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Ludlow's personnel policy for pot has not changed: 'You can't come to work under the influence'

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"For the avoidance of doubt, employees should be aware that the town considers marijuana to be illegal," Ludlow Human Resources Manager Carrie Ribeiro told selectmen at the board's meeting on Feb. 7, quoting from the town's updated personnel policy manual.

LUDLOW -- As more Massachusetts municipalities become mired in the marijuana gray zone -- a murky realm where recreational use and retail sale of the drug is legal in some states but illegal under federal law -- more discussions are being held about how to enforce local pot policies.

In Ludlow, it's a no-brainer: Marijuana is a proscribed substance.

"For the avoidance of doubt, employees should be aware that the town considers marijuana to be illegal," Ludlow Human Resources Manager Carrie Ribeiro told selectmen at their Feb. 7 meeting, quoting from the town's updated personnel policy manual.

Changes to the manual were based on discussions with town counsel and the outcome of a town-commissioned HR audit by the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at UMass Boston, according to Ribeiro, who summarized highlights for selectmen.

Ludlow is among the many commonwealth communities considering a moratorium on retail marijuana now that recreational pot is legal in Massachusetts. The town will comply with the new state law, but it will also continue to enforce its personnel policy, according to officials.

"I've been working with legal for quite some time now," Ribeiro said, adding that the policy manual had to be updated and revised due to changes in pot's legal status at the state level.

Ludlow combined its own alcohol and drug-use policies for town employees with the policies of the federal Drug Free Workplace Act to show that the town is taking a proactive approach, "especially with all the recent changes with the legalization of marijuana," Ribeiro said.

The town, as a public employer, remains intolerant of on-the-job drug or alcohol use by its personnel, and the legalization of recreational pot won't change that. "Obviously you can't come to work under the influence," Ribeiro said.

Drug testing is required for all new hires, after accidents involving town workers, and in cases of "reasonable suspicion" of drug use by an employee, said Ribeiro, adding that follow-up testing may also be required for policy breaches.

"So if anybody was to get into an accident -- a vehicle accident, equipment accident, or whatever the case may be -- they would go for testing," she said.

Ludlow, like other municipalities across the state, will likely have to revisit its pot policy as state lawmakers continue to tinker with the voter-approved ballot measure that legalized recreational marijuana in Massachusetts.

"With this being such a new law, there's not a lot of case law or any studies that have really been done on this at this point because it's so brand new," Ribeiro said.

"I think as things like this come down the pipeline and cities and towns -- or employees in general -- have to deal with this kind of thing, that we may have some other instances that we can look at to write policies and update in the future," she said. "But I think for now, this is the guideline that legal said we should follow."



Connecticut State Police arrest man after hit-and-run pedestrian accident on Route 195 in Tolland

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The victim, working as a flagger and hit early Wednesday., was not seriously injured, according to a post on the Connecticut State Police Facebook page.

TOLLAND, Conn. - State police said they arrested a 41-year-old Conventry man early Wednesday after he hit a construction worker on Route 195 and fled.

christopher handcrop.pngChristopher Hand 

The victim, working as a flagger and hit shortly before 1:45 a.m., was not seriously injured, according to a post on the Connecticut State Police Facebook page.

The suspect was pursued by troopers who were working the construction zone. After a brief chase, he came to a stop on Interstate 84 westbound, west of Exit 68.

Christopher Hand, of 68 Prospect St., Coventry, was charged with: Evading the scene of a motor vehicle accident, engaging in a pursuit, disobeying the signal of an officer and failure to meet minimum distance requirements.

He was released on a $7,500 non-surety bond and is slated to be arraigned on Feb. 17 in Superior Court in Rockville.

Connecticut State Police remind motorists to slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles in the shoulder, travel lane or breakdown lane of a highway as well as to slow down when approaching emergency vehicles on one-lane roads or traveling through marked construction zones.


Western Mass. Ad Club seeking nominations for 2017 Pynchon Award

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The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is taking nominations for the 2017 William Pynchon Award throughout the Pioneer Valley.

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is taking nominations for the 102nd William Pynchon Award throughout the Pioneer Valley.

The West Springfield-based organization is seeking nominees from Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties who have demonstrated longstanding commitment to making the region and better place.

The Pynchon Award, which is named after the founder of Springfield, is regarded as the oldest community service award in the Pioneer Valley as the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts began presenting the award back in 1915.

Since the first medal was presented, more than 200 Western Mass citizens have gone on to receive the award and join The Order of William Pynchon.

The organization honored last years recipients, Michaelann Bewsee, Jack Dill, Gale Kirkwood, Brian Tuohey and Angela Wright, back in August, presenting them with a bronze medal with the name and likeness of William Pynchon and an inscription that read, "They honor us whom we honor."

The deadline to nominate someone is Feb. 28, 2017.

All nominations must be sent to: William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090-1022 or by e-mail to info@adclubwm.org.

To nominate someone, the Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts requires a one-page letter explaining why the nominee should be considered and resume of the nominee's service to the community.

Nominees will then be researched and considered by the Pynchon Trustees, which is made up of the current and former presidents of the organization.

Recipients of the 2017 Pynchon Medal will be announced by June 2017, and awards will be presented on Oct. 29 at The Log Cabin at 500 Easthampton Road in Holyoke.

Reports: President Donald Trump's pick for labor secretary expected to withdraw nomination

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Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump's pick for labor secretary, is expected to withdraw his nomination following to a lack of GOP support in the U.S. Senate, various new outlets reported Wednesday.

Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump's pick for labor secretary, is expected to withdraw his nomination following to a lack of GOP support in the U.S. Senate, various new outlets reported Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told White House officials that Puzder lacks the votes needed to be confirmed as the head of the U.S. Department of Labor, the Washington Post reported.

Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., which owns Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, had drawn pushback from Democrats and Republicans alike over his personal background and business record.

At least seven Republican senators reportedly said they would withhold support on Trump's labor secretary pick until seeing how he fared in his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee scheduled for Thursday morning -- a vote which had been delayed five times, according to the Post.

It is unclear whether the hearing will take place, The Hill reported, noting that a panel spokesman said it had yet to receive paperwork for Puzder's confirmation hearing.

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, the third-ranking Senate Republican who is among those withholding support, told reporters he would like more information regarding Puzder's revelation that he was unaware of a housekeeper's immigration status, the Post reported.

U.S Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who both opposed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' confirmation, meanwhile, have reportedly seen a 1990 "Oprah Winfrey Show" episode in which Puzder's ex-wife, in disguise, described allegations of domestic violence -- allegations Puzder has denied and that were later recanted.

Democrats, in turn, have questioned Puzder's business practices and accused him of "squeezing" workers out of wages and benefits.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, who sent a 28-page letter to Puzder Monday seeking answers about labor discrimination lawsuits against his company, called for him to withdraw from the nomination during a Wednesday floor speech.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Andrew Puzder withdraws his nomination to serve as President Donald Trump's labor secretary

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Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump's pick to head the U.S. Department of Labor, withdrew his nomination Wednesday, following reports that he lacked enough Senate support for confirmation.

Andrew Puzder, President Donald Trump's pick to head the U.S. Department of Labor, withdrew his nomination Wednesday, following reports that he lacked enough Senate support for confirmation.

Puzder, who faced concerns over his personal background and business record as CEO of CKE Restaurants, Inc., which owns Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, announced his withdrawal in an afternoon statement, the Washington Post reported.

"After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I am withdrawing my nomination for Secretary of Labor," he wrote. "I am honored to have been considered by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Labor and put America's workers and businesses back on a path to sustainable prosperity."

"I want thank President Trump for his nomination. I also thank my family and my many supporters -- employees, businesses, friends and people who have voiced their praise and hopeful optimism for the policies and new thinking I would have brought to America as Secretary of Labor. While I won't be serving in the administration, I fully support the President and his highly qualified team," Trump's pick for labor secretary continued.

Puzder's decision to withdraw came shortly after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell reportedly told White House officials that the nominee lacked the votes needed to be confirmed as the head of the U.S. Department of Labor.

At least a dozen Republican senators said they would withhold support on Trump's labor secretary pick, including some who were waiting to see how he fared in his Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee scheduled for Thursday morning -- a vote which had been delayed five times, the Post reported.

U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, the third-ranking Senate Republican who was among those withholding support, told reporters Wednesday he wanted more information regarding Puzder's revelation that he was unaware of a housekeeper's immigration status, the Post reported.

U.S Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who both opposed Education Secretary Betsy DeVos' confirmation, meanwhile, were among those who had reportedly seen a 1990 "Oprah Winfrey Show" episode in which Puzder's ex-wife described allegations of domestic violence -- accusations Puzder has denied and that were later recanted.

Democrats, in turn, had questioned Puzder's business practices and accused him of "squeezing" workers out of wages and benefits.

Democratic National Committee Interim Chairwoman Donna Brazile called Puzder's announcement "another massive blow to President Trump's disastrous administration."

"Andy Puzder has spent his career chasing profits at the expense of ordinary people," she said in a statement. "He and his company cheated workers out of overtime pay, resisted giving employees work breaks and health insurance, opposed the minimum wage and argued in favor of replacing people with robots." 

The Massachusetts Democratic Party, meanwhile, contended that Puzder's decision to withdraw from his labor secretary nomination, is "a win for working families in Massachusetts and across the nation and is just one of many examples of the early unraveling of the Trump Administration."

"Throughout his career, Puzder was only interested the corporate bottom line," Party Chairman Gus Bickford said in a statement. "We deserve a Labor Secretary dedicated to protecting and advocating for America's working families, not one that made his millions cheating workers out of their wages."

U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, also touted the news.

"Just desserts: @USDOL nominee Andrew Puzder lands in the fryolator. Shameful treatment of workers disqualifies him to lead agency," he tweeted.

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, who sent a 28-page letter to Puzder Monday seeking answers about labor discrimination lawsuits against his company, said his withdrawal " is good news for hardworking Americans across the country."

"It's time for President Trump to stop looking out for his billionaire buddies, and name a Secretary of Labor who will stand up for workers," she said in a statement. 

The senator had called for him to withdraw from the nomination during a Wednesday floor speech.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren fires away at President Trump's Labor nominee Andrew Puzder, sends him 83-question letter

"It's been suggested that Mr. Puzder is 'tired of the abuse' that he has received during this confirmation process. Well, I think the workers at his companies are pretty tired of the abuse they have received while being at the mercy of an employer that doesn't care about them at all and who goes out of his way to squeeze them out of every last dime," she said. "That is literally the opposite of what we need in a labor secretary."

Warren added that while she was prepared to question Puzder on these issues at Thursday's hearing she hoped it was true that he would withdraw his nomination before then.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Amherst Regional School Committee expects vote on immigration resolution at next meeting

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The resolution that would establish protocols should immigration officials come to the schools.

AMHERST -- The Amherst Regional School Committee expects to vote later this month on a resolution that would establish protocols should immigration officials come to the schools.

The committee discussed a draft resolution Tuesday night.

"Committee members all agreed this is very serious issue that resonated deeply within our community, within our schools," said regional chairman Eric Nakajima.

The committee wants to ensure it can "provide clarity and support within our school district."

The district has students from many countries, including those targeted in the immigration ban executive order issued last month by President Donald Trump. A federal court has put a freeze on the ban, but Trump has said his administration is considering a new ban or other options.

According to the draft resolution considered by the Amherst Regional School Committee, "the safe and inviting environment" created by the schools would be threatened by "Immigration and Naturalization Service employees who come on to district property for the purposes of removing students or their family members, or obtaining information about students and their families. 

"(Immigration officials will) be refused entry to District property unless the Superintendent and District Counsel are provided with a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate authorizing ICE entry onto the property," the resolution states.

Nakajima said committee members want to edit the document and to examine district policies so they are clear on how staff and teachers and others can respond to officials should they want to enter the schools.

Also, school administrators want to look at what kind of staff development might be needed.

Nakajima said he expects the committee to vote at its next meeting on Feb. 28.

The Amherst School Committee will also consider the resolution at its meeting Wednesday night.

Immigration Resolution Draft (2!15!17) by ledermand on Scribd

Start of Massachusetts union chief Michael Monahan's trial pushed off after key witness checks into hospital

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Amid chatter of alleged FBI involvement, the state-level trial of union chief Michael Monahan, accused of threatening a rival with a baseball bat, is now scheduled for May.

BOSTON - Amid chatter of alleged FBI involvement, the state-level trial of union chief Michael Monahan, accused of threatening a rival with a baseball bat, is now scheduled for May.

Monahan, who also serves on Boston's planning and development authority, and the rival, Michael Baker, appeared in Dorchester District Court for a jury trial on the charges, initially scheduled to start Wednesday.

But a key witness went to a hospital's emergency room earlier in the day, and the Suffolk County prosecutor for the case, Kelsey Force, said the case against Monahan would be "substantially weaker" without the witness.

Other witnesses in the case, through their attorneys, said they would be taking the Fifth Amendment in order to protect themselves. Monahan has pleaded not guilty.

The judge, Lisa Grant, agreed to push off the jury trial's start date to May 10.

'Jimmy the Bull' sentenced in federal extortion case involving Teamsters union and $700

If convicted, Mohanan would lose his top job with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), since convicted union members cannot serve in an elected position within the organization, according to federal law.

Baker went to police about the alleged threat on Feb. 7, 2016. The alleged incident occurred January 22, 2016.

According to court documents, Baker contends the incident occurred at the IBEW union hall on Freeport Street in Dorchester, after Baker had at some point earlier passed out to union colleagues a copy of an affidavit to from Monahan's divorce proceedings.

Baker said that Monahan held a baseball bat, called Baker "[expletive] face" several times, and added, "You're lucky. You would have never seen me coming. You're not going to see it coming."

But according to court documents filed on Monahan's behalf, Baker has previously filed more than 10 complaints against him with the National Labor Relations Board and the US Department of Labor, all of which were dismissed.

Baker also distributed embarrassing excerpts of a deposition from Monahan's divorce to union members at job sites two years before the alleged baseball bat incident, the court documents added.

On top of that, George McMahon, Monahan's attorney, said in a letter last year to Force that Baker allegedly told private detectives, two retired law enforcement officials, that he was working with the FBI agents on the case against Monahan. Baker, apparently unaware that the private detectives were working for McMahon, also allegedly told them he has worked for other top law enforcement agencies and units in the area.

The FBI declined to comment.

Top prosecutor Carmen Ortiz: Teamsters members used 'thug tactics' to get 'no-work' jobs

Monahan has been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury looking into whether there was pressure to use union labor on a project in Somerville. At the time of the project in 2012, Monahan was on Boston's Zoning Board of Appeals, while Boston Mayor Marty Walsh was the head of the Boston Building Trades union.

The Boston Globe has previously reported Walsh had been recorded "discussing union strategy" in 2012, before he became mayor, though Walsh has insisted there was no strong-arming. The Globe reported in November 2016 that the investigation appeared to be winding down.

On Wednesday, the business manager of IBEW Local 103, John Dumas, through an attorney, indicated he would be taking the Fifth Amendment during Monahan's case. His attorney, Martin Weinberg, said the federal government has a "strong in investigating unions" and they are trying to "federalize" the alleged threat incident and convert it into a racketeering case.

Weinberg added that soon after Baker made his complaint to police, naming Dumas as a witness, Dumas received a subpoena.

Force, the Suffolk county assistant district attorney, said she was unaware what the grand jury investigation is about, adding that the case before Judge Grant is a "very simple threat case."

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh 'deeply concerned' about indicted tourism chief Ken Brissette

Emilio Delarosa, who is accused of strangling Wanda Rosa in front of their son, added to 'Most Wanted' list

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Emilio Delarosa, who is wanted for murder in the killing of Wanda Rosa, has been added to the Massachusetts State Police "Most Wanted" list.

A Lawrence man accused of strangling the mother of his 4-year-old son in front of their child in September has been added to the Massachusetts State Police Most Wanted List.

Emilio Delarosa, 32, is wanted for the Sept. 12, 2016 killing of Wanda Rosa. According to the Boston Globe, the little boy begged his father to stop during the attack inside Rosa's Tudor Street home in Methuen.

State Police said Rosa, 29, had an active restraining order against Delarosa. He had recently been released from prison at the time of the killing and was living with family in Lawrence.

"DeLarosa had a prior history of domestic violence against Rosa, including a 2014 conviction in Essex County for attempted murder, kidnapping, assault and battery on a pregnant victim, and aggravated assault and battery," State Police said.

Authorities said Delarosa had received a four-year prison sentence on those charges.

DeLarosa is Hispanic, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He has a muscular build, brown hair and brown eyes. He has two tattoos: one is a large cross on his back extending up to the base of his neck and he has the name "Wanda" on the inside of his left bicep.

DeLarosa has a previous conviction of assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. Authorities said Delarosa has ties to Lawrence, Methuen, New Hampshire and the Dominican Republic.

The State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section along with the State Police Detective Unit for Essex County and Methuen Police is asking the public to help locate him.

Anyone with information is asked to call Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section immediately at 1-800-KAPTURE (1-800-527-8873).


Speaker Robert DeLeo rules out Massachusetts tax increases in House budget

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DeLeo said Wednesday that he will not include any broad-based tax increases in the House budget proposal.

BOSTON -- House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, said Wednesday that he will not include any broad-based tax increases in the House budget proposal.

"In terms of whether there will be any broad-based taxes, in terms of sales tax or income tax, that will not be included in the House budget," DeLeo told reporters at the Statehouse.

The budget proposal by Gov. Charlie Baker also did not include any major tax increases, although Baker did include some tax changes and new assessments. This includes a proposal to extend the state's existing hotel tax to rentals through some online room-sharing services like Airbnb, and a proposal to reinstate a fee on employers who do not offer adequate health insurance.

DeLeo said the House would "have to take a look" at the governor's proposals.

DeLeo's comments were the first time he said publicly this year that he would not use the fiscal 2018 budget process to raise taxes. Although the budget is expected to be tight, it would have been a politically awkward time to raise taxes, since lawmakers also this year gave themselves pay raises.

Although Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, supports finding new revenues, under state law new tax proposals must originate in the House.

Consumer prices up 3% in 2016, highest rise since 2011

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Food prices were down 2 percent on the year.

BOSTON -- Food prices fell a little, but the cost of almost everything else went up for New England residents in 2016, according to data released Wednesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Boston-area Consumer Price Index rose 3 percent over the past 12 months. This was the greatest annual increase in local prices since September 2011, when it rose 3.7 percent, the bureau said.

Bureau statisticians attributed the increase to higher prices for all items except food.

Boston had the highest annual rate of price increase in the country. Cleveland had the lowest rate, at 1.6 percent.

Energy prices paid by area consumers were up 12.7 percent on the year. Energy prices are up 3.8 percent since November. Gasoline was up 18.9 percent, electricity was up 8.5 percent, and utility (piped) gas was up 2.2 percent.

According to AAA, a gallon of regular gas averaged $2.23 a gallon Wednesday. That is up from $2.31 a gallon last month and from $1.72 a gallon one year ago.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics figures consumer prices each month for an area that includes Hampden and Worcester counties.

According to the bureau, the yearlong increase was driven by shelter, the cost of which was up 3.8 percent. Higher education rose 3 percent and communication and recreation prices were up 4.5 percent.

Food prices decreased two-tenths of a percent over the year mainly due to lower grocery store prices, which were down 1.6 percent. Restaurant prices rose 2.3 percent. Food rose 0.6 percent since November mainly due to higher grocery store prices, the bureau said.

Northampton Democrats to strategize and caucus tonight

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Local Democrats plan to discuss how to "rebuild the party from the ground up."

NORTHAMPTON -- The Northampton Democratic City Committee will caucus tonight, electing a slate of delegates to the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic Convention scheduled for June 3 in Lowell. 

But first, they will host a community discussion -- over pizza -- that's open to all local Democrats and their allies. 

The discussion, titled "Mobilizing the Democratic Party from the Ground Up," will examine how to "resist (President Donald J. Trump) and reclaim our democracy," according to a flyer for the event. 

"Join us as we launch this course of making the Democratic Party an engine for grassroots resistance," the flyer reads. 

If you go: 

What: "Mobilizing the Democratic Party from the Ground Up"
Where: Smith Vocational Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6-7:30 p.m.

What: Northampton City Democratic Committee Caucus Meeting
Where: Smith Vocational Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 7:30-9 p.m.

 

Caught on camera: Police need help identifying these alleged robbers

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Three masked men robbed a Subway restaurant on the night of Feb. 2, according to West Springfield Police, who are asking anyone with information to call detectives at 413-263-3210.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Do you recognize any of these suspects from an armed robbery that occurred earlier this month at a restaurant in West Springfield?

If you do, authorities would like you to call the West Springfield Police Detective Bureau at 413-263-3210. Callers may remain anonymous.

The three masked suspects were caught on camera as they robbed the Subway at 816 Westfield St. on the night of Feb. 2, according to police, who posted photos from the investigation on Facebook.

One of the pictures shows a man removing cash from a register.

Police did not reveal the types of weapons used in the armed robbery, but they identified the possible getaway vehicle as a gold-colored sedan.

MAP showing approximate location of armed robbery:


Turners Falls High School students walk out after removal of Native American mascot

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About 120 students, many wearing clothing emblazoned with the school's Indian mascot, marched out of class around noon.

The Gill-Montague Regional School Committee's decision to remove Turners Falls High School's Native American mascot sparked immediate backlash from students, who staged a walkout at noon on Wednesday.

The Greenfield Recorder reports that about 120 students, many wearing clothing emblazoned with the school's Indian mascot, marched out of class around noon. The students walked to the school district's administrative offices and had a 20-minute discussion with Superintendent Michael Sullivan.

"I met with the students for about 20 minutes this afternoon and they were very respectful with their statements and questions," Sullivan told the Recorder in an email. "They are a great student body and I understand they do not feel listened to."

Sullivan told the Recorder that any disciplinary consequences for students who participated in the walkout were still undecided.


The school committee voted six to three to remove the mascot at a meeting on Tuesday following criticism that the mascot was degrading to Native Americans.

"Indians are not like cowboys or Vikings," Sullivan said in a statement. "They are cultures of real people, our neighbors, and it is inappropriate to treat them or any racial, ethnic, religious or gender group in ways that perpetuate and legitimize stereotypes."

According to the Recorder, students who walked out said they felt their voices were not heard by the school committee.

The controversy in Turners Falls comes a year after protests by Amherst College students prompted the college's Board of Trustees to abandon its unofficial "Lord Jeff" mascot.

Amherst College's sports teams had long been associated with Lord Jeffrey Amherst, the Colonial general who is the town of Amherst's namesake and who infamously endorsed the use of smallpox blankets against Native Americans.

Massachusetts colleges that retired Native American mascots

Chicopee women arrested in drug raid held on $10,000 bail; arraignment of 3 men postponed

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One of the women is a case worker for the Center for Human Development and the second is a hair stylist.

CHICOPEE - Before setting bail at $10,000 cash for each of two women arrested in a drug raid, a judge Wednesday counseled the defendants to know who their friends are and make better choices.

Three men also arrested by Chicopee police in a 5:30 a.m. raid on Wednesday morning were to be held overnight without the right to bail because enough lawyers could not be found to represent them in the late-day arraignments in Chicopee District Court.

After a lengthy investigation into suspected drug dealing, Chicopee police narcotics officers received a "no knock" court warrant and raided the house on 50 Springfield St. They arrested Jamaal Dwyer, 27, Akeem Sherriffe, Rockylane Lewis, 27, Ashleigh Thomas, 27 and Tishawna Kirkland, 19, all of that address, said Chicopee police public information officer Michael Wilk and court officials.

All five face charges of trafficking in cocaine, conspiracy to violate drug laws and possession of ammunition without a firearms permit, Wilk said.

Dwyer was also arrested on a fugitive from justice warrant related to an attempted murder charge. He is a suspect in a shooting in Pennsylvania, Wilk said.

At least 27.5 grams of cocaine, an undisclosed amount of heroin, more than $3,000 in cash, ammunition, a bulletproof vest, substances used to dilute drugs, scales and other drug packaging equipment were found in at least two bedrooms and the kitchen of the apartment, Assistant District Attorney James Roux said.

"It clearly suggests trafficking based on the amount of drugs found," Roux said.

But lawyers appointed to represent Kirkland and Thomas argued the two women were not involved, neither has a criminal record and the money in their bedrooms was cash they had been saving from their jobs.

Thomas is three credits shy of earning her associate's degree, is currently a case worker for the Center for Human Development and from 2010 to 2014 worked at Square One. At one time she worked for both agencies at the same time, said Mark Leclair, who was appointed as her lawyer for the arraignment and bail hearing.

Leclair asked for a $5,000 cash bail and said Thomas' father, who was in the courtroom, promised to let his daughter stay with him in his home in the Sixteen Acres section of Springfield through the criminal proceedings.

At the same hearing, lawyer Beth George, who was representing Kirkland, asked that she be released on personal recognizance. She said her client recently moved from Philadelphia and works six days a week as a hair stylist at the 10/20 Beauty Bar in Chicopee. The money in her bedroom was from tips she earned in her job, George said.

"She was saving up money to move out into her own apartment," George said.

Judge Bethzaida Sanabria-Vega took the recommendation of Roux and set bail for both women at $10,000 cash or $100,000 surety.

"You had no record, you both had jobs. This is the epitome of bad choices," Sanabria-Vega said. "You should know who your friends are."

Although neither woman has a criminal record and may not have had nothing to do with the alleged crimes, the judge said all the alleged drugs and paraphernalia were found in the apartment leased by Thomas.

Massachusetts House Democrats want action on President Donald Trump

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Democrats emerged from a two-hour discussion about Trump with a resolve to act, but few specifics.

BOSTON -- Massachusetts House Democrats emerged from a two-hour discussion about President Donald Trump with a resolve to act, but few specifics.

"If I got one message, it's they want to see action," said House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop. "They want to see action in a statement to our constituents that we hear their concerns, we don't agree with what's going on with the Trump administration and we here in Massachusetts, to the best of our power, are going to do something about it."

A Democratic caucus on Wednesday afternoon provided a closed-door forum for House Democrats to vent their concerns about the Trump administration and figure out if there is anything state lawmakers can do.

The state Senate recently passed a non-binding resolution, which is largely symbolic, condemning Trump's executive order on immigrants and refugees.

DeLeo said some representatives talked about a resolution, but there was more interest in passing concrete legislation, which could have a policy impact.

In particular, he said lawmakers are interested in proposals to prevent county sheriffs from sending Massachusetts prison inmates to help build Trump's proposed Mexican border wall, as Bristol County Sheriff Thomas Hodgson has offered to do.

But pressed for further specifics, DeLeo said he did not yet know what legislation would be considered. He noted that some lawmakers and advocates are pushing for bills to maintain funding for Planned Parenthood and protect state residents from the potential effects of a repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

More broadly, DeLeo said lawmakers are interested in pointing out to constituents the differences between the Trump administration and Massachusetts policies, and ensuring that Massachusetts residents are protected. This could include policies related to immigration, health care, women's health or climate change.

"I think there's going to be a push by members of the Democratic House to see meaningful, good legislation, especially as it relates to protection of our citizens here in Massachusetts," DeLeo said. DeLeo said lawmakers have been seeing constituents come in unprecedented numbers to community meetings and office hours to discuss their concerns about Trump.

DeLeo said he did not favor Massachusetts becoming a "sanctuary state," in which state resources could not be used to enforce federal immigration policy. "I think it's important that cities and towns have the ability pretty much wherever possible to make decisions such as that," DeLeo said.


WMass senators to lead economic development committee

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Here's a look at committee assignments for Western Massachusetts' senators.

BOSTON -- The committee overseeing economic development in Massachusetts will be led by two state senators from Western Massachusetts.

State Sen. Eric Lesser, D-Longmeadow, was appointed committee chairman and freshman state Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, was appointed vice chairman.

The committee vets all bills related to economic development and emerging technologies.

"I look forward to using this new role to bring new opportunities to Western Mass.," Lesser said in a statement. "More and more businesses are choosing our region as the place they want to invest in, and my goal is to open the door to these opportunities and bring jobs and higher incomes to our region."

Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, announced committee assignments for senators on Wednesday. House Speaker Robert DeLeo, D-Winthrop, is expected to announce committee assignments for House members on Thursday.

State Sen. Harriette Chandler, D-Worcester, will retain her powerful post as Senate majority leader.

State Sen. James Welch, D-West Springfield, will retain his post as chairman of the committee on health care financing. He will be vice chairman of the committee on post audit and oversight. He will also become a member of a new committee focused on marijuana policy and will hold a seat on Senate committees on rules and redistricting.

In addition to his economic development chairmanship, Lesser will also be vice-chairman of the committee on financial services. He will have seats on committees on intergovernmental affairs, higher education, elder affairs, veterans and federal affairs, and health care financing.

Hinds will head the committee on tourism, arts and cultural development. He will hold seats on committees on intergovernmental affairs; higher education; mental health, substance use and recovery; municipalities and regional government; and housing.

Great Barrington bank robbery suspect arrested in Connecticut

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A man suspected of robbing a bank in Great Barrington on Monday has been arrested in Connecticut.

FALLS VILLAGE, Ct - A Connecticut man suspected of robbing the Salisbury Bank branch in Great Barrington earlier this week was arrested Wednesday after fleeing the scene of another bank robbery, according to police. 

Eric J. Sheridan and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Rachelle Winter, of East Providence, Rhode Island, were both taken into custody after crashing into a tree as they sped away from a bank robbery in Falls Village, Connecticut, according to a statement by the Great Barrington Police Department.

Police believe Sheridan is the man who, on Monday, entered the Salisbury Bank branch on Main Street in Great Barrington and passed a note to a teller demanding money. After receiving several hundred dollars, the suspect took the money and then fled

Winter and Sheridan were apparently injured during the crash on Wednesday and were taken for treatment at a hospital in Sharon, Connecticut. 

Any charges against the couple have not been made public at this time. 

Information on the couple's arrest was forwarded to Great Barrington police by authorities at the Canaan Barracks of the Connecticut State Police.

Police said that when they were arrested the couple was driving a red 2014 Fiat identical to the one used during the robbery in Great Barrington on Monday.  

Obituaries from The Republican, Feb. 15, 2017

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Obituaries from The Republican.

Easthampton residents reminded to clear sidewalks after snowstorms

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The law has been on the books since 1945.

EASTHAMPTON -- At Wednesday night's City Council meeting, residents were reminded of their obligation to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of their homes. 

"This is a public service announcement," said councilor Joy Winnie, adding that she's fielded a number of complaints about impassable sidewalks this year. 

Winnie pointed to a city ordinance on the books since 1945. The local law requires the "tenant, occupant, or owner" of any home or business abutting a public sidewalk to clear snow and ice within 12 hours of the end of a snowstorm. 

The snow and ice must be shoveled "so far as it can be removed." If it can't be fully removed, residents "shall sprinkle, or cause to be sprinkled thereon sand, ashes, sawdust or other suitable substance so that such sidewalk shall not be slippery and shall be safe and convenient for public travel."

Enforcement duty falls to the police department. 

In multi-family homes, or for vacant buildings, the property owner is responsible. 

Those who don't comply may be fined $50 for the first offense, and $50 for a second offense occurring within three months of the first offense.

Upon a third offense, the Department of Public Works may clear the sidewalk. The responsible party may then be billed $150 per hour for labor and materials. The bill from the assessor's office must be paid within 30 days. Any person cited under the snow removal statute may appeal their fine to the City Council Public Safety Subcommittee.

Another Easthampton snow law prohibits a building owner from allowing "any accumulation of snow or ice on the building which is likely to fall upon a sidewalk or street."

People with buildings likely to dump snow upon a sidewalk must erect "a barrier or other suitable provision sufficient to prevent the falling of snow and ice from the building upon persons who may be traveling on the sidewalk or street."

That provision is enforced by the building inspector. 

Easthampton's Department of Public Works provides free sand to local residents. The sand is available at 30 Northampton Street. 

"It's not safe for the elderly when people don't shovel their sidewalks," said Winnie. 

Jay Gonzalez, former Deval aide, speaks in Longmeadow about run for Governor

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Jay Gonzalez discusses his ambitions for the Massachusetts governorship at caucus in Longmeadow. Watch video

LONGMEADOW - Jay Gonzalez, a Democrat, and once top aide to former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, believes now is the time to take bold political action.

Gonzalez, who announced his run for Massachusetts governorship in January, spoke at a caucus at the Greenwood Children's Center in Longmeadow on Wednesday night, laying out the case for why is a worthy challenger to incumbent Charlie Baker.

Gonzalez, who has considerable experience in both the public and private sectors, served during the Patrick years as an administration and finance secretary.

He also recently resigned from his position as CEO and president of Celticare Health--a healthcare provider based in Waltham--saying he wanted to pursue "other professional opportunities," which many interpreted as a reference to his bid for the governorship.  

On Wednesday night, Gonzalez received cheers from audience members as he spoke about the need to stand up to Republican President Donald Trump, as well as to fight for the rights of immigrants and everyday people. 

"Now more than ever we need a governor who is going to stand up for every single person and make it crystal clear that hate and discrimination are not okay," Gonzalez said. 

The candidate emphasized his family roots--how his mother's profession as a public school teacher and his father's experience as an immigrant from Spain--helped form his own sympathy for outsiders and underdogs.

Gonzalez said that despite the fact that his father had never been to college and didn't speak English when he arrived in the U.S. he still managed to be successful in America. 

"With a lot of hard work and optimism, he worked his way from laying bricks in a city sewer system to becoming a successful small businessman and a proud American citizen," Gonzalez said. 

In addition to being sympathetic to everyday people, Gonzalez also stressed the need for those in power to "aim high," and to take bold political action. 

"It's not good enough for a governor to simply accept the world the way it exists and try to manage it better," Gonzalez said. "We need a governor who sees the way things need to be and who is going to take us to that place. I think we need to aim high," he said. 

In addition to looking out for the rights of immigrants, Gonzalez mentioned expanding paid family leave, healthcare, and a living wage as priorities that he would like to pursue if elected to office.

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