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3rd Hampshire state representative race candidate profile: Sarah la Cour

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La Cour, one of six seeking the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is the executive director Amherst Business Improvement District.

The six candidates for the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives responded to a set of questions from The Republican about their candidacy.

Sarah la Cour

Personal: La Cour, 53, of Amherst, is the executive director Amherst Business Improvement District.

Why are you running?

"I have worked hard for many years to help make this district great and now I want to do more.  The job of State Representative is about community.  Protecting it, preserving it, improving it and representing it.  I do this every day as Executive Director of the Amherst Business Improvement District (ABID) and will continue to do so in Boston."

What do you bring that the other candidates don't?

"I am a practical, hard-working, problem solver who gets results.  For the past 25 years I have worked on public sector projects ranging from natural resource protection and green building to economic development and higher education.  My multi-disciplinary career and strong interpersonal skills have prepared me better than any other candidate to hit the ground running and build relationships."

What are the key issues you will bring to the State House and why?

"Key issues that I see facing our district include the following:

  • Public education- increased funding for pre-K through post-secondary and specifically addressing vocational and technical programs for non-college bound young adults.
  • Climate change and the switch to renewable energy- we have to address immediate clean water, air and energy issues.
  • The opioid epidemic -we need to develop and fund programs that provide a multi-pronged approach to tackling this grave public health concern.
  • Affordable housing- there is a critical shortage of housing stock in the Amherst area and the State needs to increase rental assistance and support services as well as the supply."

How will you tackle solving those issues?

"The most important factor to solving these issues is developing strong relationships and working together.  I have spent my career getting things accomplished by building consensus and keeping stakeholders engaged. I will work with the western MA delegation, and all the members of the legislature, to craft sensible and pragmatic solutions."

What do you see as your relationship with UMass?

"My top priority as state representative is to advocate for funding for the flagship campus of our State University system.  UMass Amherst is the region's largest employer and economic engine and its well-being is important.  Encouraging entrepreneurial faculty and students to stay in the area and develop their businesses elevates our region as an innovative hub.  This will require new infrastructure, zoning, affordable housing and appropriately trained employees. 

I have close ties to UMass/Amherst.  I received a Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University and have been an adjunct faculty member in the graduate school for over 10 years.  I currently serve on the University Town of Amherst Collaborative (UTAC) Economic Development Sub-Committee and I work closely with University faculty, students and administration through a memorandum of understanding between UMass and the Amherst BID."

How will you represent the district with its varied geographies and personalities?

"As the State Representative, I believe it is my responsibility to listen to, and work with, all constituents about their concerns, especially regarding social justice.  The success of my professional life has been based on my ability to understand differing viewpoints, quickly assess situations and establish clear paths for dialogue.  I have completed a multitude of projects all around the northeast with broad and varied geographical and demographical characteristics and consider this an area of expertise."

What is your view on charter schools? 

"I support the cap on the number of charter schools due to problems with the funding mechanism.  Currently public school systems are losing significant amounts of money annually to fund charter schools.  This model must be changed."

What is your view on the legalization of marijuana?

"I support the medical use of marijuana but do not favor the legalization of recreational marijuana at this time, due to regulatory concerns.  I do not believe we have sufficiently considered all the financial, health and legal ramifications of this issue and should gather more data."


3rd Hampshire state representative race candidate profile: Bonnie MacCracken

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Bonnie MacCracken, one of six seeking the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is a land title examiner.

The six candidates for the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives responded to a set of questions from The Republican about their candidacy.

Bonnie MacCracken

Personal: MacCracken, 60, of Amherst, is a land title examiner.

Why are you running?

"I am running for State Representative of the 3rd Hampshire District because I have the knowledge and experience necessary to begin improving individuals' everyday lives on day one. I keep hearing about how the gains being talked about in the economy are not being reflected in the day-to-day lives of people living in this district.

Many people, have told me that they continue to be under-employed or unemployed and are commuting further and further away to find good paying jobs with benefits. These stories about how people are still struggling in this economy are why I am running.

I have created a solid regional economic plan that will benefit the entire district; I will work on educational funding to allow for our schools to excel in educational excellence; I will ensure no elderly person is left behind; and that our veterans receive the finest services possible.

The relationships I have forged, the friendships I have made, and the legislation I have already initiated, drafted, and passed as a citizen prove I am the right person for this job."

What do you bring that the other candidates don't?

"I am the only candidate with a legal background. This is essential for crafting, drafting, debating and passing legislation that will have a positive effect on the people of our district and all of Massachusetts.

I am the type of person who has seen problems in our laws and actively took action as a citizen. In 2012, I closed a loophole in a federal law for our deployed military members to protect them from predatory lending practices. I also assisted in writing seven additional pieces of legislation and advocated for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and for establishing a local Commission on the Status of Women. If these bills do not pass this session, I need to ensure they are passed under my leadership in 2017.

I have been proudly endorsed by the brave women and men of the Amherst Firefighters Department UNION Local 1764; with this endorsement I am the only candidate who has been endorsed by Organized Labor. I have also been endorsed by Mass Voters for Animals.

Finally, and I think most importantly, I am the only candidate that has reached out to the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives to sit down with and discuss the issues important to the people of the 3rd Hampshire District. On Monday, August 22, 2016, I sat down with Speaker Robert DeLeo, in his State House Office. For nearly thirty minutes, we discussed many issues and he became extremely interested in working on these issues with me, and my staff, to positively impact the 3rd Hampshire District.

I have worked to forge extremely strong professional relationships with other elected officials, our constitutional officers and members of the Democratic State Committee. I have already begun to lay the groundwork for success in our district by forging relationships with people from both sides of the political spectrum.  My aid has over a decade of public service experience, he and I are ready to start working to address the needs of the 3rd Hampshire District."

What are the key issues you will bring to the State House and why?

"The Third Hampshire District is faced with many challenges now and in the future.  I will work with the Attorney General, Speaker of the House, Senate President and District Attorney to combat the opioid epidemic that has gripped our Nation, our Commonwealth and our District. This is an issue that has almost touched everyone's lives, and I have a multi-faceted approach at attacking this problem that includes working with the judicial system and members of the Governor's Council.

I have already drafted a strong proposal for legislation for the next legislative session. My proposal will generate more revenue, without increasing taxes, to fund more housing vouchers. Housing subsidies are the most effective tool we have for reducing homelessness. We cannot afford more housing vouchers until we generate more revenue and my proposal will generate $6 million per year, that can be earmarked for housing vouchers.

When I sat down with the Speaker of the House, we discussed ways that would save the people of the 3rd Hampshire District tax dollars and shift some of the expenses paid for by the residents of Amherst currently to UMASS. A great example of what we discussed was UMASS Amherst having their own fire department or ways to compensate the town for providing fire and ambulance services. Every resident of the Town of Amherst knows what a positive impact this would have on our municipal budget.

Another key issue would be Veterans' Services. The Governor has made proposals to shift the main responsibility of running the Holyoke Soldiers Home from the local Board of Trustees and local Superintendent to a more centralized system based in the Boston area. If this is done it will disenfranchise the residents, their families, the staff and volunteers. As a Blue Star Mother I know how important places like the Holyoke Soldiers Home is and having daily administration run locally makes all the difference in the world. Local is just better."

How will you tackle solving those issues?

"As the most qualified candidate running, I will be ready to take on all the responsibilities of being a state representative from day one.  I have already met with the Speaker of the House and other key leadership and constitutional officers. Also, having a full time district office, fully staffed with experienced employees, volunteers, and interns will have a tremendously positive impact on our district."

What do you see as your relationship with UMass?

"UMass is a critical component of the Third Hampshire District.  As one of the premier higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, it is important that the state representative work closely with University leadership, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Governor to build a strong working relationship.  It is also important that the state representative goes to Boston to fight for funding for the University which is one of the top employers in the area.  Not only will funding secure jobs for the University, it will also ensure a well-trained workforce which will attract employers and economic development to the region.  Careful and deliberate promotion of the resources of the University will increase its visibility and influence, increasing the overall value of a UMass degree. 

The state representative should work closely with the University, and with other branches of state government, to ensure that the University has access to the resources it needs to be a leader in innovation in areas such as green energy, emerging technologies, STEM fields, and the arts and humanities.  I will also have an open door policy for individual students and regular meetings with student leadership to assure that I am always adequately briefed on matters of concern.

Also one of the key issues, the Speaker and I discussed concerning the university, was the new Springfield Campus and how valuable that is to the Springfield area."

How will you represent the district with its varied geographies and personalities?

"The number one job of a state representative is to listen and to find compromise when necessary.  It is important that the state representative is an advocate and a voice for the people of the district in Boston. Constituent services will be the number one priority when I am elected. An experienced staff, a fully staffed district office, and regularity scheduled offices hours all over the entire district will impact everyone in a tremendously positive way."

What is your view on charter schools?

"I will be voting no on Question #2. My main concern is that all children have equal access to quality education. Upon being elected, I will call upon the Speaker of the House to look at the issue of charter schools more closely, study models in other states and to study what is working and what isn't, including reexamining the school choice option. I value the opinion of the parents and educators who have reached out to me to discuss this issue. I do not support the charter school option. The present funding formula is strangling our district schools and our children are falling behind."

What is your view on the legalization of marijuana?

"Voters will face a binary opportunity in November: we can vote Yes to change the status quo by legalizing marijuana for adults, or vote No to keep things the way they are.  The question, therefore, is whether legalization is better or worse than the Nixon-era prohibition laws we have now, modified only by the voters in prior elections.

I shall vote Yes for three reasons, in this order:

1. Prohibition is wrong.  A NO vote will mean that I support keeping the marijuana industry underground, not paying taxes or creating good jobs, where consumers are unprotected from contaminated or mislabeled marijuana products, and where no one has to show an ID to buy it from a dealer.  It's time to stop punishing adults for mere disobedience, sometimes costing their jobs and housing.  Also, the potential revenue that can be generated from a recreational marijuana industry alone is reason enough to support this initiative.  Colorado, the first state to legalize recreational use of marijuana, uses the tax revenue it collects to pay for schools.  The state is not in a position that it has collected so much tax revenue that it is now using this money to fund homeless shelters.  In addition to schools and homeless shelters, revenue raised can be used to fund infrastructure in the Commonwealth and could potentially be used to provide free or reduced cost tuition for higher education in the Commonwealth.

2.  The sky hasn't fallen in Colorado.  I have read the reports from Colorado and other legal states.  There have been bumps and mishaps, but no calamities as we have been warned against for decades by authorities.  We should study the other states' experience, and do it even better here.

3.  It's time to face reality.  The war against marijuana is over.  Our task should be to shape the new laws in a way that best serves the interest of public health and safety, reduces the underground economy, and protects young people.  I am prepared to help shoulder that challenge."

3rd Hampshire state representative race candidate profile: Eric Nakajima

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Eric Nakajima, one of six seeking the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is a self-employed public policy consultant.

The six candidates for the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives responded to a set of questions from The Republican about their candidacy.

Eric Nakajima

Personal: 49, of Amherst, is a self-employed public policy consultant.

Why are you running?

"I have a lifelong passion for public service and believe that government can make a difference in people's lives.  I grew up in Amherst, and it would be a particular honor to represent my hometown.  In addition, I believe that we are at a critical moment when we need to substantially invest in our future by increasing support for education at all levels, transportation and smart, green infrastructure."

What do you bring that the other candidates don't?

"I have deep experience working on Beacon Hill and statewide on public policy issues.  I served Governor Deval Patrick both terms, including as Assistant Secretary for Innovation Policy, and led major projects throughout the Pioneer Valley in Amherst, Springfield, Holyoke and Franklin County."

What are the key issues you will bring to the State House and why?

"We need to stabilize education funding at all levels by increasing Chapter 70 aid, separating charter school funding from traditional district schools, and increasing support for public higher education. Education is the foundation for our state's economy and for equal opportunity.  We also need to substantially invest in public transportation, infrastructure and green technologies to improve our region's long term competitiveness and grow jobs. We need to invest in partnerships with UMass and industry and support entrepreneurship of all kinds, including agriculture, to expand job growth.  Finally, we need to expand support for affordable housing and human services and reimagine what financial security looks like in the 21st century, with new programs for retirement and healthcare."

How will you tackle solving those issues?

"I would work closely with legislative colleagues and partner with outside organizations to build support for legislation, and focus on the details of the legislative and budgeting process to find ways to make sure we get the small wins as wells as big wins.  That is the approach I took with the Holyoke Innovation District and our state's Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and it worked."

What do you see as your relationship with UMass?

"I think you have to be supportive of UMass as the district's largest employer, but also constructively critical and a creative partner to address challenges.  I have a longstanding relationship with UMass as an alum (BA in Political Science), former UMass Trustee and as an employee of the UMass Donahue Institute.  Under Governor Patrick, I worked closely with UMass Amherst on multiple investments in the UMass Center in Springfield, the MGHPCC in Holyoke and the life sciences building on campus.  As a resident of Amherst, I also understand the very real tensions with UMass about town-gown relations, including the impact on town services and local businesses."

How will you represent the district with its varied geographies and personalities?

"The only way to be an effective representative is to be open, collaborative, and to pro-actively engage your neighbors.  I will meet regularly with leaders and organizations in Amherst, Granby and Pelham, and meet with residents in open office hours.  I will be accessible in the district and Boston, and look forward to continuing to learn and grow as a leader, as I also try to ensure that residents know why and how I took particular votes or positions on issues."

What is your view on charter schools?

"Regardless of the benefit many families feel they gain from sending their children to charter schools, Massachusetts structure for funding schools places an unfair and unnecessary burden on traditional public school budgets and destabilizes municipalities that try to compensate for state underfunding.  I oppose lifting the charter school cap because I believe the state needs to restructure charter school funding as a separate line item in the budget and increase Chapter 70 aid.  In addition, it is not financially responsible to increase the number of schools (traditional or charter) without regard to demographic trends and our state's overall fiscal capacity to support school operations at the level needed for quality education."

What is your view on the legalization of marijuana?

"I believe that medical and recreational marijuana should be legal and taxed and regulated similar to alcohol and tobacco products.  A strong regulatory framework for legal sale of marijuana could reduce illegal trafficking, improve the health and safety of users and align with an educational and behavioral health approach that helps individuals address their behavioral challenges regardless of the particular substance they may be using.  I strongly believe we should learn from the experience of other states that have recreational marijuana laws and avoid their mistakes.  I do not have a position on Ballot Question 4, because the details matter and a bad law would be worse than no law."

3rd Hampshire state representative race candidate profile: Lawrence O'Brien

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Lawrence O'Brien, one of six seeking the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, is a high school history and social studies teacher for Belchertown Public Schools.

The six candidates for the 3rd Hampshire District seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives responded to a set of questions from The Republican about their candidacy.

Lawrence O'Brien

Personal: O'Brien, 52, of Amherst, is a high school history and social studies teacher for Belchertown Public Schools.

Why are you running?

"In my work as a public school History/Social Studies teacher, labor movement activist, and local elected official, I have been dismayed by the growth of income and wealth inequality in our state and nation, as well as our commonwealth's underinvestment in public goods and needs such as the social safety net, transportation, infrastructure, public education, court system, human services and environmental protection.  I think that I can use my knowledge of and experience in government, as well as my political organizing skills, to work with other elected officials and groups of citizens to enact policies and laws that would reverse these disturbing trends."

What do you bring that the other candidates don't?

"First, I am the candidate in this race with the most extensive local government experience.  In addition to serving several years in Amherst's representative town meeting, I served a full term on the Amherst and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committees.  Of particular value to me as a candidate was the work I did on our Policy subcommittee and our Budget subcommittee, especially as chair.  That subcommittee work helped develop my constituent service skills, as well as broadened my knowledge and understanding of the  relationship between state and local government, particularly how budgets and policies enacted by state government impact our cities and towns.

Second, after 25 years of labor movement activism, I am quite adept at organizing to accomplish an agenda.  I have extensive experience negotiating, coalition-building, and advocating for my members/constituents and their interests.  I will put those skills to work representing the residents of my district and our state."

What are the key issues you will bring to the State House and why?

"One critical issue I will devote considerable time to at the State House is reform of our charter school financing and governance laws.  Currently, local school districts that have students transfer to nearby charter schools send considerable amounts of local tax money and Chapter 70 aid along with those transferring students.  However, local school districts have no oversight in how the charter school spends that money, effectively making charter schools publicly-financed, but privately run institutions.  Reforms, such as a separate state-level budget line of funding for charter schools, need to be enacted to fix this problem.

Another legislative priority of mine is tax reform that would bring in additional revenue to our state government to fund essential public goods.  Over the last 16 years, state spending on local aid has dropped by 44%, on public higher education by 25%, on public health by 25%, on environmental protection by 32%, and on early childhood education by 23%.  These reductions are in large part due to a drop in state tax revenue, which were the result of unwise earned and unearned income tax cuts enacted by our legislature between 1998 and 2002.  I will work to restore previous tax levels, particularly on unearned income taxes that mostly impact the affluent.  Also, I will advocate for ratification of the Millionaires Tax in 2018.  Enacting these tax reforms has the potential to raise an additional $5 billion in tax revenue that can be spent on the budget areas identified above.

Finally, I will also work with fellow legislators to enact policies that provide greater financial security and opportunity to working families, such as Paid Family and Medical Leave, a $15 minimum wage, and free community college education or the first two years at a public 4-year university free.  Reversing income and wealth inequality necessitates a multi-pronged approach to increasing the earnings of working and middle class residents, as well as opening up access to educational training that allow for increased earnings in their future."

How will you tackle solving those issues?

"As a twenty-five year veteran of the labor movement, I subscribe to the notion  that legislative change happens, and economic and social problems are solved, by collective action.  If I am fortunate enough to win this seat, I will not just be our state representative, I will be the legislative partner of constituent groups and organizations seeking to improve our towns, as well as enact a progressive agenda for our commonwealth.  What that means is that I will be responsible for making alliances and building coalitions with more like-minded elected officials, advocating for policies within the House, while constituents and partner organizations and citizens will be pressuring the House to enact the laws that I and other legislators are advocating for in the House.  I plan on joining and being active in several legislative caucus groups, including the Progressive Caucus, the Small Town and Rural Areas Caucus, the Regional School Caucus, the Public Higher Education Caucus.  I teach History and I can think of no significant advancement in legislative policy that was not the result of a alliances between elected officials and mass movements."

What do you see as your relationship with UMass?

"I am a strong supporter and advocate for UMass, who is also willing to give it constructive criticism.  UMass/Amherst was where I earned my B.A. in History, M.S. in Labor Relations and Research, and professional credentials in order to work as public school teacher.  It was my first employer after graduate school, as well as the place I began my labor movement activism.  The same is true for my wife as well.  We are both proud alums who realize that public higher education has played and will continue to play a critical role in ensuring the financial success and security of working people and families in our commonwealth.

However, I also realize that UMass is not infallible and, like all of us, is sometimes in need of constructive criticism from a close friend.  For example, it should provide a living wage of at least $15/hour for all of its staff, shift its increasing number of adjunct faculty on to longer-term contracts with better salaries, and contribute to the cost of local services such as public schools and emergency response utilized by its students."

How will you represent the district with its varied geographies and personalities?

"The way to represent constituents well is to be a good listener, provide maximum access to you and your staff, and to set up a schedule structure in which you meet with individuals and groups regularly in your district.  Serving as a legislator is not a conventional 9 to 5, Monday through Friday job.  It's a position where you're on call all the time, and need to be willing to communicate with constituents regularly.  Just as importantly, you need to constantly follow up with the people you represent in a timely fashion.  In order to do this, you need a schedule structure that facilitates and reminds you of the diversity of Hampshire Third residents."

What is your view on charter schools?

"The landscape of public education has changed so much over the last 20+ years that charter schools are now a permanent fixture.  Obviously, a small, but dedicated segment of the populace consider charters as the schools they prefer over traditional public schools to educate their children.  However, as mentioned previously, the current financing and governance regulations make charter schools publicly-financed, privately-run institutions.  Therefore, I not only oppose lifting the cap on the number of commonwealth charter schools, I also support a three year moratorium on the creation of new charters while we reform how they are financed and governed."

What is your view on the legalization of marijuana?

"I have not made my mind up about this referendum question.  On one hand, I realize that government efforts to regulate private behavior, such as alcohol prohibition, have not been successful.  Furthermore, it's obvious that the federal and state "War on Drugs" policies of the last 40 years have been expensive and socially destructive, particularly of our African American and Latino communities.  Therefore, I support legislation that would end the imprisonment of individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses.   On the other hand, recreational marijuana legalization inevitably raises public health concerns, especially related to edibles, that will require state spending on policies and programs to mitigate the negative impacts.  As I mentioned above, our state government has cut public health spending by 25% over the last sixteen years.  That does not engender much confidence in me that marijuana legalization will be accompanied by commensurate mitigation funding."

3rd Hampshire state representative race: Democratic candidate profiles

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The candidates — all Democrats — have similar views on many issues but say their individual experiences make them the most qualified for the job. The primary election is Sept. 8, a Thursday.

State Rep. Ellen Story, an Amherst Democrat, has held her seat for more than 24 years and only occasionally faced challenges.

But with her announcement in January that she would not seek re-election, six candidates jumped in the race to replace her.

The candidates -- all Democrats -- have similar views on many issues but say their individual experiences make them the most qualified for the job. The primary election is Sept. 8, a Thursday.

The district comprises Amherst, Pelham and part of Granby.

The Democratic candidates are:

  • Vira Douangmany Cage, a School Committee member, has a background in grass roots organizing.
  • Solomon Goldstein-Rose, who at 22, is the youngest running said he has the energy wants to bring the millennial perspective to the position.
  • Sarah la Cour, executive director of the Amherst Business Improvement District, said she is a hard working problem solver.
  • Bonnie MacCracken, a land title examiner, said her legal background makes her stand out.
  • Eric Nakajima, who has worked for the state under former Gov. Deval L. Patrick, believes that experience working on Beacon Hill separates him from the others.
  • Lawrence O'Brien, a Belchertown High School teacher who has touted his labor background and local government experience. He is a former School Committee member.

All candidates were asked to answer eight questions on what separates them from the others to where they stand on marijuana legalization. Read their answers in their candidate profiles:

Traffic Alert: Rollover tractor-trailer crash on I-91 North leaves one lane open; 'potential' HazMat incident

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SPRINGFIELD — A tractor trailer rolled near Exit 2 on I-91 North on Friday morning.

SPRINGFIELD -- A tractor trailer rolled near Exit 2 on I-91 North on Friday morning.

The wreck occurred at roughly 6:15 a.m., blocking a section of the highway. As of roughly 7 a.m., one lane on the highway had reopened.

Authorities initially responded to the situation as a "potential [hazardous materials] incident," as fluids were leaking from the truck, according to scanner reports. Police also said the driver may have been entrapped.

Subsequent reports said only a small amount of hazardous materials had leaked following the crash and this material was contained.

Springfield Police did not immediately respond to calls seeking details about the cause of the accident and whether anyone was injured.

2 days after murder case is dropped, Springfield teen picks up 4 new charges; bail set at $10,000

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When one of the stolen bikes showed up for sale on Facebook, police had the owner arrange a fake buy outside the PriceRite supermarket on Boston Road, a prosecutor said.

SPRINGFIELD -- It should have been a good week for Christopher Montgomery.

On Monday, prosecutors dropped a murder charge against the Springfield teenager, citing the unavailability of a key witness to a 2015 fatal shooting.

But Montgomery was back in Springfield District Court Thursday, facing four new charges after he and a co-defendant were arrested for allegedly trying to sell a stolen motorcycle on Facebook.

Montgomery, 19, pleaded not guilty to receiving a stolen motor vehicle, driving without a license, driving an unregistered vehicle and an equipment violation.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said Springfield police arrested Montgomery and Michael O'Neal, 18, also of Springfield, when they attempted to sell one of three motocross-style bikes stolen Aug. 21 from a storage unit on Page Boulevard. When one of the stolen bikes showed up for sale on Facebook, police had the owner arrange a fake buy outside the PriceRite supermarket on Boston Road, Szafranski said.

The prosecutor asked for $10,000 bail for Montgomery and O'Neal, who was arraigned separately.

Boyle set bail at $10,000 for Montgomery, but released his co-defendant on personal recognizance. The judge noted that O'Neal was released without bail following his arrest Wednesday night and had appeared as promised for his arraignment.

The hearing came 17 months after Montgomery, then 17, was arraigned in the same courtroom amid tight security in connection with the shooting death of 22-year-old Rakeem Nixon in a neighborhood off Boston Road.

As that session ended, a woman began wailing as Montgomery -- handcuffed, shackled and appearing much younger than his age -- was led from the courtroom. Held for nearly a year on $100,000 bail, Montgomery was released in April on $5,000 bail and ordered to live at his parents' home on Ontario Street.

In June, the home was the target of a drive-by shooting. Between five and seven shots were fired, striking a man inside. The victim -- who was not identified -- suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Six days later, Montgomery's older brother, Terrance, was charged in a shooting outside the Hampden County Hall of Justice. During a bail hearing, Terrance Montgomery's lawyer said the shooting was rooted in gang rivalries and possibly linked to the attack on their parents' home.

In the new case, the younger Montgomery and O'Neal are due back in court for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 15.

Chicopee man accused of shooting car after a bar dispute over fashion held without bail

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Dalmain Peters, 24, was arrested on 11 firearm and drug charges.

CHICOPEE -- A bar dispute over fashion choices and the use of cellphone cameras led to one man allegedly shooting up the car of a woman.

Dalmain Peters, 24, of 199 Broadway, is being held without the right to bail after pleading not guilty to 11 firearm and drug charges in an arraignment in Chicopee District Court on Thursday.

Peters was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, misleading a police officer, possession of a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a permit and causing a disturbance while carrying a dangerous weapon in connection with the alleged bar fight, which happened about 1:55 a.m. Sunday on Exchange Street.

He has also been charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded or large-capacity firearm on a public way, possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine and possession of ammunition without a permit in relation to his subsequent arrest Wednesday morning.

The shooting was sparked by a disagreement in the Rollin' Roc Tavern, where Peters' girlfriend started arguing with a group of women, according to a police report included in court documents.

"(The girlfriend) was upset because (the victim) and her friends were overdressed for that type of bar and were taking selfies of each other," Detective Chris Sawa said in court records.

When patrons were leaving at the end of the night, Peters allegedly fired a handgun at the victim's vehicle, striking the car multiple times, flattening a tire and hitting the passenger side at least three times, court records said. The victim also received minor injuries when she was struck in the legs by flying debris, court records said.

Witnesses said they heard the girlfriend yell to Peters: "Why don't you go to the trunk and take out the big one to show them what we really are about," court records said.

During the investigation, Sawa and Detectives Michael Dion identified Peters as a suspect in the shooting. They then staked out Chicopee District Court on Wednesday after learning he would likely be accompanying his girlfriend, who is on probation for an unrelated crime, while she met with her probation officer, court records said.

Another man and Peters were in a car that dropped off the girlfriend. Police then followed them until they stopped at a gas station on Front Street. At least seven officers from the detective, narcotics, K9 and uniform divisions apprehended Peters.

While searching him, police allegedly found a loaded 9-mm handgun with a 30-round clip, 90 packets of heroin, cocaine and marijuana in his possession, court records said.


'Highlight of the affair': generosity of raffle prize donors at Holyoke Senior Fest 2016 impresses officials

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Nearly 80 local businesses, politicians and others contributed about $5,000 in prizes for the raffle held at the Holyoke Senior Fest 2016 that drew over 500 people to the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House at 500 Easthampton Road on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016.

HOLYOKE -- Dozens of raffle prizes worth over $5,000 mean old people left Senior Fest 2016 with gift certificates to eat at restaurants, see movies and get cars washed.

Along with gift baskets, a bicycle and some Trappist Monk jams, the volume of prizes donated to the Senior Fest 2016 raffle left officials impressed by the generosity of local businesses, politicians and others.

"The giant raffle held at the end of the Senior Fest has always been the highlight of the affair. The success of Senior Fest is a reflection of the generosity of the city's local business, civic leaders and residents," said Teresa Shepard, director of the Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department, which held the event Wednesday.

Over 500 people attended Senior Fest at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House at 500 Easthampton Road.

They came away with gift certificates to establishments including Stop & Shop, Teddy Bear Pools, ABC Pizza and numerous other restaurants, CVS and Walgreens pharmacies, the Holyoke Gas and Electric Department and Gary Rome Hyundai, along with adirondack chairs, a bike and gift baskets.

It took Mayor Alex B. Morse, the event's master of ceremonies, an hour and 20 minutes to announce raffle prizes from the 80 donors.

"It's pretty amazing the way the business community steps up for the Senior Festival raffle," said state Rep. Aaron M. Vega, D-Holyoke, who donated two, $10 gift cards to Rusty's Place restaurant here.

The annual event began as a way to celebrate senior citizens who get a meal for the $10 ticket, along with entertainment and chances at the raffle prizes. It has evolved into a magnet for incumbents and challengers seeking votes in the fall elections, given the presence in one place of so many members of the dependable voting block that senior citizens here have shown themselves to be.

Here is the list of raffle prize donors and gifts. Dollar amounts in most cases are for gift certificates, according to Shepard:

  • ABC Pizza, $15

  • Al's Diner, $25

  • Arnold's, $15

  • Barnes & Noble, $25

  • Baskets of Africa, $50

  • BJ's Liquors, liquor

  • Brad Matthews Jeweler, $130 in basket and gift certificate

  • Burger King, $50

  • Canson, art supplies

  • Capri Pizza, $25

  • Abbie Czelusniak, several bottles of wine

  • Holyoke Children's Museum, four tickets

  • Cindy Nichols, hand-made afghan

  • Clowntique, hand-made farm basket\

  • Consumer Auto Parts, car wash

  • Costco, $25

  • CVS, Beech Street, $50

  • D'Angelo's, $50

  • Droll Yankees Inc., bird feeder

  • Eastern States Exposition, $30

  • Friends of the Council on Aging, $50

  • Holyoke Gas and Electric Department, $500

  • Gary Rome Hyundai, $800

  • Gigi and Gerry Connell, two sets of TV trays

  • Golden China Pan, $50

  • Hamel's Summit View, $50

  • Highland Card and Gift, gift basket

  • Hi Shine Nails, $32

  • Tom Hogan, vodka

  • Holyoke Golden Seniors, $50

  • Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, $50

  • Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, $100

  • Dick Houle, gift basket

  • Italian Friendly Pizza, $15

  • Liquors 44, bicycle

  • Lyman Laundry, $40

  • Manny's Pizza, $15

  • Marcotte Ford, gift basket

  • 5 Martin Salon, $50

  • Mass Surgical, two first-aid kits

  • Messier's Funeral Home, $650 in gift certificates to Stop & Shop, McDonald's restaurant and Walgreens.

  • Napa Auto Parks, car wash

  • Nick's Nest, $50

  • Ninety Nine Restaurants, $25

  • Oliver Auto Body, Harveys Bristol Cream

  • Paramount Pizza, $15

  • People's United Bank, gift basket

  • Pizza D'Action, $15

  • Rusty's Place, $15

  • Diane St. Armand, a throw and a gift basket

  • Saint's Bounce House, $200

  • Schermerhorn's, $25

  • Slainte, $25

  • Beverly Smith, gift basket

  • Strum's, $25

  • Subway, two party platter gift cards worth $76

  • Sandy Syminski, a fan

  • Tavern On the Hill, $25

  • Teddy Bear Pools, $25

  • The Cottage, $50

  • Tower Theaters, $20

  • Trappist Monks, two cases of jams

  • Uno Chicago Grill, $50

  • Walgreens, $50

  • York Street Industries, program of the Hampden County Sheriff's Department, adirondack chairs

  • General Cleaners, $50

  • Holyoke Medical Center, $50

  • O'Connell's Senior Living, $50

  • Soto Home Care, $50

  • Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse, overnight stay at Jay's Bed & Breakfast, 1109 Dwight St.

  • Holyoke City Councilor Todd A. McGee and City Clerk Brenna Murphy McGee, two, $20 gift cards to Dunkin Donuts

  • Holyoke City Councilor Gladys Lebron-Martinez, gift basket

  • State Rep. Aaron M. Vega, D-Holyoke, two, $10 gift cards to Rusty's Place restaurant

  • State Sen. Donald R. Humason, R-Westfield, four gift cards of $25 each to Capri Pizza

  • Nick Cocchi, candidate for Hampden County sheriff, $100 in gift cards to Stop & Shop

  • Mary Hurley, Democratic candidate for 8th District Governor's Council, 10, $10 gift cards to Big Y supermarkets

  • Jeffrey Morneau, Democratic candidate for 8th District Governor's Council, two, $25 gift cards to Delaney House.
  • Springfield Epiphany Tower developer once again anticipates completion of hotel project after years of delay

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    A planned Holiday Inn Express at the Epiphany Tower in downtown Springfield should open by the end of 2016, according to Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon, a representative of the development team.

    SPRINGFIELD -- A development group that has been planning for nearly a decade to bring a hotel to the Epiphany Tower on State Street downtown is once again stating confidence that the project is on the verge of completion.

    Archbishop Timothy Paul Baymon, president of Epiphany Development Corp., a partner in the Holiday Inn Express project at 143 State St., said that renovations are nearly complete. He anticipates the hotel will open by the end of the year.

    "People are going to be surprised -- by the holiday season we hope to be open," Baymon said.

    A year ago, Baymon was also optimistic that project completion was at hand, aided by a new financing partner taking over the mortgage from a failed bank.

    The property is owned by Jhanvi Hospitality LLC of Lexington, but by agreement the ownership will revert to Epiphany Development after project completion, Baymon said.

    The hotel project was first proposed nine years ago, but faced delays and hurdles over the years including the economic recession, changes in partners, changes in design, damage from the 2011 tornado and the failed mortgage holder, Baymon said.

    There has been significant progress in the past year, but Jhanvi had other priorities and projects, Baymon said. "We had to press them to make this a priority again," Baymon said.

    The remaining work is primarily on the ground floor, along with staff training needed in advance of opening, he said.

    In July of 2015, Jhanvi paid current and delinquent real estate taxes, interest and fees on the hotel property totaling $103,361, according to the city. At that time, Baymon was hopeful of a fall 2015 opening. Since then, Jhanvi has also paid its fiscal 2017 first quarter tax bill of $18,362, according to city records.

    Baymon said the hotel will create 50 permanent jobs and has provided more than 250 part-time and full-time construction jobs. Proceeds from the hotel project will go back into other community development initiatives, he said.

    While acknowledging delays, Baymon said the project is privately funded with no public funding involved. He referred to other projects that had taken many years to evolve, including the Union Station redevelopment project, and said, "We've come a long way."

    National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration coming to Holyoke

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    Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse will read a proclamation and an event will include live music, dancing and food in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15, 2016 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St.

    HOLYOKE -- The city will mark its third straight celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, with an event Sept. 15 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Holyoke Heritage State Park, 221 Appleton St.

    "Hispanic Heritage Month offers our city yet another opportunity to highlight our strength in diversity, particularly the contributions of all members of Holyoke's Latino community. We have a lot to celebrate and a lot to be proud of, and I look forward to joining with others throughout the month," Mayor Alex B. Morse said Thursday in a text message.

    Morse will read a proclamation and the event will include live music, dancing and food, said the listing of the event on the city website.

    This city of about 40,000 people is roughly half Latino with many from Puerto Rico.

    The Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence from Spain on Sept. 15. Mexico marks its independence day Sept. 16.

    According to the Library of Congress:

    "Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

    "The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period."

    Springfield man, once honored for highway rescue, denies assault on fiancee's cat

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    Stalker's fiance "expressed concern for the safety of her cat, saying that when he hit it, it went flying across the room."

    SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield man honored a decade ago for saving a stranger from a burning car is facing an animal cruelty charge after allegedly getting into an argument with his fiancee and assaulting her cat.

    Nelson B. Stalker Jr., 40, pleaded not guilty to one count of animal cruelty during his arraignment Tuesday in Springfield District Court.

    nelson.stalker.jpgNelson B. Stalker Jr., 40, of Springfield 

    Springfield police responded to two 911 calls early Tuesday from Stalker's fiancee, who claimed he was "intoxicated and destroying the house," according to the arrest report.

    After the officers left, Stalker began breaking her antiques and struck her cat, according to the woman, who fled the home and called police again, the report said.

    "She expressed concern for the safety of her cat, saying that when he hit it, it went flying across the room," the report said.

    When police returned, Stalker refused to let them into the apartment to check on the cat's well-being, the report said. The officers eventually forced the door open and arrested Stalker.

    Neither the officers nor Stalker's fiancee were able to find the cat, but the fiancee guessed that it was hiding somewhere in the house. She also pointed out "all of her antiques that Mr. Stalker had destroyed in the living room," the report said.

    Held overnight, Stalker appeared in Springfield District Court later Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to the animal cruelty charge. He was released on personal recognizance and ordered to return for a pretrial conference on Oct. 31.

    In court records, Stalker is described a Springfield native who is unemployed and disabled.

    In 2002, Stalker and his neighbor Lenny P. Hannum were honored by the Pioneer Valley chapter of the American Red Cross for pulling a 13-year-old girl from a burning car on Berkshire Avenue. The girl survived with third-degree burns, but her father died in the crash.

    Chicopee police warn of bear wandering near the Ludlow line

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    Michael Wilk, public information officer for the department, said the calls started coming in around 6 a.m. from residents in the area of Basil Road, Sandtrap Way and Burnett Road.

    CHICOPEE -- Police received multiple reports Friday morning of a bear wandering around the eastern edge of the city just south of Memorial State Park and the Chicopee Country Club.

    Michael Wilk, public information officer for the department, said the calls started coming in around 6 a.m. from residents in the area of Basil Road, Sandtrap Way and Burnett Road.

    "Basically, if you see it, stay away from it," Wilk said.

    Police, as a precaution, posted an officer in the area to keep an eye on the bus stops as the school day got underway, Wilk said.


    Easthampton mom Tracey Durant copes with loss of toddler Callie Rose by 'extending love to others'

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    Durant delivered 20 "Callie Care Kits" for families staying at the pediatric ICU at Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield.

    EASTHAMPTON -- In the summer of 2013, local toddler Callie Rose Durant, who had been perfectly healthy, suddenly developed a fever and died. Now Tracey Durant, Callie's mom, has started a foundation that offers support to families staying at the pediatric intensive care unit at Baystate Children's Hospital in Springfield.

    Friday was the third anniversary of Callie's death, and Durant and her husband Ben delivered dozens of care packages to the hospital's pediatric unit, all tucked into screen-printed canvas tote bags. The "Callie Care Kits" mark the first major effort of the Callie Rose Foundation, started by Durant as a way to channel her emotions by helping others.

    "When we found ourselves staying at the ICU, we had nothing. We didn't even have our toothbrushes," she said. "We didn't have a change of clothes."

    Durant said the packages contain essential personal care items that parents may have left at home in their rush to the hospital during a medical emergency.

    She said she can best honor Callie's spirit by extending love to others. "Callie had a sweet, calm energy," she said. "I need to honor that for her. Focusing on giving love back is what has kept me going."

    Durant told her story. She said on a day in late August, Callie Rose developed a slight fever. It soon escalated into a high fever. She took her child to the emergency room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. The child developed seizures and was transported by ambulance to Baystate in Springfield, where she received intensive care. The two parents stayed by their child's side. After three days, Callie's brain activity stopped. Tracey and her husband agreed to have Callie removed from life support on Sept. 2.

    "Doctors were never able to determine the cause of her death," she said. "They said we did everything right. There is no good answer. They even conducted an autopsy. Their best guess is that it was a virus."

    She talked about how she felt. "You blame yourself," she said. "You think, what could I have done differently? I said to my husband, I'm not going to survive this; I'm not going to be able to walk out of here."

    As the time neared for Tracey and Ben Durant to make the heart-wrenching decision at the hospital, the young mother said she was struck by a central realization.

    "I realized that I had a job to do. I realized I had to be her mother. I had to say goodbye to Callie Rose. I had to take care of my little girl. It wasn't about me. At that point I was filled with a sense of peace."

    Durant had words of praise for a child life specialist at Baystate who gently offered the opportunity for the couple's older son, Seth, to say goodbye to his little sister. Seth was 5 years old at the time. "He held her and told her loved her. It was so important," she said.

    Durant continues to collect cash donations, gift cards and personal care items for the next delivery. She listed items that she's looking for: toothbrushes, razors, feminine hygiene products, universal cellphone chargers, shampoo and toothpaste, deodorant, combs and brushes, notebooks and pens, books of crossword puzzles and games, packets of underwear and socks, sweatpants and T-shirts, and the like.

    Donations may be mailed to the Callie Rose Foundation, P.O. Box 153, Easthampton MA 01027. In addition, there is a "Donate Now" button on the foundation's Facebook page.

    Seth is now 8 and attends the Center School in Easthampton. In addition to Emily, Callie's twin sister, the couple have a new baby named Mia. "We are so blessed," said Durant.

    Mary Serreze can be reached at mserreze@gmail.com.

    Boston Uber driver charged with sexually assaulting woman passenger

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    A Boston Uber driver has been charged with sexually assaulting a woman passenger, according to The Boston Globe.

    BOSTON — A Boston Uber driver was arrested and is facing several charges after a female passenger claims he sexually assaulted her after picking her up for a ride on Wednesday, according to The Boston Globe.

    Michael Vedrine, 32, of Brockton, is scheduled to be arraigned in Dorchester Municipal Court on Friday for two counts of indecent sexual assault and two counts of rape, according to the paper.

    The incident supposedly happened between 2 and 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Vedrine allegedly picked up the woman in the city, after she called for a ride.

    A police report reveals the woman's claims – which allege that after the ride was over and Vedrine stopped the car on Ross Road, he began molesting her.

    The woman also told police that, at that point she attempted to escape, but that Vedrine had grabbed her. The woman was then allegedly taken to a different location, where Vedrine sexually assaulted her.

    However, Vedrine alleged in a police interview that the sex with the woman had been consensual and that she was drunk when she had gotten into his car.

    This case comes on the heels of an incident in August where a Boston Uber driver was charged with raping a 16-year-old girl.

    Dorchester Municipal Court records reveal that, in 2002, Vedrine was charged with operating a suspended license, lack of registration sticker, and speeding – though all charges except the speeding were subsequently dropped.

     

    Route 9 traffic backed up by two separate accidents at same place

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    The scene has been cleared and traffic is moving now, but shortly after the accident Hadley police reported traffic was backed up "in all directions."

    This is an update of a story posted at 3:20 p.m. Friday.

    HADLEY - Two separate accidents in the same area of Route 9 and South Maple Street occurring at roughly the same time resulted in a traffic tie-up Friday afternoon, police said.

    The scene has been cleared and traffic is moving now, but shortly after the accident Hadley police reported traffic was backed up "in all directions."

    Traffic was high anyway with Friday being the first day of move-in day at nearby University of Massachusetts.

    According to Hadley police, one vehicle leaving the Trader Joe's parking lot went out of control. It jumped a curb, drove across the lawn by the western edge of the Hampshire Mall, and struck a shrub and a telephone pole before hitting three cars on South Maple Street.

    No one was injured in that accident.

    When police arrived on scene, they found a second accident had occurred moments after the first. An operator on a motorcycle attempted to make a left turn on South Maple from the southbound lane and he was struck by a car heading north.

    The driver, 64 year old male from Conway was transported to Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries, police said. His name was not disclosed.

    Hadley Police Sgt. Ken Hartwright said the two accidents were considered separate from each other, although resulting traffic from the first one may have had something to do with the second one.


    East Longmeadow HS athletic director Daniel Maurer arrested on drug possession charge

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    Just before the students of East Longmeadow High School began the academic year, the school's athletic director was arrested.

    Just before the students of East Longmeadow High School began the academic year, the school's athletic director was arrested.

    Daniel Maurer was arrested Monday by East Longmeadow police on a drug possession charge, WWLP reports

    The 39-year-old high school athletic director was seen by police leaving a Van Dyke Street residence under surveillance for potential drug distribution. East Longmeadow police said in a criminal complaint they followed Maurer into Franconia Golf Course parking lot, where he was stopped by officers. 

    Maurer reportedly told police he purchased oxycodone from the home and took one before being stopped by the officers, according to the criminal complaint. 

    After his arrest on drug possession charges Monday, he was arraigned in Palmer District Court Tuesday where he pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing in October.  

    East Longmeadow Superintendent Gordon Smith said Maurer is still employed by the district while the matter is under investigation, when asked by WWLP.

    Maurer previously served as football and girls basketball coach at the high school. He comes from a family of Western Massachusetts coaches. While serving as the East Longmeadow basketball coach, his team went head-to-head against the Central High School girls, coached by his brother Erik. His sister, Jenny Serafino, coaches girls soccer for the Spartans. 

    Suspect in Puerto Rico triple homicide arrested in Fall River

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    A man suspected to be responsible for a 2014 triple homicide in Puerto Rico was arrested in Massachusetts on Thursday.

    FALL RIVER — A man suspected of being responsible for a triple homicide that occurred in Puerto Rico in 2014 was arrested in Fall River on Thursday, according to The Berkshire Eagle.

    Massachusetts and Rhode Island State Police and U.S. Marshals assisted local authorities with arresting Pedro Torres, 36.

    Authorities believe Torres is responsible for the deaths of three people who were shot to death on Aug. 6, 2014, in Ponce– a coastal city in Puerto Rico.

    Torres had been the subject of a manhunt in Providence that occurred several weeks ago, after he was spotted on Aug. 19 in the vicinity of the Marriott Hotel.

    Torres was actually arrested in Providence in 2015, at which point law enforcement discovered him to be in possession of crack cocaine and a stolen Glock pistol. After his arrest, Torres was extradited to the Caribbean U.S. territory.

    However, Torres had subsequently returned to the New England area.

    Torres will, again, be extradited – back to Rhode Island, before being returned to Puerto Rico.

     

    Enfield man arrested by Connecticut State Police for child pornography possession

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    An Enfield man was arrested on Thursday and is being charged with possession of child pornography.

    ENFIELD, CT — An Enfield man was arrested by detectives from the Connecticut State Police force on Thursday for possession of child pornography.

    Patrick D. Dineen, 52, of 12 Pleasant Street in Enfield, was arrested after a multi-month investigation, Connecticut State Police say.

    Authorities identified Dineen as a suspect during the investigation, before applying for and being granted a warrant that they used to take him into custody.

    After his arrest, Dineen was taken to Troop B-North Canaan. He is being held on $25,000 bond pending his court date.

    Dineen is charged with possession of over 50 images of child pornography, and is scheduled to be arraigned in Bantam Superior Court on Friday.

    Gofundme page set up for victim of Mardi Gras parking lot murder in downtown Springfield

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    A Gofundme page has been setup for the the victim of the Mardi Gras parking lot shooting.

    SPRINGFIELD — A Gofundme page has been set up for the victim of the Mardi Gras strip club parking lot shooting.

    After police discovered Luis Reyes, 30, of Harrison Ave, in the strip club's parking lot at approximately 2:00 a.m. Friday morning, he was quickly taken to Baystate Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

    Now, Miriam M. Santos, who identifies herself as Reyes' mother, has setup an online fundraising page, and said that it is meant to help give her son a proper funeral.

    "I know he has a lot of friends and family that love him very dearly and I wanna give him a great service to honor how great of a person he was," Santos wrote.

    The page's fundraising goal is $10,000.

    Santos also called Luis "a great son, brother, cousin and friend to many" and said that he "considered everybody around him like family."

    Luis was a "blast to be around" and people would "always have a good time," Santos went on to write.

    "I want justice for my son," Santos wrote, adding that the shooting "wasn't meant for him."

    The Springfield Police Department is currently investigating Reyes' death.

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

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