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Indiana H.S. coach, players hospitalized after bus hit by driver who spilled drink

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The Griffith High School boys basketball team was traveling to a state semifinal game in Lafayette when the rollover occurred.

DEMOTTE, Ind. -- A northwest Indiana high school basketball coach was airlifted to a hospital Saturday after a driver who spilled her drink sideswiped a bus carrying 27 players and staff, causing it to overturn on an interstate.

The Griffith High School boys basketball team was traveling to a state semifinal game in Lafayette when the rollover occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Interstate 65 near DeMotte, authorities said. The bus landed on the side of the roadway with part of its roof smashed in.

Superintendent Peter Morikis said in a statement that "several" players and coaches were injured. He said everyone on the bus was taken to one of three area hospitals.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas said none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Morikis said freshman coach David Garrett was airlifted to Christ Advocate Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Morikis didn't describe his injuries.

"Our hearts are heavy today," he said. "What began with excitement - as the fulfillment of a dream to play in the semi-state tournament - has ended tragically. We are praying today for the members of our Griffith school family, who have been injured."

Wojas said Dominique T. Small, 23, of Terre Haute, was southbound in the left lane when the lid of her drink came off and the drink spilled on her. Small tried to grab the drink but lost control of her 2001 Kia and sideswiped the bus, which was southbound in the right lane, Wojas said.

She said 21 students and six adults were on the bus.

Small and a passenger in her car also were taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Wojas said.

Mark Kadowaki, a surgeon from North Carolina who was traveling to Wisconsin, said he arrived on the scene shortly after the accident and found the bus "upside down."

"There were still some people trapped in the bus," Kadowaki told The Times. "One gentleman had to be extracted from the bus by the emergency crew. Everyone else was able to come out of the bus under their own power or with assistance."

"It could have been a lot worse," Griffith High School Assistant Principal Dustin Nelson said.

Athletic Director Stacy Adams said in an email that emergency crews advised everyone on the bus to receive medical attention "for preventive measures." He said other buses that were carrying fans to the game weren't involved in the crash and had been directed to return to the school.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association said on its Twitter account that the team's game against Marion has been postponed. Officials said they'll talk with Griffith High School administrators Sunday about a possible makeup date.

Wojas said one southbound lane of Interstate 65 was open during the crash investigation, and traffic was backed up for almost 10 miles. All lanes reopened at 4 p.m.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and no one had been ticketed or charged as of Saturday evening.


64-year-old man killed in Friday morning bicycle crash in Holyoke

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A 64-year-old man was killed Friday morning after the bicycle he was riding on crashed into a truck near Parsons Paper Mill on Sargeant Street, Holyoke Police have reported.

HOLYOKE ‒ A 64-year-old man was killed Friday morning after the bicycle he was riding on crashed into a truck near Parsons Paper Mill on Sargeant Street, Holyoke Police have reported.

According to Holyoke Police Lt. Isaias Cruz, the man, whose identity has not yet been released, was riding his bicycle down a hill on Sargeant Street around 10 a.m. when he crashed into the truck and was run over.

The bicycle did not appear to have brakes, likely leaving the man unable to slow down or stop, Cruz said.

The man was transported to Baystate Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Winter storm likely to bring 1 to 2 inches of snowfall to Western Mass., up to 8 inches on Cape Cod

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Western Massachusetts could largely be spared by a winter storm that is likely to bring up to 8 inches of snow to parts of Cape Cod by Monday.

SPRINGFIELD ‒ Western Massachusetts could largely be spared by a winter storm that is likely to bring up to 8 inches of snow to parts of Cape Cod by Monday.

According to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, snow will begin arriving over the Cape and Islands around 2 p.m. Sunday, making its way west by 11 p.m.

The state is most likely see 4 to 6 inches of snowfall in eastern and southeastern Massachusetts, with pockets of 6 to 8 inches near the Cape Cod canal and in central Plymouth and southern Bristol Counties, the agency reported Saturday.

Just 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected to fall in the central and northeastern parts of the state and 1 to 2 inches is anticipated for Western Massachusetts, according to MEMA, which noted that there is still low confidence in snowfall totals.

Snow is expected to stop falling by 5 a.m. in Western Massachusetts and on the Cape and Islands by 2 p.m. on Monday.

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm watches for Norfolk, Bristol, Barnstable, Plymouth, Suffolk, Nantucket and Dukes Counties for 5 p.m. Sunday through 8 a.m. Monday.

Ludlow Police investigate reported armed robbery at Subway restaurant

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Ludlow Police are investigating an alleged armed robbery that occurred Saturday evening at a Subway restaurant on East Street.

LUDLOW ‒ Ludlow Police are investigating an alleged armed robbery that occurred Saturday evening at a Subway restaurant on East Street.

Officers responded to reports of a man who allegedly brandished a handgun at a Subway sandwich shop near the Putts Bridge around 8:15 p.m., Ludlow Police Sgt. James Sevigne said.

Police remained on scene as of 9:30 p.m., he said. No arrests have been made.

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

Photos: Boxer Micky Ward honored with JFK National Award at annual St. Patrick's Committee Reception in Holyoke

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Boxer Micky Ward was honored with JFK National Award at annual St. Patrick's Committee Reception in Holyoke, Massachusetts on Saturday, March, 19, 2016. Watch video

HOLYOKE - Boxer Micky Ward was honored Saturday evening with JFK National Award at annual St. Patrick's Committee Reception held in Holyoke at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House.

The dinner introduced attendees to the 2016 committee's award recipients and Grand Colleen and her court. The event followed a day of festivities in the Paper City with the St. Patrick's 10K Road Race and Parade Mass.

The St. Patrick's parade is slated for Sunday, March 21 at noon in Holyoke.

Holyoke motorcycle crash seriously injures rider

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A Holyoke motorcycle rider was seriously injured when the bike he was riding collided with a parked car near the intersection of High and Cabot streets Saturday night.

HOLYOKE— Holyoke police are investigating a motorcycle crash that sent one man to the Baystate Medical Center with serious injuries on Friday.

At the scene of the accident, Holyoke Police Sgt. Stephen Luftus said the accident reconstruction team was just starting their investigation into how the accident occurred. Police were called to the scene at 9:43 p.m.

The motorcycle slammed into a parked car in from of Sam's store at the intersection of High and Cabot streets, police said. The rider was wedged under the car by the force of the impact, and it took a large group of people to lift the car off the injured rider to give medical personnel access to him

The injured man was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. Loftus said the rider was wearing a helmet but nevertheless suffered serious head injuries.

The name of the injured man is being withheld pending notification of family.

The map below shows the approximate location of the accident.


One man seriously injured during bridge brawl in Holyoke

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Two men took their fight to the middle of the Muller Bridge over the Connecticut River Saturday afternoon. One man was seriously injured when his opponent kicked him in the head and face. Kyle O'Connell of Chicopee was arrested.

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HOLYOKE— Two men, described by police as intoxicated, took their fight to the middle of the Muller Bridge Saturday afternoon. But the all-out physical brawl ended when one man kicked his opponent in the head and face, seriously injuring him.

Holyoke Police Lt. Isaias Cruz said police have no idea what the fight was about, but the two men stopped traffic as they fought.

The fight came to an end when one man, identified at Kyle O'Connell, 30, of Chicopee allegedly kicked the second man in the head and face while he was down.

The victim was transported to the Baystate Medical Center with serious injuries, Cruz said. O'Connell was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (his foot). He will be arraigned in Holyoke District Court Monday.

The incident came in the same day as a man was shot downtown during an argument as the city hosted thousands for the 41st annual St. Patrick's 10-kilometer Road Race.

3 killed in Castleton, Vermont car crash

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Three Vermont residents were killed in a one-car crash in Castleton early Saturday morning, the Castleton Police announced.

CASTLETON, VT— Three people died in a one-car crash in the west-central town of Castleton, Vermont Saturday morning, the Castleton Police Department said in a press release.

The three were found in the wreckage of a vehicle that apparently went out of control on Drake Road in the town of Castleton and slammed into a large tree.

Firefighters and first medical responders from nearby Poultney responded to the scene just before 4:30 a.m. Saturday, to find all three occupants of the car were deceased.

Castleton Police Department investigators said initial indications are that 26-year-old Andrew Laramie of Castleton was the driver of the car, and Caleb Kinney, 24 of Fair Haven and 23-year-old Samantha Forrest of Castleton were passengers at the time of the crash.

The three were extricated from the wreckage of the 2006 Saab and their remains were transported to the state Medical Examiners Office in Burlington for autopsies.

The Castleton Police Department is continuing its investigation.


Holyoke Council honors Rotary Club with proclamation on 100th anniversary

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Wistariahurst Museum will be the site on April 1 of the 100th anniversary gala celebrating the Holyoke Rotary Club, which received a proclamation from the Holyoke City Council March 15.

HOLYOKE -- The City Council issued a proclamation in honor of the Holyoke Rotary Club's 100th anniversary.

"As professionals, they continue to go above and beyond to make Holyoke a great place," council President Kevin A. Jourdain said Tuesday at City Hall.

Ward 5 Councilor Linda L. Vacon read the proclamation at the president's podium joined by club president Helene A. Florio and other members.

The Rotary Club is an international organization of business people and professionals who work on community service and humanitarian projects.

The Holyoke Rotary Club was chartered in 1915 and 1916. It is club number 6533 and a part of District 7890, the Holyoke Rotary Club website said. The club has 75 members, Florio said.

A 100th anniversary gala will be held April 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St. Tickets are $25 and available at eventbrite.com.

"We're hoping that people will come and join us," Florio said.

An exhibit about the Holyoke Rotary Club will be on display at Wistariahurst and then become part of the museum's archives, she said.

"We're thrilled to be able to do this with the Wistariahurst people," she said.

Dave Madsen, Western Mass News anchor, will be the host of the gala. The event will include hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, music by Interplay and valet parking, the Rotary Club website said.

For more information call Eileen O'Leary Sullivan at (413) 478-5984.

Holyoke Rotary Club service projects have included, officials have said:

  • the summer concert series held in Holyoke Heritage State Park

  • providing dictionaries and "literacy back packs" to youngsters here and in South Hadley and Granby to improve reading abilities

  • eight to 10 college scholarships a year

  • purchase of water purification filters for families in remote villages of Honduras as part of the Rotary Club's "Pure Water for the World" effort

  • helping with the Salvation Army kettles to raise money for the poor at Christmas

  • helping local organizations like the Holyoke Public Library and Greater Holyoke YMCA.
  • Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade celebrates 65 years

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    The Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade kicks off today at 11:30 a.m.

    HOLYOKE -- The threat of snow will not keep thousands of parade marchers and spectators from lining the streets in Holyoke this morning for the 65th annual St. Patrick's Parade.

    "It's going to be a great day for the parade. The weather will hold up and as long as people come ready with their hats, mittens and blankets they will be all set," said Hayley Feyre Dunn, parade organizer.

    The parade kicks off today at 11:30 a.m., and while nothing compares to being right in Holyoke, those who can't attend can still catch the parade live on television.

    "WGBY Channel 57 will be filming the parade starting at noon and they will also stream it live on wgby.com," Feyer Dunn said. "The parade will also be available for later viewing On Demand."

    Parade highlights will include the colorful, often mechanical, floats created by area civic organizations, local high school bands, community leaders and several mummer bands.

    As for the weather, snow is predicted for Western Massachusetts, but not until 3 or 4 p.m., well after the parade has ended Feyer Dunn said.

    "We are all very excited about celebrating the 65th annual parade. It's going to be a wonderful time," she said.

    Costumes & fashion at the road race

    Springfield tax delinquents for fiscal 2015 show decline in numbers, amount: Rep. Ben Swan 'slips' on $527 owed

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    Springfield tax delinquents for fiscal year 2015 were warned to pay their taxes by April 1, or face liens on their properties.

    Benjamin Swan mm.JPGState Rep. Benjamin Swan, shown in file photo, said Friday that he slipped in not paying a late $527 tax bill, and would pay it immediately. 
    SPRINGFIELD - The city advertised a list of property tax delinquents on Friday for fiscal year 2015, reflecting a decrease in the number of properties and the total amount owed when compared to the previous year, according to Treasurer-Collector Stephen Lonergan.

    "It's great to see the numbers drop," Lonergan said. "I'm happy more and more people are remaining current with their taxes."

    One of the fiscal 2015 tax delinquents is state Rep. Benjamin Swan, D-Springfield, listed as owing $527.44 for a parking lot on Winchester Street in the rear of his legislative district office on State Street.

    Swan, reached Friday, said he planned to immediately pay the amount.

    "I guess it slipped me -- that's all," Swan said. "I will deal with online today (Friday)."

    In April of 2009, after years of tax delinquency on the same parking lot, Swan paid the amount then owed -- $23,714, including interest and fees. Swan had stated in the past that he had not received the bills and the debt mounted without his knowledge.

    On Friday, he said he had just seen the latest notice and would pay it. The bill had been paid for the first two quarters of fiscal 2015, but was not paid the final two quarters, according to tax records.

    As of Friday, Lonergan said there were still 578 tax delinquent properties from fiscal 2015, owing a total of $703,773 in taxes and $189,192 in interest and fees.

    A year ago, the city advertised a list of 656 tax delinquent properties for fiscal year 2014, owing more than $1 million in taxes, interest and fees.

    Assistant Collector Peter Sygnator said there were several telephone calls to the city's Call Center after the list was published, and there have been a significant payoff of owed taxes from fiscal 2015 in recent weeks to avoid liens.

    In the advertisement that was published Friday in The Republican and was also published in MassLive, the city gave notice that it will place liens on the properties if they remain on the delinquent list on April 1. The liens are a first step in the foreclosure process.

    The city annually publishes the list of tax delinquents

    Lonergan said that no property owner owed more than $10,000 in taxes in latest list.

    The largest delinquent amount was owed by No Limit Investment Inc., Trustee, totaling $9,992 in taxes on multiple properties, Lonergan said. With interest and fees, the amount owed was $12,098, as of Friday, he said

    Another delinquent tax bill on the advertised list was for $7,000.11 at the former Maple Hill Nursing Home at 156 Mill St. The property was sold to a "subsequent owner," during the fiscal year, according to the legal advertisement, listed as Redeemed Christian Church of God Chapel, of His Glory.

    The city also listed $9,497.42 owned in property taxes on a commercial property at 1514 State St., with the subsequent owner during the year listed as Entrepreneurs in Action for Change Inc.

    Javal Inc., is listed as owing $7,282.63 in taxes at 1801 Page Boulevard.

    Lonergan said it was great to see the total number of tax delinquent properties decline in fiscal 2015, compared to the prior year.

    It benefits the city by getting more tax revenue to fund services, and it benefits the taxpayers to not get affected by interest and fees, Lonergan said.

    Lonergan said the taxpayers received four quarterly bills during the fiscal year, and if late, get a pink demand bill, and the deputy collector mails a warrant and then serves a warrant directly in person.

    Springfield taxes owed


    Public invited to free documentary film 'The 1916 Irish Rebellion' at Springfield's Symphony Hall

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    The documentary film "The 1916 Irish Rebellion" will be shown at Symphony Hall on April 3, that tells the story of the the Easter Rising. The film is being shown free to the public.

    SPRINGFIELD - Area residents are being invited to view a free documentary film on Sunday, April 3, at Symphony Hall, regarding the Easter Rising of 1916 that set Ireland on the road to independence a century ago.

    The film titled "The 1916 Irish Rebellion" will be shown at Symphony Hall at 2 p.m., at Symphony Hall at Court Square, and is free to the public.

    "The city of Springfield is honored to have been one of the sites selected to share this documentary with the Pioneer Valley," said Patrick J. Sullivan, the city's directors of parks, buildings and recreation management. "Everyone is welcome and we invite people not only from Springfield but from surrounding communities to learn about this important time in Ireland's history."

    The documentary is an initiative of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame.

    According to a city summary, it tells the story of the 1916 East Rising "in a comprehensive way, and for the first time places these events in their proper historical, political, and cultural context, as the precursor to an independent Irish state and the disintegration of colonial empires worldwide."

    The film is narrated by actor Liam Neeson.

    The documentary includes "a combination of rarely seen archival footage, news segments filmed on location worldwide, and interviews with leading informational experts," according to the summary.

    Western Massachusetts has scheduled a full list of events that began March 8, and will conclude May 22, in conjunction with the anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916

    The Keough-Naughton Institute is a teaching and research institute dedicated to the study and understanding of Irish Culture, according to its website.

    The institute states that on Easter Monday 1916, a small group of Irish rebels "took on the might of the British Empire." While defeated militarily, the institute said it served as a moral victory and eventually led to the creation of an independent Irish State, according to the institute's website.

    2016 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade: Live coverage from the parade route

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    The 2016 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade officially kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday. MassLive will be covering the event from all angles with videos, photos live social media and more. --Click here for complete Race Day coverage-- Follow our live Twitter coverage from all of the hot spots around the parade in the comments section below. Cheers!...

    The 2016 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade officially kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday. MassLive will be covering the event from all angles with videos, photos live social media and more.

    --Click here for complete Race Day coverage--

    Follow our live Twitter coverage from all of the hot spots around the parade in the comments section below. Cheers!

    2 injured in I-291 Springfield single-car crash

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    A car exiting I-291 at Exit 5A apparently was traveling too fast, and ended up on top of a guardrail. Two people were transported to the Baystate Medical Center

    SPRINGFIELD— Two people were injured Monday morning when the car they were traveling in went out of control on I-291 at Exit 5A, and ended up balanced on top of a guardrail.

    Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Michael Andrews, attached to the Springfield barracks, said speed was a major factor in the 2:20 a.m crash.

    The eastbound car attempted to exit the divided highway at too great a speed and apparently spun out of control, Andrews said. The sliding compact car landed on top of the guardrail designed to separate the traffic entering and exiting the highway.

    Andrews said the female passenger sustained head injuries while the male operator suffered only minor injuries. Both were transported to the Baystate Medical Center.

    The Massachusetts State Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

    With visit to Cuba, President Obama walking in the footsteps of Calvin Coolidge

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    Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. President to visit Cuba since Calvin Coolidge in 1928.


    It's not often President Calvin Coolidge is mentioned in the same breath with Barack Obama, but this is one of those times.

    When President Obama arrived in Cuba on Sunday, he became the first U.S. President to visit the Caribbean country since the Fidel Castro installed a communist government in 1959. But beyond that, Obama is the first U.S. president to visit Cuba in 88 years, since a 6-day diplomatic tour in 1928 by...guess who?

    That's right. Calvin Coolidge. Northampton's own "Silent Cal."

    Both presidents turned to Cuba as a part of what was called, both then and now, a goodwill mission.

    For Obama, it is a part of his move to improve relations between the United State and Cuba, relations that have run the gamut from strained to openly hostile for more than 50 years.

    For Coolidge, the keynote speaker at the Pan-American Union summit, it was an opportunity to improve U.S. relations with Cuba and all of Latin America after 20-plus years of tension and hostility dating back to the Spanish-American War.

    It speaks to the differences in transportation then and now.

    President Obama hopped Air Force One in Washington Sunday afternoon and arrived in Havana a few hours later.

    Coolidge and his entourage, according to contemporary accounts in the Springfield Republican, left Washington by train on Jan. 13, bound for Key West, Florida, where everyone hopped on the battleship U.S.S. Texas for the final leg to Havana.

    They would arrive in Havana on Jan. 15, some 36 hours after departing Washington.

    coolcuba.pngA front page from the Jan. 17. 1928 Republican documenting the appearance of President Calvin Coolidge in Cuba. Barack Obama on Monday is poised to become the first U.S. president to visit Cuba since Coolidge. 


    The articles notes the journey was slow because the president insisted on visiting Civil War battlefields along the way including Fredericksburg, Virginia. The train was also fitted what were described as "two motion picture machines" - a precursor to today's WiFi-enabled tablet - that were described as necessary "to while away hours of travel."

    With Obama in Cuba, there is a better-than-average chance that members of the delegation and the press pool will seek out actual Cuban cigars, which had been illegal to possess or sell in the United States until fairly recently. The 50-year-old ban was only lifted in January.

    In 1928, visiting Americans sought out a different contraband: namely alcohol.

    The United States at the time was in the middle of the great experiment known as Prohibition, in which the sale and possession of alcohol was illegal between 1920 and 1933. Coolidge was one of Prohibition's biggest supporters.

    On the other hand, Cuba at that time was famous for two things: its rum, and as a vacation spot for Americans who wished to drink large amounts of it.

    There is no doubt that the Coolidge entourage - but unlikely the tee-totaling Coolidge - sampled the local wares. According to an article in by Public Radio International, the trip was noted for its behind-the-scenes activities that included drinking, hookers, smuggling and assorted shenanigans.

    PRI cites the definitive account of the trip published 30 years later in the Saturday Evening Post by journalist Beverly Smith Jr..

    Smith, a part of the press pool that made the 6-day trip, summed it up this way:

    "The 6 day junket to Cuba and return had in it elements of pageantry, drama, comedy and farce; of ponderous dignity and unseemly revelry; of silk-hatted diplomacy with a dash of dipsomania," he wrote.

    "It became, in its latter stages, a large scale smuggling operation. The whole show took on a special illicit zest because it was conducted under the dour, dead-pan aegis of President Coolidge -- Silent Cal, Cautious Cal, austere symbol of the old Puritan virtues, staunch upholder of the Prohibition Amendment."

    Smith wrote that each night after Coolidge had gone to bed, nearly everyone in the American delegation, from the highest White House staff to the lowliest reporters would hit the streets in search of booze and whatever else they could find along with it.

    "Quite a party of us trooped off with them to see the sights,not all of which were culturally elevating," he wrote.

    Coolidge likely abstained from even a drop of liquor, but Smith writes one New England reporter who bore a passing resemblance to the president found himself on the receiving end of many a free drink, compliments of local saloon keepers.

    Smith also writes that when it came time to return to the United States at the end of the six days, White House staff announced that those traveling in the presidential party would not be subject to customs searches upon returning to the United States.

    Presented with an opportunity like that, Smith wrote he and his peers did not hesitate to make the most of it. Suitcases were emptied of clothing and packed full with as many bottles of rum as would fit, he said.


    Ludlow Police continue to search for homicide suspect one week after killing

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    Larry Santiago Jr, was shot to death in front of the Open Door Cafe on March 13.

    LUDLOW - Police continue to search for a 20-year-old Springfield man who is believed to have shot and killed a man a week ago.

    Jorge Concepcion-Pesquera, whose last known address was on Centre Street in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, remains at large. A felony murder warrant was issued for his arrest the day after the March 13 homicide, police said.

    Concepcion-Pesquera, who is also known as David, is being accused of killing Larry Santiago Jr., 26, of Ludlow, as he sat in a car outside the Open Door Cafe on Cady Street.

    Santiago was shot multiple times at about 12:44 a.m., Sunday. He was taken to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance and died at the hospital.

    Ludlow police are asking anyone with information about the crime to call them at (413) 583-8305. Anonymous tips may be texted to CRIMES (274637), beginning with the word SOLVE and followed by the message.

    Concepcion-Pesquera is about 5-foot-6, weighs around 150 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He is believed to be armed and dangerous so people should not confront him.

    Holyoke Parks and Recreation sets 'Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt'

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    The cost is $2 a child for the Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department's "Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt" with the hunt divided into four age groups.

    HOLYOKE -- The annual "Spring Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt" will be March 26 from 10 a.m. to noon at Holyoke Heritage State park, 221 Appleton St.

    "This family friendly event includes: egg hunts for four age groups, great prizes, face painting, gift bags and a T-shirt decorating station (T-shirts and gift bags included for the first 500 children), pony rides, craft stations and, of course, a chance to meet the Easter Bunny," said a press release from the city Parks and Recreation Department.

    The cost is $2 a child. Participants must register one hour before their race. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, the press release said.

    The event will take place rain or shine. Children are encouraged to bring their own baskets or bags to collect eggs, the press release said.

    egg2.jpg 

    The egg hunt schedule is as follows:

    10 a.m. toddlers
    10:30 a.m. 6 and younger
    11 a.m. 7 to 9 years old
    11:30 a.m. 10 to 12 years old

    The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round and Holyoke Children's Museum, which also is in the park, both will be open.

    For more information call the Parks & Recreation Department at (413) 322-5620.

    MBTA's Government Center Station, once called Scollay Square, re-opens today

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    The MBTA has a grand re-opening at 12:30 p.m. for its Government Center station on the Green and Blue Line branches, after shutting down the station for two years of renovations.

    BOSTON - The MBTA has a grand re-opening this morning for its Government Center station on the Green and Blue Line branches, after shutting down the station for two years of renovations.

    Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, whose City Hall offices are a few short steps away from the train station, will join other state officials for the occasion at 11:45 a.m.

    The station, which is now fully accessible to people with disabilities thanks to the renovations, fully opens at 12:30 p.m. today.

    The station now features a glass-heavy look above ground, instead of appearing like a brick bunker.

    Here are some facts about Government Center Station:

    • First known as "Scollay Square Station," it opened in 1898.

    • By the 1960s, it was sporting its current name, Government Center, following the demolition of the Scollay Square area for which the station was originally named. The then-new City Hall, the brick-and-concrete building that loomed over the station was also built in those years.

    • Mosaics that say "Scollay Under" were discovered during the renovation and were also restored. They can be seen on the new Blue Line platform.

    • There is still no word on what's the story behind the creepy looking things found inside the station by workers who were on the Blue Line platform in October 2015.

    • The MBTA station has 2.5 stars on Yelp. Commuters' reviews posted before the closure for renovations in 2014 ranged from "not too shabby" to someone noting that it has "the most screeching sounds in any one indoor place ever," an apparent reference to the Green Line trolleys that trundle in and out of the station.

    • The new station will have a nod to London's Underground system, which regularly reminds riders to "mind the gap."

    Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade music awards announced

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    Agawam High School and Minnechaug Regional

    HOLYOKE - The Saint Patrick's Parade Committee is announcing the winners of the music awards following Sunday's parade.

    All the bands are judged at the reviewing stand at City Hall, at the end of the 2.65-mile parade. The awards are announced after the parade is finished.

    Dozens of bands participate in the parade including professional drum and bugle corps and mummer string bands as well as amateur high school bands.

    The committee also gave out 15 awards for floats at the start of the parade.

    This year there were 13 different bands honored for excellence. Here are the winners:

    • Most Outstanding Unit: Fusion Core Drum and Bugle
    • Best Marching Contingent: Springfield Central High School ROTC
    • Best Brass Band: Worcester City Brass Band
    • Best String Band: Aqua String Mummers
    • Best String Band Captain: Aqua String Mummers
    • Best Drum and Bugle Corps: Bushwackers Drum and Bugle Corps
    • Best Pipe Band: Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band
    • Best High School Marching Band: Minnechaug Regional High School
    • Best High School Marching Band Flag Corps: Agawam High School
    • Best High School Majorette: Agawam High School
    • Best Band Major: St. Peters Drum Corp.
    • Best Fife and Drum: Stony Creek Fife and Drum

    Holyoke Councilor Dave Bartley, School Committee member Dennis Birks offer office hours to Ward 3

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    The meeting with Ward 3 Councilor Dave Bartley and Ward 3 school board member Dennis Birks will include a sheriff's department official discussing the neighborhood crime watch program.

    HOLYOKE -- The Ward 3 representatives on the City Council and School Committee will hold office hours to hear residents' concerns from 4 to 6 p.m. April 6 at Metcalf School, 2019 Northampton St.

    David K. Bartley, Ward 3 councilor, and Dennis W. Birks Jr., Ward 3 representative on the School Committee, will be available to answer questions and discuss issues, an email from Bartley said.

    The meeting will include a neighborhood crime watch discussion led by Glenn Sexton of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, Bartley said.

    Meetings are held in the school's teachers' lounge.

    For information call (413) 531-2213.

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