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Springfield City Council approves new contract for library professionals with 2 percent pay raises

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The City Council approved a new contract for city library professionals that contains annual pay raises of 2 percent for four years, retroactive to July 1, 2016


SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council approved a new contract on Monday for the union representing city library professionals that includes annual pay raises of 2 percent for four years, retroactive to July 1, 2016.

The contract was approved for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 1596A. There are approximately 50 library employees in the union.

The previous contract expired June 30, 2016.

As approved, a 2 percent pay raise was granted retroactive to July 1, 2016, followed by a 2 percent pay raise slated on July 1, 2017, another 2 percent raise on July 1, 2018, and a 2 percent raise on July 1, 2019.

The base salaries range from library preparation specialist, paid $34,124 annually to a library information services supervisor, at $60,235.

The union already has a previously negotiated residency requirement in which all employees hired on or after Jan. 1, 2014, must comply with the city's residency ordinance, said William Mahoney, the city's director of labor relations and human resources.

As part of the new contract, the city is funding a total of $29,269 in retroactive pay, according to Timothy J. Plante, the city's chief administrative and financial officer.


Easthampton man facing bestiality charge; allegedly filmed sex act with dog

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While speaking to police, Swift complained that someone had been harassing his current girlfriend online and even sent her a copy of the video. "Mr. Swift is angry that the video is being spread," the complaint said.

SPRINGFIELD -- An Easthampton man has been charged with bestiality after allegedly making a video showing his dog performing a sexual act on him.

Joshua E. Swift, 32, was scheduled for arraignment last week in Springfield District Court on one count of bestiality. When Swift failed to show up, a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

The case dates to October when a woman who met Swift on a Boston Bruins fan website contacted the Blanford Police Department. The woman, who developed an online relationship with Swift, told police he sent her a video showing his dog performing a sexual act on him, according to a complaint filed by Easthampton police.

Questioned by investigators, Swift admitted making the video, but said the woman encouraged him to do it, the complaint said. The women contacted police after he broke off their relationship, he said.

Swift claimed he was "wasted, lonely and in a bad state of mind" at the time he recorded the footage, and said the act shown in the video was "not something he would normally do," the complaint said.

Investigators determined the video had been made at the Bel Air Inn in West Springfield. In July, Swift had called police from the motel to report that his dog had been stolen, the complaint said.

While speaking to police about the video, Swift complained that someone has been harassing his current girlfriend online and even sent her a copy of the recording. "Mr. Swift is angry that the video is being spread," the complaint said.

The bestiality charge is not the first encounter with the court system for Swift, a self-employed roofer.

Between 2001 and 2010, fifteen criminal charges were filed against him, including assault and battery, driving with a suspended license, trespassing, malicious damage, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and marijuana possession.

While most charges were dismissed or continued without a finding, Swift was ordered to serve two six-month jail terms in separate assault cases and six more months in a domestic abuse case.

Six restraining orders also were filed against him between 2007 and 2011, according to court records.

Along with police from Blanford, Easthampton and West Springfield, an investigator for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was involved in the investigation.

After visiting Swift's apartment, the investigator determined the dog "was healthy and happy" and no further action was needed, the report said.

A warrant for Swift's arrest was issued Friday. By late Monday, he had neither turned himself in nor been arrested.

Under state law, the maximum punishment for bestiality is 20 years in state prison. There is no minimum sentence.

Suffield Police now carrying Narcan, save 18-year-old overdose victim

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Police were trained in October on how to use Narcan properly.

SUFFIELD, Conn. - In reaction to the opioid epidemic that has spread throughout New England, local police officers are now carrying Narcan to reverse overdoses.

On Sunday, Sgts. John Trovato and Justin Nelson became the first to use Narcan after responding to a 911 call about an 18-year-old woman who had overdosed on opioids. The call came from a resident in Arizona who said he had been chatting with the woman on the Internet when she said she may have overdosed, Capt. Christopher McKee said.

The dispatcher was able to use the victim's phone number to track down her location. The two sergeants responded and found the woman unconscious and not breathing. The officers were able to revive her using Narcan and provided first aid until emergency medical technicians arrived. The woman was brought to a local hospital by ambulance, McKee said.

The woman's name was not released.

Suffield Police Department officers were trainedin October by members of the Suffield Volunteer Ambulance in the proper use of Narcan, McKee said.

"Thoughts for healthy recovery go out to this resident and her family from the men and women of the Suffield Police Department. The Suffield Police want to use this opportunity to remind members of the community that opioid use and addiction can impact any family at any time," McKee said.

Anyone who needs help with addiction problems can contact the Suffield Local Prevention Council on its Facebook account or call Leslie Offenbach at Suffield Youth Services at 860-668-3329 or LOffenbach@SuffieldCT.gov.

The Suffield Police Department investigates all illegal drug activity. Anyone with information about the illegal sale of narcotics is asked to contact officers at 860-668-3370 or send a message through the department's Facebook page, McKee said.

Chicopee Parks Dept. offering Korean martial arts course

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The classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays and are designed for children from age 5 through adults of all ages.

CHICOPEE - The Parks and Recreation Department is offering classes in the Korean martial art Tang Soo Do from Jan. 2 through 25.

The classes, taught by a fourth degree black belt, will teach about self-defense, confidence, and physical fitness. There are classes for children and adults.

The classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m. for children ages 5 to 7; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for children ages 8 to 15 and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. for those 16 and older.

Each session will have eight classes and will run from Dec. 5 to 28. The costs are $40 for the youngest children and $50 for youths and adults. All classes are held at Chicopee Parks and Recreation offices.

People must register ahead of time and can do so in person at the Parks Department, 687 Front St.

Police use facial recognition to search Mass. license photos, report says

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Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts regularly use a database of millions of license photographs to track down the identities of suspects, according to a new Boston Globe report.

Law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts regularly use a database of millions of license photographs to track down the identities of suspects, according to a new Boston Globe report.

The program is similar to efforts in at least 26 other states, which allow police to use facial recognition software to scan license photos as they chase leads in criminal investigations.

The Globe reports that while the state RMV has had access to facial recognition technology since 2006, it was originally pitched as a way to prevent people from obtaining fraudulent licenses, and that its role as a criminal investigation tool is not widely known.

Last year, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies gained access to 331 license photos, which turned up matches for 101 possible suspects, according to statistics obtained by the Globe.

The report on the program opens another front in the ongoing push-and-pull between police in Massachusetts and privacy advocates.

State authorities will be able to search for "hotlisted" vehicles scanned by the new all-electronic tolling system on the Massachusetts Turnpike during public safety emergencies.

And the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts has slammed the Boston Police Department's planned implementation of social media scanning software, which would give the department a drastically increased ability to monitor and analyze public internet posts. The department has said the information searched is already public, and that the software is a useful public safety tool.

The ACLU is similarly unenthused with the license photo program, according to the Globe report.

"When you go to the DMV to get your license, you do not expect your photo to be part of what has essentially become a law enforcement database used for criminal investigations," Kade Crockford of ACLU of Massachusetts told the Globe.

David Procopio, a state police spokesman, defended the use of facial recognition as valuable and subject to privacy safeguards.

"Facial recognition is a valuable tool for identifying suspects, and one that we use with appropriate discretion," Procopio told the Globe. "It can help solve serious crimes, and bring justice to victims, and prevent further crimes from being committed."

Crash closes westbound lane on Massachusetts Turnpike in Russell

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Massachusetts State Police were called to the westbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike early Tuesday afternoon for a report of a crash.

Update: The lane has been reopened, crash scene cleared.

Massachusetts State Police were called to the westbound lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike early Tuesday afternoon for a report of a crash.

The crash involves a truck near the 36 mile marker in Russell, Department of Transportation officials said.

The right lane is closed as emergency responders remain at the scene.

Is this your pet? Found animals at the Thomas J. O'Connor shelter, Dec. 20

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The Thomas J. O'Connor animal shelter is trying to reunite lost pets with their owners.

Springfield police say suspects in Albany Street shooting may have fired at victim through windshield of their vehicle

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It's not clear if the victim was hit in the shooting, which occurred as he walked down the street. He apparently got into vehicle and fled the scene.

SPRINGFIELD -- Suspects in a drive-by shooting in the McKnight neighborhood Tuesday morning apparently shot at their victim right through the windshield of the vehicle that they were riding in, police said.

Police continue to unravel the shooting which occurred mid-morning on Albany Street and ended with a crash on that street, Capt. Dorothy Claprood said.

It's not clear if the victim was hit in the shooting, which occurred as he walked down the street. He apparently got into vehicle and fled the scene.

The suspect vehicle crashed into a snow bank in front of 210 Albany Street. Claprood said two juveniles who were inside the SUV are currently being questioned by police.

Other suspects are believed to have fled on foot, she said.

Area hospitals told police they have not treated any gunshot victims Tuesday morning.


Springfield City Council selects leadership for 2017 in informal caucus vote

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The Springfield City Council, in informal votes, has selected Orlando Ramos as president and Justin Hurst as vice-president in 2017. A formal vote occurs at the Jan. 2 organizational meeting.

ramos.photo.JPGThe Springfield City Council, in an informal caucus vote, has selected Orlando Ramos to serve as council president in 2017. 

SPRINGFIELD --The City Council ended its formal meeting schedule for 2016 on Monday night with an informal caucus vote to select its leadership for the New Year.

By informal vote, the council selected Ward 8 Councilor Orlando Ramos to serve as the new council president in 2017, replacing current President Michael Fenton, by unanimous vote. Fenton finished his third consecutive year as president, not seeking re-election.

A formal vote on the president and vice-president positions are scheduled at the annual organizational meeting on Jan. 2.

hurst.photo.JPGJustin Hurst 

In Monday's informal caucus, the council voted unanimously to select At-large Councilor Justin Hurst to serve as council vice-president in 2017. Hurst is slated tol replace Ramos as vice-president.

Councilors thanked Fenton at the meeting for his service as president, with Ramos, as the incoming president, presenting him with an appreciation plaque.

Hurst was absent from the meeting due to a death in the family.

Ward 1 Councilor Adam Gomez nominated both Ramos and Hurst, and there were no other nominations from the council..

Florence child rapist Stanley Michalski sentenced to 20 to 25 years

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A judge on Monday sentenced a Florence man convicted of child rape, among other crimes, to 20 to 25 years behind bars.

A judge on Monday sentenced a Florence man convicted of child rape, among other crimes, to 20 to 25 years behind bars, The Daily Hampshire Gazette reports.

Stanley Michalski, 31, of Florence Road, faced the judge and his two victims -- ages 12 and 10 -- in Hampden Superior Court for sentencing. Black-leather-clad members of the western Massachusetts chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse had escorted the girls in earlier and sat in the court room. 

Judge Richard J. Carey rejected a plea from defense counsel David Mintz to limit Michalski's sentence to 10 to 15 years.

Before pronouncing the sentence, Cary addressed the two victims -- who attested in court to the lasting psychological damage they suffered at the hands of Michalski.

"I wanted to also tell you something else I want you to try to remember," Carey said, according to The Gazette. "And that is that you did absolutely nothing wrong. That this is not your fault. That you are not responsible in any way, shape or form for what happened to you."

Michalski's sentence included 10 years probation with special conditions.

According to police, two girls said Michalski forced them to perform sex acts, made them watch "The Walking Dead" and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" on television and pinned one of them against a ceiling.

The victims temporarily lived in Michalski's home from August 2013 to September 2014, according to The Gazette.

According to Gazette coverage of the trial, both girls testified they slept in the Michalski's bedroom and one girl said she shared a bed with Michalski.

Cumberland Farms to offer free coffee on Christmas Day

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Customers can customizea beverage by adding a limited edition holiday flavor shot, such as peppermint or gingerbread, for no additional cost.

SPRINGFIELD -- Cumberland Farms is offering customers a free hot or iced coffee, in any size on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Customers can also customize a beverage by adding a limited edition holiday flavor shot, such as peppermint or gingerbread, for no additional cost.

It's part of a pattern where Cumberland Farms offers of coffee on major holidays. A list of locations is available here.

Cumberland Farms has nearly 600 retail locations throughout the Northeast and Florida.

In 1939, Vasilios and Aphrodite Haseotes started the company in Cumberland, Rhose Island with nothing but a cow and a dream. They opened the first Cumberland Farms store in Bellingham, Massachusetts.

South Hadley Selectboard to consider moratorium on marijuana retail

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The moratorium would be in place until July, according to a draft of the board's proclamation

SOUTH HADLEY -- The Selectboard Tuesday evening will consider a temporary moratorium on the retail sale of recreational marijuana in town.

The moratorium would be in place until July, according to a draft of the board's proclamation, which is scheduled for review at the 7 p.m. meeting at Town Hall.

"The town will defer and not accept any applications for the retail sale of cannabis in the Town of South Hadley until July 1, 2017 or such time appropriate measures are in place at the state and local levels, by proper means to address the will of the people and the safety of said public," the document says.

The temporary moratorium on retail sales would have no effect on homegrown marijuana.

"The Town of South Hadley Selectboard respects the vote of the citizens of the Commonwealth and the citizens of South Hadley in relationship to the legalization of use of recreational marijuana/cannabis," the draft proclamation says.

It continues: "The South Hadley Selectboard is charged with matters of public safety and takes that responsibility earnestly."

Massachusetts voters approved an initiative petition legalizing recreational marijuana use during the Nov. 8 state election for those at least 21 years old.

Amherst building department sees more apartment code violations, but strong landlord response

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Amherst created rental registration three years ago to insure properties were well maintained.

AMHERST -- The building department responded to more property complaints in 2016 -- but the town's building commissioner said he sees that as a good thing because it means people are calling about problems.

And, he said, in most cases landlords and property managers are addressing those complaints.

The department responded to 361 complaints this year, including 72 zoning and 289 non-zoning issues.

Officials issued 23 violations amounting to $4,300 in fines to landlords, said Building Commissioner Robert Morra. Eventually, he said, all managers and owners corrected the issues that prompted violation notices.

The town created a rental registration program that went into effect three years ago to create clear guidelines and expectations for property owners, renters and neighbors.

Every year, landlords fill out a registration and self-inspection checklist and pay $100 to register. The program ensures that town officials, tenants and neighbors know who to call if there's a problem with the property.

The building department only responds to complaints, or if they are alerted to an issue by police or fire personnel who spot violations when responding to a call.

Morra said the increase in violations is due to a corresponding increase in the number of complaints.

More parents of renters are also contacting the department -- with many getting in touch thanks to the department's strong web presence, Morra said. "We get questions from parents of renters. We get requests to come and in look (at an apartment,)" he said.

Issues range from smoke detectors that aren't working, to exits not being marked, to holes in ceilings.  

Initially, he said, the department dealt with more zoning issues, such as cars parked on lawns or trash in yards, but he said "those issues are being well managed now."

He said most property owners and managers are responsive. In some cases, an inspector will text a manager about a problem and the manager will say he'll take care of later that day.

"We're getting good cooperation," Morra said, "Something that didn't exist before (the program started). It's pretty positive."

Managers and owners, he said, have shown an interest in trying to improve their properties.

Meanwhile, Morra has asked the Select Board to create a rental appeals board with the power to suspend a property owner's permit if they don't comply with a notice of violation.

Morra said they haven't needed the board yet, but he believes the board should be in place.

He expects discussions about creating the board early next year.

Holyoke shooting sends victim to hospital, police say

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Police said the shooting occurred about 1:30 p.m. and that the victim appears to have been taken to the medical center by a private vehicle.


HOLYOKE -- Police are investigating a Tuesday afternoon shooting in the Flats section of the city that sent a victim to Holyoke Medical Center.

Lt. Michael McCoy said the shooting occurred about 1:30 p.m. and that the victim appears to have been taken to the medical center by a private vehicle.

Police received a report of people in that neighborhood with firearms before the shooting, he said.

The condition of the victim is not known, he said.

This is a developing story. Additional information will be posted as soon as it is available.

Ebenezer's Bar & Grill in Westfield to close

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The Elm Street bar is in a location that was once Paddy's Irish Bar.

WESTFIELD -- Ebenezer's Bar & Grill Westfield will close Friday, according to a notice on the business' Facebook page.

The Ebenezer's South Hadley location will remain open.

Owned by Dave Ebenezer, Ebenezer's Westfield featured entertainment as well as food and the bar. It opened just more than one year ago in October 2015 in the former Paddy's Irish Bar, 110 Elm St. Paddy's closed in January 2015.

Paddy's owners, Longmeadow businessman Daniel V. Dineen and partner Thomas Murphy of Agawam, bought the former Piccolo's restaurant property at a city auction in 2010 for $220,000 and about $31,000 in taxes and utility fees.

Dineen and Murphy still own the building, according to city property records.

Skyline Trading Co. opened a few months ago just down the block at 124 Elm St., featuring craft beer, fresh baked pretzels and other baked goods, pizzas and home brewing supplies.


Human trafficking suspect Chun Nu Li facing arraignment today after extradition from New York

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Chun Nu Li, the Agawam spa owner arrested last week as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged human trafficking in Massachusetts, is scheduled for arraignment today in Westfield District Court.

Chun Nu Li, the Agawam spa owner arrested last week as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged human trafficking in Massachusetts, is scheduled for arraignment today in Westfield District Court.

Li, the owner of Feeding Hill Spa, was arrested Friday on two counts of human trafficking in Flushing, Queens.

Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the DA's office - along with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Agawam Police Department - executed a search warrant of the spa and a nearby home as part of the investigation.

"Human trafficking is an especially detestable crime, which preys on vulnerable people for the financial profit of the perpetrator," Gulluni said in a statement on Friday. "The Hampden District Attorney's Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to stopping this form of exploitation and firmly applying the law to these offenders."

Li is scheduled for arraignment today in Westfield District Court. The arraignment is expected to take place after an interpreter is secured, an official with the court clerk's office said.

Li's arrest was part of a lengthy investigation into sex trafficking that led to the arrest of massage parlors across Massachusetts.

The owners of "massage parlors" in Agawam, East Longmeadow, Framingham, Hadley and Northampton have been arrested on charges they trafficked women across state lines.

Feng Ling Liu, her husband Jian Song - both of Sunderland - and their daughter, Ting Ting Yin, were arrested in connection with businesses across Massachusetts and in New York.

Monson Planning Board unanimously approves controversial solar farm

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Opponents of the 2-megawatt project on Wilbraham Road said thousands of trees would be chopped down to build it.

MONSON -- The Planning Board unanimously approved a controversial 2-megawatt solar farm at Tuesday's meeting after months of deliberations.

Opponents of the project said thousands of trees would be chopped down to build it and that resulting deforestation is at odds with the premise of green energy initiatives. They also allege that the planning board's approval violates Monson zoning bylaws.

"I am content with the [planning] board's decision," said Raymond Beaudoin, owner of the 53 Wilbraham Road land, in an interview following the vote. ZPT Energy Solutions, LLC will construct 7,625 solar arrays on an approximately 12-acre footprint on the property.

ZPT President and CEO Brendan Gove said he hopes construction will begin in the spring and expects it to be completed by the fall.

"I commend the planning board's diligence," he said.

Opponents of the decision say they would consult with their lawyer, and have not ruled out future legal action to stop the project.

Springfield attorney Bart Heemskerk, who represents Leo and Sandra Baily of 56 Wilbraham Road, told the planning board last month in a letter that the proposed solar farm does not comport with zoning requirements.

But at Tuesday's meeting, the board said the town counsel's review found that the project complies with applicable land use regulations.

Heemskerk, who did not attend the meeting, said in his Nov. 4 letter that the minimum single lot size to build the solar panels is 25 acres, but that ZPT's proposal has only 21 acres.

Heemskerk wrote that a second lot that ZPT says counts toward the acreage total "flies in the face of the plain language of the Monson zoning bylaw defining 'lot.'"

The lawyer asserted that the town's zoning bylaws show the two lots are "separate (as) recorded at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds" on Sept. 21.

Monson Town Counsel Benjamin M. Coyle, in a Dec. 19 letter to the board, wrote: "Our interpretation of the applicable bylaw provides that the total acreage for the proposed solar array can be comprised of multiple parcels, held in common ownership."

"They went against their own bylaws," Leo Bailey said after the planning board voted and the meeting was adjourned.

"It is unfortunate that the town chooses to ignore its own definition of what constitutes a lot," said his daughter, Jessica Bailey, in an interview. "If we don't follow our bylaws, what's the purpose of having them?"

The map below shows the approximate location of the proposed solar farm:

Inauguration 2017: President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural schedule features 'Welcome concert,' wreath laying ceremony

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Donald Trump's Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Wednesday that the incoming commander-in-chief will take the Oath of Office next month during a three-day-long celebration that will reflect the Republican's "eagerness to get to work."

Donald Trump's Presidential Inaugural Committee announced Wednesday that the incoming commander-in-chief will take the Oath of Office next month during a three-day-long celebration that will reflect the Republican's "eagerness to get to work."

The president-elect will kick off his official inaugural events Thursday, Jan. 19 by laying a wreath at Arlington National cemetery with vice president-elect Mike Pence, according to a schedule released by the committee.

The wreath laying will be followed by a Thursday "Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration" concert at the Lincoln Memorial.

Trump will be sworn-in as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, before participating in the Inaugural Parade down Pennsylvania Avenue, PIC officials announced.

The new president will then attend two official Inaugural Balls Friday before wrapping up his inauguration with a National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017.

Trump will also attend a ball saluting the United States' armed forces and first responders.

PIC Chairman Tom Barrack contended that "the 2017 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trump's eagerness to get to work in order to make our country safer and stronger."

"President-elect Trump is committed to unifying our country as we once again celebrate the foundation of our American system and the peaceful transfer of power," he added in a statement.

In addition to the official portion of the inaugural, other events, including several dinners, will be held in the days leading up to Trump's swearing-in to honor the incoming president and his vice presidential running mate, the committee announced.

Here's a look at the 58th Presidential Inaugural schedule of events:

Wreath laying ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 19. A time has yet to be announced for the event.

WHERE: Arlington National Cemetery

DETAILS: Trump and Pence will pay homage to American troops by laying wreaths in Arlington National Cemetery.

Make America Great Again! Welcome Celebration

WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 19. A time has yet to be announced for the event.

WHERE: Lincoln Memorial/National Mall

DETAILS: The concert is expected to feature a diverse group of performers, and will serve as the official kick-off to Trump's inaugural events.

The event, for which a limited number of general public tickets will be released, will include appearances by the president-elect and vice-president elect.

Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremony

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20. A time has yet to be announced for the event, which has traditionally been held around noon.

WHERE: U.S. Capitol

DETAILS: Trump will take the oath of office and be sworn-in as the next president of the United States. Pence will also be sworn-in as the next vice president.

Inaugural Parade:

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20 following the swearing-in ceremony.

WHERE: Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C.

DETAILS: The parade will follow the newly sworn-in Trump and Pence and their families from the Capitol to the White House.

PIC will release a limited number of tickets for bleacher seating along the parade route. Cost for such tickets will be posted online in January.

Inaugural Balls

WHEN: Friday, Jan. 20. A time has yet to be announced for the events.

WHERE: Details for the events have yet to be released.

DETAILS: Trump will attend two official inaugural balls to celebrate his swearing-in. The incoming president will also celebrate the U.S. armed forces and first responders by attending "The Salute to Our Armed Services Ball."

National Prayer Service:

WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21. A time has yet to be announced for this event.

WHERE: Washington National Cathedral

DETAILS: Trump will end his inaugural events with a prayer service.

Amherst woman, 67, dies at home in driveway accident; DA says vehicle driven by husband

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The name of the deceased was not being released Wednesday evening, according to the DA's office.

AMHERST -- A 67-year-old woman died Tuesday night when she was struck in the driveway of her Hunters Hill Circle home by a vehicle driven by her husband, according to the office of Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan.

The name of the woman would not be released Wednesday evening, according to Sullivan spokeswoman Mary Carey.

The death remains under investigation, but police are looking at it as an accident, she said.

The collision happened at about 6 p.m. at 18 Hunters Hill Circle, according to police and fire sources. Carey said the woman was rushed by ambulance to Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and she was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later.

Carey said the investigation is being conducted jointly by Amherst Police and Amherst Fire Departments, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Northwestern district attorney's office, MSP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and MSP Crime Services units.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is scheduled to perform an autopsy and will determine the cause of death.

Hunters Hill Circle is located off East Hadley Road.

Christmas Eve and Christmas 2016: What's open, what's closed, mall hours and more

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Christmas falling on a Sunday moves most closures to Monday.

Christmas 2016 falls on a Sunday, pushing the official government holiday off until Monday and switching up some Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day hours for stores, banks, government offices and other services. 

But fear not, last-minute shoppers, the following is a list of what is open and what is closed over Christmas this year.

Essentials:

Gas stations, convenience stores: Generally open regular hours throughout the holiday weekend.
CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas, hours vary
Big Y World Class Market: Open until 6 p.m. on Saturday, Christmas Eve, and closed Sunday, Christmas Day. Pharmacies will be open normal hours Christmas Eve. Little Y's will close at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Stop & Shop: Open Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. and closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Pharmacies will be open until 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and closed Christmas Day.
Massachusetts liquor stores: Open Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day, open Monday.
Connecticut liquor stores: Open Christmas Eve, closed Christmas Day, open Monday.

Shopping:

Holyoke Mall: Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day until Dec. 24. On Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Holyoke Mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours for department stores such as JC Penney, Macy's, Sears (all open till 6 p.m.) and Target (open till 10 p.m.) and restaurant hours may vary. The mall will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 26.  For a complete list of hours until New Year's Day, visit www.holyokemall.com.
Eastfield Mall: The shopping center on Boston Road in Springfield will be open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day until Dec. 24. On Christmas Eve, the mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and reopen Monday, Dec. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Restaurant and department store hours may vary. The mall's website is www.eastfieldmall.com.
Hampshire Mall: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day until Dec. 24. On Christmas Eve, the mall will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours for department stores such as JC Penney (open till 6) and Target (open till 10) and restaurant hours may vary. Hampshire Mall will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, and will reopen at 8 a.m. om Monday.  For a complete list of hours until New Year's Day, visit www.hampshiremall.com.
Enfield Square: Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23. Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Closed Christmas, Dec. 25. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 26. Hours for department stores such as Sears and Target and restaurants may vary. For a story directory, click here.
Kohl's: Open 24 hours through Friday, Dec. 23. Open midnight to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Christmas Eve, and closed on Christmas. 
Walmart: Walmart will close at 6 p.m. Christmas Eve and will reopen Monday, Dec. 26.
Auburn Mall: Open 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily through Friday, Dec. 23. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Closed Sunday, Dec. 25. Open Monday, Dec. 26, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. More information here.
Berkshire Mall: Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23. Open Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Open Monday, Dec. 26, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. More information here.

Finance

Banks: Nearly all banks and credit unions in Massachusetts plan to be closed on both Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2, 2017, official holidays when Christmas and New Year's fall on a Sunday, according to the Massachusetts Bankers Association. Christmas Eve hours generally will be normal Saturday hours.
Stock Exchange: Closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2.

Government offices:

Municipal government offices: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Monday, Dec. 26.
Federal court: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Monday, Dec. 26.
U.S. District Court: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Monday, Dec. 26.
State Courts: Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Monday, Dec. 26.
Springfield Armory National Historic site: Closed Sunday, Christmas Day, and Monday, Dec. 26
Post Office: U.S. Postal Service locations normally open Saturdays will be open Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, but many will shorten lobby hours and close at noon. All offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and on Jan. 2.

Transportation:

Peter Pan Bus Lines: Expected to be very busy. Passengers are told that schedules are subject to change and delays are expected due to heavy traffic patterns over the holiday. Passengers are asked to arrive at their departure location at least 45 minutes in advance and allow extra travel time. A detailed list of route and schedule changes for the holidays are available here.
Bradley International Airport: Bradley says the airport can be busy. Passengers are asked to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before their flight and to keep in touch with their airlines about delays.
PVTA: The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority does not run on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Service stops at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve and begins again on Monday, Dec. 26. A detailed schedule is available here.
MBTA: Boston's mass transit agency will operate on a Saturday schedule for Christmas Eve and a Sunday schedule for both Christmas Day and on Monday, Dec. 26. The same goes for New Year's, and a detailed schedule is available here.
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