laura Sauriol to the Monson Tornado Watch 2011 Facebook page: OFFICIAL "MONSON UNITES" T-Shirts Will be available for $20 starting Tuesday at Monson Savings Bank and at The First Church of Monson!
Information on the Monson Recovers Resource Center
From Monson's website:
The Monson Recovers Resource Center (MRRC) has opened at Hillside School, 29 Thompson Street to provide information to community members for services needed and resources available. The MRRC has been operational since Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and is staffed by Medical Reserve Corps and community volunteers. People who are interested in volunteering by staffing the office to provide information and resources to our neighbors are asked to contact Liz Manley at monsonrecovers@monson-ma.gov or by calling 413-579-4803.
Area police and firefighters need help with Monson cleanup effort
The "Monson Tree Crew," made up of local first responders, will take another trip to Monson Wednesday (June 15) to help clear trees and debris. Organizer Justin Green writes: "We will be working on Ely Road tomorrow June 15th which is the street across from First Church. They seem to have a significant amount of work that still needs to be done. All volunteers will be meeting at the Pride Gas Station in Palmer at 7:30AM and then heading in when we get everyone together."
More information on the effort, from Fireground360: After the recent tornadoes that affected several cities and towns across Western Massachusetts local law enforcement officers and firefighters came together with chainsaws and manpower. These individuals descended on the town of Monson, MA and are providing critical assistance with the removal of trees and debris from houses, driveways, and outside structures. Their swift action this has allowed the devastated families access to their homes and what is left of their belongings.
The crew's hope is to continue this service throughout the town of Monson with the assistance of heavy equipment. With the much needed donation of a skid steer, the machine would give volunteers the ability to be more efficient by moving larger pieces of debris from the storm ravaged neighborhoods.
The crew needs: MANPOWER to pull brush + cut trees from houses, CAT 257B skid steer + grapple bucket (rental cost $451.93), used professional chain saws, saw chains, bars, files, 2 cycle oil + bar/chain oil, monetary donations for heavy equipment rental
If you would like to give a monetary donation, donate equipment and HELP in some small or BIG way we urge you to contact: Justin Green, UMASS PD, Monson Tree Crew, (413) 387-7722. Donations can also be made at Florence Savings Banks under the name of "LE Tree Crew Monson Tornado Relief".
For other questions please contact Paula + Rick Labrecque, FIREGROUND360°, fireground360@gmail.com or (413) 250-7924
Mass.gov launches tornado recovery resource page Mass.gov's tornado recovery page includes information on storm assistance centers, rebuilding resources, consumer information, and how to help.
Catholic Charities establishes donation center
Donation center established at St. Francis Chapel, 254 Bridge St., Springfield, open Tuesday and Thursday, through July 7, also by appointment, call (413) 733-9298; needs include lamps, dishes, flatware, cups, glassware, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, linens, blankets, towels, toiletries for adults and children, spring and summer clothing, including undergarments and sleepwear, all sizes, diapers, baby food, formula, non-perishable food supplies; also accepting volunteers and funds to assist displaced victims and aid other agencies like Red Cross and Salvation Army; more information available online, www.diospringfield.org or email inquiries to tornadorelief@diospringfield.org.
Holyoke Mall accepting donations on behalf of Springfield Rescue Mission
People may donate the following items at the customer service center, located on the lower level near Sears:
Paper / other kitchen goods: Sandwich baggies, plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, plastic flatware
Clean-up needs: Work gloves, Kitchen gloves (powderless), Heavy duty kitchen bags (40-45 gallon size), Hand sanitizer packets or wipes, Sunblock, Bug spray
Clothing: New underwear (men, women and children), New Socks (men, women and children), New t-shirts (men size large and XL). Note: The Rescue Mission is in "desperate need" of women's new underwear and new socks.
Toiletries: Toothbrushes / toothpaste, soap and body wash, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo / conditioner, brushes / combs, tissues, hand / body lotion, baby power, disposable razors, shaving cream.
Gift cards for gas and food: Gift cards will be accepted to distribute to those living in crisis and to assist the Mission.
Council of Churches of Greater Springfield lists donation / distribution sites
The Council of Churches of Greater Springfield has set up a tornado relief page listing donation and distribution sites. Basilica of the Holy Apostles at 339 State Street in Springfield is accepting large furniture items, food, clothing and other large donations, and a "show room' will be set up at the church to facilitate pick-up.
Salvation Army offers vouchers for clothing purchases
Today, the Salvation Army will be distributing vouchers that tornado victims may use to purchase clothing at Salvation Army retail stores, said Maj. Linda Perks. Victims may claim vouchers at 170 Pearl Street from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Perks said the Salvation Army is accepting clothing donations at 327 Liberty Street. Donations of food, toiletries and water may be made at 170 Pearl Street.
Center for Human Development seeks donations
From Chris Yurko, communications director:
CHD’s Diversion, Shelter & Housing program is collecting household items, furniture, canned foods, dry goods, and other items that will be distributed to individuals and families displaced by the June 1 tornado in the West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson areas. Items needed in new or “like new” condition:
Please deliver to CHD PACE School, 69 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA, or contact: Rose Evans at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 519-5468 (cell), revans@chd.org (email) or Jane Banks at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 575-7402 (cell), jbanks@chd.org (email).
Monetary donations and / or gift cards to any local Springfield area business that carries listed items will also be accepted and used to assist tornado victims. Please send monetary donations and/or gift cards to: CHD Development Office, 332 Birnie Ave. Springfield, MA 01107.
Uno restaurants, Taste of the Valley donating to tornado relief efforts
Through June 10, all Uno Chicago Grill restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island will donate 10% of their profits to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross.
West Springfield's Taste of the Valley event, which runs today (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) through Sunday will be donating 100% of its proceeds to local tornado relief efforts.
FEMA, MEMA offer new ways to donate and volunteer
From MEMA public information officer Peter Judge:
Those wishing to make monetary donations to assist the most impacted individuals can contribute to the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund. This effort, hosted by the United Way of Tri-County can be found online at www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster. These funds will then be distributed in the form of grants to meet the needs of individuals and families through long-term recovery groups recognized by the Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MAVOAD). Members of the public interested in volunteering their time/skills or wishing to donate products/ equipment are encouraged to do so by using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Donation’s Management System at http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/FEMA/.
Springfield seeks landlords with vacant housing units
From the mayor's office:
In an effort to help the victims of the tornado, Attorney Lisa DeSousa from the City’s Law Department – Housing Division, is urgently requesting any landlords who have available rental units to contact the Office of Housing at (413) 787-6500 or email Lizzie Malave at lmalave@springfieldcityhall.com.
Relief fund established for Monson
The Monson Arts Council reports that a relief fund for Monson has been established at Monson Savings Bank. Checks can be made out to: Make check out to Monson Savings Bank, Monson Tornado Relief, 146 Main St., Monson, MA 01057.
The Arts Council also notes: "Donations and volunteers can help at First Church, 5 Main St; Glendale Methodist Church, Main St; or St Patrick church. All clothing is being taking in at St Patrick's, The First Church and Glendale are providing hot/cold food and drinks. They both have non-perishable items for the tornado victims."
And, debris pick-up information from Kathleen Conley Norbut, Emergency Management Director:
The Board of Selectmen has contracted with Ash Britt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal from the storm beginning on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
Regular trash pick-up resumes June 6, 2011.
Residents are asked to separate disaster debris and place vegetative debris only in piles at the curb in the public right-of-way, not on private property and NOT IN THE STREET.
Stimulations Learning Center in Monson distributing toys, school supplies and more
Stimulations Learning Center has been collecting and distributing toys, books, outdoor equipment, school and art supplies, baby items, games, puzzles and other items for children and families. Pick-up times are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
The center is also seeking donations of large boxes, masking tape and storage space.
Phone: 413 267-4716 and 413 267-0558
Open Pantry offers food and clothing
From the website of the United Way, a list of resources offered by Open Pantry Community Services [main phone: (413) 737-5354]:
Emergency Food Pantry: Our emergency food pantry is open Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. We are waiving the intake process for all tornado survivors. Special boxes will be prepared with ready to eat foods and toiletry items. We are located at 2460 Main Street, Springfield.
People's Center: The People's Center provides free clothing to those in need. We are open Monday through Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. On Tuesday June 7, the People's Center will be open only to those affected by the tornado. In addition we will distributing ready to eat food and hygiene products out of 287 State Street (3rd Floor) from 9:00AM-5:00PM.
Loaves and Fishes Kitchen: We provide two meals a day at 12:00PM and 5:00PM. We are at Christ Church Cathedral Monday through Friday, South Congregational on Saturday and Sunday at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist.
Red Cross seeks translators
From the website of the Pioneer Valley Chapter: The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter currently has a need for specialized translators -- if you are trained in the following: Napalese, Arabic, Burmese, Russian or Spanish -- please report to the Pioneer Valley Chapter at 506 Cottage St., Springfield and ask for Paula W.
Donations to the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter may be sent to 506 Cottage St., Springfield, 01104. Phone (413) 737-4306. Donations also can be made online at http://www.redcrosscwm.org/.
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society offers temporary pet care Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, located at 171 Union Street in Springfield, is offering temporary care for pets owned by residents displaced by the tornado. Dakin will house and provide care for pets for 5 days. Phone: (413) 781-4000.
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center offers services for stray animals, search and rescue
Residents can contact the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center for "field services" (search and rescue) involving animals, or if they find stray cats and dogs. The center is located at 627 Cottage Street. Phone: (413) 781-1484.
Friendship Baptist Church in Brimfield offers relief for tornado victims
Brimfield's Friendship Baptist Church, located at 9 East Brimfield / Holland Road, is coordinating chainsaw crews to help residents clear downed trees and limbs from their property. To schedule a crew, call (860) 961-0513. Crews are currently operating between Sturbridge and Monson, Pastor Steve Nurger said Monday morning. Nurger said the church also has showers and laundry facilities available to stricken residents. And while the church is not an official meal site, Nurger said, "We always have food."
Clothing, household items available at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield
Sharon Palmer, assistant director of Brimfield's Hitchcock Academy reports this morning that the school's clothing drive was an overwhelming success. Items are now available for pick-up by residents affected by the tornado. The school is located at 2 Brookfield Road, and pick-up hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
"Even more amazing than the force of the storms is the generosity, concern, and good nature of so many people in the area who contributed their time and efforts to help others," Palmer said in a press release. The clothing / item drive is now closed to further donations. "We now have more than enough donations and literally cannot handle more," Palmer said.
Antonios Grinders of Springfield to host fundraiser on June 22
Press advisory from Antonio's Grinders:
On Wednesday June 22, 10 percent of all purchases made at Antonio's Grinders will be donated to tornado relief efforts. Please stop by any of our locations throughout Springfield: 770 Bay St., 17 Longhill St., and 1030 State St.
Thank you for your efforts in helping our community !
Heartsong Yoga Center of East Longmeadow plans June 21 fund raiser for tornado relief
From Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong Yoga Center, 264 North Main St. East Longmeadow:
"The Eye of the Storm" is Heartsong's offering to the community, to raise funds for the American Red Cross, still hard at work helping Western Mass residents to re build. On Tuesday, June 21st, from 6 to 8 pm, all are welcome to attend an evening of Gentle Yoga and Deep Relaxation, with free will donations being accepted for the event, which will be dedicated to those affected by the disaster. The class will include a "Metta" or "Loving Kindness Meditation" a very gentle yoga practice (beginners are welcome) and a relaxation practice known as "Yoga Nidra" which has been widely used in the treatment of PTSD for health and wellness. 100% of the proceeds of this class will go to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross Chapter's Tornado Relief Fund.
In addition, Heartsong Yoga will collect non perishable food donations for the Open Pantry, and these can be dropped off at any time through the week of June 21st. You can contact Heartsong Yoga at 414-525-0720, they are located at 264 North Main St. "Condo East" in East Longmeadow, MA, or visit the web at www.heartsongyoga.com for a full schedule of the evening's events. All proceeds from Heartsong's four regular "drop in" classes on June 21st, morning and evening, will also be donated to the relief fund as well, call or visit the web for details.
kategray boutique of East Longmeadow begins clothing drive
Starting Thursday, June 9, there will be a donations drive at kategray store, 32 Center Square, East Longmeadow. Our goal is to be able to distribute a new professional wardrobe to anybody in need - right here at the store.
Business and work clothes, shoes and accessories in very good condition are badly needed. Personal items (soaps, new tooth brushes, tooth paste, body wash), food items, children's items and games, paper towels, 60 gallon trash bags, pet items and canned pet food will also be greatly appreciated.
Other items will be taken to Dakin Humane Center, Salvation Army and other local organizations directly involved with Tornado Relief services. Call (413) 318-0141 for more information.
Fancy That Antiques of Monson offers to aid tornado victims
From Christian Lund, Fancy That Antiques:
I am donating half of the antique merchandise up for Auction in Monson in my store to help the tornado victims.I would like to also get the word out that if anyone has the following items, Old wrist watches, pocket watches, any sort of gold, silver, old coins, fine estate jewelry, old post cards, and costume jewelry. Any of these items that I buy, I will pay them and extra 15% towards Local Tornado Victims. For information call 413 599 4705
Wilbraham Red Robin to host "10%" night From Facebook:
We are going to be having a 10% night at the Wilbraham Red Robin on June 16th, 2011 from 5 to 9 pm. 10% of everyone's total bill will be donated to the people affected by the tornado in Brimfield and Monson, to be donated directly to Monson First Church and Brimfield Congregational. We need all the help we can get so SPREAD THE WORD !!
Kai Smith, a 2011 graduate, said metal shop gave her a new dream when she realized she wasn’t able to become a doctor or scientist.
View full sizeMichael S. Gordon / The RepublicanEasthampton Superintendent of Schools Nancy Follansbee in a 2010 file photo.
EASTHAMPTON – At a standing-room-only School Committee meeting on Tuesday, more than 75 people showed up and about 20 voiced strong opposition to a move they said would deprive students of important career skills and learning opportunities. Several brought petitions and letters bearing pages of signatures.
Nevertheless, the committee approved a fiscal year 2012 budget that cuts high school metal shop classes in half by reducing teacher Paul Atkinson’s hours. The vote was 4 to 2 with one member absent.
Superintendent Nancy Follansbee said reducing the classes from six to three was a painful choice, but that they would be restored next year if possible. It is part of a larger plan to close a $2.6 million gap between spending needs and allocations from the city. It is expected to save $27,500.
Other industrial arts classes, like wood shop and multimedia, were unaffected.
But those who spoke out said metal shop has the highest enrollment of all classes, teaches students to compete in a growing field and motivates them to learn when some can’t apply themselves as well academically.
One such student was Kai Smith, a 2011 graduate, who said metal shop gave her a new dream when she realized she wasn’t able to become a doctor or scientist. She now works as a blacksmith.
“I cannot emphasize enough that what I gained from metal shop was gained by every student who has walked into (Atkinson’s) shop,” said Smith. “In his classroom, we have learned independence, teamwork and leadership skills, as well as the essential ability to educate ourselves.”
“Metal shop has empowered me to take on arduous challenges and helped me think effectively and efficiently on my own,” she said.
Multimedia teacher Eileen Claveloux said 31 students have signed up for welding while 46 have chosen it as an alternate. She said cutting the classes could cause an exodus of students to other schools, sucking School Choice money out of the system and leading to a greater budget deficit next year.
“The cost for an Easthampton student to attend (Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton) is $14,100 per year,” she said. “In 2010 and 2011, there were 38 students from Easthampton attending Smith Voke at a cost to the district of $535,800.”
Claveloux also said special needs students excel in hands-on, project-based learning environments and gain marketable skills. She presented a letter signed by “almost all” the faculty of the high school asking the committee to find another way to save money.
Follansbee said cuts and reductions have been spread throughout the district. No teachers were laid off, but programs and some workers’ hours have been slashed while one guidance counselor has been let go. She said it was the worst budget situation many on the committee had ever seen.
On a suggestion by Mayor Michael A. Tautznik, the committee agreed to make a list of priorities for restoring some of the cut items if money becomes available. Tautznik tried to solidify the promise in the form of a motion, but said he had trouble articulating it. He voted against the budget.
“I couldn’t agree more with everything everyone said here tonight,” said Follansbee before voting yes. “We have to make some very serious cuts this year.”
AP file photoPakistan's Noor Bibi narrates her ordeal before journalists alleging that her son and husband were picked up by security agencies last week, in Abbottabad, Pakistan Wednesday, June 15, 2011. She lives in a house adjacent to the Osama's compound in Abbottabad. The Pakistani army denied that one of its majors was among a group of Pakistanis who Western officials say were arrested for feeding the CIA information before the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden.
A visibily distraught DiMasi turned to hug his crying wife and stepdaughter after the verdict was read.
File photo by Greg Saulmon / The Republican05.27.2011 | BOSTON - Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi arrives at the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse accompanied by his wife, Debbie DiMasi.
BOSTON — A federal jury convicted former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi Wednesday in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments to the powerful lawmaker and two of his close friends.
According to Boston-based radio station WBZ-AM DiMasi was convicted of seven of the nine charges against him.
Lobbyist Richard McDonough was also found guilty of most counts of fraud and conspiracy, but the jury cleared DiMasi’s other associate, accountant Richard Vitale, on all counts, the station reported.
A visibily distraught DiMasi turned to hug his crying wife and stepdaughter after the verdict was read.
He was convicted of conspiracy, extortion and theft of honest services by fraud.
Also convicted of conspiracy and fraud was lobbyist Richard McDonough. Accountant Richard Vitale was acquitted. Both are close associates of DiMasi.
A fourth man, former software salesman Joseph Lally, pleaded guilty before trial and testified against the others.
DiMasi, a Democrat, who resigned in January 2009, was the third consecutive House Speaker to leave office under an ethics cloud.
More details coming on Masslive and in The Republican.
The special edition is the paper's first extra printed since the 911 attacks.
SPRINGFIELD – Springfield native Maureen O’Connell bought four copies of The Republican’s Tornado Extra on Tuesday and returned to the newspaper’s front counter Wednesday morning to purchase several more.
O’Connell, who lives in Chicopee, said she bought the historic “extras” to send to her children and grandchildren in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. “They are really into the tornado,” she said.
O’Connell said she was heartened to see the printed copies of the extra, “especially because we are all not computer literate yet,” she said with a smile. “The coverage has been great.”
Limited copies of the Tornado Extra, put out by The Republican on June 2, are available at the front counter of the newspaper’s 1860 Main St. offices for 75 cents each. The front counter is staffed Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The special edition, the first “ extra” printed since the 911 attacks, contains stories and 60 photos of the deadly storm. Many of the pictures were shot just moments after the tornado slammed into the area on the afternoon of June 1.
“Hundreds of people have shown up at the newspaper’s front desk over the past few days to pick up a copy of the extra edition we put out on the June 1 tornado. One woman bought 10 copies to mail to friends and relatives across the country,” said The Republican Executive Editor Wayne Phaneuf.
Robert Jordan, who is visiting the region, said he bought a copy to send to a friend who collects newspapers with extraordinary headlines.
Jordan, who lives in Interlachen, Fla., said he could not recall the last time that he saw a newspaper put out an extra. “That makes it even more collectible,” he said.
Phaneuf described the extra as “piece of history. The last Extra we published was 10 years ago on 911. They are a rarity and will be kept for generation,” he said, adding that the Tornado Extra will be for sale “until we run out, which will be soon.”
The New York congressman says he is seeking professional treatment "to focus on becoming a better husband and healthier person" following a sexting scandal.
Associated PressIn this June 11, 2011 file photo, Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y., carries his laundry to a laundromat near his home in the Queens borough of New York, Saturday, June 11, 2011.
GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — So what's wrong with Anthony Weiner?
Weiner hasn't specified what type of care he is getting, or where, raising questions about the depth of his troubles — or whether it's a simply a ploy to buy time and sympathy as his colleagues seek to push him from office.
"He certainly has a media relations nightmare and saying he needs treatment sounds a lot better than the alternatives," said Dr. Jeffrey T. Parsons, a sex addiction expert and psychology professor at Hunter College in New York City. "It's a lot harder to bash someone who says he is seeking treatment and help."
If he has opted for an inpatient treatment facility, experts say there are just a handful of places where he could be, including a Mississippi clinic where Tiger Woods reportedly sought help for his litany of marital indiscretions. Or perhaps he is getting outpatient advice on sexual addiction.
Parsons noted that sexual addiction is not officially recognized as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. There has been talk about including a passage on the topic in the next edition, describing it clinically as a hypersexual disorder, he said.
Experts witnessing the demise of the rising politician's reputation, if not his career, are among those opining from afar. Some say Weiner's actions — making electronic sexual contact with strangers — mimic the characteristics of drug addicts, alcoholics or problem gamblers.
"He's exhibiting behavior of an addict. The secrecy, the risk taking, the denial," said Robert Weiss, founder of the Sexual Recovery Institute in Los Angeles.
"I am sure he understood on some level what he was doing," Weiss said. "When someone like that is not in a state of arousal, they can have a more intellectual, nuanced view of things. But that gets lost in the euphoria. And he begins not thinking clearly."
Weiss, a nationally recognized expert who has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey and Larry King programs, said Weiner probably can't explain his actions because they are on some level inexplicable even to him.
"I have a lot of empathy for him. He really doesn't understand why," Weiss said. "He can't figure out why he made these choices."
Kimberly Young, clinical director of the Center for Online Addiction in Bradford, Pa., said that in many ways, Weiner's online behavior was "very commonplace." Plenty of men and women secretly live out their fantasies on the Internet, sometimes in compulsive fashion.
The treatment for online compulsion, she said is usually twofold. Patients have to first modify their online behavior; that might mean not using the computer during certain hours, or at certain locations, or only communicating with certain types of people online. Next, they must examine what mental health issues might be causing the behavior.
"Is he depressed, is he anxious and stressed out?" she said. "First you need to deal with the behavior, then deal with the reasons why that happened ... It will probably take more than a 28-day rehab program. ... The treatment has to fit the person."
Timothy Lee, a licensed clinical social worker who runs New York Pathways, which treats sexual addiction on an outpatient basis, said Weiner's proclivity for sending photos of himself to strangers likely has escalated over time.
"He didn't wake up and just start sending pictures," Lee said. "I assume this is some type of voyeuristic exhibitionism type behavior. But it does show how delusional one must be to engage in this behavior. To think that the person on the other end is going to get off on it?"
Behavior like Weiner has confessed to, Lee said, usually starts with an innocent joke or flirtation, perhaps with an acquaintance or co-worker, but can quickly escalate.
"The greater the risk, the more excited they get. It's sort of like the high gamblers get," Lee said. "The greater the risk in getting caught, the bigger the high. I would look at his abusing his sexuality like someone else might abuse a drug," Lee said.
Weiner's weekend announcement that he is seeking treatment was short on specifics; he did not explicitly say that he has entered a rehab facility. A statement said only that he requested "a short leave of absence from the House of Representatives so that he can get evaluated and map out a course of treatment to make himself well."
Lee said that if the congressman has gone for inpatient treatment, he would likely have to be in a program for 30 days or more, although some facilities offer help in less time. He said Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Services in Hattiesburg, Miss., where Woods reportedly went, has a 45-day program. The Meadows in Wickenburg, Ariz., has about a 30-day program, The Keystone in Chester, Pa., offers a 14-day program, other experts said.
Calls or e-mails to clinic officials seeking comment were not returned; most boast of offering confidentiality to patients.
As far as Weiner's prospects after treatment?
"People love a comeback story," Lee said. "From a PR perspective, going into rehab is the best thing he can do. Obviously he is also dealing with the humiliation he has brought upon his wife. It's just a sad case."
Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, the White House announced.
File photo by Mark M. Murray / The RepublicanThe buildings at the corner of Main and Union streets in downtown Springfield are seen last week after crews started to knock them down after they received heavy tornado damage June 1.
President Barack Obama Wednesday declared a major disaster exists in the commonwealth of Massachusetts and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the area struck by severe storms and tornadoes on June 1, 2011.
According to a statement from the White House, the President's action makes federal funding available to affected individuals in the counties of Hampden and Worcester Counties.
Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, the White House announced.
Federal funding also is available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms and tornadoes in Hampden County, the White House said.
Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for the entire commonwealth.
W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, named James N. Russo as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.
FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the commonwealth and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
The White House said residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated counties can begin applying for assistance tomorrow by registering online at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA(3362) or
1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.
The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
The formal request from the governor to the Obama Administration to declare Western Massachusetts a federal disaster area was placed on the president’s desk Monday.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick said that day he was hopeful that Obama will make a speedy decision on his request which is needed to clear the way for communities and individuals to receive federal assistance.
Peter Judge, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, said he expected a speedy approval.
“We’ve crossed our T’s and dotted our I’s,” Judge said. “We expect a relatively quick turnaround.”
Dennis W. Pinkham, spokesman for the Boston regional office of the Federal Emergency Management Administration, said all requests for disaster assistance must be reviewed by FEMA officials before they are forwarded to the White House, and that could take some time.
“They have had so many disasters going on they have to get a second look at it,” he said.
Joplin, Mo, for example, which was hit by a deadly tornado on April 19, was not declared a federal disaster area until May 9.
Meanwhile round-the-clock details of additional police to deter looting have been largely successful, police said Monday with some exceptions.
Throughout portions of Western Massachusetts turned upside down by the tornado, cleanup continued while officials pinned hopes on the arrival of federal disaster relief aid.
In the request before the president, state officials were able to document the cost of damages to uninsured buildings, road and infrastructure, plus the cost of essential overtime and materials is in the vicinity of $25 million, nearly three times the minimum amount of $8.5 million for federal assistance.
In his letter sent on Saturday to the president, Patrick said 319 homes were destroyed by the tornadoes and another 600 had major damage. The estimated cost of damage in Hampden County is $23.9 million, while the Worcester County communities of Sturbridge and Southbridge had damage estimates of $378,305 and $208,006 respectively.
State and local governments would be eligible to apply for federal aid after the state receives a disaster declaration. Under the program, the federal government would pay at least 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing public properties such as damaged roads, bridges and buildings and for removing debris. Also homeowners and renters could apply for grants to pay for temporary housing needs, low-interest federal disaster loans would also be available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations. Patrick has stimulated that Hampden County would need $12.2 million in low-interest loans for home owners and $8.3 million for businesses.
More details coming on MassLive as they become available.
BOSTON — Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi said Wednesday federal prosecutors didn't prove their corruption case against him and he'll appeal his conviction.
DiMasi and an associate were found guilty in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments. Defense attorneys said the payments were legitimate.
DiMasi said outside court he did the best he could as a legislator.
He was convicted of conspiracy, extortion and fraud. Lobbyist Richard McDonough also was convicted of conspiracy and fraud. Accountant Richard Vitale was acquitted.
DiMasi and McDonough are free until Aug. 18 sentencing, but can't leave New England.
U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said she'll seek "significant jail time." The most serious counts carry a maximum 20 years.
Immediately after the verdict was read, a visibly distraught DiMasi turned to hug his crying wife and stepdaughter.
DiMasi, a Democrat, who resigned in January 2009, was the third consecutive House Speaker to leave office under an ethics cloud.
Prosecutors said DiMasi used his position as one of the state’s most powerful politicians to assure that the Cognos firm received the software contracts. In exchange, prosecutors said DiMasi received $65,000 in payments funneled through a law associate, while McDonough and Vitale received hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments disguised as lobbying or consulting fees.
Defense attorneys said the payments were legitimate and were not made in exchange for official actions by DiMasi, a key element of the federal “theft of honest services” statute which has faced recent court challenges.
Vitale’s attorney Martin Weinberg said it was a bittersweet outcome for his client, an “enormously decent” man, because the three men are good friends.
Defense attorneys are certain to appeal the verdicts, and the appeals process could be lengthy. One possible avenue of appeal could be to revisit the federal “theft of honest services” statute, which has been criticized as overly broad by some defense attorneys.
More details coming on MassLive and in The Republican.
Two passengers, Heather Buffum and Melissa Duff, were killed in the accident.
An updated version of this story is now available at MassLive.
Greenfield Superior Court
GREENFIELD – A man from Orange has been convicted of charges including drunken driving and vehicular manslaughter for causing a crash four years ago that claimed the lives of two of his passengers.
Daniel Tompkins was found guilty Tuesday after a bench trial in Greenfield Superior Court.
The judge in handing down the conviction said the evidence showed that the 34-year-old Tompkins was driving the SUV on June 20, 2007 when it flipped over in Bernardston, rolled 150 feet, and ejected all four people in the vehicle.
Two passengers, 21-year-old Heather Buffum and 25-year-old Melissa Duff were killed.
The Recorder of Greenfield reported that Tompkins claimed that he was not driving at the time, but the judge called that claim “ludicrous.”
Associated Press photoFormer Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, right, walks with his wife Deborah and other family members after leaving the Federal courthouse in Boston, Wednesday after his conviction on conspiracy and other charges in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments.
BOSTON – U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf scheduled sentencing for Aug. 18 following the conviction of former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and an associate on corruption charges.
DiMasi was convicted Wednesday in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments to the powerful lawmaker and two of his close friends.
Wolf allowed DiMasi to remain free until then, with the provision that he cannot leave New England.
A visibly distraught DiMasi turned to hug his crying wife and stepdaughter after the verdict was read. He was convicted of conspiracy, extortion and theft of honest services by fraud.
Also convicted of conspiracy and fraud was lobbyist Richard McDonough. Accountant Richard Vitale was acquitted. Both are close friends of DiMasi. A fourth man, former software salesman Joseph Lally, pleaded guilty before trial and testified against the others.
DiMasi, a Democrat, who resigned in 2009, was the third consecutive House Speaker to leave office under an ethics cloud.
The most serious counts against DiMasi carry a maximum 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz said she’d seek “significant jail time” for DiMasi.
“Justice has been served and the culture of corruption on the Hill has been dealt another blow,” she said.
But DiMasi’s attorney, Thomas Kiley, said he would appeal the verdict.
“Sometimes, jurors don’t get it quite right,” he said.
DiMasi, who maintained his innocence, said he had no second thoughts about his actions as a lawmaker.
“I was a legislator who did the best I could and I made a lot of good decisions and I helped a lot of people,” he said. “I don’t think that there was a full story told about my record and what I accomplished as a speaker or legislator. I think that was all lost in this case.”
Prosecutors said DiMasi used his position as one of the state’s most powerful politicians to assure that the Cognos firm received the software contracts. In exchange, prosecutors said DiMasi received $65,000 in payments funneled through a law associate, while McDonough and Vitale received hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments disguised as lobbying or consulting fees.
Defense attorneys said the payments were legitimate and were not made in exchange for official actions by DiMasi, a key element of the federal “theft of honest services” statute, which has faced recent court challenges.
Vitale’s attorney, Martin Weinberg, said it was a bittersweet outcome for his client, an “enormously decent” man, because the three men are good friends.
The jury returned the verdict after deliberating over three days.
The appeals process could be lengthy. One possible avenue of appeal could be to revisit the federal “theft of honest services” statute, which has been criticized as overly broad by some defense attorneys.
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, who succeeded DiMasi as the Democratic leader of the House, said the verdicts were a blow to the public’s trust in government.
“What came out at trial was deeply troubling. I feel angry and disappointed,” DeLeo said in a prepared statement.
“Given the cumulative effect of recent cases of public corruption, I understand the negative feelings many have for public officials right now,” he said. “That is something we are working to change.”
Towart was arrested Tuesday evening after a domestic dispute during which he allegedly chased his mother’s boyfriend with a shovel.
EASTHAMPTON - A mother vs. son argument over a set of car keys ended with the arrest of an 18-year-old city resident on assault charges.
Lamont J. Towart, 18, of 35 Mt. Tom Ave., was arrested Tuesday evening around 6:30 after a domestic dispute during which he allegedly chased his mother’s boyfriend with a shovel. He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic assault and battery.
Easthampton police Sgt. Bruce Nicol said Towart began arguing with his mother and her boyfriend, Gregory Paquette, after she refused to give Towart her car keys. As the argument escalated, Towart and Paquette began pushing and threatening each other and Towart’s mother called the police.
During the scuffle, Paquette told police, he briefly pinned Towart to the ground. When Paquette let Towart back up, the teenager fled to his bedroom while threatening to kill his mother.
Nicol said Towart emerged from the home a short time later, grabbed a shovel from the porch, and brandished it "like a baseball bat" as he chased Paquette in the road.
Police arriving at the scene found Paquette restraining Towart and his mother holding the shovel. Paquette later told police that he'd managed to distract Towart by pointing down the street and pretending the police were arriving. When Towart looked away, Paquette tackled him.
PALMER - Patricia C. Donovan, town clerk, said because there was a tie for second place on the Planning Board between Chairman Michael S. Marciniec and Kathleen Burns, they must petition for a recount.
"Luckily there are not many votes to count. That's the good thing about having a 9 percent vote," Donovan said, referring to the record low voter turnout for Tuesday's election.
The problem is that the top two vote-getters were supposed to serve three years, with the third and fourth place candidates serving two years. The tie for second place makes their term lengths uncertain.
Donovan hopes to schedule the recount as soon as possible.
She said the decision to hold a recount was made after consulting with the town attorney and state elections division. All the Planning Board seats will be counted again, she said.
Burns and Marciniec each received 405 votes.
Incumbent Thomas Skowyra received the most votes with 432. Andrew Golas came in third with 399 votes, followed by incumbent Norman Czech with 369. All ran unopposed. Czech will serve one year, as he received the least number of votes.
GREENFIELD – Saying his story “doesn’t make sense,” a Franklin Superior Court judge found Daniel P. Tompkins guilty Tuesday of motor vehicle homicide, manslaughter and other charges stemming from a 2007 crash in Bernardston that killed two people.
Heather Buffum, 21, and Melissa Duff, 25, both died when the Ford Expedition SUV in which they were passengers hit a guardrail and rolled 130 feet on June 20, 2007. Police estimate the vehicle was traveling at 87 miles per hour in a 40-mile-per-hour zone at the time of the crash. Buffum, Duff, Thompkins and Jeffrey Blake, another passenger, were all ejected. Judge John Agostini called the accident the most horrendous he has dealt with, according to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.
Medical helicopters were summoned to transport the victims on the night of the crash, using a landing pad behind Greenfield Middle School. During Thompkins’ trial, prosecutor Steven Gagne called the car “a 2,500-pound blender,” adding, “It’s a miracle anyone survived.”
In the jury-waived trail, Thompkins, 34, of Orange, told Agostini that Blake was driving the car when it crashed. Three other witnesses also testified to that effect, but Agostini said Tuesday he didn’t believe them.
“I don’t credit their testimony at all,” he said. “Their stories made no sense to me.”
The witnesses said Blake showed them bruises on his chest that he said came from being crushed against the steering wheel. Agostini noted, however, that it was a sideways collision, not a head-on crash that would have thrown the driver against the wheel. Moreover, he said, a doctor who examined Blake at Baystate Medical Center found no bruising on his chest.
Blake testified that the group had been drinking at several bars in Greenfield before buying more beer and driving to the boat ramp in Northfield. Before the crash, they purchased even more beer in Winchester, he said. Blake said Thompkins was drinking throughout the entire trip.
Tompkins’ blood alcohol content, as measured just after the crash, was 1½ times the legal limit, according to Gagne.
Agostini scheduled sentencing for June 23. In addition to two counts each of manslaughter, motor vehicle manslaughter, and vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol, the judge found Thompkins guilty of operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle resulting in serious injury. Thompkins faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison on the manslaughter charges with a maximum of 20 years on each of the counts.
University of Massachusetts Amherst Professor Brenda Phillips spoke recently on WGBY's Connecting Point about the science behind tornado and storm detection.
Phillips is the Associate Director of CASA (Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere) at UMass Amherst and is developing new storm detection systems.
The need for better storm detection systems has been thrown into sharp relief by recent tornadoes in the Southeast and in Massachusetts, as well as flash flooding along the Missouri River.
Phillips says the "quasi-operational system" has already had some success in early storm detection.
The drive, which started yesterday and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. today, is located at St. Catherine's Church at 1023 Parker St. in Springfield.
File photo by Mark M. Murray / The RepublicanThe roof at Cathedral High was damaged and windows blown out as a result of the tornadoes that hit Springfield on Wednesday June 1.
SPRINGFIELD- Two weeks to the day after the tornado that went through Springfield destroyed their school, a group of Cathedral High School students is giving back to their community by holding a supply drive to benefit tornado victims.
The drive, which started Tuesday and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday , is located at St. Catherine's Church at 1023 Parker St. in Springfield. So far, organizer Elizabeth Hagerty, a teacher at Cathedral High, is pleased with the amount of donations they have received.
"I think the weather scared some off (yesterday), but I think it went really well," she said.
Hagerty said the items being donated are "all the essentials," ranging from clothes and linens to toys and household appliances.
"We have more than I anticipated," she said, expecting many more supplies to be donated today.
In the wake of the disaster, the supply drive has helped Cathedral students come together to help each other and their fellow citizens. Twelve students helped collect supplies yesterday, but Hagerty expects that number to grow today, and she is pleased to see them donating their time.
"It's basically the Catholic teaching of helping your neighbor," Hegarty said.
Trouble has been as familiar a part of William Moran's career as his commitment to fighting fires.
Holyoke acting Fire Chief William P. Moran
HOLYOKE – Provisional Fire Chief William P. Moran has been placed on paid administrative leave effective immediately, a press release from the mayor’s office said Wednesday.
The step is pending “an internal investigation by the Fire Commission due to an incident at the Holyoke Fire Department,” the press release said.
Moran, a 27-year veteran, has been no stranger to trouble in his career that included a demotion from deputy chief to captain a few years ago. An agreement between the city and Moran’s lawyer later rescinded the demotion.
Reached at home, Moran said he was unable to discuss his latest problem.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss this. I have no comment,” Moran said.
The annual salary of a deputy chief is $68,775. The additional pay that comes with being provisional chief was unclear, but the budgeted amount for the chief’s salary is $95,873.
Fire Commission Chairwoman Priscilla F. Chesky and City Solicitor Lisa A. Ball couldn’t immediately be reached for comment.
Moran is among what officials have expected will be a 16-candidate field for the permanent position of fire chief, expected to be chosen in August.
Moran has been provisional fire chief since mid-September. As the most senior deputy chief, William Moran became provisional chief after the sudden retirement of the former provisional chief, William F. Kane.
Kane had held the job since the Jan. 4, 2010 retirement of former Chief David A. LaFond, who had been chief for 15 years.
Supporters of the Pakistani religious party Jamaat-e-Islami chant slogans during a rally against drone attacks, in Karachi, Pakistan, Saturday, June 4, 2011. 
