School officials contacted the police, who arrested the student on charges of being a delinquent with unlawful possession of a firearm on school grounds.

BOSTON - A 12-year-old student was arrested at Trotter School in Dorchester on Monday after school officials found a gun in his locker.

WCVB reports the gun was unloaded, and a second weapon was seized from the child's bag. A report from WHDH suggests that weapon was a knife.

The child also had a mask, though it's not clear from published reports if there is any criminal connection between the mask and the weapons, since Monday was Halloween.

School officials contacted the police, who arrested the student on charges of being a delinquent with unlawful possession of a firearm on school grounds.

Principal Mairead Nolan said in a statement that the child also will be disciplined through the student code of conduct. She said the school followed the "appropriate steps" to make sure there was never any danger to students or staff.

Gov. John Kasich, who had vowed not vote for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, voted Monday by absentee ballot.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Gov. John Kasich, who had vowed not to vote for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, voted Monday by absentee ballot.

His choice? Sen. John McCain of Arizona.

Chris Schrimpf, the governor's political spokesman, confirmed the write-in vote to cleveland.com and said Kasich voted straight-ticket Republican on the rest of his ballot. Schrimpf added that Kasich was comfortable picking McCain, the 2008 GOP nominee for president, over Trump, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Libertarian Gary Johnson, a former Republican on the ballot as a nonpartisan candidate.

The vote essentially is a symbolic gesture. Because McCain is not among the 18 certified write-in candidates in Ohio, Kasich's vote for president will not count.

Kasich ran unsuccessfully for this year's Republican nomination and made clear his concerns about Trump's rhetoric. He did not set foot inside Quicken Loans Arena during the GOP convention in Cleveland, despite being governor of the host state. He long hinted he would not be voting for Trump, even though he was among a crop of other GOP hopefuls who initially pledged to back the eventual nominee.

After video surfaced last month of Trump speaking of women in lewd and sexually aggressive terms, Kasich confirmed the New York businessman had lost his vote.

"Donald Trump is a man I cannot and should not support," Kasich said in an Oct. 8 statement. "The actions of the last day are disgusting, but that's not why I reached this decision, it has been an accumulation of his words and actions that many have been warning about. I will not vote for a nominee who has behaved in a manner that reflects so poorly on our country. Our country deserves better."

Kasich has instead focused his efforts on helping Republicans in down-ballot races across the country, fueling speculation that he might mount another White House bid in 2020. Schrimpf said Monday that Kasich's political committee has now given maximum contributions to GOP candidates in competitive U.S. Senate candidates.

Sgt. Tom Ryan of the Massachusetts State Police said the stabbing was reported at around 8 p.m.

MONTAGUE - Massachusetts State Police are assisting local authorities with the investigation of a stabbing on Monday night.

Sgt. Tom Ryan of the state police said the stabbing was reported at around 8 p.m. Details are scant at this point, and the condition of the victim or victims is unknown.

Montague police asked for assistance from state police, which supplied crime scene services and troopers assigned to both the Northwestern District Attorney's Office and the Shelburne barracks.

WWLP-TV 22News reports that Montague and Greenfield police cruisers were parked outside a bar on Avenue A and at a 2nd Avenue home nearby.

Speaking to The Republican/MassLive, Sgt. Ryan could not say where the stabbing occurred. A dispatcher at the Montague Police Department said they "do not have time to comment" and released no further information.

This is a developing story. Stay with The Republican/MassLive for more information as it becomes available.

Detail defined the Halloween decorations that greeted trick-or-treaters at the Beauregard home at 57 Columbus Ave. in Holyoke, Massachusetts on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 with a lawn of tombstones, green lighting, smoke, an animated ghost, skeletons "climbing" the house and a screen showing projections of witches and ghoulish figures. Watch video

Update: video added at 10:57 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31, 2016.

HOLYOKE -- Arms of smoke reached out of the lawn of tombstones beneath skeletons that seemed to be climbing the house, all of it bathed in green light to the sound of eerie music.

The Beauregard home at 57 Columbus Ave. drew a lot of "This is so cool" and "Look at the smoke, huh?" and "You sure you want to see the ghost?" comments Monday from Halloween trick-or-treaters and adults.

Joseph Beauregard, 57, said it takes about two days worth of work to decorate in advance of the hallowed holiday.

"I'm going to hand out the candy, anyway ...," he said, like his decorations amount to putting a pumpkin on the front steps.

"The kids really get a kick out of it. And I don't do it to scare them. It's not about that," Beauregard said, during the afternoon.

The charcoal-colored tombstones are styrofoam and anchored to the lawn. Some Beauregard bought, some he fashioned himself. Rows of them line the lawn on the left.

Stuck among the tombstones is what looks like a skeleton that somehow got its torso buried, head poking out above an X of exposed arms and legs. Dedicated to detail though he is, Beauregard said nonetheless that there's no torso buried, just the protruding skull and limbs.

At night, as children and adults costumed in the cool night approached his home, a smoke machine that Beauregard activated by remote control pushed out smoke with the LED's greenly backlighting the scene.

A projector threw scenes of witches, phantasms and other creatures talking and moving onto a screen that hung porch-right.

A figure of Frankenstein's creature took it all in under some black birds on a porch railing and the skeleton of a vulture perched near the roof.

Climb the front steps and the sanctum enclosing a hovering ghost waited to the left. Beauregard made the animated ghost himself using plastic piping and a motor.

"Making the house for the ghost just made sense because the wind would play havoc," he said.

Get this far, as many trick-or-treaters did, and the reward was to find Patricia Beauregard, Joseph's wife, offering candy from a big bowl. Sometimes she wore a large cardboard Hillary Clinton face.

This is the fifth year of the Beauregard's Halloween decoration dedication.

"I think everyone really likes it. I try to be mindful of the little kids," Beauregard said.

Beauregard works in maintenance for the Holyoke School Department, so he has the skills to accompany his creativity in putting stuff together.

Taking it all down promises all the fun of expecting a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the Halloween harvest sack but finding an apple.

Dismantling and storage of the Halloween house decorations will take an afternoon. But as with Christmas decorations, the best way to tackle the unpleasantness of disassemblage is to work quickly and get it done, Beauregard said.

Fire departments from across the Birmingham area are responding. Watch video

Fire departments from across the Birmingham area responded to a gas line explosion in Shelby County that killed one person and severely injured several people Monday afternoon. 

According to public safety radio reports, seven people were severely burned. A UAB Hospital spokesman Monday afternoon confirmed three patients were already at UAB, three more were coming by ambulance, and one more was coming by air. 

However, it is unclear at this time how many are being treated at UAB. UAB spokesperson Adam Pope said Monday evening that there are four victims being treated at UAB Hospital. Asked if any had been released, he said "not to my knowledge."

With a severe drought caused by weeks without rain, much of central Alabama has been plagued by multiple wildfires, forcing crews to try and keep the blaze from spreading across the landscape.

Coleen Vansant, a spokeswoman with the Alabama Forestry Commission, said crews were attempting to build a 75-foot-long earthen dam to contain burning fuel, which will be allowed to burn itself out.

Two wildfires caused by the explosion burned 31 acres of land, she said.

Homes around the blast scene were evacuated, and Capt. Jeff Hartley of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said it wasn't clear when people might be able to return home.

"There's a large plume of smoke; there's a large fire. We're not sure exactly how it started or what caused it," he said.

Eight or nine subcontractors were working on the Colonial gas pipeline when it exploded around 3 p.m., Shelby County sheriff's Maj. Ken Burchfield confirmed. Colonial has now shut down both pipelines running through the area.

"The fire will not be out any time soon," Burchfield added.

Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said the Colonial subcontractors were trying to flush one of the lines. As they began to dig, that is when the explosion happened.

In addition to the injured victims, Samaniego said there's a possibility that two workers are still missing. The heat from the blaze, he said, is hindering the search for them.

The sheriff said the flames are still reaching about 50 feet in the air.

The explosion was in the 300 block of Grey Hill Road in the area of River Road and Highway 13. Firefighters from the Bessemer, Birmingham, Indian Ford and McAdory departments are assisting.

There are only two homes nearby - both are roughly a half mile from the explosion site. Those residents have been evacuated but because the area is so rural, Samaniego said he doesn't expect further evacuations.

Colonial has now shut down both pipelines running through the area. This explosion is about five miles west from a recent Colonial Pipeline gasoline leak.

The Georgia-based company said in a brief statement Monday evening that its top priorities are the health and safety of its work crews at the scene and protecting the public.

"Our deepest condolences go out tonight to the family and friends of the person who was lost today, and our thoughts and prayers are with those who were injured."

Flights in the area have been restricted, Gregory Robinson of the state emergency management agency announced Monday night. Only relief aircraft are authorized in the airspace.

Mason Chatman said he and a friend -- who recently purchased property near the site of the explosion -- were worried when they saw a black plume of smoke while driving on Interstate 65.

The two drove to the property, where Chatman's friend plans to build a house, fearing it might be threatened by the fire.

"He was afraid it was a lot closer than where it actually was," Chatman said. "Luckily, nothing has happened here."

Shelby County EMA officials are on the scene along with Shelby County sheriff deputies and pipeline officials. Roadways in the area will remain closed to all but local traffic to allow emergency personnel easy access.

"Typically we don't see external damage to a pipeline from ground-level activity, whether it's human or weather-related, except for some third party striking the pipeline with a piece of excavation equipment," Brigham McCown, former administrator of the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration told AL.com last month.

"That's now the leading cause of pipeline spills and accidents."

Gov. Robert Bentley said in a brief statement that his office is monitoring the situation and said his office is receiving updates from state and local authorities.

"Pray for workers, rescue personnel," Bentley said in the statement.

This is a developing story and will be updated.

AL.com reporters Dennis Pillion, Starr Dunigan, Connor Sheets and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

In February of this year, MassMutual bought MetLife's retail adviser force of life insurance agents for $165 million. MassMutal called the purchase a "milestone event" in its history, which dates back to 1851.

SPRINGFIELD -- MassMutual Financial Group laid off 150 employees Tuesday as a result of its $165 million takeover earlier this year of MetLife's life insurance sales operation.

The layoffs were spread out over 10 offices, including the insurance giant's headquarters on State Street in Springfield.

"We have been working to integrate the organizations," said MassMutual spokesman James Lacey. "When you do so, you have overlaps and redundancies. These were difficult decisions that were not made lightly and we are committed to providing support and respecting the privacy of those affected by the decisions."

The layoffs announced Tuesday do not include any insurance agents.

 The jobs lost were in a broad range of functions across the organization and cuts were made to both former MetLife employees and those who had worked for MassMutual.

 MassMutual continues to hire where it makes strategic sense and currently hase about 300 open positions. 

Over the last five years, MassMutual has grown its workforce by approximately 35 percent and - in 2016 alone - has increased by 3 percent. 

In Springfield and Enfield, Connecticut, MassMutual has a workforce of 7,200 people.

In February of this year, MassMutual bought MetLife's retail adviser force of life insurance agents for $165 million. MassMutal called the purchase a "milestone event" in its history, which dates back to 1851.

The deal included a retail distribution operation with more than 40 local sales and advisory operations and approximately 4,000 advisers across the country. Those advisers were added to MassMutual's previous network of 5,800 agents.

MassMutual reported a 2015 revenue of $29.5 billion, up from $26.4 billion the prior year.

MassMutual announced two rounds of layoffs earlier this year. In February it cut 360 jobs, or about 5 percent of its Springfield-Enfield workforce. In April, MassMutual laid off 100 employees from its information technology department as it began outsourcing many of its computer operations.

MetLife, a publicly traded company based in New York City, was once a mutual insurance company like MassMutual. Mutual companies are owned by policyholders. Melife sold off the business to MassMutual in order to avoid a federal designation as "too big to fail" and the regulations that would go with it.

The Financial Stability Oversight Council of the Department of Treasury threatened to designate MetLife as "too big to fail" in 2014 after concluding that a failure of the $909 billion company would pose a risk to the U.S. economy [pdf].

The MassMutual deal also resulted in MetLife dropping Snoopy and the rest of the "Peanuts" gang from its advertising and corporate branding after a three-decade relationship with the characters of Charles Schulz.

As a result of the sell-off to MassMutual, Metlife is no longer selling its services in the consumer market and it felt it no longer needed Snoopy.

Falchuk's United Independent Party has lost its official party status, but Falchuk pledged to stay involved in politics.

Evan Falchuk's United Independent Party has lost its official party status. But Falchuk has not lost his goal of making a difference in Massachusetts elections.

And he is not ruling out a potential challenge to Massachusetts' top electoral official.

Asked whether he would consider running against Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin in 2018, Falchuk said he has not made any decisions. "Anything's possible," Falchuk said. "We certainly need something that will revive our democratic process, and he's not helping."

Falchuk founded the United Independent Party as part of his 2014 gubernatorial run. It became an official party in Massachusetts that year, when Falchuk met the threshold of winning 3 percent of the vote in a statewide race. Falchuk said he wanted to provide an option outside of the traditional two-party system to energize voters who do not feel properly represented by Democrats or Republicans. His positions were generally socially liberal and fiscally moderate.

As he has tried to build his party, Falchuk has repeatedly butted heads with Galvin. During the Democratic National Convention last July, Galvin urged voters not to "waste their vote" on a third party candidate, after which Falchuk called on Galvin to resign. Galvin complained about the cost to his office of printing UIP ballots for the state primary when only a single candidate appeared on the ballot.

"He saw it as a nuisance as opposed to saying it's good people are trying to do something to get people engaged politically," Falchuk said.

In order to maintain party status through another election cycle, a party must enroll 1 percent of registered voters, or around 45,000 people. According to the latest voter registration statistics, the United Independent Party only has 30,368 enrolled voters, or 0.67 percent.

The UIP will now return to being a political designation, rather than an official party. It will join the Libertarian Party, which has gone back and forth over the years. The Libertarian Party will regain party status this year if Libertarian presidential nominee Gary Johnson earns 3 percent of the Massachusetts vote. The Green-Rainbow Party, which is currently a party, also did not meet the threshold to remain a political party, although it can still do so if Green-Rainbow presidential nominee Jill Stein wins 3 percent.

The UIP will also join less well-known groups that are considered political designations, like the Pizza Party, the Pirate Party and the Prohibition Party.

"Life goes on for them. They can continue to operate," said Galvin spokesman Brian McNiff.

But Falchuk said the rules will make it more difficult for him. "One of the things about the way the system works is it's pretty stacked against political entrepreneurship," Falchuk said. "If you want to do something to compete with the old parties, it's set up in a way that makes it difficult."

A candidate from a political designation has a later deadline to file signatures in federal or statewide races than a party-affiliated candidate. Political designations do not have party primaries. Political designations also have different fundraising rules. For example, a party can collect $5,000 from an individual donor, while a political designation can only accept $500. Parties can contribute unlimited sums to their candidates.

Although Falchuk had hoped to use his party to encourage independent activists statewide to run for office, the UIP has only one candidate on the ballot this election: Daniel Fishman, who is running against incumbent Democratic State Rep. Jerald Parisella, of Beverly, in the Sixth Essex District.

Two other UIP candidates mounted unsuccessful write-in campaigns for the state House. John Fresolo of Worcester is on the ballot as a UIP candidate for state representative in the Sixteenth Worcester District, but he has said he only ran as an independent because it was an easier way to get his name on the ballot than challenging incumbent Democrat Daniel Donahue in a primary. Falchuk does not support Fresolo, who resigned as a state representative in 2013 amid an ethics probe involving inappropriate photos.

The UIP was likely hurt by the competitive Democratic and Republican presidential primaries in September. A voter who wanted to vote in the Democratic Party primary needed to be either a Democrat or unenrolled, and a voter in the Republican primary had to be Republican or unenrolled. Galvin said he believed some voters enrolled in the UIP by mistake, so he sent letters to voters in the UIP before the primary informing them that they had to unenroll if they wanted to vote for a Democratic or Republican candidate.

Falchuk said he sees part of his problem as a lack of civic engagement, which makes people unlikely to get involved in political campaigns. "As a society, we've got work to do to get people civically engaged," Falchuk said.

Falchuk said he will continue organizing and trying to figure out the best way to get good people to run for office.

The Suburban Amateur Football League semifinal between the Junior Falcons, a team of fifth- and sixth-graders from Wilbraham, will take on the Longmeadow Knights at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Spec Pond in Wilbraham.

WILBRAHAM — The Falcons, a team of fifth- and sixth-graders from Wilbraham, will take on the Longmeadow Knights in the Suburban Amateur Football League's NFC West semifinal at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Spec Pond in Wilbraham.

Longmeadow is a powerhouse in the SAFL. But the Wilbraham team is in contention, too, so the game ought to be a classic fall match-up.

"We're grateful to play them and have a chance to go on to the Super Bowl," Falcons Coach Mike Manteria said of Longmeadow, a team he admires greatly.

"It's a huge challenge if we can pull this off. It'll be a great game with two great teams," Manteria said.

"These boys are a testament to what can happen when clear, defined goals are set, a path is agreed upon, and each player puts ... self-interest aside to focus on what is best for the group," said Sean Murphy, an assistant coach for the Falcons.

As the sun goes down Saturday, the lights will come on at Spec Pond, one of the premiere youth athletic fields in Western Massachusetts. Both teams are hoping for a big crowd for the seminfinal game.

The winner of the NFC West game will go on to play the winner of the NFC East game in the NFC Super Bowl. The same scenario will play out in the AFC. Both the NFC and AFC Super Bowls are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 12.

Murphy said the Falcons, a cohesive unit who have been playing together since Aug. 1, have worked extremely hard this season.

The goals have been clear: have fun, be a great teammate and good sport, lend a helping hand, work hard, embrace a team-first mentality and, lastly, "win a Super Bowl," Murphy said.

A Boston-based construction firm's charitable foundation came under fire this week for reportedly making illegal contributions to a super PAC supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

A Boston-based construction firm's charitable arm came under fire this week for reportedly making illegal contributions to a super PAC supporting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Campaign finance documents show Suffolk Cares Inc., the nonprofit arm of Suffolk Construction Company Inc., gave Correct the Record a total of $250,000 in illegal political donations -- $100,000 of which came on Sept. 8 and the remainder of which was paid on Oct. 12 -- the Center for Public Integrity reported.

Charities registered under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code, like Suffolk Cares, however, are barred by law from making such political contributions, according to the nonpartisan watchdog organization.

Correct the Record spokeswoman Elizabeth Shappell told the Center for Public Integrity that the super PAC was giving back the money to the charity, when contacted about the contributions.

Suffolk Construction spokesman Dan Antonellis attributed the $250,000 in donations to Correct the Record to an "accounting error" and confirmed that the super PAC had returned the money, the Center for Public Integrity reported.

Although super PACs are prohibited from coordinating paid messaging with candidates, Correct the Record has worked with Clinton's campaign and been paid about $300,000 for "research," the group found.

Suffolk Construction, which serves a government contractor, meanwhile, faced scrutiny in April after reportedly contributing $200,000 to another pro-Clinton super PAC: Priorities USA Action, according to the Center for Public Integrity.

Priorities USA Action returned the money in July.

Marcos Dejesus, 51, of Springfield, pleaded guilty in Hampden Superior Court to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and resisting arrest.

SPRINGFIELD -- A 51-year-old city man on Tuesday pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and resisting arrest.

Marcos Dejesus was sentenced by Hampden Superior Court Judge John S. Ferrara to 31/2 years in state prison.

As part of the plea agreement, he agreed to the prosecution's request to forfeit the $404 seized when he was arrested, as well as the 2002 silver Honda CRV he was driving.

Marcos Dejesus 

In an earlier case in Springfield District Court, he had pleaded guilty to drug offenses and agreed to forfeit $43,000 seized in that case.

Ferrara agreed to waive all court fees for Dejesus after his lawyer said Dejesus doesn't have the ability to pay them.

Dejesus was arrested Dec. 8, 2015, in the Superior Court case, so has 329 days credit toward his state prison sentence for time served while awaiting trial.

Assistant District Attorney Kerry A. Beattie and defense lawyer Daniel D. Kelly recommended Dejesus serve this sentence concurrent with the sentence he got in the earlier District Court case, and Ferrara accepted that recommendation.

Kelly said Dejesus had received a suspended 21/2-year sentence to the Hampden County Correctional Center in Ludlow on the District Court case stemming from a May 2015 arrest. He was out of jail on that suspended sentence when he got arrested in December.

The December arrest in the Superior Court case represented a violation of probation on the suspended sentence, so Dejesus was made to start the suspended District Court sentence.

Beattie said city police were investigating Dejesus in late November and early December for distribution of crack from his home and his Honda CRV. Police had a search warrant for his apartment. They saw him pull up and approached him with badges out.

Dejesus reached into his pockets, and police shouted for him to show his hands. Dejesus put a plastic baggie with white powder in his mouth and wouldn't keep his hands showing or spit out the baggie, Beattie said.

There was a struggle in order to get Dejesus handcuffed, she said.

In the apartment were slightly more than 10 grams of cocaine, drug ledgers and packaging materials, she said.

Dejesus told Ferrara he was working at Stavros when arrested.

When Dejesus was arrested in the earlier drug case, police said he was delivering the drug from his car as if it were pizza.

The Jan. 1, 2018, Tournament of Roses parade will be the first time the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band has played at the prestigious event. Past performances by the band include an appearance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.

AMHERST -- In 2013, the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band performed at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and on Jan. 1, 2018, the student musicians will showcase their talent when they perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

The announcement came during halftime at the UMass football game Saturday.

"We're just thrilled," said Timothy Todd Anderson, director of the 381-member band, in a press release. This is the first time the band will play at the Tournament of Roses Parada.

"This is a fantastic compliment to the band," said Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. "It's a great opportunity for all UMass alumni to make a trip to the Rose Bowl and cheer our band on."

Parade organizers invited the band to apply.

The Tournament of Roses makes its selection on a variety of criteria including musicianship, marching ability and entertainment or special interest value, according to a press release.

The Minuteman Band has performed for presidential inaugurations in 1981, 1985 and 2001.

In 1993, 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2011, the band performed at Bands of America Grand Nationals. In 1998, the Minuteman Marching Band received the Louis C. Sudler Trophy, considered the most prestigious honor bestowed upon college bands.

In 2015, outgoing Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick requested that the Minuteman Marching band perform for the traditional "Lone Walk" ceremony as he left the State House for the final time.

On the eve of the 2014 Boston Marathon, 240 members accompanied 35 bagpipers and traditional Scottish drummers performing "Highland Cathedral" at a Fenway Park ceremony marking the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings. The band then performed the national anthem before the Red Sox game.

Students of all ages were entranced and intrigued as they assembled in Springfield Technical Community College's Schibeli Theater for a guest speaker who presented an out-of this-world story about his journey among the stars.

SPRINGFIELD - Students of all ages were entranced and intrigued as they assembled in Springfield Technical Community College's Schibeli Theater for a guest speaker who presented an out-of this-world story about his journey among the stars.

As part of STCC's Diversity Series, the school welcomed retired U.S. Navy commander and astronaut Dr. John Herrington on Tuesday to speak about his journey to space.

The school is commemorating the month of November as "Native American Month," and kicked off with its latest speaker.

Herrington, who was born in Wetumka, Oklahoma into the Chickasaw Nation, is credited with being the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space.

The event featured an in-depth presentation of his Herrington's story along with photos and videos of his time in space. Following the discussion, there was a meet-and-greet session where students could take pictures and get autographs from the speaker.

In 2002, Herrington was selected as a Mission Specialist for the 16th space shuttle mission to the International Space Station, spending almost two weeks in space.

Following his work on the space station, Herrington was also the commander of the NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO 6) mission in 2004, where he lived underwater for 10 days.

Herrington currently serves as an ambassador for the Chickasaw Nation.

According to Dean of Engineering Technologies and Mathematics Adrienne Smith, the guest-speaker event, which began at 10 a.m., was in an effort to promote and spark interest in STEM-related fields of study.

Along with STCC students, middle and high school students from Baystate Academy Charter Public School were also in attendance to listen to Herrington's story.

All eyes were on the retired astronaut as he shared his journey as Herrington recalled his unconventional pathway to working with NASA.

Herrington said he had been suspended from the University of Colorado when he was 19 due to his low grades, joking that he spent more time rock climbing than studying.

Following some heavy laughter from the audience, the former astronaut grabbed every student's attention when he asked "How do you go from being kicked out of school to becoming an astronaut?"

According to Herrington, while working for a rock-climbing firm in Colorado he assisted with a highway expansion project that opened his eyes to new possibilities.

"This was my first experience with mathematics in practice," said Herrington during his presentation. "It was the very first time that I could actually see what it was that we were doing with math and not just in a textbook, and I was fortunate that the guy I worked for sat me down one day and said 'what are you going to do when you grow up?'"

His former boss encouraged him to return to school.

With that motivation to learn, Herrington obtained his degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado. He would go on to get his master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School and, most recently, his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Idaho.

According to Vonetta Lightfoot, the Multicultural Affairs Operation Manager in STCC's Diversity Council, Herrington's accomplishments and his representation of his heritage in NASA made him a perfect speaker to motivate students to pursue STEM fields.

"We wanted someone who was dynamic and someone who also spoke to some of the class work and topics that our students are learning at STCC," said Lightfoot. "One of the big things that STCC is focusing on right now ins STEM and STEM-related careers, so we though who better to bring in and highlight not only the importance of Native American heritage, but also the importance of STEM as it relates to the college experience."

Lightfoot says that due to the lack of minority representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, it is important to inspire and motivate students in high school and middle school with events like Herrington's presentation.

The meeting of the Holyoke, Massachusetts City Council scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 was postponed to Monday, Nov. 7 because of questions about whether the notice of the meeting was posted 48 hours in advance on the city website as the Open Meeting Law requires.

HOLYOKE -- Tonight's City Council meeting has been postponed to Monday at 7 p.m. at City Hall, President Kevin A. Jourdain said.

The postponement was because questions were raised about whether notice of the City Council meeting was posted on the city website 48 hours in advance, as the state Open Meeting Law requires, officials said.

Rescheduling of the meeting to Monday instead of a later date ensures that the City Council will get the chance to vote before Election Day, which is Tuesday, on a resolution in relation to a question voters will face on the Election Day ballot.

The council Public Safety Committee has recommended that the full City Council adopt a resolution opposing legalization of marijuana for recreational uses. That's the topic of Question 4 on the Election day ballot.

It's no guarantee that the City Council will heed the committee recommendation and approve the resolution.

The student is charged with breaking a fire sprinkler head, which activated the sprinkler system throught the school, police said.

Classes at one high school in Hartford were cancelled on Tuesday after a student's "acting out" led to the damaging of an overhead fire sprinkler head, which activated the sprinkler system throughout the entire building.

The High Road School on Locust Street sustained between $50,000 and $100,000 damage and the student, a minor girl, was arrested, according to Hartford police. Her name was not disclosed.

According to Hartford police, the student had been placed in an isolation room in the school as punishment because she had been "acting out."

While in the room, the student threw one of her shoes, and it struck the sprinkler head and broke it off. This triggered the sprinkler system throughout the school, police said.

School was closed all day Tuesday, and WFSB Eyewitness News in Hartford reports school officials hope the school would reopen by Wednesday.

The name of the student was not released because of her age.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index rose 0.3 points to 56.2 last month, 0.6 points higher than in October 2015.

Massachusetts employers gained confidence in the economy in October, according to survey results issued Tuesday by Associated Industries of Massachusetts, a statewide business group.

The state's job market looked positive, according to the report. Nearly 39 percent of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months while 19 percent reported having cut jobs. When asked to predict hiring over the next six months,  38 percent of employers predicted hiring and only 10 percent downsizing.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index rose 0.3 points to 56.2 last month, 0.6 points higher than in October 2015.

The Association bases its Confidence Index on a survey of member companies, and plots it on a 100-point scale with 50 as neutral.

The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997 and 1998, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009.

Massachusetts' statewide unemployment rate fell last month to 3.6 percent, its lowest rate since the dot-com boom of 2001.

"Local unemployment rates dropped in 22 of 24 labor market areas throughout Massachusetts during September, which is consistent with gains in the AIM Employment Index over both the month and year," said Sara Johnson, senior research director, Global Economics, IHS Global Insight and a member of the AIM Board of Economic Advisors. "Both sets of numbers indicate that Massachusetts' economy continues to perform well. State employment is growing faster than at the national level."

Other results:

• Manufacturing: There was a  2.6-point jump in the manufacturing index, which has lagged overall confidence readings for the past 18 months as companies struggled with economic weakness in Europe, China and other key export markets, Associated Industries said.
• Non-manufacturing: Those in businesses other than manufacturing were still more confident than manufacturers. The overall Business Confidence Index among non-manufacturers was 59.3 compared to 53.5 for manufacturing companies. 
• The state we're in: The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the commonwealth, gained 0.9 points to 57.9, leaving it 3.8 points ahead of the same time last year.
• The nation's business: The U.S. index of national business conditions remained unchanged at 49.2, 1.7 points lower than its level of October 2015.
• Current conditions: The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased slightly to 56.
• Future conditions: Future Index, measuring expectations for six months from now, rose 0.3 points to 56.3 points.

Barry Bluestone, of Northeastern University and a member of the advisory team, said it is worrisome that employers have a slightly less optimistic view of their sales success in upcoming months. Those employers also worry about finding new workers.

"In the longer term, concerns remain about the changing demographic structure of the state population, as relatively few young people enter and a large group of older workers leave (or are poised to leave) the workforce," he said.

Christopher Chicoine, 35, of L Street in Turners Falls, is charged with attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

MONTAGUE - Two people are charged in connection with a stabbing Monday night that left a 35-year-old man with wounds to his head, face and arm.

Christopher Chicoine, 35, of L Street in Turners Falls, is charged with attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Lindsay Wan, 29, also of L Street, is charged as an accessory after the fact.

Police Chief Charles Dodge said the stabbing was reported at 7:30 p.m. The victim told officers the name of his alleged attacker before he was taken to Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

The victim's condition was not immediately known Tuesday.

Officers put out a county-wide "be on the lookout," receiving assistance from several local police departments and the Massachusetts State Police.

Chicoine turned himself in at around 10 p.m. He was arrested at the Montague Police Department.

Chicoine was held overnight on $150,000 bail, pending arraignment Tuesday in Greenfield District Court. Wan was held on $50,000 bail.

Dodge did not provide details of the accusations against Wan, other than to say she allegedly provided "assistance" to Chicoine after the stabbing.

The award is given to a Springfield resident who is a veteran and contributing to their community.

SPRINGFIELD -- Eric Rosa, a veteran, firefighter and martial arts instructor, has been chosen as the 2016 Springfield Veteran of the Year.

"This award is given on an annual basis to a Springfield resident who is a veteran and continuously volunteers their time to better our community and never seeks recognition," said Charly Lawrence, deputy director of Springfield Veterans Services, which sponsors the award along with the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee, Inc.

A native of Brooklyn, New York and a veteran of the U.S. Army, Rosa served two tours of duty in Iraq before moving to Springfield with his wife and daughters. He is now a firefighter in Springfield and owns Virtue Martial Arts and Fitness, where he teaches children the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Several months ago, Rosa was named Sports Ambassador for the 2016 Puerto Rican Parade.

At the time, he said martial arts helped him cope after coming home from war, and working with children is rewarding.

"It's really special to see them building up their confidence and their skills. It's awesome to see them grow," he said.

Rosa will be honored on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at a small ceremony at Springfield City Hall. Event organizers will also announce this year's Parade Marshal for the 2016 Veterans Day Parade to be held later this month.

In a show of force one week before Election Day, more than 140 religious leaders signed on with Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh against Question 4, which seeks to legalize, tax and regulate recreational marijuana in Massachusetts. Watch video

BOSTON - In a show of force one week before Election Day, more than 140 religious leaders signed on with Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh against Question 4, which seeks to legalize, tax and regulate recreational marijuana in Massachusetts.

Cardinal Sean O'Malley was among the religious leaders who crowded the small stage for a press conference inside the Deliverance Temple Worship Center, a squat brick building on Columbia Road, in the city's Dorchester neighborhood.

"This legalization that we're facing is not about decriminalization. It's about the commercialization, bringing billions of dollars worth of dangerous drugs into the Commonwealth," O'Malley said.

"I can only imagine parents around the country thinking twice before they would want to send their sons and daughters to school in a city that becomes a mecca for the east coast for marijuana," O'Malley added.

But Rahsaan Hall, director of the racial justice program at the ACLU of Massachusetts, an organization supporting the passage of Question 4, dismissed the comments as "hyperbolic" and "misinformed" rhetoric.

"I think they have bought into the rhetoric of the opponents' campaign, which is largely scare tactics," he said of religious leaders.

Hall, who is also an ordained minister, said black people in Massachusetts are more likely than white people to be arrested for marijuana possession despite using it at the same rates.

"By legalizing it and taking it out of the underground economy and getting revenue from it, there's more opportunities to do education and prevention work to address some of those same issues," Rev. Hall said.

"To begin to try to offset some of that through economic opportunities in those same communities is something that's important, as opposed to allowing it to stay in an underground economy where it is not regulated and there are no controls over who has access to it," he added.

He pointed to a provision in the ballot question directing a new Cannabis Control Commission to craft "procedures and policies to promote and encourage full participation in the regulated marijuana industry by people from communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by the marijuana prohibition and enforcement."

Fees, fines and regulations: A guide to the Massachusetts marijuana ballot question

Colorado, which legalized marijuana in 2012, has served as an example for both sides to bolster their arguments for and against the ballot measure. Opponents of legalization say the black market hasn't been eliminated after years of legalization in the state, while marijuana proponents like Hall say the "sky has not fallen."

In their remarks inside the Deliverance Temple Worship Center, Gov. Baker and Mayor Walsh said the Massachusetts ballot question will primarily benefit a corporate marijuana industry.

The industry is eyeing Boston neighborhoods like "sharks looking at prey," Walsh said and claimed the city would become flooded with pot shops if the question passes.

Walsh, who has opposed previous marijuana-related ballot questions and has called the substance a "gateway" drug, pointed to Massachusetts voters decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana in 2008 and medical marijuana in 2012.

"I don't think there's ever been a ballot question that I've been more opposed to than the ballot question, Question 4," Walsh said.

Poll: Massachusetts voters favor legalizing marijuana

WESTFIELD - Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum are seeking donations for their upcoming third annual Children's Toy and Book Sale. The group is seekinig donations of gently used, clean children's books, toys, games, puzzles, sporting goods, compact discs and DVDs. Donations can be dropped at collection boxes located just inside the main entrance to the Athenaeum during regular library hours...

WESTFIELD - Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum are seeking donations for their upcoming third annual Children's Toy and Book Sale.

The group is seekinig donations of gently used, clean children's books, toys, games, puzzles, sporting goods, compact discs and DVDs.

Donations can be dropped at collection boxes located just inside the main entrance to the Athenaeum during regular library hours through Nov. 16. Residents with sizable donations can call the library at 413-568-7833 to arrange for pick up.

The Friends will offer a curbside drop off service in front of the library on Elm Street Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m..

All proceeds from the upcoming sale will support free programs and services offered by the Westfield Athenaeum.

WESTFIELD - Westfield State University's Musical Theatre Guild will present "Guys and Dolls" Thursday through Saturday on Dever State in Parenzo Hall on campus. Nightly performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Guys and Dolls is a musical comedy written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser....

WESTFIELD - Westfield State University's Musical Theatre Guild will present "Guys and Dolls" Thursday through Saturday on Dever State in Parenzo Hall on campus.

Nightly performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday.

Guys and Dolls is a musical comedy written by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser. It originally premiered on Broadway in 1950 and won a Tony Award for Best Musical.

The musical features a cast of 22 student actors and 12 student crew members and is co-directed by Class of 2018 members Samuel Asuque of Marlborough and Jennifer Sanders of Taunton.

Student directors changed the original setting of the play from the 1920s to the 1950s.

"The 1950s time period better grasps the emotion of the show," Sanders said.

"We decided to play up the themes of sexism and objectification of women to bring awareness of these issues to audience members," Asuque added.

Tickets are $2 for students and $5 general admission. Tickets will be sold at the door or can be reserved by email to Rebecca O'Leary at roleary1755@westfield.ma.edu.