Germain Almeida of Springfield was sentenced to 3 years in a Massachusetts state prison after a jury found him guilty in cocaine distribution case.

The exterior of the Hampden County Hall of Justice is seen Saturday night.Dwight B. Shepard / The Republican 

SPRINGFIELD — Germain Almeida of Springfield has been sentenced to three years in state prison after a jury found him guilty of cocaine distribution.

Almeida, 37, was sentenced Thursday by Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard J. Carey. Almeida had been found guilty by the jury on Wednesday.

Almeida was charged as a subsequent offender, but juries are not told of previous convictions when they are deciding whether the prosecution has proven its case. After a guilty verdict, the prosecution must prove it is a subsequent offense by presenting evidence of a past conviction or convictions.

The prosecution in this case dropped the subsequent offender portion, and Almeida was sentenced to the three years in state prison.

Johnathan R. Elliott, Almeida's lawyer, argued in his closing statement that his client was addicted to pills and was buying them from a Springfield woman at her East Street home.

He said the prosecution wanted the jury to believe Almeida was the woman's supplier, but he said that was not the case. He told the jury they should not believe the testimony of city police officer Mark Templeman, who was acting as an undercover drug buyer.

Assistant District Attorney Ingrid E. Frau argued that indeed, Almeida was the woman's crack supplier.

Photographers from The Republican newspaper in Springfield, Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD — Although smartphones and cheap camera technology have empowered many to feel like professional photographers, there are only a few among the general population who have the experience and eye for true visual quality.

Here at The Republican, the award-winning staff photographers have shot everything from carnivals and house fires to U.S. presidents and civil unrest.

And thanks to an invitation from our friends over at PBS affiliate WGBY-TV 57, photographers Don Treeger and Michael Gordon, are appearing on-air to share the crew's insights regarding their best work on the popular show Connecting Point.

In their second appearance, Treeger and Gordon discuss some of the most powerful and memorable photographs taken as Western Mass. welcomed home the late Sgt. Thomas Sullivan, who was killed in a domestic terror attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Check out the video below for the full segment and the gallery above of some of the images captured as the region mourned the loss of Sullivan.

Click here for more from the Connecting Point team.

The Society of Grownups offers classes, some held during catered meals, on financial topics. It doesn't sell MassMutual products.

SPRINGFIELD - MassMutual Financial Group hopes to take its Society of Grownups concept nationwide and Columbia Gas of Massachusetts is building a new maintenance and repair center on Roosevelt Avenue, the same location as its current regional headquarters.

Those are just two of the five business storeis you might have missed this week:

1)MassMutual expands Boston-area Society of Grownups to New York, Philadelphia

Thursday, just about a year after founding the Society of Grownups, MassMutual announced a $100 million commitment to expand the concept into 10 additional cities and with an expanded online presence. Locations in Philadelphia and New York City will open sometime in 2016, said Nondini Naqui, CEO of the Society of Grownups.

2) Columbia Gas of Massachusetts to build new headquarters in Springfield

The current building, dating from 1964, will be torn down. The call center and meter shop are moving. The new maintenance facility will allow trucks and equipment to come and go without ever having to back up.

3)Aer Lingus service to Ireland from Bradley International Airport closer to reality?

Reports surfaced online about the possibility of transatlantic service returning to Bradley International Airport. A quarter of Bradley's passenger traffic originates in Massachusetts.

4) Springfield's exclusive Colony Club celebrates 100 years, looks to add membership

The club was once located in the former Wesson mansion on Maple Street untill that building was lost to a spectacular tower.

5) Massachusetts consumer prices edge down 0.1%; energy prices drop 22.5% from same period last year

The club displays a guest registry from 1918 with both Roosevelts' signatures. Franklin listed his occupation as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. His cousin, the former president, listed simply "Oyster Bay, N.Y."

During his stay in Vietnam, Hott ran three five-day workshops on documentary filmmaking, one each in DaNang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON — Like many of his generation, award-winning filmmaker Larry Hott, 65, joined campus protests against the Vietnam War when he was a student from 1968-1972 at George Washington University.

Little could Hott imagine then that 40 years after the fall of Saigon he would embark on a month-long visit to the country on a Fulbright grant where he shared his craft with more than 150 young journalists eager to learn about the modern techniques of filmmaking.

Fresh off the May 29 premiere of his documentary on the Sci-Tech band, Hott was on a plane to Vietnam where he would get an up-close and personal look at life in the former enemy country.

Hott, who with his wife and business partner owns Florence-based Florentine Films and Hott Productions, applied in December for the Fulbright Specialist grant, which promotes linkages between U.S. scholars and professionals and their counterparts at host institutions overseas.

He has previously participated in Fulbright programs in Colombia, Venezuela and Algeria.

During his stay in Vietnam, Hott ran three five-day workshops on documentary filmmaking, one each in DaNang, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).

Hott said the Vietnam journalists, who sought his advice – on everything from how to conduct an interview to the issue of censorship – wanted to produce films in what they called "the international style."

There are more than 70 television stations in Vietnam, he said, and the annual average salary is a mere $1,200, which forces many workers to moonlight at other jobs.

Many expressed concerns that they could not make the films they wanted to because of fear of government censorship.

It's a country of contradictions," Hott said.

At least one well-known Vietnamese filmmaker who Hott met took on government corruption. He now travels with bodyguards, Hott said. And one of the short films Hott viewed with students highlighted poor living conditions in many parts of the country including a short film about a new AIDS drug and the need to provide more access to it for poor mountain communities.

"The country is in rapid change," he said. "You can see it in the construction going on and the questions people asked."

When he wasn't conducting workshops, Hott was invited into his students' homes and Vietnamese restaurants where the conversations would go on for hours and the Vietnam cuisine was abundant.

Although the people he met spoke little English, they were extremely "warm and welcoming," Hott said, "I was treated like royalty."

The young people he met a somewhat cynical, unworried view toward communism. The impression Hott got was that "political proclamations and communist system are all background noise."

Hott was immediately struck by the motorbike culture in Vietnam. The streets were jammed with motorbike drivers in the nation where few can afford a car, he said.

"There are no traffic rules," he said. "There are few traffic lights."

Behind tall modern buildings, the old Vietnam – markets filled with produce and products of all kinds – was easily accessible.

"It was sensory overload," Hott said.

Hott termed his Vietnam experience "transformative," noting that a visit to the War Remants museum in Saigon was "sad and tragic . . It was its own kind of Holocaust museum – 2 million Vietnamese dead, 58,000 U.S. dead, and to what end?"

Below are excerpts from Hott's emails to friends and family about his impressions of Vietnam:

Traffic:
'I just got back to my hotel after a typical terrifying, three-hour bus ride in Vietnam. The driving in and around Hanoi is legendary. It is complete and utter chaos – no rules of any kind. . . Babies on motorbikes without helmets, driving against traffic at high speed, driving on the sidewalk, never stopping for pedestrians, ignoring all traffic lights, speeding speeding speeding." (June 7).

Communisim vs. capitalism:
Just got back from my exciting two-day cruise to Ha Long Bay. It was nice to get out of the chaotic city and see some of the countryside. Ha Long Bay is indeed beautiful, notwithstanding 3 million annual visitors. Capitalism has really run amok here and I keep wondering just where the communism fits in. Perhaps there is some ownership of the means of production going on but it seems that every major corporation in the world is operating here." (June 7)

Today on China Beach:
"This is where GIs stormed ashore in 1965 to be met by flower-carrying girls throwing candy. ... The U.S. Army used China Beach as an R&R resort for the troops; it was pristine back then. Now it's a full-fledged resort, with pop music blaring at full; volume, parasailing, even a few jet skies.(June 13).

Vietnamese aspirations:
"Communism is just background noise for most people. The population just wants peace and prosperity. They feel that it will take 100 years to catch up with Singapore, 65 years for Thailand, but they're ahead of Laos and Myanmar, in which they take great pride." (June 21).

Side conversations:
"Went to dinner with . . . two journalists to an amazing seafood restaurant in a tiny alley crammed with people and motorbikes.. . I asked them whether they needed to join the Communist Party and they said that their boss would like them to, but they won't because they couldn't travel freely and would be under too much control. Both of their fathers are from Saigon but fought with the Viet Cong during the war. I would love to know more about this. It was hard to get them to talk too much about this, possibly because of their English."

A gunman killed one person and wounded four others as they enjoyed the festivities of ZombiCon.

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Police say a shooting at the ZombiCon gathering in Florida killed one person and injured four others.

Lt. Victor Medico of the Fort Myers Police Department said the shootings began at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, The News-Press reported (http://newspr.es/1jMJamf ). He said police were searching for a suspect, and the four people hurt had injuries that were not life-threatening.

No details were immediately available about the suspect or victims. Police did not immediately return a phone call.

The annual festival had been expected to draw more than 20,000 fans dressed as zombies, the newspaper said. Medico said the scene was described as "shoulder to shoulder."

A statement on the ZombiCon Facebook page said organizers were saddened by the news and the group takes the safety of its patrons very seriously.

Information from: The (Fort Myers, Fla.) News-Press, http://www.news-press.com

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Walczak has worked for the City of Chicopee for 30 years.

CHICOPEE - Stanley Walczak has announced his candidacy for election to the City Council in Ward 9.

Walczak, a long-term resident of the ward, is challenging incumbent Gerard (Gerry) Roy, who is running for his third term, for the seat.

Walczak, of Lariviere Dr., retired in 2013 after serving as Chicopee Parks and Recreation Superintendent. He has worked for more than 35 years in public service in the city.

He holds a bachelor's degree from Western New England University and a master's degree from Springfield College.

"My education and experience in municipal government will enable me to effectively represent Ward 9 with responsible leadership," he said.

If elected, Walczak promised to take a cautious approach to fiscal spending, and to address current ward matters such as safe and clean neighborhoods, traffic problems, infrastructure needs and Job Corp concerns among other issues.

With his knowledge as a former Chicopee department head, Walczak said he understands the city must make a commitment to conservative financial management practices to ensure tax dollars continue to provide quality city services. The city also needs to seek new revenue sources through more business development and applying for federal and state grants, without adding new costs to taxpayers.

Walczak promised to serve as a full-time councilor and will hold monthly office hours. He said he will work with Ward 9 residents to address their concerns and to be an effective voice for the Ward on the City Council.

Walczak and his wife, Candice, have one daughter and have been homeowners in Ward 9 for 26 years. He is also a volunteer for Lorraine's Soup Kitchen, Knights of Columbus Council 4044 and serves on the St. Anne Parish Finance Committee.

The election is Nov. 3.

There are candidate nights and campaign statements this week related to at-large council candidates and some ward council candidates.

SPRINGFIELD - Voters, take heed. There is no shortage of political news as the Springfield election approaches on Nov. 3. The following is just a snapshot of some the announcements and campaign events taking place.

Clodovaldo Concepcion and Marcus Williams 

Other happenings:
Speaking of the Ward 5 Council race, there is another event scheduled this week and the name of the candidate and the location may ring a bell..

The Sixteen Acres Civic Association has offered an opportunity for the two candidates in Ward 5 - including its own president, Clodovaldo Concepcion -- to take part in an informational meeting with the association, according to the news release..

The informational meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m., at the Clodo Concepcion Community Center, 1118 1/2 Parker St., behind the Sixteen Acres Library.

According to the notice, this will be an opportunity for the 2 candidates - Concepcion and Williams -- to provide their views for the betterment of the Ward 5 community and the City of Springfield. There will be time for questions after the candidates have spoken.

The regular association meeting will begin at 7 p.m..

In other political news:
There was a brief note from Ward 3 Council candidate Yolanda Cancel, who is challenging the incumbent, Melvin Edwards.

"I, Yolanda Cancel Ward 3 City Council Candidate, would like to challenge incumbent Melvin Edward's to a Debate. I will find and secure a location.. I have Ward 3 Democratic Committee Sponsor or anyone else wanting to Co-sponsor. All Mr. Melvin Edward's has to do is just show up."

And more news:
Jesse Lederman, a candidate for council said that while he agrees emphatically that redesigning the X is a priority for safety, walkability and commerce, he is concerned about a proposal to take park land from Forest Park for an access road.

"Forest Park is sacred ground for that neighborhood and the entire City of Springfield," said Lederman, noting he plays tennis weekly on the courts. "As a lifelong resident of Springfield, the proposal to take park land from Forest Park makes me cringe."

Lederman said he hopes that through meetings with the neighborhood and business community an alternative plan can be met.

The plaza is projected to employ up to 150 full-timers and net the city of Holyoke $350,000 to $400,000 a year in property taxes.

HOLYOKE -- New tenants Chipotle Mexican Grill, Vitamin Shoppe and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott have signed onto the overhaul of the Holyoke Hotel site on Whiting Farms Road, Mayor Alex B. Morse said.

"These tenants will be a great addition to the city of Holyoke and will complement the existing commercial and retail sites in the Ingleside commercial district," Morse said Thursday.

The tenants join the previously announced Applebee's restaurant and a plan to build a second hotel at the 245 Whiting Farms Road site that will be called Ingleside Square, he said.

Construction began on the commercial plaza in the spring and is scheduled to be done in 2016, he said.

The project has included the demolition of about half the existing hotel, with the remaining portion to be rehabilitated into a Fairfield Inn, he said.

Renovation of the site is a welcome change from its infamy of just a year ago. Holyoke Hotel was among those that had an arrangement with the state to house homeless families, which resulted in numerous disturbance calls to police and complaints about extra spending required to bus children to schools in their home communities, officials have said.

Now, the renovation of the site near the entrance to the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside has led to 150 to 175 construction jobs, 100 to 150 full-time jobs once the plaza opens and $350,000 to $400,000 a year in property taxes compared to current $132,000, Morse said.

A representative of the site owner couldn't be reached for comment. 66 Holyoke LLC, formerly known as Shield Management, owns the Holyoke Hotel, which used to be a Holiday Inn.

66 Holyoke is a limited liability company. Paul M. Maleck, of 1 Monarch Place, Springfield, is resident agent, Shield Corp. of 844 North King St., Northampton, is manager, and Kirit Patel of the same Northampton address is signatory, according to online records of the state secretary of state.

Commercial Development Services Group of Stafford, Connecticut is building the project.

Morse praised the city Planning, Building, Public Works, Water and Conservation departments for work that helped 66 Holyoke LLC move the project from design to construction.

"In such a competitive commercial environment, site readiness is key to be able to quickly attract desirable tenants," said Marcos A. Marrero, director of the city Department of Planning and Economic Development.

Chicopee firefighters are battling a house fire on James Street near the Buffalo Club, our media partner, Western Mass News is reporting.

This story has been updated with new details.

CHICOPEE— Chicopee firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire on Montcalm Street, near the Buffalo Club on Sunday morning.

The Republican's television partner Western Mass News reported the blaze was called in around 7:45 a.m. although it was unclear if all the home's occupants made it out safely.

This is a developing story and more information will be published as it becomes available.

Hernandez was "sweating profusely (with) a very rapid heartbeat" when police questioned him, according to the arrest report.

SPRINGFIELD - It wasn't the first time Roberto Hernandez was in handcuffs.

Roberto Hernandez 

The latest entry came on Tuesday, after police responded to a reported break on Bradley Road around 1:30 p.m.. Based on a neighbor's description, police arrested Hernandez as he walked past one of the responding cruisers on Bacon Road, according to the arrest report.

The neighbor, after viewing Hernandez, was "100 percent sure" police had the right man, according to the report, which described Hernandez as "sweating profusely (with) a very rapid heartbeat."

At the station, Hernandez dropped one gold ring on the floor and attempted to hide five more behind a bench; two packets of heroin were also found in his wallet, according to the arrest report. Two latex gloves were found in the cruiser matching a third found on Bacon Road, the report said.

Hernandez pleaded innocent to breaking and entering in the daytime; larceny over $250 and possession of heroin during his arraignment in Springfield District Court.

Student prosecutor Tyler Kenefick asked for $50,000 bail, citing details of the crime and the defendant's 17-page criminal history.

But defense lawyer Stephanie Woods challenged the police report, noting that Hernandez was wearing a grey sweatshirt, not the white shirt described by the witness.

She also questioned how police could have missed half a dozen gold rings while frisking Hernandez, but somehow noticed that his heart was beating quickly.

As for Hernandez's profuse sweating, Woods said her client was a heroin user who was understandably nervous that police would fine the drugs in his wallet.

Beyond the heroin possession charge, "this is a very weak case," said Woods, who asked for $1,000 cash bail.

Hernandez is a Puerto Rican native and longtime Springfield resident who does painting and other jobs for a Springfield lawyer, Woods said.

After reviewing Hernandez's criminal history, which included multiple court defaults and violations of probation, Judge Matthew Shea set bail at $50,000, as requested by the prosecutor.

Some schools took the test using computers and others opted to stick with pen and pencil during the PARCC test's trial year.

MALDEN — The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education board will hold a special meeting on Monday in advance of its Tuesday meeting where it is expected to release statewide PARCC scores that were taken by students using paper and pencil..

Last month, the state released PARCC scores that were taken by students on computer – the way the test was designed to be taken.

Of the districts that took the PARCC, some took the test using computers and others opted to stick with pen and pencil during the PARCC test's trial year.

The PARCC scores that will be released on Tuesday will not include individual scores for students, schools or districts. Those figures will be available later this fall.

Next week's meetings come as the board prepares for a Nov. 17 vote on whether to replace the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers exam with the 17-year-old MCAS test.

Massachusetts districts were given the option last spring of taking the PARCC test, which is based on the state-adopted common core standards, instead of the MCAS.

About half opted to try out the PARCC exam, which is designed to be taken on a computer. Students were also able to take the PARCC with paper and pencil.

Monday's meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the board's regular meeting will be held on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the department's Malden office.

In the meantime, the Boston-based Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, a strong proponent of the switch to the PARCC test, issued a statement last Thursday citing a new study that supports its position.

The study, conducted by Mathematica Policy Research, "confirms that the PARCC test "is a far better predictor than the MCAS test of students' availability to perform well in math in college, and overall is an effective tool to predict students' readiness for college." the alliance said.

The alliance has rejected the notion that simply raising the bar for math on the MCAS test would be sufficient to prepare students for college level math.

"This study, while limited in scope, further confirms our position that PARCC is a better tool than the current MCAS test to help students develop critical thinking and advanced math skills," said Linda Noonan, executive director of the alliance.

Noonan said PARCC includes benefits not addressed in the Mathematica study,

"Unlike MCAS, PARCC is a coherent system of assessments that measures student achievement from elementary grades through high school," Noonan said in a prepared statement.

Besides predicting student success, Noonan said the assessments "also provide a deep level of understanding of student achievement starting in third grade, which will inform instruction from year to year.".

Opponents of the common core, on which the PARCC is based, support a 2016 ballot question to stop the state from using the common core education standards.

The common core are national education standards that Massachusetts adopted in 2010 and has gradually phased in.

Nearly 800 guests gathered at the MassMutual Center Saturday for the Magic of Motown Dancing in the Street theme for the 2015 Noble Ball to benefit Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield.

SPRINGFIELD - Nearly 800 guests gathered at the MassMutual Center Saturday for the Magic of Motown Dancing in the Street theme for the 2015 Noble Ball, which benefits Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield.

Red carpets lined the walkway from the front entrance of the MassMutual Center leading to the main ballroom as the guests arrived. Hors d'oeuvres and champagne were served as part of a VIP reception prior to the main event.

The 51st celebration featured hundreds of auction items and music by the American All Star Band and Motor City Magic. Guests danced to the tunes of The Four Tops, Gladys Knight and the Pips, and Marvin Gaye.

The Queenin family, Kevin, Barbara, Jay, Janine, Jon and Lisa were recognized for their commitment to the organization and received gifts for their part as the 2015 Noble Ball chairpersons. The Noble Spirit Award was presented to Anne Standish, a registered nurse at the hospital.

An impressive selection of live and silent auction items, along with fine food and drink contributed to the success of the six-hour event.

Last year, $275,000 was raised for the hospital.

Two people have died in a Sunday morning fatal fire on Montcalm Street in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

This is an update of a story published at 8:25 a.m. Sunday.

CHICOPEE - Two people have died in a Sunday morning fire on Montcalm Street.

Police and fire officials are still on the scene of the house fire, which is near the intersection of James Street, said Michael Wilk, public information officer for the Chicopee Police Department.

The fire was reported at about 7:42 a.m.
When firefighters arrived the ranch house was fully engulfed, Wilk said.

Details on the cause of the fire were not immediately available.

Montcalm Street, by 333 James Street and near the Buffalo Club, will be closed for some time as fire inspectors from the Chicopee Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's office investigate the blaze. People are being asked to stay away from the area, Wilk said.

The names of the victims are not being released until family can be notified.

A Waltham police officer, Tony Conran, rescued an injured falcon Saturday when he spotted it on the Winter Street bridge, according to the police department's Twitter account.

WALTHAM - A Waltham police officer rescued an injured falcon Saturday when he spotted it on the Winter Street bridge, according to the police department's Twitter account.

Waltham Police Department | Twitter 

The officer at first believed the bird was a hawk, but MSCPA Angel told officials the bird was a falcon. The department said through Twitter the falcon, that was found and rescued by Officer Tony Conran, will be brought home and cared for by a lab technician at MSCPA Angel. The lab technician specializes in wildlife rehabilitation.

MSPCA Angel West says wounded falcon will be taken home and cared for by a lab tech specializing in wildlife rehab. pic.twitter.com/Hmvai3yGDL

— Waltham MA Police (@WalthamMAPolice) October 17, 2015

According to MSPCA Angel, this hawk is actually a falcon. Good job nonetheless Ofc. Conran. #raptorcaptor pic.twitter.com/HoAJB7WPxe

— Waltham MA Police (@WalthamMAPolice) October 17, 2015

The accident occurred on Berkshire Avenue Sunday morning.

SPRINGFIELD — A car accident on Berkshire Avenue left two injured Sunday morning.

Police and firefighters responded to 160 Berkshire Ave. at 7:08 a.m. for a car which crashed into a tree, said Dennis Leger, executive aide to Springfield Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant.

There were three occupants in the vehicle and the Jaws of Life were used to remove one person from the front passenger seat, Leger said.

Two occupants were sent to Baystate Medical Center with minor injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Jeffrey Bok 

Jeffrey J. Bok, 29, passed away on Tuesday. He was born in Springfield. He graduated from Penfield High School in Rochester, New York. He was a talented and gifted athlete in hockey, playing AAA and high school in Rochester as well as in junior leagues in Canada. He also played baseball and was an MMA fighter. He loved music, guitar and playing chess.

Full obituary and funeral arrangements for Jeffrey Bok »

The area affiliate of Zonta International will honor Mary Reardon Johnson with the organization's 2015 Founders Day award on Nov. 9.

LUDLOW - The area affiliate of Zonta International will honor Mary Reardon Johnson with the organization's 2015 Founders Day award during a Nov. 9 reception and dinner at the Ludlow Country Club, 1 Tony Lema Drive.

Johnson is the long-time executive director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, and is a member of the Governor's Task Force on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. She has helped developed the YWCA into a leading provider of services to battered women, pregnant and parenting teens, at-risk youth, victims of sexual assault and children who witness violence. The organization operates more than 16 programs at seven locations throughout the Pioneer Valley.

The area Zonta club, through the international organization devoted to the advancement of women, participates in efforts to combat violence against women.

The event costs $25 per person and is open to the public. Reservations are requested by Oct. 31.

Checks may be sent to Pamela Albertson, 169 Aldrich St., Belchertown, MA 01007 or email her at pam@zontaqv.org with names of all attendees with payment at the door.

Police warn the man he could end up in court if he caused any more trouble.

AMHERST - A man wearing a University of Massachusetts sweatshirt who threatened a tow- truck driver on Hobart Lane Friday night was advised not to do cause any more trouble or he could end up in court.

Police reported that a driver for Ernie's towing company called to report that a person identified only as "Cody" approached him and told he "he was going to murder him for towing a friends car."

Police responded and the tow driver was told he could press criminal charges but declined and asked police instead to talk to Cody who was sitting outside of the tow truck.

Cody told police he did not wish to murder anyone but was upset the vehicle was towed.

Police warned he "could end up in front of a judge should I respond back for any additional problems." No additional problems were reported. 

Keep Springfield Beautiful President Melvin Edwards said it was the best "E-Cycling" event conducted by the grassroots organization since begun five years ago.

SPRINGFIELD - The grassroots group Keep Springfield Beautiful collected more than 40 tons of old, broken or out-dated electronic and electrical devices during its latest recycling event on Saturday in the Duggan Middle School parking lot.

Several hundred Springfield residents took part in the event, a record-breaking response, said Melvin Edwards, president of Keep Springfield Beautiful.

"We've had the biggest response since we began the E-cycling drive five years ago," Edwards said following the event. "We had so many people that we were afraid we would have to turn people away."

More than 300 cars lined up inside and outside the parking lot.

"We want to thank everyone who came out for being patient while we waited for additional empty dumpsters," Edwards added, "We had prepared for a much smaller crowd than we actually got and it made the wait times a bit longer than we had anticipated."

Keep Springfield Beautiful appreciated the response including those who recycled, gave donations and volunteered, Edwards said.

Keep Springfield Beautiful also organizes the Great American Cleanup project in Springfield, an annual 10K Road Race, and the E-Cycling and document shredding events event every spring and fall. The document shredding event is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at Duggan Middle School.

Cash flow problems contributed to market's closing.

AMHERST - All Things Local Food Cooperative closed Sunday, just two years after it opened downtown.

The idea of the market was to create a farmer's market open six days a week with more goods for sale. 

According to a message to the community, the business "like most startups, (has) had ongoing cash flow problems.

"We have worked hard to reduce our expenses (successfully), and increase our sales revenue (unsuccessfully). 

"Not only have sales in our second year not grown, but they continue to fall short of first-year sales, and have not risen as expected since the slower summer months. 

"The bottom line is that our sales revenue remains insufficient to meet our expenses -- a situation no business can withstand indefinitely. 

"These factors together make it impossible to continue storefront operations," the message stated.  

In an email, member John Gerber said the co-op just did not have enough money to cover rent, utilities and personnel costs. "Too few members.  Not enough sales.  Lots of love! Lots of sadness today."

More than 1,000 people became members and the shop sold goods - produce, soaps, crafts, breads - produced by more than 125. It was mostly run by volunteers.

At one point, the shop expanded, but had to reduce its footprint back to its initial size. 

Donald Courtemanche, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, in an email wrote that the shop "has been a terrific partner of the Chamber for the past two years. 

"I congratulate their enthusiasm and ambition on giving it their best effort.

"The plentiful farmer's markets, local retailers, and farm stands, which we are so enriched to have in our community, will continue to be among the community's signature members. 

"We wish the employees, Board, and volunteers of All Things Local the best in their future endeavors," Courtemanche wrote.