The Duxbury Fire Department posted pictures of a dog they saved from a local pond earlier Wednesday.

The Duxbury Fire Department posted pictures of a dog they saved from a local pond earlier Wednesday.

Kenny the dog fell through the ice around 11 a.m. while playing with his owner. According CBS Boston, the owner let Kenny off his leash. 

The dog ended up on the pond after chasing some ducks and geese. Kenny got about 60 feet out onto the pond when he fell through the ice.

The fire department responded shortly after, donning protective ice suits and using ropes to keep the rescuer tethered. According to the CBS Boston, the dog was only in the water for about 15 minutes.

The Duxbury Fire Department is urging the public to stay off the ice as temperatures continue to climb this week. 

STAY OFF THE ICE!! Today DXFD rescued this dog but the ice doesn't care if you have four paws or two legs it is not safe! Help us with a RT! pic.twitter.com/wVY07b4Rvu

-- Duxbury Fire PIO (@DXFD_PIO) February 22, 2017

The dog appears to be in good condition, the fire department said. 

Nurses working in Baystate's information technology department used an automatic external defibrillator to save her life.

SPRINGFIELD -- Pam Coleman didn't even feel ill.

An administrator in Baystate Health's information technology department in the former federal courthouse downtown, Coleman emerged from a meeting one day last August and went to sit down behind her desk.

The next thing she knew, she was at the emergency room at Baystate Medical Center across town.

Coleman's heart had stopped beating, a cardiac arrest. While she was unconscious, her colleagues -- including nurses assigned to IT helping develop better ways of tracking patient medical records by computer -- sprang into action. They used a automatic external defibrillator, or AED, to save her life.

Before the day was out, Coleman would have another dangerous cardiac arrest, this one in the emergency room, and doctors would once again use a defibrillator to restore a normal rhythm to her heart.

"You really can't thank people enough who have saved your life," Coleman said. "It's brought us all closer together."

Laura Spice, a nurse assigned to IT, said she and the others jumped from their roles doing computer work.

"We all went into nurse mode," she said.

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Today Coleman has a defibrillator implanted in her chest in case the problem happens again. She's also exercising in ways appropriate for someone with her condition.

"I'm eating right, trying to live a healthy lifestyle," she said. "I feel fine."

Coleman and her brother Paul Coleman met Wednesday with her Baystate IT colleagues and the doctors and nurses who saved her at the emergency room. It was part reunion and part tour for Coleman, who wanted to learn more about the emergency room.

Coming during February's Heart Month celebrations, Wednesday's reunion was also a good time to remind folks to be prepared for emergencies like this, said Dr. Neils Rathlev, chairman of the department of emergency medicine at Baystate.

"Everyone should learn CPR," he said. "Everyone should be in a position to help."

AEDs have become very common in most public places. They are easy to use and most people need only familiarize themselves by looking through the instructions in order to be ready to use one, Rathlev said.

"We are seeing more and more patients whose lives were saved in the field because others used an AED," he said. "As you go about your day, you should look for them and learn where they are."

Lynn Garreffi, a nurse manager in the Baystate emergency room, took one out and showed how clear the instructions and computer readout are.

"Electricity is life," she said.

Rathlev said doctors don't know exactly what caused Coleman's heart to go out of rhythm. It was not the result of a heart attack.

"This is not uncommon," he said.

Reichelt, a social-media savvy lawyer, highlighted his first-year accomplishments as mayor of West Springfield during his State of the City address on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Mayor William C. Reichelt delivered his State of the City address before the Town Council on Tuesday evening, providing highlights of his first year on the job and laying out plans for the future.

Reichelt, a 30-year-old attorney, political independent, and West Springfield native, covered a lot of ground in a 25-minute speech delivered before the council's regular meeting and streamed live on the city's Facebook page.

"One of my goals has been continuous improvement of communication and public accessibility," said Reichelt, who seemingly works around-the-clock and manages to attend just about every event in this city of 28,000.

"We have made every effort to give the public full access to information and what is happening in town and in the community at large," said the mayor, a transparency advocate who supports using Facebook, Livestream, and local access Channel 15 to publicly air city board meetings.

Embracing social media is also a hallmark of the Reichelt administration, which regularly uses Twitter and Facebook to disseminate information about meetings and events to the public.

"Our government, though, is not derived from the actions of a single individual. We are fortunate in that we have teams of talented people working with one goal in mind: The betterment of our city," he said.

Reichelt praised the Town Council, School Committee, department heads, city workers, and "the many citizens that serve on our volunteer boards and committees" for working together to accomplish goals. "Without all of you, our achievements in 2016 would have been difficult if not impossible," he said, "so I thank all of you for your cooperation and support in achieving these great outcomes."

Reichelt came into office promoting a five-point plan that includes the three As (accessibility, approachability and accountability), fighting blight, creating a safe community, building great schools, and encouraging business development.

"But underscoring all five of these points has always been fiscal responsibility," he said, "and our current budget for fiscal year 2017 has had no increase in taxes -- a sound fiscal plan we can all be proud of because we all were part of creating it."

Keeping expenses in check has been a priority of the Reichelt administration, which continues to seek grants and other funding sources to lessen the financial burden on city taxpayers, the mayor said.

"Debt service payments for the new high school and library are being kept low by avoiding additional debt," Reichelt said. "Instead, current capital projects are being paid for with cash in hand, a practice I anticipate will continue into fiscal 2018 as we plan for the construction of Coburn School."

The mayor worked closely with department heads on "ways to stretch local dollars by applying for grants," he said, touting the receipt of over $1.8 million in grants during his first year in office. The funding will be used to improve parks, public safety, streetscapes, historic preservation, the city's older neighborhoods, and energy efficiency, among other things.

The full cost of the city's new Central Maintenance Department was reflected in the fiscal 2017 budget. "I'm pleased to report that we have benefited from improved efficiencies in management, eliminated duplicate services, and increased maintenance on items often deferred in the past for parks, schools and municipal buildings," Reichelt said, praising Scott Moore, the department's director, and his staff for "their great work."

Clean, green energy is something West Side has fully embraced for economic and environmental reasons. Updating inefficient energy appliances and investing in two solar projects has provided the city with so-called net metering credits, which are used to lower electric bills and reduce greenhouse gases.

"Not only was this good for the city's bottom line, but it was good for the environment," said Reichelt, noting that these and other energy investments are projected to save about $4 million over the next 20 years.

"Through our Green Community designation, we have worked hard at improving energy efficiency," he said. "We've saved over $140,000 in this fiscal year alone."

Switching to infrastructure and economic development, Reichelt said that funding from the state's Complete Streets program will be used to improve travel for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Also, improvements to crosswalks, traffic signals, and sidewalk ramps have enhanced access to the Town Common, a priority of the Town Council, according to the mayor.

To be ready for the challenges of the 21st century marketplace, the mayor's office and the Town Council have been taking a fresh look at West Side's ordinances, regulations, and policies.

"Many of these regulations were adopted decades ago," Reichelt said. "Together, we're working to ensure these rules are consistent with the city's values, the regional economy, and the opportunities that technology and new ideas have brought to the market of the 21st century."

In March 2016, the mayor submitted a draft zoning ordinance reform package to spark the modernization of the town's zoning bylaws. Since then, Reichelt has worked to put together a blue-ribbon panel of town councilors, planning officials, business representatives, and city residents to review ordinances that haven't been significantly revised since 1996.

"The review committee has begun meeting and reviewing these changes," Reichelt said, "and I look forward to working with the committee on recommendations for an up-to-date, fully recodified zoning ordinance in the near future."

To facilitate business and spur economic development in West Side, the mayor and city department chiefs hold bimonthly pre-permitting meetings that are designed give potential applicants a sense of how proposed projects or expansion plans might fare if they advance to the regulatory review phase.

"The purpose is to both help new and existing businesses navigate our permitting process, and also to give an eager entrepreneur feedback on things to consider prior to taking a risk on their business concept," Reichelt said.

The pre-permitting process has already produced dividends for the city, according to the mayor. The former Gilbarco property on Union Street was damaged by the 2011 tornado and at risk of becoming a "blighted hulk," Reichelt said. Today, the site is host to a regional U-Haul service center that created over 100 jobs and added more than $1.5 million in assessment to the city's tax rolls, according to the mayor.

Reichelt cited Fathers & Sons Inc.'s new $6 million auto showroom and service center on Memorial Avenue as evidence of the company's commitment to West Side, where it has operated since 1974.

"The Memorial Avenue corridor is experiencing a rebirth," Reichelt said, noting that the entire corridor will undergo reconstruction once the Morgan-Sullivan Bridge project is completed.

This year, a Chipotle restaurant, a plaza anchored by Florence Bank, and the West Springfield Sportsmen Center are slated to make their debut along the busy corridor, which is also home to the Eastern States Exposition and its famous Big E fair. The 10,000-square-foot outdoor center -- part retail store, part shooting and archery range -- is expected to break ground soon, Reichelt said.

Meanwhile, the Blight Task Force continues to identify problem properties across the city. Over the past year alone, the task force returned 17 derelict properties to viability and removed four unsalvageable structures, Reichelt said.

Switching to education, West Side schools continue to improve, according to the mayor. Four of the city's five elementary schools are now Level 1 institutions, the highest-performing level in the state's education classification system. Reichelt credited Superintendent Michael J. Richard and his leadership team for their ongoing efforts to improve the school district's ratings with the state.

When it comes to school athletics, 2016 was a very good year for local sports teams, according to Reichelt, citing the High School baseball team's victory in the Division I state championship and Western Mass championships for the girls soccer, boys cross-country, and cheerleading teams.

On the public safety front, the Police Department now carries Narcan, a nasal spray that counteracts opioid overdoses, and is doing its part to help prevent "tragic deaths," Reichelt said. The department has also received grants for new traffic safety equipment, including a vehicle and speed-monitoring equipment.

Fiscal prudence will continue to be a priority for the Reichelt administration, according to the mayor. "We shall make every effort to avoid raising taxes by being mindful of our spending," Reichelt said. "We will continue to create a healthy and safe environment that respects and protects the quality of life in our community."

In a nod to the nation's current political turmoil, Reichelt pointed out the importance of having a strong local government that's responsive to the people.

"As the federal government changes over the next four years, one thing is clear to me: More decisions will be made at the state and local levels," he said. "And we all know that local decisions have a more tangible and immediate effect on our daily lives and the lives of our citizens."

Looking back on the first 12 months of his term, "we must remember that this year has only been the starting point," Reichelt said. "Our continued success is going to require a commitment from all of us to do the hard work that lies ahead, and I know I can count on all of you."

In closing, Reichelt told the packed council chamber that it was an "honor and a pleasure" to serve as mayor this past year, setting his sights on 2017 and beyond. "I look forward to the future with an eager and open mind," he said, "as together we can meet the challenges ahead and seize the many opportunities available to West Springfield."

Governor's Councilors sounded generally supportive of Pasquariello and praised his diverse mix of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney.

BOSTON -- Witnesses at a confirmation hearing for Mark Pasquariello, a judicial nominee for Pittsfield District Court, praised the Windsor attorney for his work ethic, experience and temperament.

Although a formal vote will not be taken until a later date, Governor's Councilors on Wednesday sounded generally supportive of Pasquariello and praised his diverse mix of experience.

"I think he's an ideal candidate," said Governor's Councilor Mary Hurley, an East Longmeadow Democrat, who held a public hearing on Pasquariello's nomination Feb. 7 in Pittsfield so local people could testify.

"He's always prepared. He knows the law. He has a great disposition, a great demeanor," Hurley said at Wednesday's hearing in Boston. "He's very mindful of issues and has made a part of his practice helping people in terms of mental health problems and also in terms of drug problems and substance abuse problems."

Pasquariello has had his own law practice in Adams since 1997, specializing in criminal defense, guardianship and conservatorship, mental health litigation, real estate and probate of estates. He previously worked for Grinnell & Dubendorf in Williamstown, handling family, criminal and civil litigation.

For many years during his time in private practice, he was a bar advocate, representing indigent defendants. He also represented North Adams Regional Hospital in civil commitment hearings for psychiatric cases.

He previously clerked for U.S. District Court Judge Frank Freedman in Springfield and Penobscot County Superior Court Judge Eugene Beaulieu in Maine, and worked as a Berkshire County assistant district attorney.

He has a bachelor's degree in engineering from Vanderbilt University and a law degree from Vermont Law School.

Pasquariello said his background "exposed me to people from all walks of life, many of whom were facing a unique set of challenges." He said that work gave him "an appreciation and respect for humanity" that is at the core of being a District Court judge.

Pasquariello, who grew up in New Jersey, talked about his family background. His grandfathers were both Italian immigrants who began their careers working as laborers in textile mills. One grandfather became an insurance salesman and the other delivered dirt and gravel to construction sites. His grandmothers were homemakers. Pasquariello's father was a dentist; his mother was a homemaker.

During college, Pasquariello worked summers at jobs that included cleaning bakery ovens and offices, driving a fish delivery truck and doing construction.

He moved to the Berkshires in 1990 to work as an assistant district attorney in Pittsfield and has remained there ever since. He has been active on several civic and charitable boards.

He and his wife, Julia Allan, have two daughters.

Timothy Morey, clerk magistrate in Northern Berkshire District Court, said when Pasquariello was a prosecutor, he took a balanced approach. "He never forgot the rights of the accused, and also never forgot the rights of victims in the commonwealth," Morey said.

As a bar advocate and defense attorney, Morey said Pasquariello never shied away from taking difficult cases, and he treated everyone with respect.

Paul Caccaviello, first assistant district attorney in the Berkshire district attorney's office, said Pasquariello "has the kind of demeanor and temperament necessary to be a judge."

"He has patience, listens, treats people with respect, and he's civil," Caccaviello said.

Pittsfield attorney Joseph Colonna said Pasquariello has "probably the strongest work ethic of anyone I know." Pasquariello, he said, works long weekdays, every Saturday morning and some Sunday mornings. He called him "even-keeled" and "very tempered."

Several governor's councilors praised Pasquariello. Councilor Christopher Iannella of Boston said he liked Pasquariello's mix of experience as a sole practitioner, defense attorney and a prosecutor. Councilor Robert Jubinville of Milton said he appreciates that Pasquariello understands that lawyers have to hustle between courts.

Councilor Jennie Caissie of Oxford praised his work on local boards and commissions, as well as his mix of civil and criminal experience. "When you show interest in your hometown, it shows a lot about the person," Caissie said.

When Caissie asked Pasquariello for his philosophy on gun rights, Pasquariello said the big picture is that the Second Amendment "is alive and well" and people have a right to bear arms, but states can regulate gun ownership. Pasquariello said most gun cases that come before District Court involve a local police chief's determination of suitability for someone applying for a gun license.

"I'd treat it as any other civil matter," Pasquariello said. "Make sure the chief's decision is grounded in the evidence the chief relied on in determining whether it's an arbitrary decision."

Kenya Sorrell, 30, of Springfield, was identified in a video stealing alcoholic beverages from the Big Y, according to Wilbraham police, who charged her with shoplifting.

WILBRAHAM -- The Wilbraham Police Department recently released a batch of arrests from earlier this month, including an incident involving a Springfield woman who allegedly attempted to steal a bottle of booze from the Big Y supermarket on Boston Road.

Kenya Sorrell, 30, was charged with shoplifting after she was identified in a video stealing alcoholic beverages from Big Y on the morning of Feb. 10, police said.

Later that afternoon, officers arrested Christopher Comeau, 39, of Palmer, for trespassing at the Scantic Valley YMCA. "He was creating a disturbance and refused to leave," police said.

Officers were called to Home Depot on Boston Road for a shoplifting report on the afternoon of Feb. 5. Matthew Williams, 33 of Hartford, was placed under arrest for attempting to take $2,000 worth of merchandise without paying, police said.

Shortly before noon on Feb. 3, Sgt. Jeffrey Rudinski stopped a car after he noticed the driver was using a mobile device, police said. Arion Hall, 30, of Springfield, had a warrant for her arrest and was taken into custody without incident, police said.

Early on the morning of Feb. 2, Officer Brent Noyes stopped a Cadillac SUV after the vehicle repeatedly stopped in the middle of Boston Road, police said. The driver, 60-year-old Michael Hall of Stockbridge, was charged with OUI-liquor and negligent driving after attempting field sobriety tests, police said.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Silfra's Restaurant and Lounge will open at the site of L'uva, which has sat empty the past nine years.

SPRINGFIELD -- Nine years after L'uva Restaurant suddenly closed on Main Street in downtown Springfield, renovations and repairs are underway for a new restaurant to take its place.

Heriberto Flores, president of the New England Farm Workers Council, which owns the building at 1676 Main St., announced plans Wednesday to rent the long-vacant first floor for a family-owned and operated business known as Silfra's Restaurant and Lounge.

The manager, Eliezer Soto Jr., said the restaurant is expected to open by June, featuring Latin American and American food for lunch and dinner. The business will be owned by his father, Eliezer Soto Sr., and he hopes his mother will also be involved in the business.

Flores said the new restaurant is a small piece of the overall plans to renovate the building known as the Massasoit Block and the nearby Paramount building, which also is owned by the New England Farm Workers Council.

"It's a small sand pebble to build a big rock," Flores said, noting that further plans for the downtown properties will be revealed in the near future.

It took a long time to find the right tenant for the first floor restaurant location, Flores said.

L'uva closed in early 2008.

"It's not about renting it to anybody," Flores said. "There were different people that came with different ideas. Different people wanted different venues. I didn't think it was appropriate. I think this kind of restaurant is more appropriate."

Renovations include a new heating and cooling system, renovated kitchen and new kitchen equipment and painting. A wine rack remains that can still be used by the new business.

Both Flores and Soto Jr. said the opening of Union Station this spring will be a great boost for the downtown and for the planned new restaurant. In addition, they praised the city's plans to significantly expand the police presence downtown to promote the area.

Kevin Kennedy, the city's chief development officer, praised the plans to bring a restaurant back to the site. The decor of L'uva had remained intact up until the current renovations, but with no activity inside.

"It was a terrible loss when it happened, and it was the beginning of some difficult times for downtown Springfield," Kennedy said of L'uva's closing. "But its future reopening is a great sign for downtown Springfield."

It is also good news the project is privately financed, Kennedy said.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said he appreciates Flores' "continued belief and investment in the City of Springfield."

"With $3.3 billion in economic development projects going on across the city, this and the optimism generates spin-off business development," Sarno said."This works very nicely with the continued creation and expansion of our Restaurant District."

Soto Jr., said he also operates the Borinquen Restaurant in downtown Springfield, and had owned the Glo lounge on Worthington Street before it closed Dec. 31.

His family hopes to help "bring back the downtown" as a very active location.

The building was once the site of the historic Massasoit House and later the Phoenix Newsroom and Tobacconist.

In the year Ruth Fisher was born, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg, New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson became president and the Red Sox won the World Series.

SPRINGFIELD — In the year Ruth Fisher was born, the RMS Titanic hit an iceberg, New Jersey Gov. Woodrow Wilson became president of the United States and the Boston Red Sox beat the New York Giants in the World Series.

Celebrating her 105th birthday at Fallon Health's Summit ElderCare in Springfield, the spry Fisher was joined by 103-year-old Florence Hall, who was also celebrating a birthday, albeit a couple days late. Fisher was born on Feb. 22, 1912, and Hall was born on Feb. 20, 1914.

Both women were joined by family members who gave brief remarks about their family matriarchs.

Guests at the community room party learned that Fisher was a real "Rosie the Riveter," working on one airplane wing a day during World War II.

Guests also heard about Hall's driving record. She doesn't have one. Hall has never driven a car, preferring to take the bus wherever she went.

When asked what the key to a long life is, Fisher was quick to answer, "A glass of wine every night!" She was even quicker to say she was just kidding and that family was the most important thing to her.

A 51-year-old Maynard man was arrested Wednesday after police said he left a suspicious device on his neighbor's porch on Monday.

A 51-year-old Maynard man was arrested Wednesday after police said he left a suspicious device on his neighbor's porch on Monday. 

Maynard Police Chief Mark W. Dubois said William C. O'Neil was arrested at his Demars Street home Wednesday morning. He was charged with placing an explosive device and possessing an explosive device. 

Police were called to 7 Demars St. on Monday around 10 a.m. after a homeowner called 911 and said a suspicious package was left on his front porch. The Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad was called to the scene and rendered the device safe. 

"Following an investigation, the Bomb Squad was able to obtain evidence that tied O'Neil to the suspicious device," police said.

Police then obtained an arrest warrant for O'Neil and a search warrant to check him home. 

Investigators believe O'Neil is connected with a similar incident that took place on Oct. 29. A suspicious package was found near a resident's home on Walcott Street in town. 

Maynard Police and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal continue to investigate and more charges may be filed against O'Neil.

Members of Powell's family were in court throughout the trial, and two women broke into sobs when the verdict was read. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD -- A Hampden Superior Court jury on Wednesday found Jean Carlos Mercado not guilty of murder in the Springfield shooting of Hakeem Powell.

The jury began deliberations about 10:30 a.m. and reached a verdict at about 4:15 p.m. in the trial before Judge Richard J. Carey.

Members of Powell's family were in court throughout the trial, and two women broke into sobs when the verdict was read.

Assistant District Attorney Henry L. Rigali told jurors Tuesday in his closing argument the issue "in the final analysis" is what they make of inconsistencies in witness testimony in the trial.

Rigali said despite some inconsistencies, the main prosecution witnesses agreed on the major points when they said Mercado shot Hakeem Powell.

The prosecution contends Mercado walked off a porch at 79 Quincy St. at about 2 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2013, and fatally shot Powell, 33, because he was angry from a dispute with Powell a couple days earlier.

Defense lawyer Jeffrey S. Brown told jurors in his closing argument there were really only two key prosecution witnesses, and neither was credible. He said the jury should conclude neither of the two witnesses actually saw the shooting even though they testified they did.

Mercado, who was held for 586 days awaiting trial, was released following his acquittal.

A man from Mexico is being held on bail after allegedly assaulting a young girl.

PITTSFIELD - A man from Mexico is currently being held on bail in Pittsfield after being charged with child rape and animal cruelty, according to The Berkshire Eagle.

41-year-old Rafael Lopez-Espinoza, who had been living in the village of Southfield at the time the allegations against him emerged, is currently being held on $35,000 bail.

In court on Tuesday, Assistant Berkshire District Attorney Rachael Eramo argued that Lopez-Espinoza's bail be kept high because she believe him to be a "flight risk" and thought it likely the suspect would attempt to flee the country if given the opportunity. 

However, Espinoza, who was arraigned in Berkshire District Court last week, has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him and his attorney, Lori Levinson, vehemently denies that he is guilty.

Levinson reportedly said Espinoza is "shocked and appalled" by the allegations against him.  

Lopez-Espinoza is accused of repeatedly assaulting a young girl over a two-year period.

The girl, now 11, told authorities the assaults began in 2014, and occurred while she was in the care of Lopez-Espinoza and her mother was unavailable.    

Lopez-Espinoza also allegedly threatened the girl's mother and sister, saying he would hurt them if they revealed what had been happening to authorities. 

He is also accused of attacking the girl's dog, hitting and kicking it when it attempted to protect the girl during one of the alleged assaults.

Biological evidence relating to the case has been collected and is currently being DNA tested.   

He is scheduled to reappear in court on July 26 for a pretrial hearing.

The fire was confined to one unit in the apartment complex, police said.

LUDLOW - An apartment fire in a second-story apartment at 97 Winsor Street Wednesday afternoon sent two people, including police officer, to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, according to police.

The fire, reported shorty after 3:30 p.m., was confined to the one apartment. Damages were described as minor, according to police.

The tenant and the police officer, neither of whom were named by police, were taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Neither is seriously injured, police said.

The officer reportedly was overcome after rushing into the apartment searching for the occupant before firefighters had arrived on scene.

The apartment building on Winsor Street is next door to the town post office.

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A fugitive from North Carolina has been arrested in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD - A fugitive from North Carolina was arrested by police detectives in Springfield on Wednesday. 

Eduardo Medina. Springfield Police Department 

19-year-old Eduardo Medina, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was discovered hiding in a closet in a fifth floor apartment at 310 Stafford Street, said Sgt. John Delaney of the Springfield Police Department. 

Medina is facing a charge for robbery with a dangerous weapon from the Mecklenburg Police Department in North Carolina.

Medina was held as a fugitive from justice in Springfield until extradition by North Carolina authorities was confirmed, said Delaney. 

The project off Millers Falls Road includes more than 18,000 solar panels.

MONTAGUE -- Eversource Energy has gained local approval for a major solar farm on a set of parcels it owns on the Montague Plains. 

The Montague Planning Board granted a special permit for the 6-megawatt project on Jan. 24. It will be the largest solar facility in Franklin County. The project includes more than 18,000 solar panels. 

An Environmental Notification Form for the project was published by the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act office on Feb. 22. 

As described, solar panels will cover 23 acres of land near the intersection of Millers Falls Road and Lake Pleasant Road. The facility will be surrounded by an eight-foot security fence set back from the roadway 200 feet. A strip of wooded area will be preserved to provide a visual buffer. The project will not have floodlighting, according to the terms of the permit. 

Eversource and its consulting firm, Weston & Sampson of Rocky Hill, Conn., first met with town officials in September 2016, when they were told a special permit and site plan review would be necessary. 

Benjamin Rivera is charged in connection with the 2013 fatal shooting of Angel Llorens in Springfield in a dispute between street racing clubs.

SPRINGFIELD -- Benjamin Rivera, testifying in his own defense Wednesday, told jurors he shot Angel Llorens four times because he thought Llorens was "coming at me."

Rivera, 25, of Springfield, is accused of fatally shooting the 22-year-old Llorens at about 10:30 p.m. on May 22, 2013, in Springfield in a dispute about a sticker for an illegal street racing club.

Rivera said he believed Llorens had a gun, although he never saw one. Llorens had earlier said he was going to get a gun and had a hand behind his back, Rivera testified.

Rivera said he panicked after he shot Llorens. He said he yelled at Llorens, who was lying in the street, "See what you made me do?"

Rivera said he had never fired a gun before that night. Under questioning from Assistant District Attorney Max Bennett, Rivera said all four of his shots struck Rivera, with three entering his torso.

Rivera indicated from the witness stand that he was about four to five feet away from Llorens when he fired.

Closing arguments will be held Thursday morning in the trial before Hampden Superior Court Judge Daniel A. Ford.

During opening arguments last week, Bennett said the shooting followed an incident in which a member of a rival street racing team peeled a "Team Built" sticker from Llorens' car outside his Hollywood Street home. The shooting happened a short time later when Llorens confronted Rivera about the sticker, Bennett said.

Defense lawyer Edward Fogarty said his client fired only after Llorens threatened him with a knife. Rivera testified he never saw Llorens with a knife, but repeatedly said Llorens had a hand behind his back.

Rivera said he shot Llorens once, but Llorens took another step forward. That's when he shot him three more times, he said.

Asked by Fogarty if he was sorry he shot Llorens, Rivera said he was.

Rivera said he was not a member of the racing club Backyard Built but went to parties and hung out with members, including his stepfather. He said he did race for the club, which had races on city streets after dark.

On the night of the shooting, Rivera said he went with two other men to the nearby Hollywood Street home of Llorens and one of the other men ripped a sticker for the Team Built club off Llorens' car.

Llorens heard the men and came out angry, threatening to get a gun, Rivera said.

Rivera, under cross-examination from Bennett, said a resident of the Daytona Street house where he was partying gave him the gun.

Rivera said he and his friends were drinking cognac and smoking marijuana.

Bennett asked Rivera if Llorens "lunged" at him. Rivera said, "I don't know. It happened fast."

He said he didn't want to run away because Llorens could shoot him in the back.

"You just weren't willing to take that chance?" Bennett asked. Rivera said that was true.

The first witness Wednesday was the last to testify for the prosecution, a man who lived near the shooting location. Johnny Colon said he heard arguing outside his window and went to see what was happening.

He said Llorens, whose name he didn't know but whom he knew as a neighbor, was standing still with his hands in plain view and nothing in them. Colon said he saw the shooter fire at his neighbor.

Asked by Bennett why he didn't come forward with information when it happened, Colon said, "I had just come here from Puerto Rico. I didn't know anyone. I didn't know the area. I was afraid."

He said he ultimately came forward because "I've always believed in the justice system."

In addition to Rivera, Fogarty called to the stand two men who were with Rivera that night, his stepfather and his stepfather's brother. Both said they only came forward with information when Rivera asked them to talk to Fogarty about testifying for the defense.

Asked why he didn't tell police what he saw, Ramon Arocha, brother to Rivera's stepfather, replied, "People just don't say anything. ... We live by a code."

"My loyalty is to Benjamin," said stepfather Celido Nunez. "No one else."

Arocha said he doesn't believe Rivera did anything wrong, and that the shooting was the endpoint of a bad situation.

Both Arocha and Nunez said they tried to talk the men out of going to take the sticker from Llorens' car.

The lane closure will begin just north of the Bark Haul Road overpass and continue south to the Connecticut border.

LONGMEADOW -- The Massachusetts Department of Transportation will close a lane of Interstate 91 southbound in Longmeadow from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The shutdown is timed to coincide with off-peak travel hours and is necessary for construction, MassDOT said Wednesday in a news release.

The lane closure will begin just north of the Bark Haul Road overpass and continue south to the Connecticut border.

MassDOT said it encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays. Those traveling through the area should expect delays, reduce speed and use caution, the transportation agency advised. 

A Vermont woman has been arrested for allegedly murdering her husband.

MOUNT TABOR - A Vermont woman has been arrested and charged with second degree murder after allegedly shooting her husband, according to police.

51-year-old Peggy Shores, of Mount Tabor, Vermont, was taken into custody in Manchester on Wednesday, after an investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies led police to believe that Shores had shot her husband, 54-year-old David Shores Sr., killing him, said Scott Waterman of the Vermont State Police. 

Peggy Shores. Vermont State Police photo 

The victim was shot to death at his house on Brooklyn Road in Mount Tabor on December 11, 2016, though Peggy Shores initially told police that, at the time of his death, her husband had been carrying a loaded firearm, tripped and fell, accidentally shooting himself. 

However, investigation of forensic evidence collected at the scene later revealed to law enforcement officials that David Shores Sr. was shot by another person--thus making his death a homicide by gunshot, not an accident.

After her arrest, Peggy Shores's bail was set at $100,000 and is currently lodged at the Marble Valley Correctional Facility.

She is scheduled to be arraigned in Rutland County Superior Court, Criminal Division, on Thursday.  

Obituaries from The Republican.

The city of Springfield has announced a bond sale off $44.3 million for various capital improvement projects, generating an interest rate of 3.073 percent for 20 years.

SPRINGFIELD — City officials announced Wednesday that Springfield's new bond sale of $44.3 million to finance various capital projects ranging from new and renovated buildings to new police cruisers has generated "amazing" low, long-term interest rates.

The city received competitive bids from eight bond underwriters for the $44.3 million, 20-year general obligation bond issue, with Bank of America Merrill Lynch submitting the winning bid with an average rate of 3.073 percent.

The results were announced by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Timothy J. Plante.

"I am excited with the results of the bond sale and the affirmations of the City's credit rating from both Standard and Poors' and Moody's," Sarno said. "We continue to maintain the highest bond ratings in the city's history. Though this might not sound 'sexy' to many, it allows me to do those 'sexy' projects and highlights my administration's financial discipline, stability and strength."

"I am thrilled with the results of the bond sale," Plante said. "The city has been strategic in issuing debt to fund capital projects and was able to lock into amazing rates of 3.073% for 20 years."

Prior to the sale, S&P Global Ratings, a municipal bond credit rating agency, affirmed the City's rating of AA-.

The city's release stated that the rating agency cited the city's "very strong management with strong financial policies and practices, strong budgetary flexibility, very strong liquidity and strong institutional framework as positive credit factors."

Standard & Poor's also affirmed the AA enhanced rating on the bonds.

In addition, Moody's Investors Service, another municipal bond credit rating agency, affirmed the Springfield's rating of A2, citing the city's conservative fiscal management and adherence to formal financial policies as credit strengths, the city release stated.

The bids for the bonds were accepted at the offices of the city's financial adviser, FirstSouthwest, a Division of Hilltop Securities Inc., in Boston.

Sarno and Plante praised the work of the finance team, city treasurer, budget director, comptroller and senior analyst.

The bond sale projects were listed as follows, covered in part, or in full:

The move ends federal protection for transgender students that required schools to allow them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities.

By MARIA DANILOVA and SADIE GURMAN

WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration on Wednesday ended federal protection for transgender students that required schools to allow them to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identities, stepping into an emotional national issue.

The administration came down on the side of states' rights, lifting federal guidelines that had been issued by the Obama administration. Without the Obama directive, it will be up to states and school districts to interpret federal anti-discrimination law and determine whether students should have access to restrooms in accordance with their expressed gender identity and not just their biological sex.

"This is an issue best solved at the state and local level," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said. "Schools, communities, and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students."

The Obama guidance did not sufficiently explain how federal sex discrimination law known as Title IX also applies to gender identity, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.

"Congress, state legislatures and local governments are in a position to adopt appropriate policies or laws addressing this issue," Sessions said.

In a letter to the nation's schools, the Justice and Education departments said the earlier guidance "has given rise to significant litigation regarding school restrooms and locker rooms."

The agencies withdrew the guidance to "in order to further and more completely consider the legal issues involved."

Anti-bullying safeguards would not be affected by the change, according to the letter. "All schools must ensure that all students, including LGBT students, are able to learn and thrive in a safe environment," it said.

It was not clear what immediate impact the change would have on schools, as a federal judge in Texas put a temporary hold on the Obama guidance soon after it was issued -- after 13 states sued.

Even without that hold, the guidance carried no force of law. But transgender rights advocates say it was useful and necessary to protect students from discrimination. Opponents argued it was federal overreach and violated the safety and privacy of other students.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer said President Donald Trump "has made it clear throughout the campaign that he is a firm believer in states' rights and that certain issues like this are not best dealt with at the federal level."

Conservative activists hailed the change, saying the Obama directives were illegal and violated the rights of fixed-gender students, especially girls who did not feel safe changing clothes or using restrooms next to anatomical males.

"Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues," said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy. "It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity."

However, the reversal is a setback for transgender rights groups, which had been urging Trump to keep the guidelines in place. Advocates say federal law will still prohibit discrimination against students based on their gender or sexual orientation.

Still, they say lifting the Obama directive puts children in harm's way.

"Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it's OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans," said American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten.

Activists protested the move Wednesday outside the White House. "Respect existence or expect resistance," read one placard.

Spicer denied media reports that DeVos, who has been criticized for her stance on LGBT issues, had opposed the change but was overruled by Sessions. Spicer said any disagreement was merely over wording and timing.

"There is no daylight between anybody," Spicer said, adding that DeVos was "100 percent" on board with the decision.

The Obama administration's guidance was based on its determination that Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in education, also applies to gender identity.

While not legally binding, the guidance sent a warning that schools could lose funding if they did not comply.

Republicans pushed back, arguing that the federal effort was an example of Obama administration meddling in state and local matters. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick equated it to blackmail and said his state was ready to forfeit federal education money rather than comply.

Legal experts said the change in position could impact pending court cases involving the federal sex discrimination law, including a case to be heard by the Supreme Court in March involving Gavin Grimm, a transgender teen who was denied bathroom access in Virginia.

The justices could decide not to hear the case and direct lower courts to decide that issue.

In a phone interview with the AP, Grimm said of the Trump action: "It's not positive. It has the possibility of hurting transgender students and transgender people. We're going to keep fighting like we have been and keep fighting for the right thing."

A patchwork of state laws could continue to emerge as a result of the change. Fifteen states have explicit protections for transgender students in their state laws, and many individual school districts in other states have adopted policies that cover such students on the basis of their gender identity, said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign. Just one state, North Carolina, has enacted a law restricting access to bathrooms in government-owned buildings to the sex that appears on a person's birth certificate. Lawmakers in more than 10 states are considering similar legislation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, and Todd Richmond in Madison, Wisconsin, contributed to this report.

A front-end loader wound up in a canal off Water Street in Holyoke, Massachusetts on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 in an afternoon accident in which no serious injuries occurred, officials said.

HOLYOKE -- A front-end loader will spend the night in the canal off Water Street after the driver of the construction vehicle escaped injury when it veered into the water Wednesday, an official said.

"We won't get it out until tomorrow morning," said Michael J. Sullivan, a licensed contractor with Max Salvage & Maintenance Inc here.

Sullivan, who also is a city councilor, said the truck belongs to Quantum Properties for which Max Salvage is doing work in the area. The accident happened about 4 p.m., he said. His understanding was the drive wasn't hurt badly.

Details about what led to the accident were unclear, with calls seeking comment from the Police and Fire departments not immediately returned.

According to Western Mass News, TV partner of The Republican and MassLive.com, one person was in the vehicle, was able to escape and refused medical treatment.