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Vermont woman dies from burns after shirt catches fire in cooking accident

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A Vermont woman has passed away from injuries sustained during a cooking incident.

BENNINGTON, Vt — An elderly Vermont woman has died from wounds sustained during a cooking accident, according to the Vermont State Police.

Police say that 79-year-old Charlotte A. Morrill was in the process of cooking a meal at her apartment in Bennington on Tuesday when the shirt she was wearing caught on fire.

Bennington firefighters responded to the scene of the incident at 814 Gage Street. There, they forced their way into Morrill's apartment and found that she had suffered second and third degree burns to over 90% of her body, police said.

She was quickly taken to Southern Vermont Medical Center for treatment, but died from her injuries later that evening, police said.

Vermont State police detectives that investigated the incident said that Morrill had a separate medical event that stopped her from being able to put out the fire.

 

Massachusetts officials propose meeting to discuss public safety issues with Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

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Massachusetts officials have asked for a public meeting to discuss recent safety concerns that have come to light about the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant, located on Cape Cod bay in Plymouth, became a point of controversy recently after an internal memo from the plant leaked that expressed concerns about maintenance issues and an "overwhelmed" staff.

Now, a group of Massachusetts legislators, including Governor Charlie Baker, Attorney General Maura Healey, Senator Edward J. Markey, have stepped forward to put pressure on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), in the hopes that it will schedule a public meeting to discuss public safety concerns surrounding the plant.

The group of officials sent a letter to the NRC on Wednesday, expressing concern for the leaked December 6, 2016 e-mail.

"While the NRC undoubtedly regrets the inadvertent disclosure of the preliminary thoughts expressed in the December 6 e-mail, the disclosure happened, and the NRC now has the obligation to address questions raised by that e-mail to help assuage growing public safety concerns," said the officials, in their letter to NRC Chairman Stephen Burns. "A public meeting also will allow the NRC to outline for the public the steps it may take in light of the special inspection team's findings to date, the steps that remain in the NRC's inspection process, and when the official results of the inspection will be released to the public."

Consistent safety issues at Pilgrim recently forced the NRC to recently list the reactor in "Column 4" of its safety ratings, which is the least safe rating that can be given.

Some of the safety concerns center on the fact that, in December, leaks were found in several of the reactor's steam isolation valves--mechanisms designed to stop radioactivity from leaking into the environment should a nuclear accident occur.

The NRC is now conducting a supplemental inspection of the plant.

 

Yesterday's top stories: Electrical problem caused deadly fire, officer prevents murder, and more

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An attorney for the city has rejected legal claims by developers behind a foiled Registry of Motor Vehicles project, arguing the developers were "inept" and victims of their own procrastination as opposed to cronyism.

Here are Wednesday's most-read local news stories on MassLive.com. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now.

 

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Springfield City Council eyes committee to oversee historic preservation tax

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The Springfield City Council on Monday will consider an ordinance that would create a nine-member committee to oversee the Community Preservation Act tax surcharge program approved by voters on Nov. 8.

SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council is taking steps to create a nine-member committee to oversee funding of historic preservation, open space, recreation and community housing projects under the Community Preservation Act.

The council on Monday night will consider granting first-step approval to an ordinance creating the committee and establishing its responsibilities. Ward 2 Councilor Michael Fenton is the lead sponsor.

Preservation projects will be funded by a tax surcharge approved by Springfield voters 26,665-16,031 in the Nov. 8 election.

"I was really happy with the tremendous support that the voters showed the initiative," Fenton said Wednesday. "I think it's going to be a really excellent tool for the future of our city."

The tax surcharge will be 1.5 percent of the property tax levy for residential and business property owners, beginning July 1. The first $100,000 in property valuation will be exempt from the surcharge.

That should generate approximately $1 million annually in local revenue dedicated toward historic preservation, open space, recreation and community housing, city officials said. In addition, the city will also receive partial matching funds from the state for those uses.

The council meeting begins at 7 p.m. Monday at the Council Chambers at City Hall.

As stipulated in the proposed ordinance, the nine-member committee "shall study the needs, possibilities and resources of the city regarding community preservation" and shall consult with the mayor, council and various city committees and boards.

Of the nine members, six are set by statute as follows: one member each from the Springfield Historical Commission, the Conservation Commission, the Housing Authority, the Park Commission, the Planning Board and the Springfield Preservation Trust. Each of those members would be appointed by their respective committees and boards.

The proposed ordinance calls for three additional members, all three being residents of the city and appointed by the City Council president. The president will solicit recommendations from neighborhood councils and associations.

The members would be appointed to three-year terms, but initially there would be shorter terms to stagger the appointments.

Veteran sportswriter Jim Kaplan clears the bases in his latest book

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Northampton author writes about the Amazin' Mets, Dwight Evans and other topics

In his 14 books about baseball, Northampton resident Jim Kaplan writes lovingly, with deep appreciation for the game itself, and for what it means to American culture.

In latest work, "Clearing the Bases," he brings together essays from his long career, which included 16 years as a baseball writer for Sports Illustrated. The book, published in September by Levellers Press of Amherst, can be obtained online at Levellerspress.com

In its centerpiece, Kaplan tells the fascinating story of Ron Taylor, a Canadian whom he calls "Dr. Baseball." Taylor pitched for 17 years in professional ball, 11 of those in the big leagues and most of them as a reliever. In 1964, he helped the St. Louis Cardinals topple the vaunted New York Yankees in the World Series. In 1969, he became one of the "Amazin' Mets" who shocked a great Baltimore club, winning that World Series in five games.

While playing pro ball, Taylor managed to earn a degree in electrical engineering. After baseball, he went to medical school and wound up as team doctor for the Toronto Blue Jays.

As a precede to his "Dr. Baseball" story, Kaplan quotes Peter Bavasi, a former president of the Blue Jays:

"Ron Taylor is one of the most accomplished people in baseball history. He's probably the most unusual and wonderful story I've experienced in the game."

Kaplan also gives the reader an in-depth look at Hall of Famer Paul Molitor, the 21-year big leaguer who now manages his hometown Minnesota Twins.

"If it's possible to be an underrated Hall of Famer, our guy (Molitor) fits the bill," Kaplan writes. As he points out, Molitor is one of only four Hall of Famers with 3,000 hits, .300 career average and 500 stolen bases. The others? Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner and Eddie Collins. In that select company, Molitor is the only one with 200 home runs.

Kaplan's other baseball books include "Playing the Field," in which he extols fielding as an under-appreciated art. He revisits that topic in his latest book with an essay entitled, "Number Nine on Your Scorecard."

In this case, "nine" is used in scorebooks as the numeric designation for right field. As Kaplan describes it, right field is a reviled position in sandlot ball, but vitally important at the major league level. To measure its value, consider the fact that 20 right fielders are in the National Baseball Hall of Fame - more than any other position besides pitcher.

The author regards Roberto Clemente as the greatest right fielder of all time. His No. 2? None other than Dwight Evans, who won eight Gold Glove Awards in 19 seasons with the Red Sox.

Kaplan reminds us that Evans made "the greatest catch in the greatest game in World Series history." That would be in the 11th inning of Game 6, 1975, when Evans caught a curving drive into Fenway Park's right field corner to rob Cincinnati's Joe Morgan of a home run.

Then . . . he made a perfect throw to first base, doubling up Ken Griffey. That was "Dynamite Dwight" at his best. That was right field at its peak of importance.

Kaplan's love of the game comes shining through in his book's second chapter, entitled, "Baseball and American Culture."

He concludes with a reminder that baseball perseveres in its age-old, perfected state.

"If a 1916 player walked out of the mists, 'Field of Dreams' style, he would have no trouble fitting in comfortably," Kaplan writes. "I see him now, digging in at the plate, his pants high, exposing hose from the shoes up. The pitcher leans in, looking for the sign. The catcher and umpire close behind him squat as one, leaning forward. The pitcher starts his windup, and the stands hush. But you can hear the music. It's the summer breeze of Seals and Croft, blowing through the jasmine in our minds."

That's baseball, folks. And that's Jim Kaplan, clearing the bases.

Garry Brown can be reached at geebrown1918@gmail.com

American flags at half-staff to honor Holyoke Police Sgt. David O'Connell, 54

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Holyoke Police Sgt. David M. O'Connell, 54, a 31-year veteran and married father of a son, was found dead Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016 while off duty.

HOLYOKE -- The American flag will be flown at half-staff here in honor of Holyoke Police Sgt. David M. O'Connell who was found dead Saturday while off duty, officials said.

"Mayor Alex Morse has requested that the American flag be flown at half-staff in honor of Sgt. David O'Connell of the Holyoke Police Department. Gov. Charlie Baker has granted permission for the city to fly the flag at half-staff from sunrise (today) until sunset on Friday," according to the city website.

O'Connell, 54, lived in Hatfield. His nickname was "Oakie" and he was a 31-year veteran of the department. Police Chief James M. Neiswanger said O'Connell received three medals of commendation, six letters of commendation and numerous letters from citizens he assisted.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. The Holyoke Police Department lost a dear brother and loved one today. All of us are grieving his loss," Neiswanger said.

O'Connell leaves behind his wife, Mary, his son, Joey, his brothers Fran and retired Holyoke Police Officer John O'Connell, and his sister, Mary Britton. O'Connell's father was former Holyoke Police Deputy Chief Francis O'Connell, Neiswanger said.

Holyoke Police Sgt. David O'Connell dies at age 54

"Dave was passionate about basketball and fitness, helping others inside the department to improve their health and fitness levels. He was an active member of the Massachusetts Police Association, the Holyoke Police Relief Association, the Holyoke Police Athletic League and always supported the Holyoke Boys and Girls Clubs by giving of his time and knowledge," the chief said.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral Mass on Friday at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Cross Church, 23 Sycamore St. Burial will follow in St. Jerome Cemetery at St. Jerome Avenue and Sargeant Street, according to a notice in The Republican.

Calling hours will be today from 2 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Cross Church. Since the church is decorated for the holiday season, patrons were asked to omit flowers. Instead of flowers, donations can be made in memory of O'Connell to the YMCA, 171 Pine St., Holyoke, Mass., 01040 or Jericho (Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults), P.O. Box 1039, Holyoke, Mass. 01040, according to the obituary from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home here.

Bishop's in Northampton tops 'place of last drink' before OUI list in Western Massachusetts

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Bishop's Lounge served final boozy beverages to 29 people on fateful nights ending in OUI convictions, more than any other bar west of Foxborough.

NORTHAMPTON -- Bishop's Lounge in Northampton served final boozy beverages to customers on 29 fateful nights that ended arrests and later OUI convictions, more than any other bar west of Foxborough, according to state data.

Published last week by The Boston Globe, the data -- dubbed the "place of last drink" reports -- named Bishop's the sixth highest in the entire state of Massachusetts in the measure. The data spans the period between January 2012 and September 2016. There are more than 9,000 bars in the Commonwealth.

Having served 29 people last drinks before OUI arrests and later convictions, Bishop's -- the popular bar and music venue located on the third-floor of 41 Strong Ave. -- topped all Western Massachusetts bars on the list. Bishop's did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Wednesday.

Others Western Massachusetts bars on the list: Mardi Gras strip club in Springfield with 27, Packard's in Northampton with 24, Anthony's Gentleman's Club in South Hadley with 20, Key West Lounge in North Adams with 18 and McMurphy's Uptown Tavern in Amherst and Bogies Steak & Ale in Great Barrington, both with 15.

Even Samuel's, the pub located inside Springfield's Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, made the list, with 13. 

Topping the overall list was Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill in Foxborough, with 46.

Northampton topped everyplace west of Worcester in total "place of last drink" reports -- 207 during the period in question. Census figures list the population of Northampton as just shy of 30,000.

The city, characterized by its vibrant downtown bar and restaurant scene and close proximity to area colleges, appeared near the top of the list of Massachusetts municipalities in per capita "place of last drink" reports, with 7.2.

Only Dalton, Great Barrington, Foxborough, Provincetown, Oak Bluffs and Salisbury ranked higher than Northampton in number per capita. 

On Wednesday, Cyndi Murphy, executive assistant to the mayor and Northampton License Commission, confirmed that commissioners had been "provided with (The Globe) article."

"We have a meeting tonight and they will have an opportunity to decide on possibly including it on a the agenda of a future meeting for public discussion," Murphy said Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Northampton Police Capt. John D. Cartledge attributed the high figure in part to the city's focus on curbing impaired driving, efforts for which it has received commendation from Mother's Against Drunk Driving. 

"I would be interested to see what other cities and towns have for OUI enforcement and arrest numbers," Cartledge said. 

City police also on occasion don plain clothes and enter bars and restaurants searching for violations of liquor laws, including over-serving patrons, Cartledge said.

However, the captain could not recall a recent example of city police bringing a case of over-serving patrons to the Northampton License Commission for review. 

Massachusetts businesses and bartenders are legally liable for over-serving guests, as is true in most states. 

Ted Mahoney, chief investigator of the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, told the Globe enforcement stings are effective in stemming over-serving.

"We're not out at bars at 2 in the morning because it's fun," he told the Globe. "I do it because it works."

Some police departments and all courts in Massachusetts require OUI defendants to reveal where they were served their final drink prior to arrest. 

The ABCC does not sanction these bars because some people lie to protect favorite bars or neglect to say where they did the majority of their drinking in a given night, according to The Globe. 


Three Kings Day celebration in Springfield continues cultural tradition

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Three Kings Day is Jan. 6 and is celebrated across Latin America.

SPRINGFIELD -- Her entire life, Zulmalee Rivera-Delgado has celebrated Three Kings Day with not just her family, but also with the residents of the North End neighborhood in Springfield.

Now she is teaching her daughter and nieces and nephews the same tradition.

"This is an important part of our culture, and if we don't do it the tradition will die," Rivera-Delgado said.

Three Kings Day, or the Day of the Epiphany, is celebrated on Jan. 6. The holiday is widely observed across the world, including in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The celebration is based on the Bible story that tells of the magi, or three kings, who saw a star on the night Christ was born and followed it for 12 days to Bethlehem.

Rivera-Delgado's mother, Grisel Delgado, founder of Grisel's Private Dance School of the Arts, has been hosting a community event to celebrate Three Kings Day for more than 25 years. Delgado also hosts an Easter egg hunt in the neighborhood each year.

"It's just always something I remember my mom doing, and I will continue to do it because I feel a responsibility to our community to teach them about this special day in our culture," she said.

The event will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church on Waverly Street in Springfield at 2 p.m. Sunday. Any family that wants to attend is welcome. There will be small gifts for each child, as well as a short re-enactment with a visit from the magi.

The gifts are donated by Rosario-Delgado's family, as well as other community residents.


Associated Industries: $15 minimum wage could make companies leave, drop payroll

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One employer told Associated Industries that its main competitors are outside the state, where the minimum wage is lower. If minimum wage hits $15 an hour, the employer said it would eliminate the jobs and hire temporary workers only for the busy season.

BOSTON -- Raising the Massachusetts minimum wage to $15 an hour, as many activists want, could drive employers from the state, according to a survey released this week by Associated Industries of Massachusetts, which opposes the wage hike.

The Boston-based business advocacy group has members across the state. It said 13 percent of member companies used to employ people at the former $10 per hour Massachusetts minimum wage. Another 24 percent of responding companies employed people at $10 to $15 per hour and would have to raise those wages if the minimum moved to $15.

In the survey, 34 percent of companies said they employed people at slightly more than $15 an hour and would have to increase pay for some of those employees to keep them ahead of those making minimum wage.

Another 37 percent of companies said they pay much more than $15 per hour and will not be affected by a minimum-wage increase.

The Massachusetts minimum wage increased from $10 an hour to $11 an hour on New Year's Day. This was the last stage of an incremental set of increases. A law signed by then-Gov. Deval Patrick in 2014 raised the wage from $8 to $9 in 2015, to $10 in 2016 and to $11 in 2017. There is no further increase scheduled.

Tipped employees have a minimum wage of $3.75 an hour as long as their tips bring them up to $11 an hour.

Associated Industries said it believes that education and training workers so they can get better jobs is really the key to addressing income inequality. Workers are compensated based on skills, education and work ethic, the association said.

"AIM believes that raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour, while emotionally appealing and politically expedient, is an ineffective way to address income inequality," the group said. "Raising the minimum wage, in fact, represents a fundamental distraction from addressing the real economic impediments that prevent all Massachusetts citizens from sharing in the state's prosperity. These are the same impediments, ironically, that contribute to the persistent skills shortage that threatens innovation and economic growth in Massachusetts."

One employer told Associated Industries that its main competitors are outside the state, where the minimum wage is lower. If minimum wage hits $15 an hour, the employer said it would eliminate the jobs and hire temporary workers only for the busy season.

Man who falsely reported fire found smashing bottles inside 99 Restaurant in Chicopee, police say

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A patron of the 99 Restaurant in Chicopee allegedly called in a nonexistent kitchen fire and was smashing bottles behind the bar when city police arrived and put a stop to the antics.

A patron of the 99 Restaurant in Chicopee allegedly called in a nonexistent kitchen fire and was reportedly smashing bottles behind the bar when city police arrived and put a stop to the antics.

Chicopee Police Officer Michael Wilk said his department first learned things were amiss at the restaurant when a caller reported a "possible fire in the kitchen" around 6:15 p.m. Wednesday evening.

The initial impression didn't last long.

Officers en route to the chain restaurant on Memorial Drive soon learned an employee of the 99 had also called the department to report something quite different.

The second caller reported "a male party inside, possibly armed, causing a disturbance," according to a Facebook post written by Wilk.

"Officer Jacek Wanat arrived first and entered the restaurant," Wilk said. "He saw the male subject behind the bar, breaking bottles and throwing items around. He immediately drew his taser and ordered the party to get on the ground."

The suspect, who police have not yet identified, complied, as six other members of the city police department arrived as backup.

Police transported the suspect to Mercy Hospital for medical evaluation.

He will be charged with assault and battery, malicious destruction of property, filing a false report, disorderly conduct and threatening to commit a crime.

Springfield man's bail reduced by $200,000 in assault case

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George Riveron's sex assault conviction occurred nearly 20 years ago and involved sex with his 17-year-old girlfriend at a time when both of them were minors, his defense lawyer.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Florida sex offender acquitted three months ago in a Springfield rape trial is being held on $50,000 bail on a new sexual assault charge.

George Riveron, 35, of Springfield, had his bail reduced by $200,000 Wednesday in Springfield District Court, one day after pleading not guilty to armed robbery, indecent assault and battery and other charges.

george.riveron.jpgGeorge Riveron 

Assistant District Attorney Jill O'Connor asked for $250,000 bail, the same figure Judge William Boyle set Tuesday before giving Riveron's defense lawyer another day to prepare his bail argument.

In addition to being a convicted as a sex offender in Florida, Riveron has a criminal record in Indiana and was acquitted three months ago in a Holyoke rape case, the prosecutor said.

On New Year's Eve, he assaulted and attempted to rob two women and sexually assaulted one of them, O'Connor said. Both women said their assailant had a beard and wore a dark, puffy jacket and both later identified Riveron at police headquarters, the prosecutor said.

Defense lawyer Erin Boylan said her client's conviction in Florida was nearly 20 years ago and involved sex with his 17-year old girlfriend at a time when both Riveron and the girl were minors.

More recently, he was released on $1,000 bail after his arrest on rape charges, and appeared at every pretrial hearing and each day of the trial before his acquittal, Boylan said.

As for the new charges, both victims were allegedly attacked at night, from behind and suffered head injuries, making it difficult to correctly identify their assailant, according to Boylan, who said none of the victims' possessions or money was found on her client.

In addition to working as a landscaper, Riveron has strong family ties to Springfield and poses no risk to flee. Both his wife and daughter came to court to support him Tuesday "and waited around all day" for his arraignment, Boylan said.

She asked Judge John Payne to impose $1,000 cash bail, the most Riveron's family can afford to post.

"$250,000 bail is way too high," Boylan added.

Payne set bail at $50,000 and continued the case for a pretrial hearing on Feb. 2.

'We got a lot of people trapped': Audio of initial response to fatal New Year's Day fire in Holyoke

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The fire at 106 North East St. killed three and left dozens homeless. Watch video

HOLYOKE -- Audio of the initial response to the New Year's Day fire that killed three and left dozens homeless surfaced on YouTube this week, offering a gripping glimpse into the efforts by the city's first responders to rescue residents as flames tore through the five-story apartment building.

At just under seven minutes, the recording follows fire department communications from an early dispatch -- directing two engines, a ladder truck and a deputy chief to investigate a report of smoke coming from the building -- to an urgent order for all firefighters to evacuate the structure. 

The first units arriving at 106 North East St. in the Flats neighborhood are heard calling for immediate mutual aid and a response from all available firefighter groups and apparatus in the city.

About two-and-a-half minutes into the recording -- as Engine 3 arrives on nearby North Bridge Street -- a fire official is heard yelling: "Get up here. We need help. We got a lot of people trapped." 

The Republican has not independently verified the authenticity of the recording, and it was not immediately clear whether any edits had been made to the audio.

Recordings of fire department radio communications during the response are among a number of items sought by The Republican in a public records request filed this week.

The Jan. 1, 2017 fire was reported shortly before 9 a.m.

Killed in the blaze were Holyoke residents Maria Cartagena, 48, and Jorge Munoz, 55, as well as 34-year-old Easthampton resident Trevor R. Wadleigh. A number of people escaped or were rescued from the building.

Firefighters arriving at the scene are heard on the recording reporting heavy smoke. And, moments later, an official says: "We got a five story -- fire on the third floor up."

The recording also tracks the arrival of Engine 3, responding from the department's Station 3 at 1579 Northampton St. -- about 2.5 miles from the fire scene.

"Engine 3, let's go," one voice is heard saying.

"We need to throw ground ladders. Move it, guys," another official says. He continues: "Three crew -- just get up here. We need ground ladders. Ground ladders, Engine 3."

About five minutes into the recording, an official orders all companies out of the building.

Officials announced Wednesday that investigators traced the fire's origin to an electrical outlet in the living room of a third-floor apartment. But, investigators have not determined the exact nature of the electrical malfunction that sparked the blaze.

Also on Wednesday, Fire Chief John A. Pond responded to criticism leveled by local and state firefighters unions this week regarding a downtown engine that was out of service at the time of the fire. 

Engine 2, assigned with Engine 1 to the fire department's headquarters at 600 High St., has periodically been taken out of service -- or "browned out" -- to cut overtime costs when firefighters are on vacation or otherwise unavailable.

The downtown station is just over a mile from the North East Street building. In addition to Engine 1, Ladder Truck 1 -- also assigned to the downtown station -- was part of the initial response Sunday, according to the audio. 

Lt. Chad Cunningham, president of Holyoke Fire Fighters Association Local 1693, has argued this week that rescue efforts were hampered by the brown-out of Engine 2. Cunningham also questioned whether Pond should continue to lead the department.

Responding to Cunningham's remarks, made both in press releases and during the public comment period at Tuesday's City Council meeting, Pond said Wednesday: "The Fire Department responded effectively and efficiently to the scene."

Pond, a 23-year veteran of the department who has served as its chief since 2011, praised the work of the firefighters who responded to the blaze.

"Outstanding job," he said Wednesday. "Many lives were saved."


This is a developing story that will be updated as our reporting continues. Staff writer Mike Plaisance contributed reporting.

Chicopee Falls library considered for Head Start day care

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The Chicopee Falls Library was closed in 2015 because of declining circulation.

CHICOPEE - The City Council will petition state legislators for permission to use the former Chicopee Falls Branch Library building as a day care center.

The city closed the Chicopee Falls Branch Library in the summer of 2015 after circulation dropped to about 500 people a month. The decline was mostly because the main library on Front Street is less than a mile from the branch library.

In addition the library began a bookmobile about two years ago reducing the need for branch libraries.

The city recently asked for proposals from outside agencies interested in leasing the building. Holyoke Chicopee Springfield Head Start responded saying the non-profit child care agency would like to operate a day care and with an after-school program in the former library branch, Mayor Richard J. Kos said.

"It is a great use and one that the neighborhood would benefit from," Kos said.

As part of the proposal, Head Start would agree to make about $700,000 in needed repairs, including removing asbestos and lead paint. It would ask for a 20-year lease and continue to maintain the building during the duration of that time, he said.

But the building is located in the Lincoln-Grove Park and cannot be used for anything but library or recreational purposes without permission of the legislature, he said.

The City Council voted 11-0 Tuesday night to file a home rule to the legislature asking to expand the use of the building to allow educational services.

The home rule is a first step to find an alternate use for the building, City Councilor James K. Tillotson said.

"It doesn't mean we will do it," he said of the Head Start proposal.

The city had planned to use the library as a Parks and Recreation resource center but the proposal never was fully funded and did not get off the ground.

The idea was to turn the building into a multi-purpose center to provide services for people who don't have other places to go. The proposal was to work with outside agencies and offer programs for people such as disabled adults, who often have few opportunities to connect with others after they leave school. Other ideas included offering after-school programs for teens and tweens and daytime programs for stay-at-home parents and their preschoolers.

But to do so the Parks and Recreation Department would need to at least hire a building director to operate the center. It would also have to continue to maintain the building, City Councilor Stanley Walczak said.

Under the new proposal, the city would not have to pay for any maintenance or operational costs, he said.

'Ya'll can search me,' suspect tells Springfield police; arrest, larceny charge ensues

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In the ensuing search, a $10 bill, a $5 bill, two $1 bills and two quarters were found rolled up in a pocket inside a pocket of Hutchins' pants, the report said.

SPRINGFIELD -- Desmond Hutchins walked into a stranger's apartment at 3 a.m., plucked about $20 from the top of a speaker, and walked out, according to the arrest report.

"A 10, a five and a few ones," the tenant told police later, referring to the missing money.

The officers, responding to a 911 call, spotted a man who matched the suspect's description walking away from the Chestnut Street apartment building. After a brief chase, the suspect was captured and returned to the scene, the report said.

"Yeah, that's him," the tenant said.

Hutchins denied stealing anything -- and said he could prove his innocence.

"Y'all can search me; I don't have any money on me," he said, according to the arrest report.

In the ensuing search, a $10 bill, a $5 bill, two $1 bills and two quarters were found rolled up in his pants pocket, the report said.

The money -- $17.50 -- was returned to the tenant, and Hutchins was taken to police headquarters for booking, the report said.

Held over the long weekend, he pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Springfield District Court to larceny from a building.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski asked for $2,500 bail, based on the new charge plus the defendant's criminal history. In addition to convictions for assault, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and other charges, Hutchins has court defaults and probation violations on his record, the prosecutor said.

Defense lawyer Patrick Goodreau pointed out that Hutchins wasn't the only one with a criminal record. The alleged victim has his share of convictions, too, including two for filing false applications for government benefits, the lawyer said.

"He is not trustworthy," Goodreau said.

Hutchins has managed to stay out of trouble in recent years, and has a full-time construction job, according to Goodreau, who asked for his release on $2,500 personal surety.

"He's supposed to be at work right now," the lawyer told Judge William Boyle.

Boyle set bail at $500 and continued the case for a pretrial hearing on Jan. 25.

Sheriff offers Massachusetts inmates to build wall along U.S.-Mexico border

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Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said during his swearing-in ceremony Wednesday that he'd like to see inmates from the Bristol County House of Correction work on such a project. Watch video

If the Trump administration presses forward with a plan to build a wall along the United States border with Mexico, the president-elect has support from a law enforcement official in Massachusetts.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson said during his swearing-in ceremony Wednesday that he'd like to see inmates from the Bristol County House of Correction work on such a project.

"Today, I'm making a formal offer to President-elect Trump, if inmates from Bristol County and others from across the nation through Project N.I.C.E will help build that wall. I can think of no other project that would have such a positive impact on our inmates and our country than building this wall," Hodgson said in recorded remarks.

Hodgson, now serving is fourth six-year term as sheriff, has long been a critic of illegal immigration. 

His recorded remarks reference Project N.I.C.E - the National Inmates' Community Endeavors - a conceptual program he seeks to create to offer free inmate labor. 

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Hodges told reporters he had yet to figure out logistics of the plan, from the cost of transporting thousands of inmates to the Mexican border to where they would be housed while working on such a project. 

Hodgson told the Herald News the sheriff's department has reached out to the Trump campaign and have yet to hear back on the offer.

"Knowing what I know about President-elect Trump, I gotta imagine he's looking for every resource he can that's going to be the least expensive approach," Hodgson told the Herald.  

This is not the first controversial plan proposed by the Bristol County Sheriff's Department while Hodgson is in office. For years, the Bristol County House of Correction charged inmates a $5 daily fee while in prison, a fee the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled seven years ago as unconstitutional. 

Hodgson said Wednesday he hopes to reinstate such a fee and seeks Massachusetts lawmakers to enact legislation allowing daily care-of-custody costs on inmates. 


Pittsfield officer, whose cruiser was hit by passing motorist during vehicle stop, escapes injury

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The incident occurred Wednesday morning when a motorist hit the door of the police officer's cruiser just as he was attempting to get out of it while conducting a vehicle stop on North Street.

PITTSFIELD -- A police officer had a close call Wednesday morning when a motorist hit the door of his cruiser just as he was attempting to get out of it while conducting a vehicle stop on North Street.

The officer was OK, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

Police seized on the close call to remind motorists of the "Move Over Law" which took effect on March 22, 2009 and requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights to move to the next adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, and, barring that, to reduce their speed. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $100.

It was not clear from the post if the motorist in question was fined.

Ski Notes: Learn to ski cheap at Butternut and in New Hampshire

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This is a weekly column of notes of what is happening in skiing and riding for the upcoming weeks. Ski areas this week are offering deals for Learn to Ski Month for January and Vermont is touring with its specialty foods.

D-Strong: Dorian Murray's family celebrates his first birthday in heaven after losing him to cancer

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Dorian Murray's family asks for people to spread kindness to celebrate the young Rhode Island boy's first birthday in heaven.

Dorian Murray, a young Rhode Island boy who died March 8 after capturing the hearts of many during his battle against terminal cancer, is celebrating his first birthday in heaven, his family wrote on Facebook.

Jan. 5 would've been his 9th birthday. He was known by his hashtag #DStrong, which inspired a social media movement and foundation.

"Tomorrow is Dorian's birthday. His first in heaven. He should be 9 years old tomorrow, instead he is forever 8," said a Facebook post written Jan. 4.

It continued asking people to celebrate his life by doing something kind for someone else.

"Compliment a stranger on their sweater or scarf, purchase the coffee for the person behind you, call a friend and let them know how much you appreciate them," the post continues. "Make someone smile tomorrow, then look up to the sky and wish Dorian a very happy birthday."

The Dorian J. Murray Foundation now brings "awareness to Pediatric Cancer, to support research focusing on new medicines towards finding a cure, and to help other oncology families in need," according to their website.

Rhode Island declares Jan. 20 '#DStrong Day' for 8-year-old battling stage four cancer 

 

No year has seen fewer data breaches in Massachusetts than 2016, newly available data show

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The number of data breaches and potential instances of identity theft in the Commonwealth plummeted in 2016, newly available data reveal.

Data breaches and potential instances of identity theft in the commonwealth plummeted in 2016, newly available data reveal. 

The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation on Tuesday published a huge archive of every instance when any Massachusetts consumer's data was compromised since 2007.

Data theft dropped year-over-year by more than 80 percent in 2016, the data show. Nonetheless, thousands of data breaches affected more than 188,000 Massachusetts residents over the past calendar year. 

Banks, credit card companies and financial institutions were the most frequently targeted organizations -- consistently the case in any given year.

But restaurants, clothing stores, online retailers, colleges, hospitals and doctors' offices, mechanics -- indeed countless other businesses -- did not escape attack by hackers, the most recent data show. 

The most impactful instance of data theft in 2016 struck clothing retailer Eddie Bauer and affected 33,500 state residents. The second-biggest hack affected 8,112 Massachusetts customers of online gift card company Gyft.

Even so, 188,000 data breaches looks like small peanuts when compared to the total number in 2015. In that year, 1.34 million residents were impacted by data breaches and potential identity theft. 

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation cited the state's 2007 Data Breach Security Law in publishing the information, previously available to residents only to filers of public information requests.

The law requires any organization in possession of any Massachusetts resident's data to report any instance where that information may have been comprised. 

State lawmakers passed the measure partially in response to a 2007 hack of Framingham-based TJX Companies which exposed the credit card information of more than 45 million people -- the biggest in history at the time. That record was topped in 2013 when a hacker managed to steal information from more than 1 billion Yahoo email accounts. 

No year has seen fewer Massachusetts customers affected by data breaches than 2016 since the law was passed, the data show. The previous low year was 2012, when 326,411 were affected by hacking. 

The data also show how organizations have become more vigilant, increasing their reporting of data breaches since the law passed in 2007.

As cybersecurity becomes more and more a political issue, Massachusetts officials have sought to keep ahead of the curve in protecting state consumers.

In August, state officials announced $5 million grant to the University of Massachusetts to help buy computer equipment and fund data science and cybersecurity initiatives in Springfield and Amherst. 

"Cybersecurity has no boundaries. It is a global issue and a global fight in some respects," Gov. Charlie Baker, speaking in Springfield, said at the time. "The more information that becomes digitized, the more opportunity for mischief and chaos and disaster associated with cyberterrorism."

Last month, during a Baker-led trade mission in Israel, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative signed a memorandum of understanding with the Israeli company CyberSpark, agreeing to work together on both health care technology and cybersecurity.

 

Sen. Elizabeth Warren slams Exxon-Mobil proposed payout to Trump secretary of state nominee as 'golden parachute'

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President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for chief diplomat, Rex Tillerson, is set to receive a $180 million payout from Exxon-Mobil if Tillerson is confirmed. That has drawn the ire of Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who issued a statement calling the deal a "golden parachute."

President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for chief diplomat, Rex Tillerson, is set to receive a $180 million payout from Exxon-Mobil if Tillerson is confirmed.

That has drawn the ire of Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, who issued a statement calling the deal a "golden parachute" at odds with Trump's pledge to "drain the swamp" when he moves into the White House.

"Too many Americans feel that Washington is broken and it isn't working for them. Now that the Republican establishment owns Washington, it's clear that corporate special interests will be calling the shots and writing the rules to make a rigged system work for them," the two Democrats said in a statement.

Exxon to pay Rex Tillerson $180M if confirmed as Donald Trump's secretary of state

"President-elect Trump made a commitment to 'drain the swamp' in Washington by reducing the influence of special interests in government, but this egregious payout deal is nothing more than a golden parachute that flies in the face of his campaign promise," the statement continued.

Warren has also criticized Trump's cabinet nominees for moving slowly on FBI background checks and financial disclosures.

"This also reinforces that the American people deserve to have all of the President-elect's nominees disclose any compensation they will receive that is contingent upon entering public service," Warren and Duckworth said in their statement. "It is important to know how Rex Tillerson plans to recuse himself from matters relating to the oil industry."

Mike Pence: President-elect Donald Trump 'will literally begin on day 1' to repeal Obamacare,

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