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Car crashes into utility pole in Holyoke, causing power outage

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A power outage occurred in Holyoke on Wednesday night after a car crashed into a local utility pole.

HOLYOKE, MA — A car crashed into a utility pole in Holyoke on Wednesday evening, causing a power outage for locals, according to Channel 22.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Route 202, and has caused " a large portion" of Holyoke to be left without power, according to Western Mass News.

A number of roads, including Route 202, Doyle Dr., and Westfield Rd., were closed while Holyoke Gas & Electric worked to replace the pole that had been brought down during the crash.

Any injuries from the crash are considered to be "minor."

This story will be updated when new information becomes available.

 

Massachusetts House passes transgender anti-discrimination law

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Supporters framed the issue as one of civil rights for transgender people, while opponents said it would compromise other people's privacy and safety.

BOSTON -- After passionate debate and hours of discussion about amendments, the Massachusetts House on Wednesday passed a bill extending anti-discrimination protection to transgender people in places of public accommodation, such as restaurants, buses and public bathrooms.

Supporters of the bill sitting in the House gallery burst into cheers and gave lawmakers a standing ovation after the vote total of 116-36 was announced. Opponents, gathered outside the chamber, chanted "shame on you."

Supporters framed the issue as one of civil rights for transgender people.

"Any of you who understand discrimination understand that public accommodation is bedrock," said State Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, co-chairman of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. "You can't tell somebody it's OK to work at the diner but not OK to sit at the lunch counter. We learned that a long time ago. You can't tell somebody it's OK to work on the bus, but it's not OK to ride on the bus."

Opponents countered that the bill infringes on the safety and privacy of others, including children.

"This bill is not a bill that would protect rights, this would take away rights from 99 percent of the population," said state Rep. Marc Lombardo, R-Billerica. "Basic rights to privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms, the right of our children to feel safe in a bathroom, the rights of teenage girls to not have to shower in front of teenage boys."

Transgender advocates pack State House for vote on anti-discrimination bill

In 2011, the Legislature established non-discrimination protection for transgender people in employment, housing, credit and education. But a mention of public accommodations got stripped out, after opponents dubbed the legislation "the bathroom bill," from fear that it would require public places to allow transgender women, who are anatomically male, to use women's bathrooms or locker rooms.

This year, the bill establishing public accommodations protection received strong support from Attorney General Maura Healey, members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation and a large coalition of gay rights activists, businesses, religious leaders and others. The bill also has strong support from Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, and the Senate passed the bill in May.

Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, after refusing to take a position for months, said this week that he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk in the form that passed the House.

"No one should be discriminated against in Massachusetts because of their gender identity," Baker said in a statement Tuesday. "After hearing from all sides and carefully reviewing the two separate proposals that have been working their way through the Legislature, I believe the House version addresses the concerns that some have with the bill by requiring the attorney general to issue regulations to protect against people abusing the law. I would sign the House version in its current form should it reach my desk."

The House bill requires that any person taking advantage of the protections must have a "sincerely held" gender identity and must not use gender identity for any improper purpose.

The House bill includes a provision not included in the Senate version, which would require Healey's office to issue guidance on what such improper purposes might entail. It also requires the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination to issue guidelines on how people can show that their gender identity is sincerely held.

Differences between the House and Senate versions will be worked out by a committee of House-Senate negotiators. Lawmakers have until the end of July to get a final version to Baker.

Fernandes said there are an estimated 35,000 transgender people in Massachusetts, less than 1 percent of the population. Seventeen states have passed similar laws.

Opponents of transgender bill pray and protest: 'This is doing away with any objective truth'

"There is no body of evidence that tells us that implementation of this in places of public accommodation, including bathrooms, locker rooms and fitness facilities, has been a problem anywhere in the country," Fernandes said.

The vote capped a day of emotional demonstrations, with hundreds of people watching the debate from the House gallery and from screens in Statehouse hallways.

Opponents, many of whom came with church groups and wore stickers reading "no bathroom bill," prayed and protested.

"This is doing away with any objective truth, something as simple as male and female," said Mary Ellen Siegler, who came from the North Shore with a home school organization. "I want to know my daughter will be safe going into a bathroom.... It's such a huge accommodation made for a small percent of the population that is not considering the privacy rights of the other 99 percent."

Supporters, many of whom are transgender, said the bill would protect transgender people from discrimination in a society where they are frequently targeted for harassment.

"As a trans person, I can be barred from or kicked out of restaurants, buses, courthouses, I can be denied medical care, I can be kicked out of this Statehouse right now simply because of my gender identity, because of who I am," said Lorelei Erisis, 43, a transgender actor and writer originally from Northampton.

Erisis added, "There are a lot of trans people who are far more vulnerable than I am -- trans youth and people of color for whom life can be very dangerous without these protections."

State Rep. Sheila Harrington, R-Groton, received a standing ovation from spectators and some of her colleagues after she made a speech acknowledging that she was wrong when she opposed transgender protections in 2011.

"I know now that when I spoke five years ago I was wrong," Harrington said. Harrington said she was swayed by hearing stories from transgender individuals and family members who experienced discrimination.

"I listened to parents who lost children to suicide, parents who begged us to enact this law so other parents may be spared the same grief," Harrington said.

Harrington cited her Roman Catholic beliefs to argue against those who object to the bill on religious grounds. "What I've taken from my background are the words said by our Lord, 'Love one another as I have loved you.' He didn't say unless they're transgender," Harrington said.

State Rep. Ben Swan, D-Springfield, explained his support for the bill by drawing on his experience growing up in the segregated South and being barred from a whites-only swimming pool.

"It is wrong when ... you put something on another group of people that you don't think you would like for yourself," Swan said.

Opponents argued that the bill would compromise the privacy of children and adults in single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms. They said it could be used by male predators to access women's restrooms. They also said the bill is too vague in how it determines whether someone is transgender.

Gov. Charlie Baker would sign transgender anti-discrimination bill

"I don't want to be the one to have to talk to a parent after their child has been molested in the bathroom and say, 'I'm sorry we let him in,'" said state Rep. Colleen Garry, D-Dracut.

State Rep. James Lyons, R-Andover, said the bill "throws common sense out the window" and is about "changing our society and social engineering by those on the left."

The Democratic-led House rejected numerous amendments, mostly sponsored by Republicans, that would have excluded certain places from its protections, including religious institutions and bathrooms used primarily by minors.

WGBY's 'Presencia,' airs season finale, gears up for Latino Pledge Night

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Latino Pledge Night will be held Sunday June5, from 4-8 p.m.

Editor's note: "Presencia" is the first bilingual TV show produced by WGBY for the Latino community. It is also geared toward anyone wanting to learn more about the many Latin American countries represented in the region. The 8-part series airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. from April 14-June 2, 2016]


Episode 108
Date: June 2, 2016
Time: 7:30 p.m.
"Season Finale"

This week on the season finale of "Presencia," host Veronica Garcia will be out in the field visiting two restaurants offering Latin cuisine in the Pioneer Valley.

Ernesto Ayala, manager of Mi Tierra Restaurant in Hadley, will take viewers into the kitchen and talk about typical Mexican style dishes. Jose Hernandez, owner of Palate Restaurant in Springfield, will display flavorful Caribbean mixed dishes mainly representing Puerto Rico.

Zydalis Bauer, host of the digital storytelling segment, concludes the season by sharing one of her own pieces called "Sisterhood" inspired by local artist Rosa Ibarra's paintings.

Musical performances will include Mariachi Mexico Antiguo and The Velez/Moja/Milano Project.

Watch it live on:

WGBY-DT: Comcast Channel 2; Charter Channel 7; Time Warner Channel 12

WGBY-HD: Comcast Channel 857; Charter Channel 782; Time Warner Channel 1221

In case you missed it:

Episode 107 of "Presencia" — "Financial Planning"

Latino night

Also tune in to WGBY on Sunday, June 5, for a special Latino night.

Join guests Arlene Rodriguez, vice president of academic affairs for Springfield Technical Community College, and Elizabeth Roman, reporter for The Republican and El Pueblo Latino, for a special presentation of the documentary "Latino Americans" along with clips from "Presencia."

"Make a gift during this special program, and you may receive the book, 'Nuestra Historia: A History of Latinos in Western Massachusetts,' of which Roman was lead editor," organizers of the pledge night said.

"Latino Americans" is a six-hour documentary featuring interviews with nearly 100 Latinos and more than 500 years of history. Tune-in from from 4-8 p.m.


Murder suspect Tyler Hagmaier had history of mental illness, wrote 'confession note' admitting to slaying, according to court records

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Tyler Hagmaier, whose body was recovered from the Connecticut River on Monday, allegedly left a note confessing to the killing of his 76-year-old neighbor Vibeke Rasmussen, police say.

PLYMOUTH, MA — Tyler Hagmaier, the prime suspect in the murder of 76-year-old Vibeke Rasmussen, allegedly wrote a note confessing to the slaying before his disappearance in May, according to The Boston Globe.

Hagmaier's body was recovered from the Connecticut River in Gill on Monday.

Police had been searching for the 24-year-old since May 6, when Rasmussen was discovered stabbed to death in her Plymouth apartment.

Hagmaier, who lived across the street from the victim, and who had previously been involved in a stabbing attack in Montague in 2011, was thought to be involved with the murder.

In a series of six notes that were discovered in a notebook owned by Hagmaier, the suspect allegedly admitted to the slaying, saying he "didn't know" why he'd killed Rasmussen and that he didn't "know her," according to the paper.

Hagmaier is alleged to have a violent history.

In 2013, Hagmaier allegedly lit a fire in an examination room at Heywood Hospital in Gardner, according to the paper.

Several days later, a routine traffic stop involving Hagmaier apparently turned into a multi-town car chase when he fled from a state trooper who had pulled him over in Westminster. He fled through seven different towns until he crashed, and then allegedly cut himself with a box cutter, slitting his own neck and left wrist. He was flown to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester for treatment for his self-inflicted wounds.

Hagmaier's history of self-harm has lead authorities to believe the suspect may have committed suicide by leaping off of the French King Bridge and into the Connecticut River. An affidavit filed in Plymouth District Court asserts that Hagmaier had previously attempted to kill himself at that location, according to the paper.

He also had a history of suicidal tendencies and had allegedly admitted to police that he had been suicidal since he was 14-years-old. An affidavit states that Hagmaier's father had also committed suicide and had encouraged his son to do the same thing.

Hagmaier is also alleged to have had a history of substance abuse. Before moving into the apartment across the street from Rasmussen, Hagmaier had allegedly been seeking treatment at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

Court records show that a court-ordered mental health evaluation found that Hagmaier suffered from a number of mental health issues, including depression, substance abuse, and suicidal impulses, according to the paper.

Springfield announces downtown restaurant loan fund, Stearns Square park rehab during Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visit

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Mayor Domenic J. Sarno discussed many projects Thursday while leading Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito on a tour of downtown Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD -- The city plans to establish a $1.5 million loan fund to help prospective restaurateurs open downtown and possibly give existing eateries a capital boost.

Also, the city plans to spend about $1 million rehabilitating and landscaping city parks at Stearns Square and Duryea Place to include new lighting and pavedA  bump-outs for sidewalk cafe seating. It's part of what Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said is an effort to "connect the dots" and invigorate neighborhoods heading from the soon-to-reopen Springfield Union Station south to MGM Springfield.

City Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy said he'll soon present both the restaurant and the Stearns Square projects to the City Council for approval.

He discussed both proposals while touring Springfield's Transformative Development Initiative District along Main, Bridge and Worthington streets with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. Also along for the tour were local officials and folks from MassDevelopment, the state's finance and development agency. MassDevelopment manages the Transformative Development Initiative and is rehabbing, or helping to rehab, buildings in the district.

"Springfield is on the move," Polito said, adding that the administration's pending economic development bill would pump more money into the Transformative Development Program. "We see a lot of great things happening."

Polito strolled with Sarno; Jay Minkarah, president and CEO of DevelopSpringfield; MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones; City Councilor Tim Rooke; state Sen. James Welch, D-West Springfield; state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield; and others.

On her way, she commented on how the neighborhood's older commercial  buildings fit together to make a pleasing streetscape.

"It's a nice sense of scale," Polito said. "The neighborhood fits together."

The restaurant loan fund would work through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 108 Loan Program. According to the federal government, the program allows state and local governments to transform a small portion of their Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds into federally guaranteed loans. Interest rates would vary from 2 percent to 3 percent, Kennedy said.

Stearns Square renovation plan would move iconic 'The Puritan' statue from site near Quadrangle

Chris Russell, executive director of the Springfield Business Improvement District, said he knows of four or five restaurants that would likely take advantage of the loans.

Kennedy said he's already spoken with many restaurant owners in the neighborhood. "They are looking to make improvements," he said.

Kennedy said the city has not yet developed a formal application. The fund is expected to begin Sept. 1.

Stearns Square Park and Duryea Way improvements will go under construction in the fall. Work will cost about $1 million, Kennedy said. But the project has not yet gone out to bid so he doesn't have a specific number. The money will come both from city coffers and from CDBG funds.

Work will include landscaping, trees, pavers, fountain restoration and park furniture. Duryea Way will be revamped with new landscaping and decorative gateway arches leading into and out of the district.

The city will also spend $300,000 in CDBG funding on widened sidewalks in the neighborhood.

Sarno said the city's efforts work with the Springfield Innovation Center and the redeveloped Skyplex building.

The Springfield Innovation Center is $4-million project being done by DevelopSpringfield with the help of MassDevelopment and others. It  will house Valley Venture Mentors, which is a program that helps startups, along with available office space and an innovation cafe.

MassDevelopment purchased the former Skyplex building at 8-12 Stearns Square last November for $600,000 and plans to move forward this summer with $1.4 million in renovations, hoping to make the ailing building ready for a restaurant or other retail use, said Sarah M. Eisinger, vice president of real estate for MassDevelopment.

The Transformative Development Initiative is a state program administered by MassDevelopment that focuses effort and funding on neighborhoods in gateway cities that have potential but need redevelopment.

Each city in the TDI program gets a resident "transformative development fellow" to coordinate efforts. In Springfield that is Laura Masulis.

Photos: The best of Stearns Square Concert Series past

Appetites wanted: West Springfield community breakfast slated for Sunday at Big E Firehouse

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The community breakfast benefits the West Springfield CARE Coalition and runs from 8 a.m. to noon on June 5 at the firehouse on the grounds of The Big E in West Springfield.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Bring your appetite down to The Big E Firehouse on Sunday, June 5, for a community breakfast to benefit the West Springfield CARE Coalition, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing intervention, prevention, education and treatment efforts to address and reduce underage alcohol and drug abuse.

The breakfast runs from 8 .m. to noon and will feature pancakes made by West Springfield Fire Chief William Flaherty and other CARE Coalition members and volunteers. Other highlights include a 50-50 raffle and face painting for children.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 and may be purchased at the door. Event parking is free.

Supporters of the community breakfast include Mayor Will Reichelt; The Big E; the West Springfield Record; Costco; IHOP, the West Springfield Police Club; Partners Restaurant & Catering; the West Springfield Fire Department; the West Springfield High School Key Club and National Honor Society student volunteers; CARE Coalition volunteers; the West Springfield Public Schools; the Town of West Springfield Marketing & Communications; and Channel 15 Innovation Studio.


 

Cape Cod man arrested on allegations of child pornography

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A man from Yarmouth was arrested on child pornography allegations on Tuesday, according to police.

YARMOUTH, MA — A Cape Cod man was arrested on Tuesday and is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday on charges of possession of child pornography, according to Yarmouth police.

James A. Lawrence, 48, of South Yarmouth, was taken into custody at approximately 5:15 p.m., on Tuesday, after police allegedly found evidence that he had downloaded child porn.

Lawrence's residence at 61 Witchwood Rd. was placed under surveillance by local police after a tip by Trooper Robert Smith of the Massachusetts State Police-Computer Crimes Unit led them to believe that he was downloading the illegal images, according to authorities.

On Tuesday morning, police followed Lawrence from his residence to a nearby gas station where they confronted him. Lawrence denied any involvement with child pornography. However, police used a search warrant to seize Lawrence's cell phone, after which police say they were able to extract two separate child pornography images from it.

A warrant was then issued for Lawrence's arrest and he was taken to the Massachusetts State Police Barracks in South Yarmouth. He is scheduled for arraignment in Barnstable District Court Thursday afternoon.

Longmeadow signs Community Compact with Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito

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Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Longmeadow Select Board Chair Richard Foster signed a Community Compact between the state and the town.

LONGMEADOW — Local and statewide politicians emphasized the importance of State House officials working in conjunction with cities and towns in the commonwealth when Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito signed a community compact with Longmeadow on Thursday.

The signing places Longmeadow on the list of 221 communities participating in the initiative, which sets out to bridge the gap between Beacon Hill and local governments in enhancing specific areas needing improvement.

"We wanted to figure out how we could strengthen cities and towns," Polito said before signing Longmeadow's compact at Longmeadow Town Hall. "This is your compact, you designed it."

Community Compacts are mutual agreements between communities and the state government. A community identifies an area in which it would like to improve, and agrees to implement a "best practice." In return, the state offers the community incentives and technical assistance in implementing change.

Unlike the Gateway Cities program, which currently offers assistance to 26 cities and towns with populations greater than 35,000 and less than 250,000 and median household incomes and educational attainment below the state average, every community in the state is eligible to sign a Community Compact.

Gov. Charlie Baker and Polito's administration began pushing the initiative soon after Baker was sworn into office last year.

Longmeadow was Polito's second Community Compact of the day, after she signed a regional compact in Oakham earlier.

The Community Compact signed in Longmeadow focuses on the town's public safety. Police receiving accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission as well as disseminating information to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians -including safe walking routes to school - are listed in the compact as best practice areas.

"Our administration will walk with you on this," Polito said at the signing event attended by State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, State Rep. Brian Ashe, D-Longmeadow, Town Manager Stephen Crane and Police Chief John Stankiewicz.

Select Board Chairman Richard Foster, who signed the compact with Polito, praised the program for offering cities and towns the opportunity to identify their specific needs and receive state assistance individually.

"It's a great time to be in public service," Foster said. "We have every intention to move forward with this thing, this document will not be put on the shelf."

Stankiewicz thanked Polito for state funds the administration provided the Longmeadow Police Department for the purpose of updating current practices and seeking accreditation.

"These new policies will upgrade us to modern day practices," Stankiewicz said.


Massachusetts Weather: Fog, showers possible Friday

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Wet, foggy weather may be in store for the start of the weekend. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- Wet, foggy weather may be in store for the start of the weekend.

There's a slight chance of drizzle Thursday evening, around 30 percent in Springfield, overnight. Any rain will fall shortly after midnight in Worcester and Boston, 2 a.m. in Springfield. 

The temperature will be around 60 degrees Thursday evening in Springfield, 57 in Worcester and 56 in Boston. 

Areas of fog may be visible before 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Friday morning in Worcester and Springfield, respectively. The high will be in the mid-70s in Western and Central Massachusetts, low-70s near Boston. 

The National Weather Service is currently predicting a 50 percent chance of showers after 5 p.m. Friday in Springfield. Up to a quarter of an inch of rain could fall, meteorologists say. The predicted possibility of rain is lower in Worcester and Boston, 40 and 30 percent, respectively. Any showers are expected in the early afternoon in Boston and Worcester, followed by a slight chance of thunderstorms in the evening. 

Blue Angels pilot dies in crash during practice in Tennessee

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A Blue Angels F/A-18 fighter jet crashed near Nashville, Tennessee, killing the pilot just days before a weekend air show performance, officials said.

SMYRNA, Tenn. (AP) A Blue Angels F/A-18 fighter jet crashed Thursday near Nashville, Tennessee, killing the pilot just days before a weekend air show performance, officials said.

A U.S. official said the pilot was Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. According to his official Blue Angels biography, Kuss joined the elite acrobatics team in 2014 and accumulated more than 1,400 flight hours.

Harry Gill, the town manager in Smyrna just outside Nashville, said Thursday that the pilot was the only casualty and no civilians on the ground were hurt.


The Navy said in a news release that the pilot was beginning to take off during an afternoon practice session when the crash happened. Five other F/A-18 jets landed safely moments after the crash.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the Blue Angels after this tragic loss. I know that the Navy and Marine Corps Team is with me. We will investigate this accident fully and do all we can to prevent similar incidents in the future," Adm. John Richardson, the Navy's top officer, said in a Facebook post.

This is the second fighter jet crash of the day for the military's elite fighter jet performance teams. A member of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds crashed in Colorado following a flyover for the Air Force Academy graduation where President Barack Obama spoke. That pilot ejected safely into a field.

Kuss was a native of Durango, Colorado, and was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Marines in 2006. He had previously served in Afghanistan before joining the Blue Angels.

In Smyrna, retired teacher Brenda Lewis and her 21-year-old grandson had spent much of the day in her backyard near the airport watching the Blue Angels fly overhead.

APTOPIX Navy Blue Angels CrashSmoke billows from the crash of a Blue Angels F/A-18 fighter jet in Smyrna, Tenn., Thursday, June 2, 2016. Officials said the pilot, Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, was killed. (AP Photo/Becca Cullison-Burgess) 

She's seen them many times before.

"But this afternoon, something made me really want to watch them," she said. "They looked like they were having such a good time playing up there."

She went inside to bake a chocolate pie when she heard a loud boom. She didn't think too much of it at first because the airport is just on the other side of her tree line and she's used to loud noises.

Then she heard sirens and went around the corner. She saw the smoke rising and police cars arriving. She went inside because she didn't want to see any more.

"I'm always so fascinated by them, the anticipation of it all," she said of their airshow. "Then something tragic like this happens. My heart is just broken."

Phil Dennis, a manger at Auto Masters of Smyrna nearby, was standing on the business' back deck with another employee watching the planes practice above.

"I'm still shaken up about it," he said, hours after watching the plane go down.

Dennis grew up going to the airshows. His first love was aviation, he said, and when he was a kid his mother used to take him to see the planes. Now a father himself, he planned to take his own children, ages 5 and 6, to the show on Saturday morning.

He watched one plane coming out of a loop and look like it was flying too fast toward the ground. It disappeared behind a tree line, and he said his heart stopped. He said he could hear the engines roaring; then all he heard was silence.

"I was so worried. I thought maybe he'd have time to recover," Dennis said. "But he didn't."

A massive fireball erupted from behind the trees.

"I felt it down my spine," he said. "It shocked me, I paused for a minute and questioned whether it really happened. I thought it can't be real."

Dorchester man convicted for attempting to kill man he suspected to be federal witness

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A man from Dorchester was convicted of witness tampering by attempting to kill a man on Thursday.

BOSTON - A man from Dorchester was convicted of a number of charges on Thursday, after he attempted to kill a man he suspected of acting as a federal witness.

Jaquan Casanova 24, was convicted of tampering with a witness by attempting to kill him, as well as of lying to a federal agent about his involvement in a sex trafficking operation.

The witness – Darian Thomson – was shot in the head by Casanova in 2013, after Casanova became convinced that Thomson was giving information to federal law enforcement officials about the sex and drug trafficking organization he was a member of. The organization was headed by a man named Raymond Jeffreys, who ordered the "hit" on Thomson.

Roughly a month before he was shot, Thomson had been indicted on unrelated federal sex trafficking charges in New Jersey.

In April, Thomson was released from custody and traveled back to Boston. It was at that point that Casanova made an attempt on his life.

Jeffreys and a number of people within his organization believed that Thomson had been released on the condition that he give information on the group's criminal activities to federal law enforcement. In May, Jeffreys was sentenced to 30 years in prison, after he pleaded guilty to sex trafficking, tampering with a witness by attempting to kill him, and making a false statement to a federal agent.

Casanova could receive a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.

His sentencing is scheduled for September 14.

 

Springfield diocese calls popular priest's death 'a loss ... felt in all corners'

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The death of the Rev. Vernon Decoteau, long-time pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown, is being called "a loss which will be felt in all corners of our diocesan community" by Springfield diocesan spokesperson Mark Dupont.

SPRINGFIELD — The death of the Rev. Vernon Decoteau, long-time pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown, is being called "a loss which will be felt in all corners of our diocesan community."

The popular 68-year-old priest died Wednesday evening at Baystate Medical Center. He had recently undergone heart bypass surgery, according to the announcement of his death on iobserve.org.

In saying that Decoteau's death would be felt in many quarters, diocesan spokesman Mark Dupont confirmed that the Pittsfield native, who was ordained in 1975, was as well known for his fund-raising musical talents as he was for his pastoral ministry.

He reportedly performed for former President George and Barbara Bush at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine, his CDs helped pay for a new steeple for St. Francis and he performed at numerous events, including for nursing home residents.

A pianist and singer whose love of music included Broadway songs, Decoteau created the Priests for Life concerts back in the 1980s at Cathedral High School, where he once taught, and resurrected the tradition of the Singing Priests annual concert in 2011.

The 2014 concert, dedicated to newly installed Bishop Mitchell Rozanski and held before 800 people at Chicopee's Bellamy School, raised $15,000 for the diocese's Seminarian Fund, and Decoteau organized one in 2012 to honor then-Bishop Emeritus Joseph Maguire, under whom the concerts first started.

"Of course Father Vern was best known for his gift of music, which he shared freely and for many good causes," Dupont said.

"As one of the key organizers of the popular Singing Priests concerts he often commented these benefits achieved two great purposes: one it brought priests together in a casual and fun filled setting, and second, they dedicated their efforts to many charitable efforts including the last performances which were held to benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph," Dupont said.

Dupont added that Decoteau, who served as Maguire's master of ceremonies from 1983 to 1992, was also liked for his pastoral skills.

"This was in part due to his gracious manner and gentle pastoral approach, he genuinely loved the people he was called to serve," Dupont said.

"I know of one elder who lived in Belchertown but had to do a rehab stint at a health care facility in Leeds. Despite the distance, he traveled there to visit this woman. There are countless, similar stories," Dupont said.

He said that Decoteau's assignment to Belchertown in 1996 also helped get the new St. Francis built.

"Prior to his arrival, that project was having a hard time to get any traction," Dupont said.

"It was not an easy undertaking, but like all tasks Fr. Vern undertook, he did it with grace and great spiritual leadership marked by his calm resolve."

Calling hours will be Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 7 p.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 24 Jabish St., Belchertown. The funeral will be Monday, June 6 at 11 a.m.

Photos: Over 1,000 graduate at Springfield Technical Community College's 2016 commencement

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Approximately 1,042 students in the Class of 2016 were expected to receive diplomas or certificates from Springfield Technical Community College on Thursday, as the institution held its 49th commencement.

SPRINGFIELD -- Approximately 1,042 students in the Class of 2016 were expected to receive diplomas or certificates from Springfield Technical Community College on Thursday, as the institution held its 49th commencement.

According to the college, 604 students received associate in science degrees, 279 students received associate in arts degrees, 120 certificates of completion were issued along with 39 other various certificates.

The age range for STCC graduates spanned 18 years-old to 72 years-old. More than half of the students graduating are older than 25, according to STCC.

Of those graduating, 54 percent of the graduates are female; 46 percent of the graduates are male; 61 percent are white; 21 percent are Hispanic; 13 percent are black; 5 percent identify as "other," according to the college.

Speakers included Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, retiring STCC President Dr. Ira H. Rubenzahl, student speaker Juhi Dasrath, and student speaker Michael Caine.

An honorary degree was awarded to Raymond L. Warren and the 2016 STCC Distinguished Alumnus was attorney Jeffrey E. Poindexter.



Forums call for repairs to an estimated 500 gas leaks in Springfield, 91 in Northampton

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Camargo and members of Arise for Social Justice and the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition are urging residents to support two resolutions before the Springfield City Council Monday night.

SPRINGFIELD -- Residents attending a forum Thursday were urged to support legislation intended to hold utilities more accountable for gas leaks.

The event happened just hours after a gas line rupture temporarily closed a downtown street.

Ania Camargo, part of a group campaigning to fix Boston's leaky gas pipes, spoke Thursday at Trinity United Methodist Church at a forum hosted by Arise for Social Justice and the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition. A separate forum was held in Northampton to consider the issue of unrepaired gas leaks. Columbia Gas is the natural gas supplier for both communities.

In fliers, the sponsors of the forums said gas leaks cost ratepayers money, harm the environment and can cause public health and safety problems. The sponsors said there are more than 500 ongoing gas leaks in Springfield and 91 documented leaks in Northampton, citing data from the state Department of Public Utilities.

Columbia Gas, in a seven-page response letter to the forum organizers, said the company and its parent corporation, NiSource, "have a proven commitment" to address the issue of gas leaks under the federal Natural Gas STAR Methane Challenge program and in complying with state regulations.

A Columbia Gas spokeswoman said the "vast majority of leaks are Grade 3," which the Columbia letter describes as "non-hazardous to persons or property at the time of detection" and are re-evaluated every 12 months, while more serious leaks are addressed within time limits set by state regulations.

Jesse Lederman, an environmental organizer with Arise for Social Justice, said he hopes there is the beginning of "a productive working relationship" with Columbia Gas.

Camargo said the group she volunteers with, Mothers Out Front, is a grassroots movement that was started in the Boston area and now has 5,000 members in Massachusetts, New York and Virginia.

Camargo said methane from natural gas leaks contributes to the trapping of heat in the environment and adds to global warming. She said there are gas leaks at wells, processing plants and compressor stations.

"Methane aggravates asthma and kills trees in their roots," Camargo said.

Camargo said electricity is a better source of energy than natural gas because the electric companies can buy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar. She urged Springfield residents to support two bills pending before the state Legislature.

A resolution supporting the bills will be discussed by the Springfield City Council Monday night at 7 at City Hall. Residents should go to City Hall in support of the bills, she said.

The first bill would prevent utility companies from including costs from escaped gas in their rates, which passes the costs onto customers.

A second bill would require the gas company to fix any gas leaks resulting from damage caused, for example, during repairs on underground water lines.

That's just what happened Thursday morning on Worthington Street. Springfield Water and Sewer Commission workers were repairing a water line when they ruptured a gas line, which was subsequently shut off, according to fire department spokesman Dennis Leger.

Traffic was blocked in both directions on Worthington near Summit Street while gas line repairs were completed. The spot was about a quarter-mile up the road from the 2012 gas main explosion near Dwight and Worthington that destroyed or damaged several buildings.

The forum sponsors said they sent letters to Columbia Gas CEO Stephen Bryant last month asking for information regarding the volume of gas being lost, and the cost to ratepayers. Lederman said a "lengthy response" from Bryant is being analyzed.

Both Lederman and a spokeswoman for Columbia Gas said the sides are interested in meeting on the gas leak issues.

Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has replaced 200 miles of cast iron and bare steel pipe in its gas line system over the past five years statewide, and will replace over 230 additional miles of priority pipes over the next five years, Bryant said. The work of the past five years has reduced methane emissions by approximately 33 million cubic feet, he said.

Reporters Patrick Johnson and George Graham contributed to this story.

Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club to host free rowing clinic, open house

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The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club will host a free rowing clinic and open house on Saturday, June 4.

SPRINGFIELD, MA — The Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club will host a free rowing clinic and open house this Saturday, June 4, on National Learn to Row Day.

The event is set to take place at Rockrimmon Boathouse at North Riverfront Park, next to the North End Bridge, 121 West Street, Springfield, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The group has announced that this free clinic is part of a national campaign by US Rowing to "give the public a taste of rowing a shell or paddling a Dragon Boat on the water" as well as on indoor rowing machines.

The group has said that those planning to attend should wear exercise clothing and shoes that they won't mind getting wet.

For more details, visit www.pvriverfront.org or call (413) 736-1322.

 

Electronic threat being investigated at Minnechaug Regional High School

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Police said Thursday night police feel there is no substantial risk to the school. School officials are asking anyone with specific electronic evidence to bring it forward to aid in investigation.

WILBRAHAM - Police and school officials were investigating an electronic threat which took place Thursday at Minnechaug Regional High School.

Minnechaug Regional High School Acting Principal John Derosia sent out an email to residents Thursday night stating that a threat was reported to the administrative team at the end of the school day.

Derosia said, "In cooperation with the Wilbraham Police Department, the student responsible for the threat has been identified, and the family has been extremely cooperative in helping our investigation."

"At this time, we do not feel there is any threat of harm to your children and want to reassure you that we are continuing to address, investigate and manage the situation," Derosia said.

Police said last night the incident was investigated by School Resource Officer Daniel Menard, and police feel there is no substantial risk to the school or substantial threat.

No further information was available from police.

Derosia said, "I would like to commend the students and parents who have reported their suspicion and concerns as time is always a critical factor in addressing any threat."

Derosia added, "We want to encourage anyone who has specific electronic evidence to please bring that material to school in a timely manner to aid in our process."

Salem boy survives 50 foot fall down steep embankment

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A young boy suffered only "minor" injuries after he fell approximately 50 feet off of a steep embankment on Thursday.

SALEM, MA — A nine-year-old boy was "relatively unharmed" after falling approximately 50 feet down a steep embankment in Salem on Thursday, according to The Boston Globe.

The fall came while the boy was playing with his mother in their backyard on Thursday afternoon. When a basketball that the two had been playing with rolled around the other side of the house, the boy ran to pick it up and somehow fell down a steep embankment behind the residence.

Authorities estimated his fall was somewhere between 50 to 55 feet.

The mother allegedly called police and the fire department immediately and the boy was quickly rescued by authorities, who brought him back up to the yard.

Police said the boy suffered a minor abrasion to his knee.

"He is very lucky," said Salem Police Lieutenant Scott Englehardt, according to the paper.

 

'Springfield is nothing like Flint': Water system executive denies 'cheat' on lead testing

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Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Executive Director Joshua Schimmel said that a news article alleging that Springfield is among lead-testing "cheats" in the country is alarmist and misleading.

SPRINGFIELD — An article published Thursday that lists Springfield as one of 33 U.S. cities that used water testing "cheats'' to conceal potential high lead readings was criticized as "an alarmist, misleading" story by the water system's executive director.

Joshua D. Schimmel, the executive director of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, said Springfield has a very safe water system, fed by a pristine reservoir, in response to the article that appeared online Thursday in The Guardian, a British national newspaper with a U.S. online edition.

The Guardian stated that its investigation found that at least 33 cities across 17 states have used water testing "'cheats' that potentially conceal dangerous levels." In addition, the article stated that 21 cities used "the same water testing methods that prompted criminal charges against three government employees in Flint over their role in one of the worst public health disasters in US history."

"I think that's alarmist and misleading absolutely for Springfield," Schimmel said."Springfield is nothing like Flint."

Flint, Michigan, has been mired in a public health crisis due in part to high lead levels in its drinking water supply.

He promised voluntary sampling of the city's water this year, even though it's not required to test again until 2018.

Under standard procedure, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the commission has residents at 50 scattered locations in Springfield take and submit a sample of their water from their tap to be tested for lead and copper. The locations are selected by the commission and approved by the state.

The Guardian claimed Springfield was among communities that in tests for lead and copper had a testing system to remove aerators from faucets, have homeowners pre-flush their faucets, and instruct homeowners to slowly pour the water in tests, which The Guardian claimed was aimed at reducing the chance of higher lead readings.

Schimmel said the commission did miss a change in sampling instructions from MassDEP in 2006, in which it was supposed to stop a practice of having homeowners remove their aerators (screens) from their tap for taking the sample. It was an oversight, Schimmel said, adding he does not believe it should be of concern. He said he does not know how the change from MassDEP was missed.

Regarding the pre-flushing and instructions to slowly pour, those two steps were in line with MassDEP regulations until a change made three months ago, Schimmel said.

The commission will voluntarily conduct testing this year at 50 state-approved households in Springfield, Schimmel said. Such tests are gathered every three years, and were last done in 2015. Testing will be done again in 2018, after the interim voluntary testing this year, he said.

"We have nothing to hide," Schimmel said. "We don't think it made a difference in our sampling. There is nothing to gain by cheating. It's not even in our vocabulary."

Schimmel said that whereas some changes in Flint were driven to reduce costs, and was said to result in use of a different, less costly urban water system, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is financially stable, not cutting corners, and getting water from Cobble Mountain Reservoir surrounded by 1,500 acres of of clean, controlled watershed.

While Flint had lead service pipes, Springfield systematically removed all known lead piping and all were gone by 2005, Schimmel said.

Also, Springfield water is treated to inhibit the corrosion of home plumbing and pipes, whereas Flint had lead service lines, Schimmel said.

"The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission is committed to providing safe drinking water to our customers and we take this commitment very seriously," Schimmel said. "It is at the core of our mission to provide a high-quality water supply that meets and surpasses public health standards."

4 North Adams men arrested, charged with heroin, cocaine possession

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Four North Adams men were arrested Friday morning after local police raided their residence and found heroin, cocaine, and other drug related materials, according to police.

NORTH ADAMS, MA — Four North Adams men were arrested Friday morning after authorities raided their residence and allegedly found a multitude of narcotics, according to police.

Patrick Knight, Kurt Vosburgh, Ryan Murphy, Earnest Stanek, all of 86 West Main St., North Adams, were arrested in the early morning on Friday.

The raid was put into action after the Berkshire County Drug Task Force and members of the State Police Special Tactical Operations Team executed a search warrant at the men's residence.

Police say they found cocaine, heroin, and a number of prescription medication drugs on the premises, along with distribution paraphernalia. All of the materials were immediately seized by authorities.

The men are now facing a multitude of charges.

Knight is charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to violate drug laws with Vosburgh; he also faces the charge of possession of Alprazolam. Vosburgh is charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of Meloxicam, aiding or permitting a nuisance, and conspiracy to violate drug laws with Knight. Stanek is charged with possession of crack cocaine, while Murphy is charged with being knowingly present at a place where heroin was kept.

Amherst crew repairing broken water main on Pomeroy Lane

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The main broke Friday afteroon.

AMHERST -- A section of Pomeroy Lane was closed Friday afternoon while public works crews repaired a water main break.

First there was a leak at 67 Pomeroy, said Town Engineer Jason O. Skeels, then another section broke near Route 116.

He said it is an old pipe and was unsure how long it would take to repair or when that section of the road would reopen. He is not sure of the cause.

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