Agawam's drinking water originates from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir and the smaller Borden Brook Reservoir, which feeds into the Cobble Mountain Reservoir and contributes to the system's combined water supply capacity of 25 billion gallons.

AGAWAM -- The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, which supplies water to the city of Agawam, recently changed the way it treats water by increasing the chlorine dosage.

"Residents may notice a slight odor of chlorine in the water as a result of this change," states a news bulletin on Agawam's website. "A simple process to minimize this effect is to fill a container with water, refrigerate it and shake the container to add air to the water. This will effectively eliminate the odor."

The Water and Sewer Commission upped the chlorine dosage to maintain residual chlorine levels throughout the water distribution system. As chlorine travels through the water system's pipes, it reacts and dissipates. The farther away the chlorine-treated water travels from its source, the more dissipated it becomes.

Agawam's drinking water originates from the Cobble Mountain Reservoir, the bulk of which lies within the Town of Blandford, and nearby Borden Brook Reservoir, a smaller surface-water supply that feeds into the Cobble Mountain Reservoir and contributes to the system's combined water supply capacity of 25 billion gallons.

From the reservoirs, the water flows to a treatment plant in Westfield, where it is filtered, treated to prevent corrosion of plumbing, and disinfected. No fluoride is added.

A critical component of the treatment process is disinfection to prevent waterborne disease, which is conducted at the water treatment plant owned and operated by the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. Disinfection is achieved by adding chlorine to the water supply and is required by state and federal drinking water regulations.

The water then flows to storage tanks on Provin Mountain and then through large transmission mains running through Agawam into Springfield. Agawam has a number of connections to these transmission mains and operates its own system for the distribution of water within the city.

Christopher Golba, superintendent of the Agawam Department of Public Works, has more information at 413-821-0600.

"One victim was his next-door neighbor," Szafranski said. "When his mother found out, she returned the stolen items."

SPRINGFIELD - It took 10 minutes for a prosecutor and clerk magistrate to summarize the eight new larceny cases that Travis Lewis picked up after being placed on probation for earlier larceny charges.

The list includes: larceny of a firearm, larceny over $250, larceny from a building, larceny by single scheme, as well as breaking and entering, receiving stolen property and more, Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski said Tuesday in Springfield District Court.

Cash, jewelry, cellphones, iPads and two firearms were just some of the items stolen during Lewis' 13-month spree, the prosecutor said.

"He is only 22 -- and he has a juvenile record (for larcenies) as well," she added.

One week after rising to the top of Springfield's "most wanted" criminal list, Lewis pleaded not guilty to all eight cases Tuesday. He was arrested Sunday morning, four days after his mugshot appeared on the Springfield Police Department's Facebook page with a brief summary of his alleged criminal exploits.

"Let's get this guy before he breaks into another home in Western Massachusetts," Springfield police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney said.

Actually, most of the alleged house breaks occurred close to Lewis' home on Dunmoreland Street -- often within a block of his house, Szafranski said.

"One victim was his next-door neighbor," the prosecutor said. "When his mother found out, she returned the stolen items."

Springfield police had been tracking the break-ins for months, and arrested Lewis Sunday morning, with help from state police and the U.S. Marshal Fugitive Task Force. In nearly all cases, Lewis was linked to the larcenies by fingerprints or surveillance video, the prosecutor said.

She asked for $25,000 bail on each case, or $200,000 total.

Judge William Boyle set bail at $100,000 on the most recent case and ordered Lewis held without right to bail for a probation violation hearing next month.

Lewis, handcuffed and shackled, stood in the defendant's dock as Clerk Magistrate Danielle Williams read the charges, complete with docket numbers, dates and related warrants. As the list grew longer, Lewis seemed to lose interest; at one point, he gazed at the ceiling and closed his eyes.

The cost of the project will be a minimum of $9 million.

CHICOPEE - Calling it the beginning of a "long journey" the City Council approved money for the first step in what is expected to be a $9 million project to make major repairs to the nearly 150-year-old City Hall.

In a 12-0 vote, the Council voted to allocate $3,970 to from the free cash account, which is money left unspent from last year, to pay for a detailed property survey of the building and the adjacent library.

In a letter to the City Council and Mayor Richard J. Kos, City Planner Lee Pouliot explained there is no survey in past city records that gives the details that will be needed for the upcoming project to repair the building.

"This is the beginning of trying to save City Hall," Councilor James K. Tillotson said. "It is the beginning of a long journey."

It is also expected to be an expensive journey, with repairs just to the main part of the building expected to cost about $9 million.

About three years ago parts of the stained glass ornate rose window that is over the main city hall steps began cracking and a piece of the sandstone frame fell. The incident happened overnight and no one was hit by the falling masonry.

Further inspection of the auditorium of the building, which has been closed to the public for a number of years, also found problems with other stained glass windows being loose and plaster cracking and falling.

City officials then hired Dietz & Company Architects, of Springfield, to examine the entire City Hall structure. In the study, the company found serious problems, including a bowing of the building facade that will require it to be rebuilt.

But that isn't the only problem. Sandstone columns and brownstone bases in front of the main entrance of the City Hall are badly eroded and an interior brick arch has deteriorated in the northwest corner of the building.

In the tower that looms about the main structure, the study found poor quality brickwork and deteriorated mortar joints in several spots in the interior of the tower and there were also twisted floor joists in the tower, the report said.

Already the city has spend about $340,000 for the study and another about $562,000 to remove the stained glass windows in the auditorium, cover the openings and make some improvements to the masonry in the clock tower.

While the cost of making the repairs in the original part of the City Hall building is estimated to be $9.1 million, the annex needs about $4 million in exterior work, including replacing the roof which must be done within a year or two, the study said.

Western Mass News reported that one person was dead on the scene and that a second person later died.

SPRINGFIELD -- Two people are dead and three are in critical condition following a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night on Union Street, according to news reports.

The crash was reported about 8:15 p.m. in the area of 159 Union St. Police said a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a tree.

Western Mass News reported that one person was dead on the scene and that a second person later died.

Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate all 5 victims from the wrecked SUV. Firefighters first had to use cribbing to stabilize the rear of the vehicle before they could extricate the victims.

WWLP reported the vehicle had a Connecticut license plate.

Western Mass News is television partner to The Republican and MassLive.com.

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

A pair of sheriffs in Massachusetts are partnering with federal immigration officials to help identify and detain inmates who are living in the United States without documentation. Watch video

A pair of sheriffs in Massachusetts are partnering with federal immigration officials to help identify and detain inmates who are living in the United States without documentation.

Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson and fellow Republican Joseph McDonald Jr. of Plymouth County will sign agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, allowing them access to ICE databases to flag incoming inmates who may be in the country illegally. 

Federal immigration officials began the program two decades ago and have such partnerships with 34 agencies in 16 states. 

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

He announced a controversial plan earlier this month to send inmates from the Bristol County House of Correction to the United States border with Mexico to build a border wall. 

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. 

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

The ACLU of Massachusetts condemned the plan as did immigrant advocates. "The proposal is perverse," said Laura Rotolo, staff counsel with the ACLU. "It's inhumane, and it's most likely unconstitutional. It's also likely an attempt by Sheriff Hodgson just to ride this wave and become famous nationally. . . . I hope we don't have to take this proposal seriously."

ACLU of Massachusetts calls plan to use inmates to build border wall 'modern-day slave labor'

"This town is extremely lucky to have someone like Al Howard," said West Springfield Town Councilor Bridget Fiala, the council's liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Before town councilors reappointed Al Howard to the Park and Recreation Commission, they praised him for his years of dedication and service to West Springfield.

"This town is extremely lucky to have someone like Al Howard," said Councilor Bridget Fiala, the Town Council's liaison to the Park and Recreation Commission.

"His dedication to Park and Rec and the town in general is insane," she said. "We just think it's a great reappointment and are very lucky to have him."

Fiala's colleagues agreed with her sentiments, voting 8-0 to reappoint Howard, chairman of the commission, to a three-year term ending Jan. 1, 2020.

"Mr. Howard has been there for a very long time and has done so many things for Park and Recreation in West Springfield," Councilor George Kelly said.

The Park and Recreation Department is headed by Victoria L. Connor.

Signs of abuse were found on the child's skin by someone at their school.

A Revere police officer was arrested Saturday after allegedly abusing a 5-year-old child of a woman he is "romantically involved with," WHDH.com reported.

Marcos Garcia, 32, has been placed on administrative leave and will appear in Chelsea District Court Thursday. He is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery on a child causing injury.

According to CBSBoston, Garcia is a married father, but this case of alleged abuse involves another woman and child. 

Garcia has been a member of the Revere Police Department since Aug. 2013. 

A spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorney's office told WHDH that signs of abuse were found on the child's skin by someone at their school. 

Authorities did not reveal the name or gender of the victim. 

A 63-year-old jail employee who carried on a yearlong sexual affair with an inmate was on Tuesday sentenced to serve three years probation, The Berkshire Eagle reports.

A 63-year-old jail employee who carried on a yearlong sexual affair with an inmate was on Tuesday sentenced to serve three years probation, The Berkshire Eagle reports.

In Berkshire Superior Court, defense Attorney Leonard Cohen described Valerie L. Soules' relationship with an Berkshire Jail and House of Correction inmate as an "affair of the heart."

She had fallen in love and "these things happen from time to time," Cohen added, according to The Eagle. 

Soules, of Pittsfield, was employed as a mental health clinician at the jail during the time of the affair, between Oct. 1, 2014 and Sept. 17, 2015. She pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count of having sexual relations with an inmate.

Former Berkshire County jail employee denies having sex with inmate

Judge John Agostini additionally required Soules to complete 200 hours of community service.

The affair was discovered in an unrelated investigation, which ended up revealing that Soules and the inmate -- who has not been identified -- were spending large amounts of time together and exchanged more than 200 phone calls. 

Jail phone calls are recorded. In two of these conversations, investigators found, Soules and the inmate discussed sexual activity. 

Soules was fired as a result of the discovery. She was just shy of 10 years employment and qualifying for pension benefits, according to The Eagle. 

According to Massachusetts General Laws, any corrections employee who has sexual relations with an inmate may be punished by up to 5 years in prison or a $10,000 fine.

Though Soules and the inmate are both adults, under state law inmates are "deemed incapable of giving consent to sexual activity" with a corrections employee.

The crash, which involved a small sedan, was reported shortly before midnight at 111 Blaine St., Dennis Leger, aide to Commissioner Joseph Conant, said.

George Graham | ggraham@repub.com 

The crash, which involved a small sedan, was reported shortly before midnight at 111 Blaine St., Dennis Leger, aide to Commissioner Joseph Conant, said.

The impact knocked blocks out of the corner of the foundation. Personnel from Eversource, Columbia Gas and city code enforcement were summoned to the scene.

The home was occupied at the time of the crash, Leger said.

President-elect Donald Trump pushed back against the idea that he enjoys using Twitter Wednesday, contending that the reason he tweets for the bulk of his campaign and post-election communications is due to dishonest coverage he has received.

President-elect Donald Trump pushed back against the idea that he enjoys using Twitter Wednesday, contending that the reason he tweets for the bulk of his campaign and post-election communications is due to dishonest coverage he has received.

Trump, who will be sworn-in as the 45th president on Friday, told "Fox & Friends" that although he intends to continue using Twitter after officially taking office, he would rather stay off social media.

"Look, I don't like Tweeting. I have other things I could be doing," he said. "But I get very dishonest media, very dishonest press. And it's my only way that I can counteract ... If the press were honest, which it's not, I would absolutely not use Twitter -- I wouldn't have to."

"...If the press were honest - which it's not - I would absolutely not use Twitter. I wouldn't have to." -@realDonaldTrump pic.twitter.com/TF3vkSeYvv

-- FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 18, 2017

The incoming president has often turned to his Twitter account, which has amassed more than 20 million followers, to push his message, take aim at opponents and criticize news coverage.

Trump has faced criticism over several of his tweets throughout his White House run and transition period.

Most recently he drew pushback after blasting civil rights leader U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, who questioned the president-elect's legitimacy.

Massachusetts lawmakers, Democrats rally behind US Rep. John Lewis in spat with Donald Trump

Trump tweeted that the congressman "should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested) rather than falsely complaining about the election results."

"All talk, talk, talk - no action or results. Sad!" he further wrote, sparking criticism from members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation and other Democrats.

Trump recently told the Times of London that he won't personally be taking over the @POTUS Twitter account used by the president when he takes office later this week.

"I've got 46 million people right now -- that's a lot, that's really a lot -- but 46 million -- including Facebook, Twitter and you know, Instagram, so when you think that you're 46 million there, I'd rather just let that build up and just keep it @realDonaldTrump," he reportedly said.

The number of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome cases continues to increase and Baystate Franklin Medical Center doctors know they can't go at it alone. Watch video

This is part of a MassLive special report on the the impact of the opioid crisis on children in Massachusetts.

_____________

The number of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome cases continues to increase and Baystate Franklin Medical Center doctors know they can't go at it alone.

So they've partnered with organizations around the community to help provide the best care for both mother and baby.

"In 2012, we recognized our rates of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed pregnancies were really starting to increase dramatically. And we felt unequipped to deal with this vulnerable population," said Linda Jablonski, assistant nurse manager of The Birthplace at Baystate Franklin Medical Center.

They looked at their current model "through the eyes" of the women they were serving and created EMPOWER, which stands for Engaging Mothers for Positive Outcomes with Early Referrals.

The coalition that uses the EMPOWER model is a group of over 20 organizations in the community, which includes "anyone who has any kind of touch point with these moms throughout pregnancy and postpartum," said Jablonski. They all screen every mom, looking for those indicated red flags and then referring them to Jablonski.

As number of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome cases increase, hospitals look to care for both mother and baby

She's then able to meet with them early on in their pregnancy, creating what she call their "team." So, she said, if the mom is homeless, fleeing domestic violence or something else, the team will be there to help her and the baby.

They've also trained mothers who have already been through this process, some who have even lost children to Department of Children and Families (DCF), to be peer mentors to other moms.

But often fear continues to hold mothers back.

"There are lots of individual barriers for these moms to get the care that they need. And fear and stigma are two of the biggest barriers that they have," said Jablonski.

Much of this fear comes revolves around DCF. Something Jablonski tries to eliminate.

The Franklin county DCF office works closely with Jablonski and the coalition. They have also trained Jablonski on what they're looking for, which then allowed Jablonski to create a pregnancy plan based on that.

Massachusetts foster care system is looking for new options as opioid epidemic increases children in system

"So by the time they deliver they know what to expect, they know about Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and they're well connected to all the different services in Franklin county," Jablonski said.

 

Dr. Julie Thompson said training was an important aspect for getting everyone on board and involved at Baystate Franklin Medical Center. The training focused on empathy and understanding -- rather than judgement she said.

Now, they hope to share what they've created with others, while also learning from them. Jablonski and Thompson are on the advisory board for the Interagency Task Force on Newborns with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Substance Exposed Newborns.

Grandparents spent five years and $35K to keep grandchild out of foster care due to opioid addicted parent

The task force's goal is to develop a statewide plan, determine what data the state should be collecting on this matter and look for gaps in the services provided, said Annie Reiser, Communications Director of the office of Senator Jennifer Flanagan.

She said the idea for the task force came after they found out the rate of babies born with NAS is greater than three times the national average. Additionally, the number of babies born dependent on opioids nationally tripled in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"There are so many good things happening across the state, so many people that really want to improve the care, but it feels like we're in silos," said Jablonski. Now though, she has hope that those barriers can come down.

U.S. Army veteran Jaclyn Alexander returned from Iraq to face new battle -- saving her baby girl from opioid dependency

The suspect was also arrested in a Springfield crime.

CHICOPEE - Police will seek a criminal complaint against an Agawam man who grabbed money from the cash drawer of an Aldenville flower shop and fled.

John McGrady, 40, of Agawam is to be charged with unarmed robbery in the Dec. 26 crime that happened at the Golden Blossom Flower Shop, 728 Grattan St., said Michael Wilk, public information officer for Chicopee Police.

Acting on information from witnesses, who described a van the suspect was driving, detectives started investigating. On Jan. 5 the suspect was identified after Springfield Police conducted an unrelated drug raid on Greene and arrested McGrady on a variety of charges including possession of herion with intent to distribute and refusing to stop for a police officer, Wilk said.

Chicopee Police Det. Danusia Liszka interviewed the suspect and based on results of the investigation determined he should be charged in the crime, Wilk said.

A 36-year-old Greenfield man allegedly kicked his preschool-age daughter in the chest, knocking her to the floor and causing she and her brother to start crying.

A 36-year-old man allegedly kicked his preschool-age daughter in the chest, knocking her to the floor and prompting her and her brother to burst into tears Sunday in a Northampton business.

The scene occurred around 10 a.m. near the front register of the CVS on Main Street, witnessed by a cashier and captured on a store surveillance camera.

The CVS employee immediately called the Northampton Police Department to report the events. She told police she heard the suspect cursing in a "loud and offensive" manner at the two children prior to the alleged physical attack on the young girl, according to a report filed by Northampton Police Officer Brent M. Dzialo.

Officers located the suspect, Michael C. Rosa of Greenfield, leading the two young children along Pleasant Street a short time later. He was seen wearing "blue snow boots with a thick sole," according to the police report

Rosa initially told police that he didn't want to "raise (wimps)," Dzialo's report states.

Dzialo says Rosa "became more and more agitated and uncooperative" during his exchange with police and continued cursing at his two children, "yelling so loud that other people walking nearby were starting to look," the report states.

Although Rosa later denied kicking his daughter, Dzialo and the other officers obtained the surveillance video from the store and watched the attack happen.

"As a result of the statements made by (the store cashier), the video evidence I observed and the statements made by Rosa, he was subsequently handcuffed and placed under arrest," Dzialo notes.

The girl told police she suffered no injuries in the assault. Police filed an abuse report with the state Department of Children and Families.

Rosa's sister-in-law took custody of the children, according to Dzialo's report.

On Tuesday, Rosa appeared in Northampton District Court to face charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and reckless endangerment of a child.

He is being held at Hampden County Jail and House of Correction on $10,000 bail in wait of a Feb. 16 pretrial hearing.

The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory for several counties in Massachusetts.

The National Weather Service has issued a freezing rain advisory for several counties in Massachusetts.

The advisory went into effect shortly after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and will remain active until 7 p.m. for the following counties: Essex, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, Middlesex and Worcester.

"Areas of freezing drizzle will likely result in hazardous travel conditions on untreated roads," meteorologists said in a statement, cautioning of travel especially on bridges and overpasses. "Parking lots and sidewalks will become slippery as well."

Nexstar Media Group owns 171 stations across the U.S. including several in the Northeast.

CHICOPEE - The Nexstar Media Group has completed its $4.6 billion acquisition of Media General, gaining ownership of 71 television stations across the county including WWLP-TV 22 in Chicopee.

Newstar Media Group now has control over 171 stations across 100 U.S. media markets which reach to just under 39 percent of households.

The deal to acquire Media General was announced nearly a year ago. It had been held up by the Federal Communications Commission until Nexstar agreed to divest from 13 stations.

The FCC approved the merger on Jan. 11.

In addition to WWLP-TV 22, Nexstar also owns WTNH and WCTX in New Haven, Connecticut, WPRI in Providence, Rhode Island, and WTEN in Albany, New York and it's satellite station WCDC in Adams.

Perry Sook, Chairman, President and CEO of Nexstar issued a statement that read "Our acquisition of Media General marks a significant milestone in Nexstar's 20 year history of growth, which has been predicated on our unwavering commitment to deliver exceptional service to the local communities where we operate and value to our shareholders."

In the same statement, Sook said the larger media footprint will allow for a greater emphasis on local news. He pledged the creation of more news bureaus in state capitals than "any other broadcaster: and the production of a total of 3,500 hours per week in local news production and 10,000 news jobs.

"Our teams consistently leverage localism to bring news, entertainment, information, services and value to consumers and advertisers through Nexstar's television, digital and mobile media platforms, and their dedication is reflected in our strong standings in the local communities where we operate. The focus of our corporate, station-level and digital teams on local leadership, local vision and local targeting is the foundation of our positive near- and long-term financial outlook."

WWLP-TV 22 issued a statement Wednesday that read:

Wednesday marks the beginning of a new era for us here at WWLP 22News! 22News is now part of the Nexstar Media Group, the largest company in the United States focusing exclusively on local television broadcasting and digital media.
In joining Nexstar, 22News becomes part of a company that includes more than 170 full-power television stations in 100 markets across the country, from Providence to Honolulu. But while we are now part of a larger company, 22News' commitment to local weather, breaking news, and investigative reporting remains the same.
We are proud to continue our mission of "Working for You," now and in the years to come!"

FCC Ruling on Nexstar acquistion of Media General

FCC ruling on Nexstar Media Group acquisition of Media General by Patrick Johnson on Scribd

The Thomas J. O'Connor shelter is trying to find the owners of these animals found in Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke.

The City of Northampton has lifted a snow emergency and parking ban declared yesterday before an overnight coating of rain, sleet and snow.

The City of Northampton has lifted a snow emergency and parking ban declared yesterday before an overnight coating of rain, sleet and snow.

Parking is again permitted on public roads and parking lots.

Under a snow emergency, parking is banned on all city streets and parking lots from midnight until 6:00 am, except on Main St where the ban is in effect between 2:00 am and 7:00 am.

Drivers may use the Armory Street parking lot during snow emergencies, except from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm due to plowing.

Airbags and seat belts kept the occupants safe, police said.The driver was issued a warning.

DEERFIELD -- Bald tires and excessive speed on a slushy road was the cause of a pickup truck crash here Wednesday morning, police said.

The driver of the pickup and a passenger were not injured in the crash, reported about 10:30 a.m. on River Road, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

The pickup, however, appears to be totaled. Airbags and seat belts kept the occupants safe, police said.

The driver was issued a warning.

Springfield police say excessive speed was a factor in the accident.

This is an update of a story posted at 8:15 a.m. Wednesday

SPRINGFIELD - A third person has died as a result of the Tuesday night crash on Union Street, according to Springfield police.

Police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney said the third victim of the crash died this morning.

Two other occupants of the car remain in critical condition.

Police are not releasing the names of any of the five people involved at this time, he said. Police still have to contact the families of those involved.

He said the dead are two women and one man but would not release any other information.

The crash was reported about 8:15 p.m. in the area of 159 Union St. Police said a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a tree.

Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant, said firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate all 5 victims from the wrecked SUV. Firefighters first had to use cribbing to stabilize the rear of the vehicle before they could extricate the victims.

Delaney said excessive speed was a factor in the crash.