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Springfield police to begin year with underage compliance checks at bars, restaurants & package stores

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The notice by police is intended to put alcohol establishments on notice that they need to be vigilent about checking IDs and not selling alcohol to minors.

The Police Department Strategic Impact Unit will be conducting periodic compliance checks at all city bars, restaurants and establishments that sell alcohol, according to police.

The checks will be ongoing, beginning on Jan. 1, and will seek any establishments that illegally sell alcohol to people who are under the legal drinking age of 21 years.

The overall goal is to curb alcohol sales to minors and to deter underage drinking, the Police Department said in announcing the program, according to police.

The notice by police is intended to put alcohol establishments on notice that they need to be vigilent about checking IDs and not selling alcohol to people younger than 21 years.

The department periodically sends out underage people to bars, restaurants and liquor stores to see if they can be served.

As recently as November, the city License Commission issued temporary liquor-license suspensions to 10 establishments that were caught serving minors. In each instance, the compliance checks involved underage and undercover Springfield police cadets being sent in to purchase alcohol.
The suspensions were for between five and 10 days. Two employees at one convenience store were also fired.


Big Mass. contingent to participate in women's march in D.C.

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At least 60 buses will carry more than 8,000 Bay State protesters to Washington, D.C., next month for the Women's March on Washington, according to The Boston Globe.

At least 60 buses will carry more than 8,000 Bay State protesters to Washington, D.C., next month for the Women's March on Washington, according to The Boston Globe.

Tami Gouveia started a Facebook group promoting the march days after Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election. 

Trump's campaign rhetoric appears to be a main motivator behind the Jan. 21 march, which is expected to draw 200,000 people or more. Jan. 21 is the day after Trump's inauguration.

"We stand together in solidarity with our partners and children for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families -- recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our country," reads the march website

The only state with more pledged participators than Massachusetts is New York. 

Though protesters do not yet have a permit, the event "is happening," activist and co-organizer Carmen Perez told The Huffington Post

Fuel spill ties up traffic on Page Boulevard near I-291

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Just after 11 a.m., a tractor trailer lost its fuel tank, causing fuel to spill on the road in the area of 812 Page Boulevard.

SPRINGFIELD - A deisel fuel spill on Page Boulevard near the Interstate 291 exit is tying up traffic in East Springfield.

Just after 11 a.m., a tractor trailer lost its fuel tank, causing fuel to spill on the road in the area of 812 Page Boulevard.

The Springfield Fire Department responded to the scene and spread absorbant on the ground to contain the spill said Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commisioner Joseph Conant.

The Office of Emergency Preparedness also on scene to oversee clean up.

This is a developing story and more information will be added as it is known.

Trump inauguration security officials prepare for protesters

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President-elect Donald Trump's contentious campaign rhetoric and unexpected White House victory have reportedly made providing security at the Republican's upcoming inauguration more challenging, senior officials involved in the event's planning said this week.

President-elect Donald Trump's contentious campaign rhetoric and unexpected White House victory have reportedly made providing security at the Republican's upcoming inauguration more challenging, senior officials involved in the event's planning said this week.

The three dozen agencies charged with providing security for the Jan. 20 inauguration ceremony and related events are preparing for nearly a million Trump supporters, as well as a possible high number of protesters, the New York Times reported.

Although Michael Chertoff, the secretary of homeland security under President George W. Bush who oversaw the department for President Barack Obama's first inauguration, told the newspaper that "each inauguration is risky" in its own way, but Trump's presents a new level of challenges.

"I can't think of an inauguration that presented more security challenges than this one," he said, according to the Times.

More than 3,200 police officers and about 8,000 members of the National Guard are expected to help with basic crowd and traffic control around Washington D.C. during inaugural events, while 5,000 active duty service members will also be on hand to serve in ceremonial roles, the newspaper reported.

Trump drew protests throughout his 2016 White House run -- some which turned violent as opponents and supporters clashed at campaign events. Protests continued after Trump's November victory, as voters upset with the election's outcome hit the streets in cities across the country.

Protests erupt hours after Donald Trump named president elect

Demonstrations against the president-elect are expected to resurface in the days surrounding Trump's inauguration.

The National Park Service, which controls a majority of the public land in Washington D.C. said it had seen nearly two dozen permit requests from groups looking to host events either for or against the incoming president -- much higher than the handful typically seen for inaugurations, the Times reported.

The so-called "Women's March on Washington," the largest event requested, has been granted a permit for 200,000 people to rally and then march in protest of Trump on Jan. 21 -- one day after the inauguration -- Park Service spokesman Mike Litterst told the newspaper.

Several groups from across Massachusetts are planning bus trips down to the nation's capital to participate in the march.

At least 9,000 people have committed to traveling to Washington D.C. for the rally, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, told the Berkshire Eagle.

Boris Epshteyn, spokesman for Trump's inauguration committee, said the group welcomes free exercise of the First Amendment if done peacefully and in accordance with laws and rules.

As storm looms, Western Mass. communities declare emergency parking bans

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With a substantial snowfall being forecast for the region on beginning Thursday, some communities have begun issuing emergency parking bans.


With a substantial snowfall being forecast for the region on beginning Thursday, some communities have begun issuing emergency parking bans.

In Easthampton, a citywide parking ban will go into effect at 9 a.m. Thursday, officials announced. It will remain in effect until further notice.

Mountain Road, or Route 141, will be closed beginning at noon Thursday. Mountain Road goes over Mount Tom and is the primary route connecting Easthampton and Holyoke.

Granby is also declaring a parking ban, meaning no on-street parking will be permitted. That ban goes into place at 8 a.m. Thursday and will continue until 4 p.m. Friday.

The forecast calls for between 4-9 inches in Western Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Center.

This is a developing story and more parking bans will be added as they are announced.

Sign up for MassLive's text alerts for weather updates and warnings

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New Amherst Town Meeting vote scheduled for elementary school project

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As expected the Amherst Select Board scheduled Wednesday morning scheduled a special Town Meeting for Jan. 30 to vote again on approving $66.3 million in funding for a new twin school on the Wildwood Elementary School site.

AMHERST -- As expected, the Select Board on Wednesday morning scheduled a special Town Meeting for Jan. 30 to vote again on approving $66.3 million in funding for a new twin school on the Wildwood Elementary School site.

Petitioners submitted more than 400 signatures requesting the meeting after Town Meeting in November rejected the spending.

On Nov. 8, voters narrowly supported funding for the "twin school" project for grades two through six. The school would replace both Wildwood and Fort River elementary schools. Crocker Farm Elementary School would become an early childhood center for pre-kindergarten through first grade.

The project requires borrowing, which requires Town Meeting approval. Town Meeting rejected the proposal Nov. 14 by a vote of 108-106. A two-thirds majority was needed, and would be needed in January as well. 

Proponents of the new vote plan to clarify and provide new information to the meeting regarding the project.

Rebekah Demling, a parent and Precinct 7 Town Meeting member who led the drive to collect signatures for a special Town Meeting, attended the Wednesday morning meeting.

Maria Kopicki, a member of Save Amherst's Small Schools, which opposes the school project, also attended. That group wants to keep all three elementary schools for kindergarten through sixth grade.

The Select Board, which did not have public comment Wednesday, opened the meeting for questions, but there were none.

The Massachusetts School Building Authority has approved the plan and agreed to pay about $34.4 million, leaving Amherst to pay the remaining cost.

Westfield police seek missing boy, 14; not seen for 2 days

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The boy, identifed as Joseph Rossi, has not been seen by his family since Monday night, police said.

WESTFIELD - The Westfield police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing 14-year-old boy who has been gone for two days.

The boy, identifed as Joseph Rossi, has not been seen by his family since Monday night, police said.

He is described as white, roughly 5 feet, 9 inches tall and around 130 pounds. He has reddish hair.

He may be wearing dark colored jeans, a red t-shirt, and a black-and-gray hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (413)562-5411 or Detective Anthony Tsatsos at (413)642-9385.

Mountain Road in Easthampton to close Thursday for snow storm

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Drivers in Easthampton may have to adjust their commutes tomorrow, as the city's main access road to I-91 closes due to anticipated heavy snowfall.

Drivers in Easthampton may have to adjust their commutes tomorrow, as the city's main access road to I-91 closes due to anticipated heavy snowfall.

Mountain Road will close at noon on Thursday, Easthampton Police said in a Facebook post.

A winter storm warning will be for much of Western and Northern Mass starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow. A broad swath of the state, from Worcester to the Berkshires, is expected to get eight to 12 inches of snowfall, with a chance of wind gusts up to 40 mph.

Related Photos: Microburst on Mountain Road in 2014
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Delay in implementation of marijuana in Massachusetts? Lawmakers sent bill to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk

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Massachusetts lawmakers quietly shuttled a bill to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk delaying the implementation of recreational marijuana by six months. The bill does not affect the provisions that are already in effect: Personal possession inside and outside a person's primary residence, as well as home growing.

BOSTON - Massachusetts lawmakers quietly shuttled a bill to Gov. Charlie Baker's desk delaying the implementation of recreational marijuana by six months.

The bill does not affect the provisions that are already in effect: Personal possession inside and outside a person's primary residence, as well as home growing. Those provisions went into effect on Dec. 15, 2016.

Under the new law voters passed in November, retail pot shops were likely to open in 2018, after the set-up of a Cannabis Control Commission.

But the bill on its way to Baker's desk changes the deadlines for the commission to draft and approve regulations, vet applicants and issue retail licenses for selling and cultivation. The commission was originally due to be set up by March 2017.

The Massachusetts House and Senate passed the bill on Wednesday. Marijuana legalization advocates have repeatedly called for the timelines and deadlines to stay the same, saying they are doable.

Massachusetts legalized marijuana. What happens next?

"The legislature has a responsibility to implement the will of the voters while also protecting public health and public safety. This short delay will allow the necessary time for the Legislature to work with stakeholders on improving the new law," Senate President Stanley Rosenberg, D-Amherst, said in a statement.

"Luckily, we are in a position where we can learn from the experiences of other states to implement the most responsible recreational marijuana law in the country," he added, referring to states like Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Boston, marijuana capital of the world?

Gallup: President Barack Obama 'most admired man' for 9th straight year

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Although President Barack Obama is set to leave the White House next month, he continues to top Gallup's list of most admired men in 2016, according to poll results released Wednesday.

Although President Barack Obama is set to leave the White House next month, he continues to top Gallup's list of most admired men in 2016, according to poll results released Wednesday.

With nearly a quarter of the vote, Obama beat out incoming President Donald Trump, Pope Francis, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, the Dalai Lama and Vice President Joe Biden to win the title for his ninth consecutive year, Gallup announced.

Twenty-two percent of Americans named the outgoing president as the man they admired most in 2016 -- up from 17 percent in 2015, but down from the 30 percent he saw in both 2012 and 2009.

Trump, who will succeed Obama in the Oval Office, trailed with 15 percent of the vote -- a marked increase from the 5 percent he saw from survey respondents in 2015, according to poll results.

The president-elect has finished the top 10 several times, including in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 2011.

Gallup, which has conducted the poll since 1946, noted that incumbent presidents have won the title of "most admired man" 58 out of the 70 times it has asked the question.

Obama, who in an exception won the title over President George W. Bush in 2008, is second only to former President Dwight Eisenhower, who won the title 12 times.

Pope Francis and Sanders, meanwhile, saw their admiration levels drop one point apiece from 2015, with just 4 percent of respondents naming the Catholic leader as the man they admired most in 2016 and 2 percent naming the Vermont senator as such.

Just one percent of respondents, in turn, said they most admired the Dalai Lama, former President Bill Clinton, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, Biden or a handful of others in 2016.

With 12 percent of the vote, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, was declared Gallup's "most admired woman" for the 15th consecutive year and 21st time overall, according to the polling agency.

The former first lady first won the title in 1993 and topped the list every year except for 1995, 1996 and 2001, Gallup noted.

First Lady Michelle Obama trailed with 8 percent, followed by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and TV personality Oprah Winfrey, who each received 3 percent of the vote.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, placed 9th on the list with 1 percent of Americans surveyed naming her as the women they most admired in 2016.

The Gallup poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 adults via telephone from Dec. 7 to 11, has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points, at a 95 percent level of confidence.

Hadley voters to consider 9 ballot questions at Jan. 10 special town election

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Voters at a Jan. 10 special election will be asked to consider a record nine ballot questions to pay for everything from police cruisers to a storm water system to a new senior center.

HADLEY - Voters at a Jan. 10 special election will be asked to consider a record nine ballot questions to pay for everything from police cruisers to a storm water system to a new senior center.

Town Meeting approved the expenses in October, but because they require borrowing voters must also approve them at the polls.

If voters approve all the ballot questions, the average tax bill on a home valued at $313,7000 would rise $95. The cost of financing all the projects is $228,000 annually, but with prior debt coming off the tax bill the net hike is about $95, said Assessor Daniel Zdonek.

Spending for all nine ballot questions would add about 72.7 cents to the current tax rate of $11.15 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, but about 42 cents is coming off from prior debt exclusion expenses. The net hike would be about 30 cents per $1,000, he said.

Residents likely will not see the cost of financing the two most costly projects for at least two years, Zdonek said. Groundbreaking on those projects likely would happen in 2019, he said.

Voters are being asked to spend $2.9 million for a new fire substation that would cost about $64.43 annually for 20 years. The spending adds about 20 cents to the tax bill.

Voters are also being asked to spend $5.3 million for a new senior center that would cost about $114.50 annually or add about 36 cents to the tax rate.

The costs are based on 3 percent interest. The senior center and fire station would be paid off over 20 years where the other projects would be paid off over 10.

The senior center project drew ardent support at Town Meeting in October. The measure needed a two-thirds majority to pass because the article requires borrowing. The vote was 279-7.

The plan is to build a 9,000-square-foot center behind the current building, the former Hooker School.

The Fire Department currently shares space with police in the Dennis J. Hukowicz Public Safety Complex, but is looking to build a substation on ball fields beyond the North Hadley Town Hall.

Hadley is considering whether to provide its own ambulance service, and needs space for ambulances. The town currently contracts for ambulance service with Amherst.

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Voters will also be asked to buy two police cruisers, public works equipment, heating and cooling systems for both the elementary school and public safety complex, and computer technology for the school department.

Voting is at Hopkins Academy from noon to 8 p.m. Jan. 10, a Tuesday.

All votes require a majority.

Information is being sent to property owners in their tax bills, and people with questions can call Town Hall at 413-586-0221.


Hadley special election ballot by The Republican/MassLive.com on Scribd

Chicopee Police announce new Level 3 offender living in city

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There are about 35 Level 3 sex offenders living or working in Chicopee.

CHICOPEE - The Police Department is notifying residents that a new Level 3 sex offender has moved into the community.

The man is identified as Michael Durgin who is living at 62 Wildwood Lane, Police Lt. Mark Higgins said.

He is 35 and described as white, about 6 feet tall, weighing 260 pounds. His hair is black.
Durgin was convicted of two counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 in January 2015, Higgins said.

There are about 35 Level 3 sex offenders living or working in Chicopee. Level 3 offenders are those most likely to re-offend and are required to register with the local department every year.

None of the Level 3 offenders are wanted by police. It is also illegal to harass an offender, police said.

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Boston Police release identity of teen found dead near Logan Airport

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Boston police have identified the 18-year-old found dead near Logan Airport on Saturday, as they investigate if the killings of five teenaged boys in just more than a year are gang related.

 

Boston police have identified the 18-year-old found dead near Logan Airport on Saturday, as they investigate if the killings of five teenaged boys in about 12 months are gang-related.

Luis Fernando Orellano Ruano, of Central America, was found with stab wounds near 99 Airport Way in East Boston, police said in a statement on Wednesday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The death remains under investigation.

Police Commissioner William Evans told the Boston Herald that detectives and State Police are investigating if this death is related to four other killings, including one teen whose body was found at Belle Isle Marsh Reservation earlier this month.

Some of the killings are linked to the MS-13 gang, according to the Boston Herald.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 617-343-4470.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously.

Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker to 'carefully review' bill delaying retail marijuana shops

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As a bill delaying implementation of retail marijuana in Massachusetts hit his desk, Gov. Charlie Baker pledged to carefully review the legislation. The bill would delay the set-up of retail pot shops by six months.

BOSTON - As a bill delaying implementation of retail marijuana in Massachusetts hit his desk, Gov. Charlie Baker pledged to carefully review the legislation, a spokeswoman said.

The bill would delay the set-up of retail pot shops by six months, while leaving alone personal possession and home growing, which are already in effect.

"The administration will continue to work closely with lawmakers, educators, and public safety and public health professionals on the implementation of the law to ensure the transition protects the interests of our communities and families while adhering to the will of the voters," Baker's communications director, Lizzy Guyton, said in a statement. "The governor will carefully review any legislation reaching his desk."

Voters passed a new law allowing recreational marijuana in Massachusetts in November.

The governor, who opposed the new law and unsuccessfully campaigned against it, has 10 days to review the bill delaying implementation.

Marijuana legalization advocates who wrote the law expressed disappointment in the delay, calling it unnecessary.

A summary of the bill, provided by the office of state Sen. Jason Lewis, D-Winchester, is available below.

Gov. Baker reacts to first day of legal marijuana in Mass.

The bill sent to the governor's desk on Wednesday does the following:
Delays the date when the Cannabis Control Commission can issue retail licenses to medical marijuana treatment centers by 6 months from January 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018 in the event that a municipality limits the number of marijuana establishments that may be licensed in that municipality and those limits prevent the commission from issuing licenses to all qualified applicants.
Delays the date when the Cannabis Control Commission can issue retail licenses to qualified applicants by lottery by 6 months from January 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018 in the event that the municipality limits the number of marijuana establishments that may be licensed in that municipality and those limits prevent the commission from issuing licenses to all qualified applicants.
Delays the date when medical marijuana treatment centers can sell marijuana to non-medical patients who are 21 and over in the event that the Cannabis Control Commission fails to adopt regulations necessary for implementation by 6 months from January 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018.
Delays the date when the State Treasurer has to make appointments to the Cannabis Control Commission by 6 months from March 1, 2017, to September 1, 2017.
Delays the date when the Governor has to make appointments to the Cannabis Advisory Board by 6 months from February 1, 2017 to August 1, 2017.
Delays the dissolution of the Cannabis Advisory Board by 6 months from January 1, 2020 to July 1, 2020.
Delays when the Cannabis Control Commission must have initial regulations in place by 6 months, from September 15, 2017 to March 15, 2018.
Delays when the Cannabis Control Commission must accept applications from the following types of establishments:
o Marijuana Testing Facilities: from October 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018.
o From each type of experienced marijuana establishment operator for 1 marijuana cultivator license, 1 marijuana product manufacturer, and 1 marijuana retailer license: from October 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018.
o Any type of marijuana establishment if there are fewer than 75 provisional registrations to operate medical marijuana treatment centers: from January 1, 2018 to July 1, 2018.
o Marijuana retail establishments and marijuana product manufacturers: from October 1, 2018 to April 1, 2019.
o Marijuana cultivator licenses: from October 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020.
Establishes a baseline study of marijuana use in the Commonwealth to be conducted by a research entity chosen by the Department of Public Health in consultation with the Executive Office of health and Human Services, the executive office for administration and finance and the executive office of public safety and security. The survey must include patterns of use, methods of consumption and general perceptions of marijuana; incidents of impaired driving and hospitalization related to marijuana use; and economic and fiscal impacts for state and local governments, which shall include the impact of legalization on the production and distribution of marijuana in the illicit market as well as costs and benefits to state and local revenue. The Department of Public Health shall submit a report on the findings by July 1, 2018.

RELATED: Mass. lawmakers send bill delaying retail pot shops to Gov. Baker's desk    

Forbes Library offers 'food for fines' amnesty program in Northampton

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Non-perishable food, personal care items, and cleaning products will be donated to the Northampton Survival Center.

NORTHAMPTON -- Overdue books? Been meaning to return that stack of DVDs? There's no time like the month of January, when Forbes Library will offer its annual "Food for Fines" amnesty program.

From Jan. 1 to 31, patrons may pay overdue fines by donating items that are in demand by the Northampton Survival Center. The non-profit at 265 Prospect St. helps low-income families and individuals throughout Hampshire County.

This year, the drive has been expanded to include personal care items and cleaning supplies. So in addition to non-perishable healthy food items, the library is also collecting deodorant, lotion, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, conditioner, powder, shaving cream, razors, diapers, lip balm, feminine hygiene products, and shampoo.

Household cleaning items such as laundry detergent, dish soap, window spray and bathroom cleaners are also welcome.

Each donated item can erase two dollars in library fines. The program applies to late fines only, and not to fees for lost or damaged items. The program will run through January 31.


Former Pittsfield police officer pleads innocent to stealing $200K from police union

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Jeffrey D. Coco, 44, was arraigned Tuesday on two counts of larceny, ongoing and continuing offence, and a single count of identity theft.


PITTSFIELD - A former Pittsfield police officer and union treasurer pleaded innocent in Berkshire Superior Court on Wednesday to charges that he stole more than $200,000 from the Pittsfield police union over a 7-year-period.

Jeffrey D. Coco, 44, was arraigned on two counts of larceny, ongoing and continuing offence, and a single count of identity theft, according to the office of Berkshire District Attorney David F. Capeless.

Judge John Ford allowed him to be released on his own recognizance while the court case proceeds.

Prosecutors charge that Coco stole more than $200,000 from the Pittsfied police union, IBPO local 447, between January 2008 and July 2015. During that time, he had served in various capacities in the union, including treasurer.

He is also accused of creating a false document that requested access to additional funds during that same period.

The investigation was conducted State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office with the assistance of members of the Pittsfield Police Department.

Coco was fired in November after an internal investigation by the Pittsfield Police Department concluded he had taken at least $150,000 in union money without authorization over a 3-year period.

The missing money came to light last summer when funding discrepencies in the Pittsfield local's accounts were discovered by the International Brotherhood of Police Officers.

MassDOT head says 'We're ready' for Thursday's snowstorm, asks drivers to help

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Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack said drivers can help out by staying away from plow trucks.

SPRINGFIELD -- When or even if it snows tomorrow, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack has some simple advice for drivers on the commonwealth's highways:

Give the plow truck a wide berth.

"If the sand is hitting your windshield, you are too close to the sander," Pollack said Wednesday afternoon during a meeting in Springfield with editors and reporters at The Republican and MassLive. "Just chill out, stay back and you will have a nice clean, sanded highway to travel on."

Already this winter, she said, there have been instances of motorists being too aggressive and getting too close to plow trucks as they clear snow and salt and sand the roads and highways. These trucks often travel in groups, she said, so drivers shouldn't try to pass, lest they come upon another truck they won't see until it is too late.

Springfield is expected to get 2 to 4 inches of snow Thursday, but accumulations could reach as much as a foot to the north and west.

"We're ready," Pollack said.

While she and MassDOT have a mission to keep roads and highways open, it's a great help when people stay home during storms and when employers tell workers not to come in. Reduced traffic volumes make it easier for the plow crews to do their work.

"We don't want to shut down the economy of the state in the winter. We are a wintertime state and we know we things have to keep moving," she said. "We need to balance."

Essential workers are of course welcome on the roads.

"We want to make sure the hospitals have staff," she said.

Related gallery:

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Investigators believe car malfunction sparked blaze that heavily damaged U.S. Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard's Granby home

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U.S. Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard, who lost his leg and suffered a crushed spine in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan in 2009, reported the blaze at his 48 Chicopee St. home shortly after 9:30 p.m.

GRANBY -- Investigators believe an accidental car fire sparked the Monday night blaze that heavily damaged U.S. Marine veteran Joshua Bouchard's Chicopee Street home.

Jennifer Mieth, spokeswoman for the state Fire Marshal's office, said that damage to the car was so extensive, however, that investigators could not determine what component of the car started the fire.

The official cause will go down as accidental and undetermined, Mieth said.

The finding echoes Bouchard's account of smelling smoke, checking the garage and seeing his car fully engulfed in flames. He had been out and pulled his car into the garage for the night about 30 minutes before he discovered the fire, his sister, Suzanna Sullivan said.

Bouchard, who lost his leg and suffered a crushed spine in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan in 2009, reported the blaze at his 48 Chicopee St. home shortly after 9:30 p.m.

He told the Daily Hampshire Gazette that he was trapped in the garage for several minutes as he worked to get the garage door open. Once outside he went to the front door to save his dogs, hit a rock with his wheelchair and fell out of it.

Bouchard told the Gazette he "combat-rolled" to the locked front door and then broke it to free his dogs.

Bouchard lost most of his possessions in the blaze, including a wheelchair, prosthetics and numerous household items, Sullivan said,

The home was built four years ago by hundreds of volunteers and Homes for Our Troops, a Taunton-based nonprofit organization that builds homes across the country for severely injured veterans.

Granby Fire Capt. George Randall said Tuesday the home may have to be rebuilt due to extensive damage to its roof trusses. He estimated the loss at $300,000.

A GoFundMe account set up for Bouchard by his sister, Suzanna Sullivan, had raised more than $17,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.

Closed Showbar strip club in Springfield delays application for new manager, name change

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The closed ShowBar strip club in downtown Springfield has withdrawn its request for a new manager and new name in order to amend the the application to include a change in ownership. The changes follow troubles in 2016 that included two major license suspensions.


SPRINGFIELD - The ShowBar strip club, currently closed under its second major liquor license suspension of the year, has temporarily withdrawn its application for a new manager and name change.

Peter Sygnator, chairman of the License Commission said Wednesday that the bar at 240 Chestnut St., in downtown Springfield, is delaying its request for a new manager and new name until it finalizes a proposed change in ownership expected in the near future.

ShowBar strip club racks up 60-day suspension

The License Commission had scheduled a hearing Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., at City Hall, on the new manager and name, but the request it has been removed from the agenda, Sygnator said.

The application listed Paul Ramesh as the proposed new manager, set to replace Matt Hubney. The proposed new name for the bar was listed as "Wonderland."

All the changes will be taken up by the License Commission once a new application is submitted and reviewed, Sygnator said. The new hearing is anticipated in late January or February, he said.

The License Commission suspended the ShowBar's liquor license last week for 60 days and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno suspended its entertainment license for the same length of time, to run concurrently. It marked the second major suspension of the year.

The suspensions were related to selling alcohol to a minor and for violation of its security plan, and had followed other trouble, officials said.

Strip club seeks to reopen with new name

There had been a fight last March between two dancers in which one dancer was stabbed and struck with a chair, according to police reports.

The stripper fight initially resulted in a 15-day suspension in July of 2016, with 45 additional days held in abeyance and set to be dismissed if there were no further infractions in a year, under the commission ruling. The held 45-days, however, was subsequently imposed due to the sale of alcohol to a minor, and the bar has been closed in recent months.

Separately, the bar is accused of hiring a 17-year-old dancer earlier this year, which came to an end in June when the mother intervened. The allegation of hiring an exposing a child in a state of nudity is under the review of state agencies, with local hearings on hold, officials said.

Westfield police say missing boy, 14, found unharmed

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Joe Rossi was found safe within a few hours after police issued an alert for him.

This is an update of a story that was posted at 12:29 p.m. Wednesday

WESTFIELD - A missing Westfield teen has been found unharmed, according to police.

Police announced on Wednesday afternoon that the teen, 14-year-old Joe Rossi, has been located and is unharmed.

Joe Rossi 


He had been missing since Monday night.

Police did not disclose where he was found.

Rossi was located within a few hours of Westfield police issuing an advisory through the local press and social media.

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