The Cummington Fair on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016. The 148th annual fair runs Aug. 25-28.
CUMMINGTON - The 148th annual Cummington Fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 28. The fair features livestock events, carnival rides and a Midway, live entertainment and a demolition derby.
A fair schedule, directions and list of entertainment can be viewed at the Cummington Fair website.
Rodney Earl Sanders of Kosciusko, Mississippi, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68
LEXINGTON, Miss. -- A 46-year-old man was charged Friday in connection with the killing of two nuns in Mississippi, authorities said.
Rodney Earl Sanders of Kosciusko, Mississippi, has been charged with two counts of capital murder in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, both 68, Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said in a statement Friday night.
The bodies were discovered Thursday after the women failed to show up for work at a clinic in Lexington, Mississippi, about 10 miles from where they lived.
Lt. Colonel Jimmy Jordan said that "Sanders was developed as a person of interest early on in the investigation."
Sanders is being held in an undisclosed detention center awaiting his initial court appearance.
2 nuns killed in Mississippi 'would do anything for anybody,' friends say
Meanwhile, in the poverty-stricken Mississippi county where the two nuns were slain, forgiveness for their killer is hard to find, even if forgiveness is what the victims would have wanted.Sisters Margaret Held and Paula Merrill were nurse practitioners who dedicated their lives to providing health care to people in the poorest county in the state. And as authorities sought the killer, many residents wondered how they will fill the hole the women's deaths have left.
"Right now, I don't see no forgiveness on my heart," said Joe Morgan Jr., a 58-year-old former factory worker who has diabetes and was a patient of Merrill's at the clinic where the two nuns worked.
He said Merrill would want him to forgive whoever killed the women, but he hopes the perpetrator is arrested, convicted and executed.
"She doesn't deserve to die like this, doing God's work," Morgan said, shaking his head. "There's something wrong with the world."
Both women worked at the clinic, where they gave flu shots, dispensed insulin and provided other medical care for children and adults who couldn't afford it.
Their stolen car was found abandoned a mile from their home, and there were signs of a break-in, but police haven't disclosed a motive.
The state posted a reward of $20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Plata said both nuns' religious communities have asked that people pray for the killer or killers. Asked about people's struggles to forgive, the priest said: "Forgiveness is at the heart of being a Christian. Look at Jesus on the cross: 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.'"
On Friday, a handwritten sign on the front door of Lexington Medical Clinic said it was closed until Monday.
The clinic and the nuns' home in Durant are in Holmes County, population 18,000. With 44 percent of its residents living in poverty, Holmes is the seventh-poorest county in America, according to the Census Bureau.
The slayings did more than shock people and plunge the county into mourning. They leave a gaping hole in what was already a strapped health care system.
Dr. Elias Abboud, who worked with the sisters for years and helped build the clinic, said it provided about 25 percent of all medical care in the county.
The two nuns cultivated relationships with drug company representatives, who often left extra free samples, according to clinic manager Lisa Dew.
"This is a poor area, and they dignified those who are poor with outreach and respect for them," Plata said. "They treated each person as a child of God."
Merrill's sister Rosemarie, speaking by telephone from her Stoneham, Massachusetts, home, said her sister had been in Mississippi helping the poor since 1981 and had previously worked in Holly Springs, where she used to ride around on a moped and was instrumental in locating the source of a tuberculosis outbreak.
Merrill was raised in the suburbs of Boston and came from a working-class family, her father a laborer and her mother a bookkeeper, her nephew David said. He said his aunt had worked with Held for many years.
"We always considered Margaret just part of the family," he said. "The word 'sister' has many meanings, and they fulfilled all of them."
Rosemarie Merrill said she doesn't know what will happen to the clinic now and worries about the effect on health care in Holmes County. She said her sister and Held would often go into the clinic on Sundays after Mass or on their days off.
"It's just going to be a disaster," she said.
Genette Pierce, who works at a home health and hospice business a few doors down from the clinic, said: "Their patients -- all of them -- they're going to be lost without them right now."
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A judge has refused to relax bail conditions for the brother-in-law of Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, who is accused of making threats against the mayor's wife.
Below are Friday's most-read stories at MassLive.com. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now.
1) Family of victim Jose Ortiz, shot on his way to work: 'Not every minority is a gang member' [Lucas Ropek]
2) Judge refuses to ease bail conditions for Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno's brother-in-law [Jack Flynn]
3) 'He's still out there': Another rape case ends in probation over victim's objections [Dan Glaun]
4) Famed gun manufacturer Daniel Wesson's Bull Mansion to reopen as restaurant and bar (photos) [Alban Murtishi] (Photo gallery above)
5) Sen. Elizabeth Warren reacts to idea of a challenge from former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling [Gintautas Dumcius]
One person has been transported to Baystate Medical Center following a one-vehicle crash on River Drive in North Hadley, police reported Saturday.
HADLEY ‒ One person has been transported to Baystate Medical Center following a one-vehicle crash on River Drive in North Hadley, police reported Saturday.
Officers responded to reports of a motorcycle crash at the "S" turn on Route 47 just before 12:30 p.m., according to Hadley Police.
First responders transported one person to Baystate Medical Center as a result of the crash, which closed the road for about 30 minutes.
The extent of the person's injuries are unknown.
Police, who are investing the crash, noted that it occurred at a section of River Drive that can be difficult for motorists to negotiate.
Runners of all ages competed in the Big E 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run on the Big E Fair ground in West Springfield on Saturday morning.
WEST SPRINGFIELD-- Runners of all ages competed in the Big E 5K Road Race and Kids Fun Run on the Big E Fair ground in West Springfield on Saturday morning.
The day started with children, ten years of age and under, racing down the Avenue of the States to kick off the countdown to the fair's 100th anniversary celebration. The main 5K road race kicked off at 10 a.m.
Contestants earned prizes in both male and female categories of $300 for first place, $200 for second, and $100 for third.
Families were encouraged to stay after the race and enjoy the Kids Zone where an egg hunt was held on the grounds of Storrowton Village.
The Eastern States Exposition partnered with The Republican to produce a hard cover, pictorial book to commemorate its 100th anniversary.
"Eastern States Exposition Centennial: A Century of Fun at The Big E," was authored by The republican's Executive Editor Wayne Phaneuf, and covers the rich history of the Exposition from its founding through the decades with highlights on the creation of Storrowton Village, hockey in the Coliseum, horse and automobile racing, notable entertainers, natural disasters and much more.
This year's Big E fair runs from Sept. 16 through Oct. 2. Information on ticket purchases can be found here.
The following are the winners of this year's Big E 5K Road Race.
Male Division
Female Division
Notable Mentions
Police released photos of the woman who stole a shopping cart full of merchandise from the store on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
STURBRIDGE - Police are asking for the public's help to identify a woman accused of shoplifting from the Walmart on Charlton Road.
Police released photos of the woman who stole a shopping cart full of merchandise from the store on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
The woman entered the store at around 2:40 p.m. and left without paying shortly before 4 p.m.
If you have any information that can help police identify the woman, you're asked to call Officer Sean Paine at 508-347-2525 ext. 344.
A woman was fatally shot Saturday by a man after their cars crashed Saturday in Solon. Watch video
SOLON, Ohio -- A woman who witnessed a man fatally shoot a woman early Saturday after a car crash said the woman had her hands up when the man opened fire with a rifle.
"I can't get her screams out of my head," the woman said.
The woman, who asked not to be named because of the nature of what she witnessed, said she heard loud screeches and the crash about 7:20 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Richmond and Solon roads.
She said she saw a man get out of his Jeep with a rifle. The woman got out of her Ford Taurus and put her hands in the air, she said.
The man opened fire, shooting her in the road. Solon police said the woman was found in the street and later died from the gunshot wounds at an area hospital.
The man was arrested shortly after police arrived.
The woman who witnessed the shooting said she was too traumatized and couldn't elaborate on what else she saw. She gave a written statement to police.
Another witness, Jamirra Brabson, who lives with her husband and 6-year-old daughter near where the shooting happened, said she heard four gunshots, then the woman scream.
She said she heard three more rounds of at least three gunshots.
"Then it was just silence," Brabson said.
Solon Police Lt. Bruce Felton said officers arrested a 29-year-old North Ridgeville man they believe fatally shot the woman. A 911 caller described the man firing several shots after the crash. The caller said the man paced up and down the road with the rifle in his hands.
Twinsburg woman identified as driver killed by gunman after car crash in Solon
Police said the gun was a 5.56-millimeter rifle. Felton said they are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting. He said investigators so far believe the two never met before. He said they are investigating road rage as one possible factor in the crash.
Felton said the woman was driving northbound on Richmond Road and the man was driving eastbound on Solon Road. The vehicles collided in the intersection and the impact of the crash sent the woman's car a few feet eastbound on Solon Road.
The man's SUV flipped several times and ended up on its roof about 50 feet east of the woman's car.
The woman's back windshield was shattered with what Felton said could be a bullet.
The North Ridgeville man was not immediately publicly identified by police. Felton said police have not yet formally charged the man in the shooting.
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is assisting Solon police with analyzing the crime scene. More than 22 pieces of evidence, including bullet casings, were marked in the intersection.
The intersection and at least one home near the shooting were blocked with police tape as police and state agents conducted the investigation.
Brabson said she moved to the Solon neighborhood nine years ago because of its quiet nature. She said residents regularly jog and ride their bikes near the busy intersection where the shooting happened.
She said she was shocked and saddened by the shooting.
"It's always quiet here. You're at peace when you come home," Brabson said. "I'm glad they arrested him. That gives us so much comfort that someone's that mentally insane is arrested. It's shocking that he could do something like this in broad daylight."
ROYALSTON — A spectacular landscape in North Central Massachusetts is now permanently preserved and open to the public for canoeing, kayaking and hiking, thanks to the dedicated work of a family, a town, and a land trust. The family of J. Angelo Solinas on Aug. 24 transferred 139 acres to the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, creating the Royalston...
ROYALSTON -- A spectacular landscape in North Central Massachusetts is now permanently preserved and open to the public for canoeing, kayaking and hiking, thanks to the dedicated work of a family, a town, and a land trust.
The family of J. Angelo Solinas on Aug. 24 transferred 139 acres to the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, creating the Royalston Eagle Reserve in an area off Winchendon Road.
Solinas and his friends bought the land in the 1970s to create a natural getaway. The Italian immigrant and Gardner resident spoke of the land as "God's green earth." Angelo's son Jim worked with Royalston officials and Mount Grace to fulfill his father's vision of preserving the land forever.
The reserve features open water, bog, shrub swamp, marshland, agricultural fields, and 51 acres of working forest. "Canoeing across this sheltered wetland is a dramatic experience. No signs of human habitation are visible," said David Kotker, major gifts officer for Mount Grace.
The area is a patchwork of ponds and wetlands, providing refuge for blue heron, Canada geese, ravens, mallards, hooded mergansers, black ducks, and a rare juvenile golden eagle.
"Eagle Reserve is a unique place that includes a magnificent pond ringed by mature forest, wetlands, and an esker," says Conservation Commission member Aaron Ellison. An esker is a long, sinuous hill formed by a retreating glacier.
Royalston taxpayers devoted Community Preservation Act monies to the effort, and in December the town won a state grant to purchase a conservation restriction. That's when Mount Grace began its fundraising in earnest.
The Royalston Community School will enhance its longstanding environmental education program in partnership with Mount Grace. Teacher Brian Snell said eagles from the nearby reserve often fly over the schoolyard as children play, and that the land serves as "nature's classroom."
The property abuts the 28,000-acre Birch Hill Wildlife Management Area, noted for the presence of bald eagles, blue-spotted salamanders and wood turtles.
The project is funded by grants from the town of Royalston, the Massachusetts Local Acquisition for Natural Diversity (LAND) program, the North American Wetland Conservation Act program, Fields Pond Foundation, the Community Foundation for North Central Massachusetts, and numerous individuals.
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust serves 23 towns in Worcester and Franklin counties and is supported by 1,100 members. Since 1986, Mount Grace has helped protect more than 31,000 acres. For more information, call (978) 248-2043.
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., took issue Saturday with Donald Trump's recent efforts to win over minority voters, contending that Republicans -- not Democrats -- have impeded efforts to enhance economic opportunities.
hiPITTSFIELD - U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., took issue Saturday with Donald Trump's recent efforts to win over minority voters, contending that Republicans -- not Democrats -- have impeded efforts to enhance economic opportunities.
The Massachusetts senator, following a morning presentation on income inequality at Berkshire Community College, said she finds it "astonishing" that the billionaire businessman blames Democratic policies for "high crime and crushing poverty" in America's inner cities.
"The Republicans, for nearly 40 years have blocked every effort to expand opportunity so that it covered African-Americans, Latinos, more people who are struggling, and he says now 'Hey, it didn't work, so why don't you trust the Republican Party to try to steer the economy yet four years more?'" she said. "It really is either a complete lack of self-reflection or just a very cynical effort to try to figure out a path to get to the White House."
The senator, who has endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, further dismissed Trump's claims that he would represent "government of, by and for the people."
"Oh please," she told reporters. "I'm sorry, those are the only two words: Oh, please."
Warren's remarks came as Trump looks to lure African-American and other voters away from Democrats, who he contended have only hurt their communities.
The billionaire businessman, who made a direct appeal to minority voters during a stop in Dimondale, Michigan last week, has argued that "no group in America has been more harmed by Hillary Clinton's policies than African-Americans."
Trump continued his efforts Saturday, saying nothing would mean more to him than "working to make our party the home of the African-American vote once again."
"In so many communities under Democratic control, we have bad schools, no jobs, high crime, and no hope," he said. "It can't get any worse. To those suffering, I say: vote for Donald Trump and I will fix it. What do you have to lose?"
Warren, who has been an outspoken critic of Trump, told Berkshire County residents Saturday that the wealth gap between black and white families tripled between 1984 and 2013, despite a growing economy -- something she attributed, in part, to Republican-backed economic policies that benefit wealthier Americans.
Stressing the importance of a government that works for its people, the senator called on voters to speak out and demand that lawmakers work to represent them -- not special interests.
Warren, however, acknowledged that her concerns are not limited to Trump or Republicans.
"I worry about corporate influence all across the spectrum and as I said in the presentation: I worry about Democrats and Republicans," she told reporters. "The whole system has been turned on its head, that's why my pitch here is to remember, they may have concentrated money and power, but we've got our voices and we've got our votes."
The senator added that while Clinton has run on a progressive platform, voters must hold her accountable when it comes to implementing its policies.
Runners young and old took part in the inaugural Almost Mile Family Fun run and 5K at the Town Green on Saturday morning.
LONGMEADOW – Runners young and old took part in the inaugural Almost Mile Family Fun run and 5K at the Town Green on Saturday morning.
Billed as "a morning of fitness and fun," the event was sponsored by the MOMS Club of Longmeadow to raise funds to support the Storrs Library and its Discovery Room. Funds raised will go towards programming for the community and museum passes, which are generally provided by grants and the generosity of the library's patrons.
The family-friendly event featured two routes – an "almost mile" route for younger children and families, and a 5K route. The races were followed by a festival on the green with a story time, a child gym, visits from the Longmeadow Police and Fire Departments, an obstacle course, games and other activities
A special visit from Longmeadow Police Officer Amanda Vanbuskirk and her police dog, Kai, thrilled children at the event, as did a chance to climb inside a Longmeadow Fire Department ladder truck and a police cuiser.
The MOMS Club of Longmeadow, a chapter of MOMS Club International, is a social and support group that provides opportunities for children and moms to socialize, build friendships, learn and grow together and serve the community.
The Claypool Lennon Delerium, a collaboration between legendary bassist and frontman for the band Primus, Les Claypool, and Sean Lennon, guitarist and son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono packed the house at the House of Blues in Boston on Friday, August 26th.
BOSTON - The Claypool Lennon Delerium, a collaboration between legendary bassist and frontman for the band Primus, Les Claypool, and Sean Lennon, guitarist and son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, packed the house at the House of Blues on Friday, Aug. 26.
This tour comes off the release of their first album "Monolith of Phobos," which is heavily comprised of songwriting techniques and playing styles from the 60s psychedelic era of rock and roll. Claypool brings his famous funky slap-bass to the new album as well as playful and never-too-serious lyrical contributions, a perfect contrast to Lennon's distant and dreamy vocals and crisp clean guitar that take the listener back to the days when radio waves were filled with the sounds of bands like Jefferson Airplane, The Kinks, The Animals and yes, of course, The Beatles.
Support for the Delerium was provided by California-based psychedelic rock band JJUUJJUU, who released their latest single "Bleck" back in March.
Check out photos from the show above, and for more information about The Claypool Lennon Delerium and JJUUJJUU, visit their official websites.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has made disaster loans available to small businesses affected by extreme weather.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced Friday that federal economic injury disaster loans have been made available for businesses in the counties of Franklin, Essex, Worcester, and Middlesex, that suffered as the result of unusual seasonal shifts, like freezing or destructively warm weather, that occurred between Feb 1 to April 30, 2016.
These loans – which may go as high as $2 million – will be made available to a number of different organizations, including small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, a majority of private non-profit organizations, and small businesses engaged in aquaculture.
The interest rates on these loans will be 2.625 percent for private non-profits and 4 percent for small businesses. The terms go up to 30 years.
A business's eligibility will be determined through a number of different factors, including the organization's size and financial resources. The SBA will accordingly determine the loan size on a case by case basis, depending on the financial circumstances of the business.
Organizations can use these loans to pay a number of expenses, including payroll, paying fixed debts, accounts payable, and various other bills that could have been paid had the organization not been affected by the disaster. However, the loans cannot be used to make up for lost profits.
"When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster," said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA's Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.
The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has been made available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster.
However, the SBA is unable to give disaster loans to agricultural producers, with the exception of aquaculture enterprises.
After a nun, originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, was killed along with her colleague, a Mississippi man has been arrested.
MISSISSIPPI — A man has been arrested after two nuns were found dead in their residence in Durant, Mississippi, on Thursday, according to The Boston Globe.
Sister Paula Merrill, 68, originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, was a Catholic nun for the order of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
Merrill and her colleague Sister Margaret Held, 68, had previously worked as nurse practitioners at the Lexington Medical Clinic near Durant, but were both found dead by authorities after they failed to come to work last week.
They were associated with St. Thomas Church in Lexington, Mississippi.
Now, Rodney Earl Sanders, 46, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, has been arrested by police in connection with the killings, and charged with capital murder.
Though evidence showed that the two women had been stabbed, a medical professional has yet to release the official cause of death for both of them.
Authorities also haven't yet said what they believe the motive for the killings is, but reports from one of Merill's family members said that several things had been taken from the residence during the incident.
If Sanders is convicted, he could face the death penalty, said Warren Strain, spokesman for the Bureau of Investigation at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Local Catholic officials have said that a wake for both nuns has been set for Sunday evening at St. Thomas Church, and a is scheduled for Monday morning at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, Mississippi.
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said that he had been briefed by police from the town where the killing occurred and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation officials who took part in the interrogation of Rodney Earl Sanders.
DURANT, Miss. -- The man arrested in the killing of two nuns in Mississippi has confessed to authorities, a sheriff said Saturday.
Holmes County Sheriff Willie March said that he had been briefed by police from the town where the killing occurred and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation officials who took part in the interrogation of Rodney Earl Sanders.
Sanders, 46, of Kosciusko, Mississippi, was charged with capital murder in the deaths of Sister Margaret Held and Sister Paula Merrill, Mississippi Department of Public Safety spokesman Warren Strain said late Friday. Both women were 68.
Sanders confessed in the interrogation to the killings but gave no reason for the crimes, March said.
Police work and tips from the community led police to Sanders, the sheriff said.
He said the investigation is ongoing.
Durant police could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for Department of Public Safety which includes Mississippi Bureau of Investigation said the organization would neither confirm nor deny that Sanders confessed.
Mississippi nun slayings: Suspect arrested who was early 'person of interest'
People who knew the nuns, known for their generosity and commitment to improving health care for the poor, have been grappling with why anyone would want to kill them.
Dr. Elias Abboud, the physician who oversees the clinic in Lexington where the nuns worked, said Saturday that Sanders was not a patient there.
Sanders was also not known to the small congregation where Held and Merrill led Bible study for years.
The Rev. Greg Plata, sacramental minister at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Lexington, said Saturday that he does not think people at the church knew Sanders.
The women's bodies were discovered Thursday after they failed to show up for work in Lexington, about 10 miles from where they lived.
"Sanders was developed as a person of interest early on in the investigation," Lt. Colonel Jimmy Jordan said in the statement.
Authorities said Sanders was being held in an undisclosed detention center pending a court appearance. They have not given any details on why they think Sanders killed the women or whether he knew them.
Strain said Saturday he does not know whether Sanders has an attorney. Authorities do not anticipate making any other arrests. Strain said "investigators believe Sanders acted alone."
Merrill's nephew, David Merrill, speaking by telephone from Stoneham, Massachusetts, said Saturday the family was "thankful" Sanders is off the streets.
"Nobody else is threatened by this individual. So there's some relief there," he said.
But the family still has to deal with the loss.
"I'm not as strong as my aunt. I don't know if I'm capable of completely forgiving. I can have sympathy," he said.
Merrill said he would not support the death penalty if Sanders were to be convicted but that decision will ultimately be made by the people in Mississippi. The capital murder charge leaves open the possibility Sanders would face the death penalty but that determination would be made by prosecutors later.
The order Held belonged to -- School Sisters of St. Francis -- thanked law enforcement officers working on the case.
Their U.S. Province Leadership Team offered its "deepest appreciation" to investigators and to "the hundreds of people and organizations who offered their prayers and words of support in the wake of the sisters' deaths."
Meanwhile, in the poverty-stricken Mississippi county where the two nuns were slain, forgiveness for their killer is hard to find, even if forgiveness is what the victims would have wanted.
"She doesn't deserve to die like this, doing God's work," said Joe Morgan Jr., a 58-year-old former factory worker who has diabetes and was a patient of Merrill's. "There's something wrong with the world."
Slain nun originally from Massachusetts
Both women worked at the clinic, where they gave flu shots, dispensed insulin and provided other medical care for children and adults who couldn't afford it.
Their stolen car was found abandoned a mile from their home, and there were signs of a break-in, but police haven't disclosed a motive.
Authorities have not said how the women were killed, but the Rev. Plata said police told him they were stabbed.
Plata said both nuns' religious communities have asked that people pray for the killer or killers. Asked about people's struggles to forgive, the priest said: "Forgiveness is at the heart of being a Christian. Look at Jesus on the cross: 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.'"
The clinic and the nuns' home in Durant are in Holmes County, population 18,000. With 44 percent of its residents living in poverty, Holmes is the seventh-poorest county in America, according to the Census Bureau.
The nuns' death leaves a gaping hole in what was already a strapped health care system.
The clinic provided about 25 percent of all medical care in the county, Abboud said.
Merrill's sister Rosemarie, speaking by telephone from her Stoneham, Massachusetts, home, said her sister had been in Mississippi helping the poor since 1981.
Held -- impressionable and idealistic -- was committed to ending racism and poverty, according to an interview she did earlier with her order's magazine.
"The invitation to come to Mississippi provided me with the setting in which I hoped to make a difference with my life. I came here because of a dream and a cause but I stayed her because of the people," she said.
A former nun who knew Held said she had always been interested in working with the "poorest of the poor."
Darlene Nicgorski said Saturday that she had recruited Held to come to Holly Springs, Mississippi, to work as a social worker in a program there that ran schools and offered day care to help young mothers finish school.
Nicgorski said the sisters' deaths just don't make sense. She said they would have given the suspect anything he needed.
The Kentucky-based order where Merrill belonged said Saturday the order is establishing a memorial fund to continue her work -- ministering to the poor. The fund will be established through the order's website at http://bit.ly/2bIAee8.
Merrill and Held lived and worked together for years and were close friends, said David Merrill.
"The word 'sister' has many meanings, and they fulfilled all of them," he said.
A Dorchester man was arrested in Atlanta and is being charged with the murder of a man in Roxbury.
ATLANTA, GA — A man from Dorchester was taken into custody in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday and has been charged with a murder that occurred in Roxbury in March, according to The Boston Globe.
US Marshals arrested Dartanyan Pledger, 24. Pledger was subsequently charged with murdering Boston man Allex Bryant, 28, who was killed after being shot multiple times in front of an apartment building on 66 Humboldt Ave on March 21.
Pledger will shortly be transported to Boston where he is set to be arraigned on the murder charge.
Police believe that two other people – Niccokowan Pledger-Grant, 26, and Lisa Lewis, 24 – were involved in the murder and are asking for the public's help in locating them.
Pledger-Grant is wanted on murder charges, while Lewis, 24, is wanted on charges of being an accessory after the fact.
Police have asked that anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of these individuals contact Boston police homicide detectives at 617-343-4470.
The condition of the firefighter suffering heat exhaustion on Plum Island wasn't released.
NEWBURY, Mass. -- A firefighter in Massachusetts suffering from heat exhaustion was taken to the hospital Saturday, and several others were being evaluated, after they battled a smoky fire that destroyed a three-story house and several vehicles on Plum Island.
A Newbury Fire Department captain who lives near the house saw the flames and alerted firefighters shortly before 1 p.m. The wood frame home burned for hours, causing heat damage to two adjacent buildings.
No one was at home when the fire started.
The condition of the firefighter suffering heat exhaustion wasn't released.
A dozen fire departments from Massachusetts and New Hampshire helped battle the blaze or provide local coverage for the Newbury Fire Department.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
Saturday's Project 22 veterans ride was spearheaded by Kiendzior's wife Andrea and hosted by Harley-Davidson of Southampton.
SOUTHAMPTON - Southwick resident Patrick Kiendzior, an eight-year Marine veteran who was discharged in 2007, soon realized he was not adjusting to civilian life like he had planned. Visiting various veterans agencies proved the traditional programs were not working as intended.
While his life is currently adjusting well, he is enjoying the day-to-day activities with his three year-old daughter Camilla and his wife Andrea. In 2015, Kiendzior was searching the internet when he stumbled on an independent film by veterans Matthew 'Doc' King and Daniel Egbert of which the two produced a film that spoke of therapeutic resources.
The film explained alternative medicines and the holistic healing field, something that was not available through the traditional veteran support programs. Friday night, shortly after midnight, the Southwick resident was asked to pick up the films co-owner and creative producer Matthew "Doc" King at the airport, and a new friendship was born.
King lives 3,000-miles away in his Los Angeles, California home and the two had never met until 24-hours prior to the Saturday motorcycle rally. The five-hour event started in the parking lot of Harley-Davidson of Southampton and blossomed into a 58-mile ride with more than 100 riders filling the dealership's parking lot.
Members of the Westfield Fire Department used the Tower-1 truck to display a large American flag above College Highway near the dealerships exit where the riders would pass under. The noontime kickoff ended with a party at The Cove in Southwick where local veterans organizations and members of the holistic community explained the benefits of their products.
Saturday's Project 22 veterans ride was spearheaded by Kiendzior's wife Andrea and hosted by Harley-Davidson of Southampton.
Proceeds from Saturday's ride will benefit the local veteran organization One Call Away. For a free viewing of the 100-minute film, log into http://www.pbs.org/video/2365668749/
The exhibit of approximately 80 images by members of the Springfield Photographic Society will be on view Sept. 6 through 30 at the Valley Photo Center in Tower Square.
SPRINGFIELD – During the month of September, visitors to the Valley Photo Center in downtown Springfield will be able to take in sights near and far without venturing beyond the upper level of Tower Square at 1500 Main St.
"All Roads Lead From Springfield," by members of the Springfield Photographic Society, will be on view Sept. 6 through 30. An opening reception for the show, sponsored by F.L. Roberts, will be held Sept. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m.
"The result is 80 photographs which all have different styles and interpretations. There is something for everyone. You can walk away keeping a favorite in mind, or even better, buy the picture. Most are for sale."
Dane added the opening reception will have live music and food.
"The event begins at 5 p.m. so we hope that people will come from work, start celebrating the weekend early and have fun with friends," Dane said.
Dane said she coined the title from the idea that half the show would feature photographs of Springfield, with the rest emanating out from there.
"From here we spread throughout New England, which I loosely considered 'near Springfield' to far-flung places out West, in Europe, and as far away as the South Pacific.
For photos in the Springfield category, Kevin Fay, society president and co-chair, said he and Dane selected photos "that reflect the history of Springfield, as well as the vibrancy of the city as is it today."
Snapping images is almost a universal hobby these days as technology can put a camera in just about everyone's hands. Fay noted "you don't need a high end camera to enjoy photography."
"Smartphones are capable of taking nice pictures, if you just look for interesting subjects and take some care in getting a picture that you want to share," Fay said.
However, he termed the images in the show "a cut above" what most smartphones can do.
He said most members of the society, who range from amateurs to professionals, use digital single-lens reflex cameras that allow for interchangeable lenses.
"The pictures in this exhibit are much different from most of today's smartphone snaps. Many of the cell phone pictures you see are taken very quickly, often cluttered, and the lighting does not make it something you would want to put up on your wall at home," Fay said.
"Our photographers get out when the light is best - early morning or late evening - they plan their shots to include a beautiful setting, and they carefully edit them at home to make sure the colors are balanced and the details are nicely sharpened. As soon as you view these pictures, you can see they are a cut above; and these are some of the reasons why."
Fay said he felt people enjoy taking photos "because it lets us freeze a moment in time and share it with others."
"Whether the subject is a person, a place, or an event, we love that ability to capture what we saw. Even more, photography gives us the chance to present an image in our own personal way," Fay said.
"With the cameras and software we have today, we have the ability to create a mood or draw attention to a key feature in a scene from the chosen camera angle, depth of focus, color saturation, or any number of post processing options."
Dane said she felt the show's "beauty is that each of us has our own specialty, something we're really good at."
"Some can render drop-dead landscapes that take your breath away. Others are great at marine photography, street shots and portraiture. All together we are showing our best at what we do best," said Dane of the participants.
Dane said what she likes "about photography is that it's fresh, immediate, and captures in an instant a scene and mood that is preserved for all time."
"One fellow photographer said that it 'shows us the way we were,'" said Dane who has traveled the world taking photos.
Fay said one of his photos in the show was taken in Hillcrest Cemetery after a snowfall.
"I hope the picture reminds people to go back to places at all times of the year," Fay said.
Another of his, perhaps picking up on the show's title, is of an Amtrak train departing Springfield with the city skyline in the background.
"Trains always provide an exciting sense of people venturing out to new places," Fay said.
Dane said she joined the society "for camaraderie."
"I wanted to meet people with a common interest, see their work and learn from them. I thought, as many do, that I wouldn't be good enough. I was relieved to find that members were friendly and supportive and best of all, non-judgmental. I got much more than I expected," Dane said.
"I have learned a lot, found mentors and made some great friends."
She said anyone interested in photography is welcome at the society's twice monthly meetings.
"The first meeting of the month is the exhibition meeting for both digital and print entries. Works are judged and comments are given. It's a great way to listen and learn," Dane said.
"Members are not required to participate, but you must be a member to participate. I say this because guests are always welcome at our meetings. The second meeting of the month is typically instructional or may be a presentation."
Society members meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing, 807 Wilbraham Road.
More information on the society may be found on its web site, or by contacting Cindy Nothe at cnothe@comcast.net
Membership dues are $30 for an individual; $40 for family, and no cost to students through Grade 12 with school identification.
Carlos Negron, 26, of Athol, was charged with possession of heroin, marijuana and driving on a suspended license.
PELHAM - A 26-year-old man was arrested on drug charges after police allegedly found 100 bags of "Gold" heroin in his possession during a traffic stop.
Carlos Negron, 26, of Athol, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and operating after a license suspension, Pelham Police said.
He was arrested at about 3:55 p.m., Saturday after he was stopped on Route 202, police said.
During the investigation, police allegedly found the 100 bags of heroin stamped with the name "Gold," and an undisclosed amount of marijuana.
Shutesbury Police assisted with the stop. Nergon is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown, police said.
"There's no way a five-month pregnant woman can swing a golf club and break it over a grown man," the defense lawyer 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.
Pregnant woman denies beating elderly man with golf club outside Springfield restaurant
Judge refuses to ease bail conditions for Mayor Domenic Sarno's brother-in-law
No witnesses, no problem: Charges dropped against Springfield's 'no pants' defendant
Suspect in Springfield bus station stabbing was acting as good Samaritan, defense lawyer claims
'You got it brother,' Springfield man charged with shoplifting razors tells judge
Party to celebrate career of Robert 'Bobby' Marino, longtime clerk at Springfield District Court
