At least two American citizens have been confirmed killed in this week's attacks in Brussels, a U.S. official said Friday, as Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting the city to express his condolences to the Belgian people. Watch video

BRUSSELS (AP) - At least two American citizens have been confirmed killed in this week's attacks in Brussels, a U.S. official said Friday, as Secretary of State John Kerry is visiting the city to express his condolences to the Belgian people.

Speaking after meeting with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, Kerry said the "United States is praying and grieving with you for the loved ones of those cruelly taken from us, including Americans, and for the many who were injured in these despicable attacks."

He did not give a specific number but a senior official said the families of two Americans had been informed of their deaths in Tuesday's attacks. The official, who was not authorized to speak to the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, did not have further details.

Brussels subway bombing may have been carried out by two suspects

"The United States stands firmly with Belgium and with the nations of Europe in the face of this tragedy,:" Kerry said, adding that the world will not relent in its fight against the Islamic State group, which has claimed the attacks.

"We - all of us representing countless nationalities - have a message for those who inspired or carried out the attacks here or in Paris, or Ankara, or Tunis, or San Bernardino, or elsewhere: We will not be intimidated," he said. "We will not be deterred. We will come back with greater resolve - with greater strength - and we will not rest until we have eliminated your nihilistic beliefs and cowardice from the face of the Earth."

Talking to reporters, Kerry said the reason the Islamic State group "is resorting to actions outside the Middle East is that its fantasy of a caliphate is collapsing before their eyes; it's territory is shrinking. Its leaders are decimated. Its revenue sources are dwindling, and its fighters are fleeing.

Michel thanked Kerry for his visit, calling it a powerful message of solidarity. "It is very important for us today to receive your support," he said. He offered condolences for the American victims and vowed to step up counter-terrorism cooperation with the U.S. and others.

Kerry said he offered the prayers of the American people for "these people who have suffered inconceivable losses."

"Those whose lives were torn apart this week were not combatants in any conflict," the secretary said.

Brussels marks third terrorist attack Utah teen Mason Wells has survived, family says

Kerry landed earlier Friday at the still-closed Brussels airport for a brief, hastily scheduled stop from Moscow, where he said the attacks underscored the urgency of unity in the fight against the Islamic State group. The group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's bombings at the airport departure terminal and a downtown Metro stop that killed 31 people and wounded 270.

The Belgian Embassy, not long after Kerry's arrival, sent a Twitter message calling his stop here an example of "the solidarity of the American people which goes right to our heart."

The property has been cleaned of hazardous materials and former factory buildings demolished. Watch video

CHICOPEE - In one of the biggest steps in the effort to clean and redevelop the former Facemate and Uniroyal property, city officials announced plans to sell nearly four acres of now-uncontaminated property to be developed by a private owner.

The city began to solicit bids under the request for proposal process starting on Wednesday for the about 3.85-acre parcel on West Main Street and east of the new RiverMills Senior Center, Mayor Richard J. Kos said.

The proposals will be due on May 5. A selection committee will then review the plans and select the one which members feel will best fit on the land and benefit Chicopee, City Planner Lee Pouliot said.

The property is zoned for residential and industrial, but it is also in an overlay zone which will allow for a mix of housing, business and commercial. The zone would allow concepts such as live and work space and buildings that combine businesses and housing, Pouliot said.

"We have had some interest, mostly from people who want to develop it as mixed use," he said.

The property has frontage on West Main Street, across from the Chicopee Falls Post Office as well as off the new road off West Main Street which leads to the RiverMills Center. That road will soon be adopted as a public way, he said.

It reaches to the Chicopee River, but the city will retain property on the banks of the river that is in the flood control area, said Michael Vedovelli, Community Development director.

Kos called the announcement an important step in the nearly 10-year effort to acquire the about 72-acre property, tear down the 23 abandoned factory buildings and clean up acres of contaminants.

"This is an opportunity for the city to continue cleanup and re-purpose a site to be used for many years to come," he said.

By selling the land to a private developer, it puts the property back on the tax rolls. It is difficult to predict how much the 3.85-acre property could generate in taxes until a proposal is accepted, Kos said.

City Councilor William Zaskey, who represents the neighborhood, said he was thrilled to see the property up for sale saying it will improve the Chicopee Falls area.

"This is one of the sections of Ward 4 that really needs attention," he said. "It is great to see this moving forward."

When the city acquired the land for the abandoned Facemate and Uniroyal factory complex, the plan was always to eventually sell some of the 72 acres to private developers. In 2010, when most of the buildings were still standing, engineers for VHB, Inc. showed plans of how the property could be used, including a mix of athletic fields, office buildings, housing and a bike path.

The last Facemate buildings were demolished in 2011, paving way for the construction of the Senior Center, which opened in September 2014.

This is only the first parcel of land that will be sold to a private developer. The city is close to finishing cleaning up hazardous waste and selling clean fill dumped on an about 4 acre parcel of land on West Main Street, west of the Senior Center. That property will come with the so-called Baskin building, which is in good condition so it wasn't torn down, Pouliot said.

The city is likely to be ready to take requests for proposals on that property in the fall, he said.

It also continues to work to clean up hazardous materials and tear down the remaining buildings on the former Uniroyal property.

Arts projects for the community and for the schools and public events were among factors that guided the Holyoke Local Cultural Council in awarding 44 grants totaling $33,630.

HOLYOKE -- The Wistariahurst Museum presentation "Historical Firsts: Stories of Powerful Women" and "Holyoke Youth in the Business of Art" are among the projects sharing $33,630 in grants that will be celebrated next week.

"Learn more about this year's projects and events while celebrating culture and art in the great city of Holyoke. Make connections, enjoy some great food and help us toast the grantees," said the event's Facebook posting.

The event will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Jay Candelario's B & B, 1109 Dwight St.

The event is free but organizers ask that those who plan to attend respond through eventbrite.com.

Chairwoman Navae Fenwick Rodriguez said the Holyoke Local Cultural Council (HLCC), a board appointed by the mayor, awarded 44 grants of $150 to $2,500.

The money comes from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, whose job is to promote excellence and diversity in and access to the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences, the agency's website said.

The HLCC used state guidelines and priorities established by people in the community in a survey and an "input meeting" in deciding which individuals and organizations received grants. The funding priorities were arts education in the schools, support for community arts and cultural organizations, public events like concerts and festivals and field trips for students to museums or performances, Fenwick Rodriguez said.

Wistariahurst, at 238 Cabot St., received $550 to present "Historical Firsts: Stories of Powerful Women" and $300 to present "Skinner Servants Tour 2016."

LightHouse Holyoke, an alternative school for teen-agers at 208 Race St., received $750 for its project, "Holyoke Youth in the Business of Art."

Other recipients include Julie Ann Stepanek, Ukulele Workshops, $600; Celebrate Holyoke 2016, $2,500; Gay Pride Holyoke, $1,000; and Holyoke High School, $1,250 for the performance "Shrek, The Musical."

For the complete list of 2016 grant recipients, visit http://mass-culture.org/Holyoke#

Last year, HLCC awarded 46 grants totaling $31,167, Fenwick Rodriguez said.

"Black males wearing black hoodies – there are probably 10,000 of them walking the streets of Springfield who fit that description," Helpa said.

SPRINGFIELD - Three suspects, including an 18-year-old high school student, were arrested on firearms charges Wednesday after a cab driver called 911 to report an attempted robbery.

Ricky J. Bowens, 20, of Springfield, was ordered held on $25,000 bail Thursday after pleading not guilty to two counts of carrying a loaded firearm without a license in Springfield District Court.

Two others - Donel Delbridge, 18, and Shaquelle Lowe, 21, both of Springfield - denied the same charges.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said the trio was arrested Wednesday night after a cab driver reported a robbery attempt near the X commercial district in Springfield.

The driver said three black males wearing dark hooded sweatshirts confronted him around 10 p.m. on Commonwealth Avenue; the driver managed to escape without being robbed, Szafranski said.

Minutes later, police pulled over a car on Belmont Avenue with three suspects matching that description and found two loaded handguns in the glove compartment, the prosecutor said.

Each suspect was charged with possession of both guns, along with possession of a high capacity feeding device, Szafranski said.

Bowens, who was driving, was also charged with operating an unregistered vehicle.

At the prosecutor's request, Judge Matthew Shea set bail at $25,000 for Bowens, and revoked his bail in an open case in Westfield District Court.

Defense lawyer Jon Helpa opposed a $25,000 bail for Delbridge, saying he was doing nothing more than riding in the back seat of someone else's car.

"There is nothing to connect him to those guns," Helpa said.

A high school senior who lives with his grandmother, Delbridge poses no risk to flee and has extensive family ties in Springfield, Helpa said.

The lawyer also questioned whether police had grounds to stop the vehicle, given the cab driver's vague description of the suspects.

"Black males wearing black hoodies - there are probably 10,000 of them walking the streets of Springfield who fit that description," Helpa said.

Lowe lives with his father, graduated from the High School of Commerce in 2012 and is attending Springfield Technical Community College as a business major, defense lawyer Jeffrey Peck said.

Peck asked the judge not to revoke Lowe's bail in a pending case, and set bail at $1,000 on the new charges.

Shea set bail at $5,000 for Lowe and revoked his bail. He also imposed $1,000 bail on Delbridge and ordered him to report once a week to the Probation Department.

A Lynn man pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges after surgeons removed 27 bags of heroin from his body.

SALEM - A Lynn man pleaded not guilty Thursday to drug trafficking charges after surgeons removed 27 bags of heroin from his body.

The Salem News reported that police believe Miguel Rodriguez, 51, swallowed the heroin while on vacation in the Dominican Republic to act as a drug mule.

Police told the newspaper that after Rodriguez returned home, one of the bags  burst and he overdosed. Police watched and counted as 27 bags were removed from his digestive tract at North Shore Medical Center Salem Hospital, the Salem News reported.

The Boston Globe reported Miguel pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday in his hospital bed. His bail was set at $500,000.

His family told hospital staff that he had disappeared while on a two-week family vacation to the Dominican Republic and then when he was back in Lynn, complained of an upset stomach, The Salem News reported.

He went to lie down, police told the newspaper, and his family found him unresponsive. He was given Narcan at the hospital.

The Globe reported that the street value of the 163 grams of heroin recovered is $16,000.

Seth Lombard-Hawthorne charged with manslaughter in connection with suspected overdose death of Westfield teen

Hartford's animal shelter has reached capacity and will be forced to euthanized dogs not adopted by Saturday.

Update: The shelter is no longer full after several of the dogs were adopted. 

Hartford's animal shelter has reached capacity and will be forced to euthanized more than two dozen dogs if not adopted by Saturday.

Employees are usually off on Good Friday but they're making an exception this week.

"It's ridiculous," Sherry Degenova, animal control officer, told NECN. "We literally have no room down here. We're completely full."

She also said many of the dogs are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, breeds that generally have a "bad reputation."

Some of the dogs have already found a happy ending but there are still many left.

Potential adopters can look at the dogs first on Facebook.

Pet Project 2016: Animals available for adoption March 25 in Western Massachusetts

Western Massachusetts residents are advised to take caution Friday morning and be aware of possible freezing rain.

Western Massachusetts residents are advised to take caution Friday morning and be aware of possible freezing rain.

The National Weather Service issued a freezing rain advisory for Franklin County. The advisory was issued minutes before 9 a.m. and will be in effect until 11 a.m. on Friday.

The government agency cautions that pockets of light icing may accumulate on some roadways, especially over bridges.

The temperatures is likely to rise into the 40s by late morning in Franklin County when the advisory will be lifted.

The Republican Town Committee Thursday night endorsed a slate of candidates to run in the May 21st Wilbraham town election.

WILBRAHAM - The Republican Town Committee Thursday night endorsed a slate of candidates to run in the May 21st annual town election.

The candidates include incumbent Selectman Robert Boilard and incumbent regional School Committee member Michael Mazzuca.

Mazzuca was nominated by regional School Committee member William Bontempi who said Mazzuca "has two kids, in 6th and 8th grades, and he really cares."

He said Mazzuca also serves as the high school football team defense coordinator, and he chairs the budget subcommittee of the School Committee.

"He takes calls from parents and constituents," Bontempi said of Mazzuca.

Bontempi said the regional school district is about to face some challenging issues such as hiring a new superintendent, the regionalization of the middle schools in Hampden and Wilbraham and "perennial budget problems."

Mazzuca said his goal as a School Committee member is "to do what's best for Wilbraham."

"I am confident I can represent the children and the community," he said.

Incumbent Selectman Robert Russell nominated Robert Boilard for another three-year term on the Board of Selectman.

Russell said that when the board meets, Boilard doesn't say "I" a lot, he says, "the town."

"I am proud to be his colleague," Russell said of Boilard.

Boilard said he has been honored to serve as a town selectman.

"If I do something wrong, let me know," he said.

Other candidates endorsed by the Republican Town Committee are Robert Roberge for assessor, Mary McCarthy for Water Commissioner, James Jurgens for library trustee, Judy Cezeaux for Wilbraham Housing Authority and George Gordon for Cemetery Commissioner.

The Democratic Town Committee will meet next Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Brooks Room of the Wilbraham Public Library to its endorse candidates for the town election.

Chariot for Women, based in Charlton, is expected to launch nationwide on April 19.

A former Boston-area Uber driver plans to launch a ridesharing app exclusively for women.

Michael Pelletz came up with the idea for Chariot for Women after picking up a passenger who was intoxicated and kept reaching into his pocket. The man made him feel unsafe, Pelletz said on the app's website.

"One thought kept coming up in his head: 'What if I was a woman?'" the website says. "Just one bad apple behind the wheel, and those women would not be safe at all. Three a.m. in Boston is a candy store for predators."

Chariot for Women, based in Charlton, is expected to launch nationwide on April 19.

The Boston Globe said his ride-hailing service's prices will be comparable to Uber and Lyft, without the surge pricing.

Pelletz said he aims to hire 4,000 drivers before the launch date.

Two women in Boston told police they were sexually assaulted after using rideshare services to hail cars early Sunday morning.

In February, a former Uber driver was convicted in Boston of assaulting a 21-year-old female passenger.

Timothy Abare was located Thursday morning and escorted out of the woods, police said.

Timothy AbareVermont State Police photo 

This is an update of a story posted at 2:47 p.m. Thursday

WOODFORD, Vermont - A 27-year-old Vermont man who was the subject of a missing-persons search in the area of Woodford has been found unharmed after spending nearly 24 hours lost in the woods, Vermont State Police said.

Timothy AbareVermont State Police photo 

Timothy Abare apparently became lost Wednesday while hiking with a friend along the Long Trail in Woodford. They became separated at one point, and when the friend could not find him, he called 911.

Members of the Vermont State Police's Search and Rescue Team and the Woodford Fire Department spent Wednesday night and early Thursday morning searching through the woods without any sign of Abare, police said.

Sometime Thursday morning, Abare was able to contact help with his cell phone, and the search team was able to get his GPS coordinates from the phone. A Vermont Game Warden and a U.S. Forest Service Warden were able to hike out to his location where they found him.

Police said Abare was able to walk on his own as he was guided out of the woods, but the return trip took several hours because of the inhospitable terrain, police said. He was evaluated by medical personnel and determined to be in good shape.

Woodford, Vermont is about 20 miles north of the Massachusetts state line near Williamstown.
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The end date of the three-year renovation of the Boston Public Library is approaching. The Boylston Street building that has been hidden by construction equipment will be unveiled to the public this summer.

The end date of the three-year renovation of the Boston Public Library is approaching. The Boylston Street building that has been hidden by construction equipment will be unveiled to the public this summer.

The goal of the $78 million renovations, library officials say, is to bring the 19th-century space into the 21st century. 

"The completion this summer will bring us full circle as we transform services, spaces and programs, again making Boston's Central Library the place to pursue educational opportunities for generations to come," David Leonard, interim president of the Boston Public Library, said.

The new space will feature a more welcoming design from the exterior and inside, a cafe, state-of-the-art WGBH television studio and interactive devices to search library archives.

"A library is the most public building we have in our civic culture," principal architect William Rawn told the Boston Globe. "To have something like that be so kept away from the citizenry seemed to us a really sad state of affairs." 

Man crashes into ATM after learning Taco Bell closed

PITTSFIELD - Derrick LaForest was determined to get his burrito.

Police said the 33-year-old Pittsfield resident rammed his car into an ATM machine early Thursday after discovering a Taco Bell restaurant was closed.

According to a report in the Berkshire Eagle, LaForest knocked himself unconscious and later told police that he had no idea how he hit the vestibule.

But, witnesses said he pulled up to the drive-thru around 1:30 a.m. and began honking his horn incessantly. When no one responded, he blared his horn continually for about two minutes, police said. A staff member eventually walked out of the restaurant and told LaForest that they had closed.

Witnesses said he then raced through the parking lot, hit a curb, lost control of the car, struck a second curb and smashed into the ATM.

Both the car and the building suffered "extensive" damage, according to police.

Taco Bell employees dragged LaForest's unconscious figure out of the car and called 911.

He had a cut over his eye but refused medical treatment, police said.

LaForest pleaded not guilty in Central Berkshire District Court to charges of reckless operation of a motor vehicle and vandalism. He was released on $500 bail and is due back in court on May 3 for a pretrial hearing.

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Superintendent M. Martin O'Shea is set to take over as Longmeadow superintendent on July 1.

WILBRAHAM - Community members are invited to participate in a Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District Superintendent Search Committee Focus Group on Wednesday, March 30th.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee has voted to contract with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees for a maximum price of $9,500 to assist with the search for a new school superintendent.

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Superintendent M. Martin O'Shea is set to take over as Longmeadow superintendent on July 1.

Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, will facilitate the focus groups.

There is a focus group for all community members March 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Minnechaug Regional High School auditorium.

A focus group for Central office staff will be held March 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Central Office staff conference room.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. there will be a focus group for administrators in the directors' conference room and from 2:15 to 4 p.m. there will be a focus group for faculty and staff in the high school auditorium.

The extent of the injuries is unclear.

SPRINGFIELD - Police are investigating a stabbing at 15 Girard Ave. in the city's McKnight neighborhood.

The victim was stabbed multiple times and taken to Mercy Medical Center by private car, stabilized, and then transferred to Baystate Medical Center, police said.

The extent of the injuries is unclear.

Police said the call came in at around 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Springfield Police Detective Bureau at (413) 787-6355. Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to "CRIMES," or "274637," and then beginning the body of the message with the word "SOLVE."

The event, held in Springfield, Massachusetts, celebrated community activists and businesswomen. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — In 1993, Vira Douangmany Cage was the second person in her family to go to college. She was only 6 in 1980, when her family came to the United States from Laos as refugees.

"I I always think about my mother whenever I do my work. She had a fourth-grade education in Laos when she arrived to the United States and it was a very big struggle for her language-wise to navigate the social systems," said Douangmany Cage, one of five women honored during the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce Women's Recognition Day, held Wednesday at the International Biergarten in Springfield.

"All of these women have contributed to our community and are outstanding people," said Jose Rubero, the chamber's executive director.

Douangmany Cage was recognized for her work as the coordinator of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts for Western Massachusetts. She has engaged in community organizing for civil rights issues such as ending the so-called school-to-prison pipeline and stopping school-based arrests. In March of 2015 she became the first Laotian American to hold an elected office in Massachusetts when she won a seat on the Amherst School Committee. She is currently a candidate for the 3^rd Hampshire District seat in the state House of Representatives.

Also recognized was Sonia Battle, a domestic violence counselor for Safe Passage and Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The founder and director of the scholarship pageant "Sparkling Crowns," Battle's passion is to promote education, leadership and community service.

Waleska Lugo-DeJesus was honored for her work as the director of the Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley and on community engagement in the city of Springfield. She sits on the boards of the United Way of Pioneer Valley, the Puerto Rican Parade Planning Committee and other organizations.

Janet Crespo-Santana was recognized for her work in Holyoke with the Connections After School Program and also her many years as a school bus driver. She has devoted her life to volunteering in her community working with youth and their families. She thanked her children for the sacrifices they have made so that she could serve the community.

"For many years I was working in the community and going to school and they were so patient not to have a mom for many days. I always tell my children, don't pretend to be something you're not," she said. "I'm humbled by this experience."

Saamalid Hogan, the founder and president of CoWork Springfield and Consulting Project Manager for the Holyoke Innovation District, was recognized for her contributions to the business community as well as her dedication to promoting youth leadership in the Pioneer Valley.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse attended the event along with State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and Springfield City Councilors Kateri Walsh, Adam Gomez and Orlando Ramos.

Three suspects, including an 18-year-old high school student, were arrested on firearms charges Wednesday after a cab driver called 911 to report an attempted robbery.

These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. The most viewed photo gallery was of the 2016 Enfield High School junior prom, above.

1) Hartford's animal shelter temporarily reaches capacity, dogs will be put down if they don't find a home by Saturday [Heather Adams]

2) Jesus Christ in ancient, non-biblical historical records [Ray Kelly]

3) Springfield high school student, 2 others charged with carrying loaded firearms [Jack Flynn]

4) Ware police arrest pair for alleged dine-and-dash incident at Chinese restaurant [Conor Berry]

5) Enfield middle school locked down after South Carolina couple tries to gain entry, police say

One man is dead, and two others are being treated for gunshot wounds after a Friday afternoon shooting in Bethel. Police describe the shooting as a "domestic situation."

Dave Canton | dcanton@repub.com 

The Hartford Courant reported that police were called to the Governors Lane home at about 3 p.m. Friday afternoon to find a dead man and a man and woman suffering gunshot wounds.

Bethel police are describing the events that led up to the shooting as a "domestic situation." Police said there is no reason to believe others are in danger.

Neighbors said the house was occupied by a man, his wife, his brother-in-law and his mother-in-law.

The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad is assisting Bethel police in the investigations.

Springfield Chief Development Officer said his top 5 economic development projects in 2016 including the MGM Springfield casino, the Union Station redevelopment and the CRRC rail car factory.

SPRINGFIELD - Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy said the city is poised for a strong year in economic development throughout 2016, particularly with progress he expects to occur on his "Top 5" list of projects that range from the MGM Springfield casino to redevelopment of Union Station.

"We haven't seen any slowdown," Kennedy said. "We have also seen the projects that we thought would happen are happening - Union Station, the casino, the Innovation District, they really are happening."

The projects include the downtown but also involve other neighborhoods and trigger citywide benefits including jobs and revenue, Kennedy said.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno agreed the economic development outlook "looks very strong" for the year ahead.

The effort is "all about jobs" and creating vendor opportunities and spin-off benefits for the economy, Sarno said. Aided by collaboration between the developers and city, the public will start to see a busy skyline in the months ahead with cranes and other equipment a welcome sign of progress, he said.

Kennedy offered the following summaries of progress he expects will occur in the coming year on his Top 5 projects in Springfield plus a project he referred to as his "5-B."

MGM Springfield casino

As soon as the City Council completes its site plan review on the $950 million casino project, Kennedy said the public can expect to see continued demolition, construction and related work. With properties already demolished including the former Alfred G. Zanetti School, next steps include relocation of a Spiritualist Church to Union Street, and construction of a parking garage. The public "is going to be pretty pleased when we see actual progress and more pleased when we start to reap the benefits," Kennedy said.

Union Station redevelopment

The $88 million project is under full construction including a new parking garage and major renovations occurring throughout the year within the long-dormant intermodal transportation center. Bus berths will be installed and there will be a complete renovation of the station terminal expected to be completed by the end of the year, Kennedy said.

CRRC rail car factory

Kennedy said the public will start to see activity on the grounds of the planned CRRC USA Rail Corp. factory this year at the former Westinghouse property on Page Boulevard in East Springfield. That will include construction activity, arrangements with supplier chains and training for its future workforce, he said. CRRC is planning to build a 213,000-square foot building for the assembly of rail cars and also renovate an existing former Westinghouse building on the 40-acre property.

The Downtown Innovation District

The city will continue to expand upon its creation of a downtown innovation district that includes renovations of various buildings along Bridge Street for 'business accelerator" programs, incubator businesses and job creation efforts. The city announced in January plans to free municipal Wi-Fi wireless Internet network in conjunction with the Innovation District.

North Main Street reconstruction and a North End master plan.

Kennedy said that the long-awaited reconstruction of North Main Street from Carew Street to the Chicopee city line is ready to begin. That includes street reconstruction, sidewalks, traffic signals and street lights. In addition, the city will be working with the New North Citizens Council as that neighborhood group works on a master plan.

Kennedy even offered a "5B" in the Top 5 list, saying he expects there will be announcements of plans and renderings for the long-awaited redevelopment of the Indian Motocycle Apartments and Mason Square fire station.

Howard Marciniak, 78, of Medina, New York, had a comic book collection valued between $40,000 and $100,000, according to the FBI report.

Cover of rare comic book 

Arlene Combs, 31, was convicted of racketeering in connection with a home invasion at Homer Marciniak's address in Medina, New York in 2010. She was one in a network of "boosters, shoplifters and burglars" headed up by Rico Vendetti, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield.

FBI agents said members stole "swag" from retailers and individuals and sold it to Vendetti for pennies on the dollar - or for drugs; Vendetti would in turn sell the merchandise on eBay. He netted up to $60,000 a month from the scam, court records state.

Eight people were charged in connection with the burglary of Marciniak's home.

Court records show that Marciniak was beaten and bound during the robbery. Under Vendetti's direction, a band of thieves stole Marciniak's comic books, coin collection, $4,000 in cash, savings bonds and four firearms. Though tied up, Marciniak broke free and went to the hospital where he was treated and released. But he died hours later of a heart attack, Subsequent medical tests showed the attack began during the robbery.

Marciniak had a comic book collection valued between $40,000 and $100,000, according to the FBI report, including a rare "Lone Ranger" edition and an issue of "The Human Torch."

The killing of the retired janitor roiled the tiny village of 6,000 in Medina, according to the Buffalo News. Combs told investigators they were promised $3,000 to bring the comic collection to Vendetti. She also said the thieves cut the elderly man's phone wires hours before they broke into his home.

At the center of the broader scam was a Rochester bar called "Al's Green Tavern," according to court records, which Venedetti owned along with a pizza shop and a pawn shop. Various witnesses told law enforcement officials the tavern served as a clearinghouse for stolen goods and a crack cocaine sales site.

The stolen goods Vendetti fenced ranged from electronics, razor blades, pet supplies and expensive fabric cutters to medications including Rogaine and Prilosec, court records state. Vendetti sold to buyers in the U.S., Canada and Europe, investigators found. One eBay account in Vendetti's name, however, appeared to specialize in collector's edition comic books and antique toy cars.

Vendetti is scheduled for sentencing on April 20.

Registration for non-residents will begin on April 13.

CHICOPEE - Informational brochures for the Opee Summer Adventures program are now available at the Parks and Recreation Chicopee Parks Department at 687 Front St. office.

The Department will begin taking registration for the children of city residents at 10 a.m., April 9 at the Kevin Dupont Middle School on Front Street. Non-resident registrations will begin at 9 a.m., April 13 at the Parks Department officer.

The day camp will operate for seven weeks, from June 27 to Aug. 12 at Fairview Elementary School. Parents can select all the weeks or however many weeks they want their children to attend.

For more information about the program contact the Parks Department at 594-3481.