The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male in his 30s, driving a black minivan. He was not wearing a shirt at the time.

BRIDGEWATER - Three young girls escaped an apparent kidnapping attempt on Saturday evening by running away when a man asked them to get into his van.

Police said the driver approached the girls, all 11, on Lady Slipper Road at around 6:30 p.m. and invited them to play "Pokemon Go," the popular smartphone game. They refused and fled.

The suspect is described as a dark-skinned male in his 30s, driving a black minivan. He was not wearing a shirt at the time.

Police are asking anyone with information about the man or the vehicle to call 508-697-6118.

Obama will fill the next two weeks with leisurely rounds of golf, beach outings, bike rides and hikes with his wife and daughters, and dinner with Mrs. Obama and their friends at some of the island's top restaurants.

CHILMARK, Mass. -- President Barack Obama's seventh and final summer vacation at Martha's Vineyard has begun with hopes of getting in some relaxing time with the first family before the busy fall leading up to November's presidential election.

Obama will fill the next two weeks with leisurely rounds of golf, beach outings, bike rides and hikes with his wife and daughters, and dinner with Mrs. Obama and their friends at some of the island's top restaurants.

Congress is also on an extended summer break from Washington, something the White House has chided it for as the nation deals with the Zika virus making its way to Florida.

The Obamas like to keep a low profile on the island and were successful last summer, but past trips have not always been so relaxing.

The president interrupted the vacation several times in 2014 to address political developments in Iraq, the beheading of American journalist James Foley by Islamic State militants, and violent protests that erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, following the fatal shooting of an unarmed, 18-year-old black man by a white police officer.

National security adviser Susan Rice and deputy chief of staff Kristie Canegallo accompanied the president to help keep him up to date on events.

The Obamas flew aboard Air Force One to the Coast Guard station on Cape Cod, then boarded helicopters for the short hop to Martha's Vineyard, the summer hangout for the wealthy just to the south. They were greeted by about 80 well-wishers under blustery, gray skies.

The Obamas have summered every August on the famous resort island off Cape Cod since the president took office in 2009, except when he was campaigning for re-election in 2012. He and the first lady, both Harvard Law School graduates, vacationed on the island prior to moving into the White House.

Sasha Obama gets a summer gig at Nancy's Restaurant and Snack Bar in Martha's Vineyard

At about 7 p.m. on Saturday, the boy's legs were severely cut by a boat propeller.

WARE - A boy who was injured in a boating accident at Beaver Lake is receiving treatment at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

At about 7 p.m. on Saturday, the boy's legs were severely cut by a boat propeller. He was taken to Baystate Mary Lane Hospital and then transferred to Worcester.

The boy is 5-years-old and lives in South Hadley, Environmental Police officials said.

The Ware Police Department is investigating the accident along with Massachusetts Environmental Police.

Environmental Police did not release any other details of the accident because it is under investigation.

Police in Tewksbury want to know who spray painted "Kill Cops" inside a skate park in town.

TEWKSBURY -- Police in Tewksbury want to know who spray painted "Kill Cops" inside a skate park in town.

The department posted a message on Twitter Sunday asking people for information. The message was spray painted on a ramp inside the skate park located on Livingston Street.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tewksbury Police at (978) 851-7373.

During the TD Bank heist, a dye pack slipped in with the cash exploded in Richey's pants, burning his leg and forcing him to throw the ink-stained cash from a car on Interstate 391, police said.

These were the top stories out of Springfield District Court last week, plus one from the week before. If you missed any, click on the links below to read them now.

Prosecutor: Springfield drug suspect's 8-year-old daughter alerted him to police raid

Ludlow man was 'almost bragging' about 3-week crime spree before arrest, court records show

Springfield man denies friend-on-friend crowbar assault; bail set at $25,000

Beer run turns into armed robbery; Springfield man arrested with pair of 6-packs

Prosecutors seek to indict Springfield man for rape of high school student

The fire sent one man to the hospital and displaced two families.

CHICOPEE - Fire officials are asking for information about a Saturday evening fire that damaged a home in Willimansett.

Fire Capt. Mark Galarneau, investigator for the Chicopee Fire Department, is asking if anyone has cell phone or camera footage of the fire to contact him at 413-594-1636, said Michael Wilk, public information officer for the Chicopee Police Department.

One person was brought to the hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation during the fire. At least two families were displaced after the fire, fire officials said.

The blaze was reported at about 7:35 p.m. and heavily damaged several rooms and blackened one side of the two-story house.

Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the blaze. The fire forced Chicopee Street to be closed for at least three hours while firefighters extinguished the fire.

People are being asked to avoid the area of St. James Avenue, Dartmouth Street and Northampton Street until about 5:30 p.m.

A story updating the accident was posted at 8:37 p.m.

HOLYOKE - At least one person was injured in a multi-vehicle crash that happened on Northampton Street at about 4:45 p.m. Sunday.

Cars collided near the intersection of St. James Avenue and Dartmouth Street. Police are warning motorists to avoid the area until at least 5:30 p.m., Police Sgt. David Usher said.

Officers are still working out details on the cause of the accident. At least three tow trucks have been called to remove the damaged motor vehicles. One of the vehicles involved is believed to have been a motorcycle, he said.

The Fire Department is also on scene assisting victims of the accident, Usher said.

At least one and possibly two people are being transported to the hospital. Usher did not immediately know how serious the injuries are.

This is a breaking story. Masslive will update as more information becomes available.

The annual Redcoats & Rebels Weekend was held on Aug. 6-7 at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

STURBRIDGE - The annual Redcoats & Rebels Weekend was held on Aug. 6-7 at Old Sturbridge Village.

Hundreds of costumed soldiers and re-enactors battled in the hay and cornfields of OSV and camped on the grounds. The event is the largest Revolutionary War re-enactment in New England.

Visitors on Saturday and Sunday were treated to cannon demonstrations, mock battles and skirmishes by the British and American camps and witnessed the life of a soldier during the Revolutionary War.

An 18-year-old Tolland, Massachusetts man has been cited with a marked lanes violation in the accident.

OTIS - A motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a Sunday morning head-on collision.

The motorcyclist, 62, of Bristol, Connecticut, was flown to Baystate Medical Center, in Springfield, by Albany LifeFlight helicopter. The man, whose name was not released, was badly hurt in the crash, Otis Police officials said.

The accident happened at about 11 a.m. on Route 8, just south of Reservoir Road. A motor vehicle heading north crossed the center line and collided with the motorcycle, police said.

The 18-year-old driver of the motor vehicle will be cited with a marked lanes violation, police said.

The driver is from Tolland, but officers did not release the person's name. He was not injured in the crash.

The accident is under investigation by the Otis Police Department. The Otis Fire Department and Ambulance and Sandisfield Police and Ambulance also responded to the scene, police said.

The town has been fielding complaints from neighbors about roosters crowing as early as 4 a.m., according to Plymouth's public health director, Michelle Roberts.

PLYMOUTH, Mass. -- People keeping chickens in Plymouth had best not get too cocky: Town officials are looking at ways to rein in their roosters.

The town has been fielding complaints from neighbors about roosters crowing as early as 4 a.m., according to Plymouth's public health director, Michelle Roberts.

The mounting noise complaints reflect the town's growing chicken population, she said. Plymouth is geographically the largest town in Massachusetts, and is home to numerous farms and more than 50 stables.

The Board of Health plans to huddle with members of the Agricultural Committee this Wednesday to discuss ways to stop the nuisance.

Roberts said she hopes a solution can be found that won't result in an outright ban on roosters.

"We are a rural town," she told the Boston Globe. "We have lots of animals. We have 56 stables. We have many chickens and ducks. People love animals here in Plymouth. There are a lot of farms."

The fire started in 49 Round Hill Road, a building that was under renovation, fire officials said.

NORTHAMPTON - Fire investigators are expected to continue their search for a cause of the fire that destroyed a historic building at the former Clarke School through Monday.

Investigators from the Northampton Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's office are working together to determine what caused the massive blaze on Friday night that destroyed the about 30,000 square-foot, building at 49 Round Hill Road and damaged the adjacent building at 47 Round Hill Road, said Deputy Fire Chief Chris Norris.

Investigators have been combing through the rubble on Sunday and are expected to return on Monday to try to pinpoint the cause of the fire. Nothing has been ruled out yet, Norris said.

"The origin of the fire was in 49 Round Hill Road and it spread to 47 Round Hill Road," he said.

The size, intensity of the fire and the proximity of the buildings caused it to spread, he said

There were two families living in the building at 47 Round Hill Road. Both were displaced and are being assisted by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, Norris said.

The building at 49 Round Hill Road was vacant and was "actively under renovation" at the time of the blaze.

The Historic Round Hill Road Summit, which is owned by James Hebert, the president of Checkwriters; Peter Picknelly, of Peter Pan Bus Lines, and Michael Siddall, of Siddall & Siddall PC., purchased the 11.2 acres and 11 buildings from Clark Schools for Hearing and Speech in 2013 and had plans to convert the school into luxury apartments.

In December, 2015, Herbert announced the $10 million project had been downsized but was continuing. The company planned to ask for up to $3,000 a month for rent.

The fire was initially reported at about 10:47 p.m., on Friday. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before it was finally declared under control at about 4 a.m. on Saturday. Firefighters remained on the scene for most of the day to ensure it did not rekindle, Norris said.

About 45 firefighters battled the blaze overnight. Northampton Fire Department was assisted by firefighters from Easthampton, Amherst, Southampton, Holyoke, Greenfield, Hatfield and Williamsburg, he said.

The fire largely destroyed the upper floors of the three-story building. Engineers working with the city's building inspector are expected to determine if the building will have to be torn down, Norris said.

The question may be complicated by the fact that the building is historic, he said.

The school dates to 1867 and was once among the preeminent boarding schools for the hearing impaired.

A total of five people were injured and three were taken to the hospital by ambulance.

This updates a story posted at 5:08 p.m.

HOLYOKE - A male driver speeding down Northampton Street left a path of destruction, hitting three cars, a motorcycle, and a telephone pole Sunday afternoon.

One car struck by the driver also spun around in the impact and struck a house, causing minor damage, Holyoke Police Sgt. John Sevigne said.

A total of five people were hurt in the string of accidents. None suffered life-threatening injuries, he said.

The series of accidents started shortly after 4:30 p.m. when a male driver, heading down Route 5 first collided with a motor vehicle at the intersection of Dartmouth Street, he said.

The driver then kept going and struck a motorcycle operator in the arm. The motorcyclist was not seriously injured, Sevigne said.

The driver then continued and struck another vehicle near the intersection of St. James Avenue and then continued past Jim's Auto Center, 1635 Northampton St., striking a fourth vehicle. He stopped after driving into a utility pole.

The driver of the fourth vehicle then spun around and struck a house on Northampton Street near the intersection of Woods Avenue, he said.

The driver who began the accidents was transported to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance. His name was not immediately available, Sevigne said.

Two other people involved in the accidents were brought to Holyoke Medical Center by ambulance. Two others also received minor injuries but said they would seek medical attention from their own doctors, he said.

"Witnesses said he was driving at a high rate of speed," he said. "The cause is still under investigation."

No citations were immediately issued, he said.

Three of the cars, including the first driver's, were badly damaged and had to be towed.
Sevigne did not have the make and model of the cars involved.

Holyoke Gas and Electric Company responded to the accident scene to repair the damaged pole, Sevigne said.

The fire caused less than $10,000 in damage.

SPRINGFIELD - Careless disposal of smoking materials caused a fire in a second-floor bedroom Sunday afternoon.

Springfield Fire Department responded to alarms at 41 Lancaster St. and found the fire at about 4:30 p.m., said Dennis G. Leger, spokesman for Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant.

The fire was quickly extinguished. It caused less than $10,000 in damage, he said.

Fire inspectors determined it was caused by lit ashes spilled on a chair pillow, he said.

The biker was riding off Keets Road when he was injured.

DEERFIELD - A mountain biker was impaled in the leg by a stick, requiring an emergency rescue Sunday.

Officials from the Police, Fire and South County Ambulance departments responded and assisted in carrying the man out of the woods, Deerfield Police said.

The man was riding on a mountain bike trail off Keets Road when he was injured at about 1:45 p.m., police said.

"Luckily they were riding as a group and were able to provide first aid and summons emergency help. Bring a friend and your phone, never know when you're going to need both," police said in a written statement.

The crimes are not believed to be related.

SPRINGFIELD - Police are investigating two stabbings that happened Sunday night.

A man was reported to have been stabbed in the left side of his torso at about 7:45 p.m. at the Stop & Go store, 93 Chestnut St., police said.

The victim was brought to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance with non life-threatening injuries, police said.

A second man was brought to Mercy Medical Center at about 9:14 p.m. by a friend. His wounds were serious but not life-threatening and he was transferred to Baystate Medical Center for treatment, police said.

That man is believed to have been stabbed in the park across the street from Ashley and Walnut streets, police said.

Both stabbings are under investigation. They are not related.

Police are asking anyone with information on either crime to call the detective bureau at 787-6355. People can also anonymously 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."

Authorities did not immediately identify the child who died at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, but state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife released a statement saying it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The son of a Kansas state lawmaker died Sunday on a water slide that is billed as the world's largest, according to officials and the boy's family.

Authorities did not immediately identify the child who died at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, but state Rep. Scott Schwab and his wife released a statement saying it was their son Caleb Thomas Schwab.

"Since the day he was born, he brought abundant joy to our family and all those he came in contact with," said the statement, which asked for privacy as the family grieves.

Schlitterbahn spokeswoman Winter Prosapio said the child died on one of the park's main attractions, Verruckt, a 168-foot-tall water slide that has 264 stairs leading to the top. The slide's name means "insane" in German.

Officials haven't provided specific details about what led to Caleb's death. Kansas City, Kansas, police spokesman Officer Cameron Morgan said he did not have any information, and Prosapio said more details would be released later.

"We honestly don't know what's happened," she told reporters at a news conference. "That's why ... a full investigation is necessary. We have to understand what's happened."

The park will be closed Monday, Prosapio said. An investigation is ongoing.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time," Prosapio said in a statement. She told reporters at a news conference that the boy's family had been at the park with him on Sunday.

This November 2013 file photo shows Schlitterbahn's then-new Verruckt speed slide/water coaster in Kansas City, Kan.Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star via AP, File

Authorities initially said the victim was 12 years old, but Clint Sprague, a pastor who is acting as a spokesman for the family, said Caleb was 10.

Scott Schwab is a Republican from Olathe. He and his wife, Michele, have four sons, Sprague said.

Verruckt was certified as the world's tallest water slide by Guinness World Records. Riders go down the slide in multi-person rafts and have to be at last 54 inches tall, according to the park's website.

The slide's 2014 opening was delayed a few times, though the operators did not provide reasons for the delays. Two media sneak preview days in 2014 were canceled because of problems with a conveyor system that hauls 100-pound rafts to the top of the slide.

Prosapio said in 2014 that park officials would not hesitate to delay operation again for however long it takes to make sure the slide is safe.

In a news article linked to the news release announcing a 2014 delay, Schlitterbahn co-owner Jeff Henry told USA Today that he and senior designer John Schooley had based their calculations when designing the slide on roller coasters, but that didn't translate well to a water slide like Verruckt.

In early tests, rafts carrying sandbags flew off the slide, prompting engineers to tear down half of the ride and reconfigure some angles at a cost of $1 million, Henry said.

A promotional video for a show about building the slide includes footage of two men riding a raft down a half-size test model and going slightly airborne as it crests the top of the first big hill.

Prosapio said at the news conference that the park's rides are inspected daily and inspected by an "outside party" before the start of each season.

The alligator, named Wally, is now being kept at Forest Park Zoo.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Last week local police acting on a tip discovered a 6-foot, 180 pound alligator being kept in a backyard enclosure of a Main Street home.

Environmental Police and employees from Springfield's Forest Park Zoo assisted in corralling the reptile. He was then brought to the zoo, at least for the time being.

The next day Wally the alligator seemed to be adjusting to his new surroundings and new companion, Thelma.

Zoo officials said the alligator had been kept in the West Springfield home for 25 years or more. However, it is illegal to keep alligators and many other other wild animals in Massachusetts.

The alligator was reportedly in good health, with the possibility of a slight eye infection. He is also about 30 pounds overweight.

Here are some of the things people have been Tweeting since Wally was found in West Springfield.

Jeremi Thibeault is expected to be charged with robbing two Boston Road bank branches, and a St. James Avenue convenience store in the last two weeks.

This is an update of a story posted at 1:24 p.m. Monday.

SPRINGFIELD - Police on Monday afternoon apprehended a man who is considered a suspect in an overnight robbery of Springfield convenience store as well as a suspect in two recent Boston Road bank robberies, police said.

Capt. Trent Duda said police expect to file charges against Jeremi Thibeault, 25, of
Springfield, in connection with 2 a.m. robbery at Racing Mart on St. James Avenue, and with the July 27 robbery of the TD Bank branch at 412 Boston Road, and the Aug. 2 robbery of the TD Bank branch at 1800 Boston Road.

Thibeault was being questioned at police headquarters Monday afternoon, but charges had not yet been filed. Duda said he would likely be charged with three counts of unarmed robbery, a single count of armed robbery, and larceny of a motor vehicle.

Duda said Thibeault was arrested at Baystate Medical Center emergency department. Security guards recognized him from a photo of him that was released to the press after he was named as a suspect in the Aug. 2 bank robbery.

Duda said he could not say why Thibeault went to the hospital.

The armed robbery charge stems from the Racing Mart robbery, Duda said. No weapon was shown but he told the clerk he had a gun, he said.

The three unarmed robbery charges are related to the two bank robberies.

In each, the suspect ran in, jumped over the counter and grabbed cash from the drawers. In the Aug. 2 robbery, he also reportedly grabbed a woman's purse as he ran out the door, resulting in the third unarmed robbery charge, Duda said.

He is also accused of stealing a car after that robbery, resulting in the larceny of a motor vehicle larceny.

Thibeault will likely be arraigned on the charges Tuesday in Springfield District Court.

Should the council affirm the town's commitment to the CPA, the board would also vote to place the measure on the November election ballot. The CPA cannot take effect without voter approval in a municipal election

Palmer town seal 

PALMER -- The Town Council is expected to vote at Monday's meeting on whether to approve the Community Preservation Act.

The meeting at Palmer town hall begins at 6:30 p.m.

Should the council affirm the town's commitment to the CPA, the board would also vote to place the measure on the November election ballot. The CPA cannot take effect without voter approval in a municipal election.

The voluntary program allows a city or town to authorize a property tax surcharge of up to 3 percent, creating a bank to fund public projects, such as historic preservation, affordable housing, recreational initiatives and land conservation efforts.

The Palmer proposal would cap the surcharge at 1.5 percent.

Palmer Town Council Agenda Aug. 8, 2016 by Anonymous 5C2E3LC1J on Scribd

Rivers Park Pool will

CHICOPEE - The Parks and Recreation Department will end the summer pool operation at Comprehensive High and Chicopee High schools on Aug. 14.

Although public schools do not reopen until Sept. 1, many lifeguards and other seasonal employees are college students and are returning to classes, officials said.

The outdoor pool at Rivers Park will continue to be open through Aug. 19. The hours for the pool will be noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Automated water sprays and Nash Park wading pool will also remain open through Aug. 19, the date playground attendants finish their summer work schedule.

People with questions or concerns should contact the Parks Office at 413-594-3481.