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Little Caesars founder Mike Ilitch, owner of Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, dead at 87

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His family released a statement saying Ilitch died on Friday at a local hospital. They called him a visionary who set the tone for his company and his family.

DETROIT -- Billionaire businessman Mike Ilitch, who founded the Little Caesars pizza empire before buying the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers, and won praise for keeping the professional sports teams in the city as others relocated to new suburban stadiums, has died. He was 87.

His family released a statement saying Ilitch died on Friday at a local hospital. They called him a visionary who set the tone for his company and his family.

"He made such a positive impact in the world of sports, in business and in the community, and we will remember him for his unwavering commitment to his employees, his passion for Detroit, his generosity to others and his devotion to his family and friends," his son Christopher Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Holdings Inc., said in the statement.

Family spokesman Doug Kuiper confirmed the death, but no other details were provided.

Ilitch and his wife, Marian, founded Little Caesars -- later known for its "Pizza! Pizza!" ads featuring an animated "Little Caeser" -- in suburban Detroit in 1959. They eventually grew the business into one of the world's largest carry-out pizza chains with several spin-off companies.

Known simply as "Mr. I" to most people in Michigan, Ilitch was as much a fan of the often-struggling Detroit as he was of sports. When approached in 2009 by organizers of the Motor City Bowl in Detroit, Ilitch agreed to sponsor the annual college football bowl game despite a poor local economy. The game was renamed the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl.

"It's a sporting event, and we need sporting events," Ilitch said at the time. "It picks our community up to no end, with all the great colleges we have in this state and the professional teams that we have. Thank God for 'em, especially at times that are rough right now."

Mike Ilitch, who owned Red Wings and Tigers, always had passion for sports

The son of Macedonian immigrants, Ilitch was born on July 20, 1929. He played baseball at Detroit's Cooley High School and was signed by his hometown Tigers after his four-year stint in the U.S. Marines, spending three years in the team's farm system before a knee injury ended his playing career.

But he found his niche in business. His family's companies had combined revenues of $2.4 billion in 2011.

It started with that first Little Caesars restaurant in Garden City, a working-class suburb west of Detroit. A food service distribution company soon followed to supply ingredients and other products for the growing number of restaurants. Blue Line Foodservice grew into one of the largest program account food service distribution companies in the U.S.

Ilitch Holdings Inc. was established in 1999 to manage the family's interests in food, sports and entertainment, and the company remained family focused. His son, Christopher, was president and CEO, while his wife, Marian, was vice chairwoman as well as sole owner of MotorCity Casino, one of Detroit's three casinos.

Ilitch broke into sports ownership in 1982, when he paid a reported $8 million for the struggling Red Wings. Once a National Hockey League powerhouse, the team had bottomed out to mediocrity, but it began winning again under Ilitch. The Red Wings took home the Stanley Cup in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008.

Ilitch was inducted into the NHL Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003, and into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and Michigan Sports Hall of Fame a year later.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ilitch are incredibly passionate about Detroit and their teams," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland told The Associated Press in a 2010 interview. "They create a family atmosphere with stability, loyalty and a personal touch. But we all understand we have to produce to be around for a long time."

As part of his long-term plan to build a Detroit-based business empire, Ilitch also bought Olympia Entertainment, which manages several restaurants, sports and entertainment venues, in 1982.

Husband and wife bought the downtown Fox Theatre five years later and started a massive, $12 million restoration. It reopened a year later and became a lucrative venue for musicals, plays and other productions. The Little Caesars world headquarters also was moved downtown.

Then, in 1992, the man who once dreamed of playing for the Detroit Tigers bought the team for $85 million. He moved it in 2000 from the storied but fading Tiger Stadium to Comerica Park, across from the Fox Theatre.

Unlike previous owners of both sports franchises, Ilitch opened his checkbook to sign top players -- finding solid success in hockey, and a rollercoaster in baseball.

The Tigers lost an American League record 119 games in 2003, but advanced to the World Series three years later, losing in five games to the St. Louis Cardinals. Near the end of a disappointing 2008 season, Ilitch said he and the team would review everything done to put the roster together but focusing on the $138 million payroll wasn't the priority.

"I'm not afraid to go out and spend money," he said. "It's been very costly, but I'm not going to change my ways."

The Tigers made the American League playoffs in 2011, a return to winning that brought more fans to Comerica Park.

Tigers react to Mike Ilitch's death: He was 'truly one of the great ones'

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Ilitch was simply driven to win.

"He has a good feel for sports, baseball in particular, and that's always good when you're working for someone like that," Dombrowski said in 2010, shortly after Ilitch announced he would try to buy the Detroit Pistons. Ilitch had jumped in amid speculation another buyer might move the pro basketball team.

"When I read in the paper there was the chance that this great sports town could lose one of its professional sports franchises, I just didn't see how we could let that happen," Ilitch told The Associated Press in 2010. "The Pistons, just like the Red Wings, Tigers and the (Detroit) Lions, have a rich and storied tradition in this community."

California billionaire and Michigan State University graduate Tom Gores eventually bought the Pistons and kept the team at its stadium in Auburn Hills, north of Detroit.

Ilitch's admiration of Detroit also was put on display in 2009, when General Motors -- struggling under the threat of bankruptcy -- discontinued its sponsorship of the popular General Motors Fountain at Comerica Park. Instead of selling the space to other bidders, Ilitch gave the advertising spot to each of the area's car companies that season at no cost.

"He cares about the city of Detroit. This is something he wanted to do. It's for the Big Three," Ron Colangelo, the Tigers' spokesman, said at the time.

Philanthropy always was a major focus. In 1985, he established the Little Caesars Love Kitchen, a restaurant on wheels to feed the hungry and help with food distribution following national disasters.

Ilitch founded the Little Caesars Veterans Program in 2006 to provide honorably discharged veterans the chance to own a Little Caesars franchise, and his Ilitch Charities invests in programs promoting economic and job growth. Contributions, sponsorships and in-kind donations from the Ilitch companies total more than $4 million per year.

Ilitch is survived by his wife, seven adult children, 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mike Ilitch watches live stream as Wayne State breaks ground on his namesake business school


Earthquake in Philippines kills at least 15 as falling debris turns deadly

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A powerful nighttime earthquake in the southern Philippines killed at least 15 people, injured about 90 others, damaged buildings and an airport and knocked out power, officials said Saturday.

MANILA, Philippines -- A powerful nighttime earthquake in the southern Philippines killed at least 15 people, injured about 90 others, damaged buildings and an airport and knocked out power, officials said Saturday.

The late Friday quake with a magnitude of 6.5 roused residents from sleep in Surigao del Norte province, sending hundreds to flee their homes. The quake was centered about 14 kilometers (8 miles) northwest of the provincial capital of Surigao at a relatively shallow depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles), said Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Seismology and Volcanology.

Nearly 100 aftershocks have been felt, officials said, adding that schools were being reopened as evacuation centers for residents wary of returning to their damaged homes.

Solidum said the quake was set off by movement in the Philippine fault, which sits in the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where quakes and volcanoes are common.

At least 15 people were killed, some after being hit by falling debris and blunt objects, provincial disaster-response official Ramon Gotinga said, citing hospital reports. At least 90 others were injured in Surigao city, about 700 kilometers (430 miles) southeast of Manila.

"We're still doing a rapid needs and damage assessment," Office of Civil Defense director Antonio Gonzales told The Associated Press by telephone.


Several mostly low-slung buildings and schools sustained cracks in the coastal city and a bridge collapsed in an outlying town. Rescue teams were checking for possible casualties in a village called Poknoy in the city of 140,500 people, he said.

The city's airport was temporarily closed due to cracks in the runway, aviation officials said. A major port in Lipata district also was closed while engineers checked the stability of an access road, Gonzales said.

"The shaking was so strong I could hardly stand," coast guard personnel Rayner Neil Elopre said.

Village leaders asked residents to move to a school building on higher ground, Elopre said, pausing briefly during a mild aftershock while talking on the phone.

Police officer Jimmy Sarael said he, his wife and two children embraced each other until the shaking eased. They later moved to the moonlit grounds outside the provincial capitol complex to join more than 1,000 jittery residents, he said.

The last major earthquake that struck Surigao, an impoverished region also dealing with a communist insurgency, was in the 1800s, Solidum said. A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people on the northern island of Luzon in 1990.

Seen@ West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt's 1st annual Winter Ball

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The first-ever Mayor's Winter Ball was held at the Carriage House at Storrowton Village located on the grounds of the Big-E in West Springfield Friday evening with an estimated 175 guests.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The first-ever Mayor's Winter Ball was held at the Carriage House at Storrowton Village located on the grounds of the Big-E in West Springfield Friday evening with an estimated 175 guests.

The party, which doubled as a fundraiser, was hosted by West Springfield Mayor Reichelt as part of a kick-off to the West Springfield Winter Carnival.

The business-attire setting featured a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres, and music by DJ Dan Cavanaugh.

Reichelt said it was an exciting and exhilarating night, all about having fun.

Despite the 16-inches of snow from winter storm Niko with more possibly on the way, the annual Mayoral Winter Carnival is scheduled to begin at noon Saturday at Mittineague Park and will feature crafts, games, hot chocolate, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and more. 

Nancy Conz, running icon and Pioneer Valley native, dies at Southampton home at age of 59

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Nancy Conz, a Southampton native, and world-class runner, died at her home on Friday at the age of 59.

SOUTHAMPTON - Nancy Conz, a world-class runner and Pioneer Valley native, died at her Southampton home on Friday at the age of 59, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

Despite being self-trained and never having a coach or an agent, Conz rocketed to the top of the racing world during the 1980s, becoming one of the world's best female runners and winning the Avon International Marathon at Ottawa, as well as the Chicago marathon, among many other honors.

X00206_9.JPG 

Conz began her running career in 1974, when she joined the Hampshire Regional High School track team.

After graduating from high school, Conz continued to run, competing in local races and winning them regularly.

However, Conz jumped from the local level to the global one in the 1980s, becoming one of the best female runners in the world.

In May of 1980, Conz won her first marathon--the Five College Marathon--and began a string of victories that would catapult her to international success. 

Several months later, she placed second in her second ever marathon, the Avon Marathon in London. 

In 1981, Conz won the Avon Marathon in Ottawa, beating her friend and future gold medalist runner Joan Benoit Samuelson. 

"Nancy was a great runner," said Samuelson in a 2008 interview. "She came onto the scene rather quickly, and climbed quickly as well. She was a real tenacious runner. She gave it everything she had. She beat me several times when we went head to head. She was tenacious and worked very hard."

In 1982, Conz won the Chicago marathon, finishing at 2:33:23, a personal best for her career. 

By the end of her running career, Conz had set American records in the 25K and 20K, and was regularly posting in the nation's top 10 times in events longer than a 10K.

Though Conz had such wide-ranging success, she stayed largely local--working at the Northampton Runner's Shop from 1979 until its closure in 2003, and the Northampton Running Company from 2005 until 2016. 

Conz passed away on Friday after battling cancer since 1998.  

The Gazette interviewed Conz's longtime friend Sukie Kindwall, 58, of Conway, who said that Conz had handled the illness in a "typical Nancy fashion."

"She's tough," Kindwall said. "I think that's one of the reasons she was a good runner. She handled it with grace and dignity and still her sense of humor right to the end. It was quite something."

Some of Conz's career highlights are listed below: 

1980
- Five College Marathon, South Hadley, won 2:43:53
- Exhibition 10K at Olympics Trials, Oregon, fifthi34:04
- 25K American record, Sudbury
- Avon International Marathon, London, second, 2:36:02
- Second-best marathon time in the country, 2:36:02
- Interviewed on Wide World of Sports
1981
- Boston Marathon, seventh, 2:34:48
- x-Avon International Marathon, Ottawa, first, 2:36:46
- Freihofer's 10K Run for Women, Albany, first, 34:25
1982
- World's Fair 10K Race, Knoxville, Tenn., won
- Chicago Marathon, first, 2:33:22
- Lawrence 10-Miler, first, 55:00
- All-Comers Meet, 10K, University of Massachusetts, 33:10
- 20K American record, New Haven Road Race
1983
- All-Comers Track Meet, 1-mile, University of Massachusetts, 4:49
1984
- Toyko Marathon, sixth, 2:38:00
1986
- Amherst 10 Mile Road Race, course record holder, 57:05
OTHER
- Three-time winner St. Patrick's Road Race (1981, 1982, 1986)
x-served as USA Track & Field Marathon Championship

Head of Homeland Security tours Mexican border, says he can't define a sanctuary city

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U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told law enforcement officials on a tour of nation's border with Mexico Friday that he couldn't define a sanctuary city, which President Donald Trump has targeted for withdrawal of federal funding for refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities.

SAN DIEGO -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly told law enforcement officials on a tour of nation's border with Mexico Friday that he couldn't define a sanctuary city, which President Donald Trump has targeted for withdrawal of federal funding for refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities.

Trump's executive order on immigration last month says a "sanctuary jurisdiction" defies federal law by shielding people in the country illegally and that they have caused "immeasurable harm to the American people and to the very fabric of our Republic." While sanctuary cities are broadly understood to mean a refusal to cooperate with the federal government on immigration enforcement, a precise definition has eluded many, including in law enforcement.

"I don't have a clue," Kelly told San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman when she asked for a definition.

The retired four-star general went on to say it was inconceivable why any jurisdiction wouldn't want criminals removed from their communities. "I'm stunned when people say, 'Well, we're not going to cooperate with you even in the event of convicted criminals," he said.

Kelly said it would be difficult to justify immigration enforcement grants to cities that refuse to cooperate.

"I promise you we'll work with you and will make no Draconian moves until I fully understand what a given locale might be doing or not doing," he told Zimmerman.

Kelly spoke near the end of a two-day tour of the border in Arizona and California. In San Diego, he joined agents on two house visits to deport people in the country illegally and toured a cross-border drug tunnel. Last week he toured the border in south Texas.

The secretary said he got "an earful" of suggestions from his employees on where to extend a border wall with Mexico, which currently covers about 700 miles of the 2,000-mile international divide.

"I'll take that on board, we'll bring it back to Washington, put in the blender and come up with a solution," he told federal, state and local law enforcement officials at San Diego's San Ysidro port of entry, the nation's busiest border crossing.

Trump signs orders to begin U.S.-Mexico border wall, strip money from 'sanctuary cities'

On Tuesday, Kelly told lawmakers that he would like to see wall construction "well underway" within two years, but he held open the possibility that it wouldn't extend to areas where there are natural physical barriers.

San Diego, which has one of the most fortified stretches of border, is often cited as an example of how walls can slow illegal crossings, but critics say fencing only forced people to more dangerous areas where many have died in extreme heat.

Kelly told reporters on Friday that he worried about a federal appeals court's refusal on Thursday to reinstate Trump's ban on travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. He said vetting practices in those countries "are loose at best" and that countries include failing or faltering states.

"I am concerned in that we are unable to vet these folks who coming here in a more meaningful way," he said.

Asked about reports from advocacy groups that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did a large roundup of people in the country illegally in Southern California and made arrests elsewhere, Kelly said authorities are executing the law. He didn't specifically address the reports but rejected the term 'roundup' and said officials cannot ignore federal laws. He said Congress should change the law if it sees fit.

Federal agents conduct sweeping immigration enforcement raids in at least 6 states

Police investigate overnight West Haven homicide

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A man in his 30's was gunned down on a West Haven street Saturday morning, police said. Witnesses told authorities they heard men fighting, then gunshots. Police found the victim dead, shot several times.

WEST HAVEN, Conn.— An overnight shooting in West Haven left a man dead, police said.

WFSB-TV reports that police were called to Captain Thomas Boulevard and Campbell Avenue just after 2 a.m. for reports of gunfire in the area.  Callers told police they heard men fighting, then the shots. 

Police found a man described as being in his 30s with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Authorities are continuing to interview witnesses, they said.  

Planned Parenthood supporters to rally in Springfield Saturday

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With the recent focus on reproductive health care and abortion access in Washington, D.C., supporters of Planned Parenthood will gather in downtown Springfield Saturday for an afternoon "Our Bodies, Our Justice" rally.

SPRINGFIELD -- Responding to the recent focus in Washington on reproductive health care and abortion access, supporters of Planned Parenthood will gather in downtown Springfield Saturday for an afternoon "Our Bodies, Our Justice" rally.

The event, which is set to take place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Springfield City Hall, will highlight how racism, homophobia and economic inequality effect access to reproductive health care, according to organizers.

The rally will call for protecting Planned Parenthood and communities that rely on its services from national efforts to defund the organization, as well as blocking any Supreme Court nominee who does not support the right to safe, legal abortions.

It will further focus on efforts to defend the Affordable Care Act and promote passage of the Mass. Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, among other things, organizers said.

Jossie Valentin, a Holyoke city councilor who is slated to speak at the rally, argued that losing resources like Planned Parenthood would hit minority communities hard.

"We know who will suffer if these things happen: poor people, people of color and queer people," she said in a statement.

Jennifer Childs-Roshak, the president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, stressed that rally organizers "refuse to let extreme politicians take us backwards."

"In today's political climate, Massachusetts can and must serve as a national leader in defending and improving access to sexual and reproductive health care for women and families across the state," she said in a statement.

In addition to Valentin, state Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, WEIB radio host Reverend Alysia Cutting and others will address issues regarding "reproductive justice" and access to health care services.

The demonstration, which will also include live performances and music, comes on the heels of the national March for Life and Springfield Mini March for Life, in which nearly 100 abortion opponents took to the city's streets.

Anti-abortion advocates stage Mini March for Life in Springfield (photos, video)

Sponsors of the event include: Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts Nursing Students for Sexual and Reproductive Health, GLAD, the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice, the American Friends Service Committee of Western Mass., Arise for Social Justice, the Abortion Fund of Western Massachusetts, the International Socialist Organization, 413 Action, the Western Massachusetts Health Equity Network and the Pioneer Valley Women's March.

Tax breaks for hiring ex-prisoners, firefighters with Parkinson's: WMass lawmakers file bills

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Here's a look at a few of the bills that have been filed by local lawmakers.

BOSTON -- With thousands of bills filed for the 2017 legislative session, Western Massachusetts lawmakers have been busy advancing their priorities. The bills will now go through a committee hearing process and some will be considered by the full House and Senate. An even smaller number will make it into law.

Here's a look at a few of the bills that have been filed by local lawmakers.

Tax breaks for college grads in Gateway Cities

State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, has proposed a bill, SD.1241, to create "Gateway City Opportunity Zones." This would establish a student loan repayment program for recent college graduates who both live and work in a Gateway City.

Gateway Cities are those like Springfield and Holyoke, which are struggling cities that have the potential to anchor regional economies.

"This is specifically targeted at a real need, which is we're losing our young people," Lesser said. "We know there's a chronic need for young people to move back, especially young folks with college degrees and young professionals."

There is not yet a cost analysis associated with the bill. The bill envisions a program that pays back loans at a rate of up to $250 a month for up to 60 months, as long as the person is both living and working in a Gateway City.

Tax breaks for businesses that hire ex-prisoners

State Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, has sponsored a bill, HD. 3100, "An Act to Reduce Recidivism," which would create tax credits for small businesses that hire former prisoners.

The tax credits would be around $5,000 for a business that creates a new job for an ex-prisoner and half of that for someone who hires a former prisoner into an existing job.

Vega said Western Massachusetts houses correctional facilities in Chicopee and Ludlow and also has a large number of ex-prisoners moving into the region. "We're not talking about hardened criminals necessarily," Vega said. "We're talking about people who are doing drug crimes, maybe they've had an illegal gun possession ... breaking and entering."

Vega said the biggest barriers people face after leaving jail are finding housing and getting a job. In Hampden County, many inmates get job training while in jail.

Vega said his bill "tries to bring just a little bit of recognition to companies that are willing to work with people who were recently incarcerated."

Municipal foreclosure ordinances

When Springfield was hit hard during the foreclosure crisis, the city established two ordinances to cut down on blight from foreclosed properties. It established a mandatory mediation program to help homeowners facing foreclosure, and required banks to pay a $10,000 bond, which could be used by the city to maintain foreclosed properties if the bank failed to do so.

The banks challenged the ordinances, and the Supreme Judicial Court ruled against Springfield.

State Rep. Jose Tosado, D-Springfield, has filed a bill, HD.987, "An Act to Minimize Foreclosures and Their Harm," that would allow cities like Springfield to establish their own ordinances related to foreclosures.

Tosado said Springfield has one of the highest rates of foreclosure in Massachusetts. "Municipal leaders at the local level basically know what the needs of cities are," Tosado said. "So they should have the opportunity to develop laws, policies and ordinances."

A similar bill was introduced last session but did not pass. Banks oppose the measure, which they say would incentivize lenders to pull out of communities with burdensome regulations and would make it difficult for banks to comply with each municipality's rules.

Firefighters with Parkinson's disease

Studies have shown that firefighters are more likely to get Parkinson's Disease than the general public is, by a margin of eight to one.

A bill introduced by state Rep. John Velis, D-Westfield, HD.1670, "An Act Relative to Parkinson's Disease Disability and Death in Firefighters," would extend accidental disability benefits to firefighters with Parkinson's disease by creating a presumption that the disease was caused by their job.

Massachusetts would be the second state, after Indiana, to have this policy.

According to the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, which is pushing for the bill, firefighters are regularly exposed to toxic substances while fighting fires that attack the nervous system and are linked to Parkinson's disease.

"Firefighters are some of the bravest men and women in the commonwealth," Velis said in a statement. "They risk their lives daily, and in the process, put themselves at risk for all kinds of long-term health effects. We already extend these benefits to firefighters who suffer from heart disease, lung disease and cancer. With all of the research coming out, it only makes sense that we get proactive and extend these benefits to those suffering from Parkinson's, as well."

Velis was asked to introduce the bill by Westfield firefighter Greg Heath, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 41. Heath started an online petition to support legislation allowing firefighters with Parkinson's to retire with full accidental disability benefits. The petition has gotten 52,000 signatures.


Easthampton dog sex defendant misses 2nd court date; arraignment postponed until March

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Joshua Swift, a self-employed roofer, allegedly filmed his dog performing a sex act on him and sent the video to a woman he met on a Boston Bruins' fan website, police said.

SPRINGFIELD -- For second time in two months, a man charged with performing a sex act with his dog has failed to show up for his arraignment in Springfield District Court.

Joshua Swift, 32, of Easthampton, was due in court Friday to enter a plea to one count of bestiality.

But Swift, who is being held at the Hampshire County House of Correction in an unrelated case, did not appear for his arraignment. A court official said his absence was weather-related and the arraignment has been rescheduled for March 1.

When Swift missed his initial court date on Dec. 13, an arrest warrant was issued. By then, Swift was already in police custody, having been arrested Dec. 12 on a warrant out of Northampton District Court, according to court records.

Swift, a self-employed roofer, allegedly made a video of his dog performing a sex act on him and sent it to a woman he met on a Boston Bruins' fan website, according to a complaint filed by Easthampton police.

Questioned by investigators, Swift admitted to making the video, but said the woman encouraged him to do it. When Swift broke off their relationship, the woman sent the video to Blandford police, the complaint said.

Swift claimed he was "wasted, lonely and in a bad state of mind" when the video was filmed, and assured officers it was "not something he would normally do," the complaint said.

Investigators determined the video had been made in October at the Bel Air Inn in West Springfield.

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

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

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

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

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

Chicopee Interstate Towing given OK to build garage, despite neighbor protests

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A total of 21 residents signed a petition opposing the plan.

CHICOPEE - The owner of a towing company was given the OK to build a new garage that will house his larger, more expensive vehicles, after promising it will ease complaints from neighbors.

The Planning Board voted 6-0 to approve the construction of a 7,425 square foot garage at Interstate Towing on 1660 Westover Road.

The meeting was the second held about the proposal to build the garage. During the previous meeting neighbor after neighbor lined up to complain about the backup alarms on trucks that beep at all hours of the night, lights that glare into windows and two temporary buildings erected by the company without needed permits.

The proposal was tabled for two weeks. In the second meeting, Planning Board Chairwoman Cynthia Labrie asked neighbors to limit their concerns to the proposed building instead of repeating complaints aired about the business in the previous meeting.

The meeting last week was much calmer but residents still brought up problems with the noise and the lights that come from the 24-hour business operation.

Before the meeting a petition signed by 21 residents was submitted to the board to protest the proposal.

"It is not compatible with the densely zoned (residential) neighborhood," the petition said.

In response to complaints aired in the first meeting, Interstate Towing Owner Jeremy Procon returned to report he had removed the buildings, disabled the backup alarms and replaced them with silent backup cameras and also promised to add more evergreen trees to the front of his property to help reduce the glare from headlights.

Procon said the building should also help reduce noise because employees will be able to wash trucks and do other work inside. Currently all the work is done outside.

The problem is the zoning on Westover Road is mixed. The property where Interstate Towing is located is zone for industry but it is next to and across the street from single-family homes which are on residential property.

"It is an allowable use in an industrial zone," James Dawson, projects manager for the Planning Department, said.

"He has the right of use to build the building," Labrie added.

Procon said he is not expanding the business or hiring more employees. The building is designed to give the business a way to better protect the most expensive trucks he owns.

Police: Rum used as accelerant in 2 Springfield arson fires

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The investigation leading to Terrence Vaughan's arrest illustrates the prevalence of video surveillance cameras and their potential value in criminal prosecutions.

SPRINGFIELD -- Before buying a bottle of Bacardi 151 rum at Worthington Discount Liquors on Nov. 29, Terrence Vaughan had a question for the clerk, according to the arrest report.

Is it flammable?

When the clerk said yes, Vaughan paid $22.09 and left.

Minutes later, a red Saab parked around the corner from the store was set on fire, and then a second fire was reported in the hallway of a nearby Nursery Street apartment building, according to the arrest report.

Vaughan, 30, pleaded not guilty in Springfield District Court on Jan. 25 to arson charges from both fires following an investigation by the Springfield Police and Fire Departments.

Nobody was injured in the fires and both were extinguished quickly. Still, the investigation leading to Vaughan's arrest illustrates the prevalence of video surveillance cameras and their potential value in criminal prosecutions.

As Assistant District Attorney Mary Simeoli explained it, the defendant was captured on video three times -- buying the rum at the package store, setting fire to the Saab parked on Federal Court and driving away from the Nursery Street apartment building moments after the fire was set there.

The targets of both fires were not chosen randomly, according to the prosecutor and the arrest report: The Saab belonged a woman whose boyfriend had fought with Vaughan the night before and the hallway fire was set outside the apartment of Vaughan's ex-girlfriend.

In addition to interviewing witnesses at both locations, investigators obtained video from nearby surveillance cameras, plus audio and video of Vaughan purchasing the liquor allegedly used as an accelerant, the prosecutor said.

At the package store, Vaughan could be seen walking up to the counter with a bottle of Bacardi 151 rum, the arrest report said. "You can clearly hear Vaughn asking if the liquor he is buying is flammable," Springfield Detective Eugene Dean wrote in a request for an arrest warrant.

The two fires were still under investigation when Vaughan was arrested in December on unrelated charges. When the arson charges were filed, he was being held at the Hampden County Correctional Center. By then, Vaughan's ex-girlfriend had obtained a restraining order barring him from having any contact with her.

At the arraignment, the prosecutor requested $50,000 bail, citing the new charges and Vaughan's extensive criminal record.

Judge William Boyle granted the bail request and scheduled a pretrial hearing for Feb. 27.

62-year-old man killed after crashing into telephone pole in Palmer

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A man was killed after crashing into a telephone pole in Palmer.

PALMER - A 62-year-old man was killed in Palmer on Saturday morning after apparently crashing his car into a telephone pole, according to Western Mass News.  

The man, whose identity has not been made public at this time, was headed south on North Main Street when his car apparently crossed through an intersection and hit the telephone pole, according to a Palmer police lieutenant. 

Police were called to the scene of the crash shortly after 4:41 a.m., said the lieutenant. 

While the cause of the crash is not yet known, police believe that the victim may have had a medical episode that precipitated the incident. 

The crash destroyed the telephone pole, and a new pole had to be erected later Saturday afternoon. 

 

Berkshire County 'Rail trail flasher' who exposed himself to women while jogging sentenced to jail

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A man who regularly flashed women on the Ashuwillticook rail trail has been sentenced to jail.

NORTH ADAMS - A man who regularly exposed himself to women while jogging has been sentenced to 18 months in jail, according to The Berkshire Eagle

31-year-old Edward McConnell, of Cheshire, admitted to police during a taped interview that he had exposed his genitals to at least 10 women while running on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail--a popular running and biking spot that wends through various municipalities in Berkshire County.  

Witnesses of McConnell's activities told police investigators that he would often run past them on the Ashuwillticook before later exposing himself to them while standing in shrubs next to the trail. 

McConnell apparently told police that he was flashing women because he "was trying to get a date and believed that women liked this," according to the police report related to the case. 

He also apparently told police that though the majority of the women he flashed did not appear to appreciate it, one woman seemed to like it. 

McConnell was ultimately found guilty of six counts of open and gross lewdness and one count of intimidating a witness in Northern Berkshire District Court, and was sentenced to 18 months in the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction.

 

Planned Parenthood supporters urged to keep up 'pressure' at Springfield rally

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The afternoon rally, dubbed "Our Bodies, Our Justice," drew about 100 people who are opposed to national efforts to strip the community health organization of taxpayer funding.

SPRINGFIELD -- Supporters of Planned Parenthood packed the steps of City Hall on Saturday, demanding greater access to reproductive health care for women across the country.

The afternoon rally, dubbed "Our Bodies, Our Justice," drew about 100 people who are opposed to national efforts to strip the community health organization of taxpayer funding.

Activists and elected officials also called on Congress to leave the Affordable Care Act in place and, at the state level, urged passage of the Massachusetts Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Organizers offered free buses from Amherst and Northampton.

"We are at a point right now where it is all hands on deck," said Jossie Valentin, a Holyoke city councilor who spoke at the rally. "The pressure is working."

Valentin said supporters of women's reproductive freedom should continue to demonstrate, and hold their leaders accountable at the ballot box.

"If they are not representing you, you will vote them out!" she said.

State Reps. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, and John Scibak, D-South Hadley, offered their support as well.

Vega said the Trump administration is "shortsighted about where we are in history and what we've accomplished, and ill-informed about what Planned Parenthood really is about."

He said his wife relied on Planned Parenthood for health care when she lacked insurance. In addition to OB-GYN services, Planned Parenthood offers physicals, diabetes and anemia screening, certain vaccines, men's sexual health care, and prostate and colon cancer screening.

Performances at the rally included the dance troupe The Movement Project, a reading from "The Vagina Monologues," and a singalong of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," also known as the "Black National Anthem."

Debra Fletcher, a counter-protester who stood by herself at the top of the City Hall steps, said Planned Parenthood is unnecessary and promotes promiscuity. A black Trump voter, she was upset at a lack of racial diversity at the rally, despite the strong social justice message emphasizing inclusiveness.

Organizers said the rally would look at reproductive health "through racial, gender and economic justice lenses."

"I don't know them. They're from South Hadley, Northampton, all these different places, but not Springfield," said Fletcher. "All these people are good, but I believe they've been fed the wrong story."

She would rather out-of-towners come to Springfield to rally against drugs and violent crime.

"Black people's check has been saying 'insufficient funds' forever," she said, "but when they're sick, they go to the doctor. When they want an abortion, they get an abortion."

The two-hour rally was in jeopardy earlier this week. Organizers found out that they did not meet the requirements for a permit, and asked for help from the American Civil Liberties Union. But Mayor Domenic Sarno stepped in and approved the permit, saying that, while public safety is paramount, free speech will not be "stifled."

Snow storm conditions on Sunday may make travel perilous in Western Mass

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Snow storm conditions throughout the western parts of the state may make traveling hazardous on Sunday. Here's a round-up of projections for weather throughout the rest of the weekend.

Snow storm conditions may make traveling in western Massachusetts hazardous throughout the rest of the weekend and the beginning of next week. 

The National Weather Service (NWS) based in Taunton has issued a Winter Weather Warning extending from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 p.m. Monday.

What can the western parts of the state expect over the next 48 hours? Here's a round-up of the projections.
 

  • The NWS projects that Hampden County may see a total accumulation of 8 to 12 inches after the weekend is over.

  • Hampshire, Berkshire, and Franklin counties are all likely to see similar accumulations on Sunday, with temperatures in the high twenties and low thirties, and strong gusts of wind to accompany the snow. 
  • The Springfield area is expected to see some limited snow and freezing drizzle before 8 a.m. on Sunday. After 8 a.m., the snow will begin. Likelihood of precipitation during this time is 100 percent. The snow is likely to continue throughout the rest of the day.  

  • On Monday, the likelihood of new snow for the Springfield area is not as high, though projections for high winds in the area have been made. The NWS reports that the area may see blustery weather, with a northwest wind 17 to 24 mph and gusts as high as 39 mph.
     
  • The NWS also issued a Special Weather Statement on Saturday about travel conditions, saying that the "combination of periods of freezing drizzle as well as surface temperatures dropping into the teens and 20s overnight will yield icy and sometimes dangerous travel conditions on untreated roadways and walkways." 

  • The agency has cautioned that, in a winter storm, it is best only to travel in the event of an emergency. If you are forced to travel, it is advisable to bring a flashlight, food, and water along with you. 

North Korea tests ballistic missile; South Korea vows punishment in response

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The reports come as Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il.

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- North Korea reportedly fired a ballistic missile early Sunday in what would be its first such test of the year and an implicit challenge to President Donald Trump's new administration.

Details of the launch, including the type of missile, were scant.

There was no immediate confirmation from the North, which had recently warned it is ready to test its first intercontinental ballistic missile. The reports come as Trump was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and just days before the North is to mark the birthday of leader Kim Jong Un's late father, Kim Jong Il.

Trump ignored a shouted question about the developing situation as he, Abe and their wives posed for photos before heading to dinner at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In Washington, public affairs officers for the Defense Department and the State Department had no immediate comment on the report.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement the missile was fired from around Banghyon, North Pyongan Province, which is where South Korean officials have said the North test launched its powerful midrange Musudan missile on Oct. 15 and 20.

The military in Seoul said that the missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles). But Yonhap reported that while determinations are still being made, it was not believed to be an ICBM.

The missile is believed to have splashed down into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters the missile did not hit Japanese territorial seas. The North conducted two nuclear tests and a slew of rocket launches last year in continued efforts to expand its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Kim Jong Un said in his New Year's address that the country has reached the final stages of readiness to test an ICBM, which would be a major step forward in its efforts to build a credible nuclear threat to the United States.

Though Pyongyang has been relatively quiet about the transfer of power to the Trump administration, its state media has repeatedly called for Washington to abandon its "hostile policy" and vowed to continue its nuclear and missile development programs until the U.S. changes its diplomatic approach.

Just days ago, it also reaffirmed its plan to conduct more space launches, which it staunchly defends but which have been criticized because they involve dual use technology that can be transferred to improve missiles.

Kim Dong-yeop, an analyst at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, speculated the missile could be a Musudan or a similar rocket designed to test engines for an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit the U.S. mainland. Analysts are divided, however, over how close the North is to having a reliable long-range rocket that could be coupled with a nuclear warhead capable to striking U.S. targets.

South Korea's Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said that his country will punish North Korea for the missile launch. He did not elaborate.

"Our government, in tandem with the international community, is doing its best to ensure a corresponding response to punish the North," Hwang said.

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern pushes 'big tent' Democratic strategy at Northampton town hall meeting

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U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Worcester, on Saturday called Donald J. Trump "temperamentally unfit to serve as president of the United States" as he encouraged an overflow crowd to engage in sustained, tactical resistance against the Republican agenda in Washington.

NORTHAMPTON -- U.S. Rep. James McGovern, D-Worcester, on Saturday called Donald J. Trump "temperamentally unfit to serve as president of the United States" as he encouraged an overflow crowd to engage in sustained, tactical resistance against the Republican agenda in Washington.

During a town hall meeting at the World War II Club, McGovern fielded questions about health care, immigration, climate change and other issues.

He also spoke up for a "big tent" strategy, encouraged single-issue activists to work together, and defended fellow Democrats who "might not be perfect."

"It's important for people of like mind to know that they have wind at their back," he said.

He praised actions such as the Women's March on Washington, and said that Republican strategists believe that popular resistance to the Trump agenda will soon simmer down.

"They're counting on this not being sustainable," McGovern said. "And there's a real need for us to prove them wrong."

Attending marches and protests are more than just symbolic actions, he said.

"The one thing we do know is that when it comes to Donald Trump, the size of the crowd matters. So if there are a lot of people there, he counts. It drives him crazy; then he tweets."

McGovern said people get distracted from the real issues when Trump's behavior on social media continually grabs headlines. While Trump is attacking public figures on Twitter, Congress is approving his cabinet nominees.

"You have a guy with a terrible record on civil rights who's now the attorney general of the United States. A guy who's a climate change denier is going to be the head of our EPA," said McGovern. "It's important to keep your eye on the ball."

As for Democratic members of Congress, "we have to be disciplined to focus in on what matters. Corruption matters. And this White House, with all the conflicts of interest, this White House is headed for a collision with corruption."

McGovern said National Security Advisor Michael Flynn "peddles in conspiracy theories, and is probably under investigation right now for discussions he's had with the Russians about lifting sanctions before Donald Trump even became president."

White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon is a "racist, xenophobic bigot" whose tactics are likely to be replicated in state and local races, said McGovern.

He encouraged local organizing, and said "the Trump people" could also be floating candidates for school committee, city council and boards of selectmen. Local officials may then try to "move up the chain," he said.

McGovern said the national Democratic party "needs to get its act together." He noted that new leadership will be chosen in March, and said he hopes for a bold, aggressive 50-state strategy.

A young woman stepped to the microphone to say that Washington Democrats are not doing enough. She called for Trump to be impeached, and criticized Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren for her vote in support of Ben Carson for Housing and Urban Development secretary.

McGovern defended his Democratic colleague. "I don't know anybody who has fought harder for justice and for holding this administration accountable than Elizabeth Warren," he said. As for impeachment, he said it might not be the best tactic at this point.

"I'm fighting like crazy, but I also want to fight to win a few," he said.

He said Democrats "need to build a coalition," and that not everybody's going to agree all the time. A strong midterm strategy is needed if Democrats are to regain seats in the House and Senate, he said.

"If we are all fractured, and we have all these tests -- like, 'Oh, if you vote the wrong way once on a nominee, then we're not going to be with you' -- then eventually, you're not going to have anybody."

26-year-old man killed in Vermont snowboarding accident

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A man from New Jersey was killed in a snowboarding accident in Vermont on Saturday.

KILLINGTON, Vt - A New Jersey man died from injuries sustained in a snowboarding accident in Vermont on Saturday, according to a statement released by the Vermont State Police. 

26-year-old James Meyers, from Toms River, New Jersey, was snowboarding the slopes of Mount Killington with a group of friends, but at some point he veered off of the trail and struck a tree, according to police.

Meyers was not wearing a helmet at the time off the accident, police said. 

He was quickly taken to Rutland Regional Medical Center for treatment, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

Vermont State Police were called to the hospital after Meyers' death to investigate the incident. 

 

Powerball numbers: Did you win Saturday's $283.8 million jackpot?

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Here are the winning numbers in Saturday's Powerball drawing.

Another Saturday, another Powerball drawing. Let's see if that $2 you plunked down for a ticket pays off with one of the biggest lottery jackpots ever.

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Here are the winning numbers:

05-09-17-37-64, Powerball: 02, PowerPlay: 2X

The estimated jackpot is $283.8 million. The lump sum payment before taxes will be about $170 million.

The amount has been creeping up since a $121.6 million jackpot was won by a Pennsylvania couple Dec. 17.

Powerball is held in 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

A $2 ticket gives you a one in 292.2 million chance at joining the hall of Powerball champions.

The drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Wednesdays and Saturdays. Deadline to purchase tickets is 9:45 p.m.

2 dead, 1 missing as snowmobiles fall through Lake Winnipeswaukee ice

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Two snowmobile drivers have died and the third is missing after their machines crashed through thin ice on lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.

MOULTONBOROUGH, NH— New Hampshire Fish and Game Department divers searched Lake Winnipesaukee after three snowmobiles crashed through thin ice during a fishing derby.

WCVB-TV reported that officials said two people died on the north shore of the lake near Moultonborough. One person was rescued alive from the cold water but later died at an area hospital. A second person was recovered from the lake.

A third snowmobiler broke through lake ice near the south shore town of Alton. Officials continued to search for that person until dark.

Officials said they were concerned that the large-scale derby might spark this sort of accident. Thousands of people turned out for the annual ice fishing derby. They say the ice on the lake is variable, and while ice in one area could be very thick in another area it could be almost nonexistent.

Officials used airboats that can operate on both ice and open water to travel to the search areas.

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