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HCC partners with public libraries in community reading project focused on prisons

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The Hamptons + Holyoke Read program this year will focus on prisons.

With the aim of helping people better understand prison life in America, Holyoke Community College is collaborating with public libraries in the annual Hamptons + Holyoke Read program.

This year, participants will read and discuss "Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison" by Piper Kerman, which inspired an award-winning Netflix series. Libraries in Holyoke, Northampton, Florence, Easthampton, Southampton and Westhampton are part of the program.

Throughout March and April, students and residents in participating communities will also take part in film screenings, gallery exhibits and other events.

Students in HCC's learning community course titled "Orange is the New Black: The Real Story" will take a deeper look into the American prison system throughout the semester through the study of literature and sociology.

"Partnering with the local public libraries will give HCC students a great opportunity to learn more through the merging of college and community resources," HCC English professor Lisa Mahon said in a press release.

HCC will host a series of related events to further discuss and explore different aspects of the prison system like mass incarceration, youth in prison and prison reform.

The first event will kickstart the program on March 1 at 11 a.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater at HCC. Following an opening reception, there will be a free screening of "13th," a Netflix documentary that takes a look at racial injustices within the nation's prison system.

HCC will host a panel discussion on April 12 featuring U.S. District Court Judge Michael Ponsor at 11 a.m.

The school's theater department will present "Getting Out" by Marsha Norman from April 20 to 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater.

HCC will wrap up its events on May 2 with a poetry performance titled "Voices Carry," which will feature formerly incarcerated women from the Voices from Inside writing group.

A schedule of related events hosted by participating libraries can be found on the Forbes Library website.


'Sanctuary' movement has roots in 1980s effort to shelter refugees, UMass sociologist says

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Three decades ago, nearly a million Salvadorans and Guatemalans fled repression and entered the U.S. clandestinely, including two refugee families that ended up in Leverett.

AMHERST -- The call to create "sanctuaries" for immigrants in places like the town and the University of Massachusetts has roots in the sanctuary movement of the 1980s, when nearly a million Salvadorans and Guatemalans fled repression and entered the U.S. clandestinely.

Back then, members of two religious groups in Tucson, Arizona, began smuggling people across the border and sheltering them in their churches, said UMass assistant sociology professor Millie Thayer.

"They took really big risks. These were felonies," she said.

The movement spread. According the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, more than 150 congregations openly defied the government, publicly sponsoring and supporting undocumented Salvadoran or Guatemalan refugee families. More than 1,000 other churches and Jewish congregations "endorsed the concept and practice of sanctuary," according to the institute website.

Two families were taken in by the Mount Toby Friends Meeting, a Quaker group in Leverett, Thayer said.

"It wasn't just humanitarian," she said. "Refugees would speak publicly about their experiences" to help people understand what they were escaping. "Churches didn't try to hide it. They wanted to raise issues."

The refugees' presence enriched the local community, Thayer said. "They gave the community more than (the community) gave to them," she said.

Today at UMass and in several communities around the state, advocates are pushing to create sanctuaries for immigrants, particularly those in the U.S. without authorization, in light of the campaign rhetoric and policies of President Donald Trump.

The term "sanctuary" is not an official designation, and is loosely defined. It typically refers to a community that does not honor or enforce 48-hour detainer requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in cases that are noncriminal and/or do not involve an individual who is the subject of a warrant.

The difference between the sanctuary movement of the 1980s and the one now, Thayer said, is that now there is "a much wider array of people who are needing shelter for a variety reasons."

"The kind of shelter being offered is much broader than just a place to stay," she said. "It's about protection and a willingness to (help) in that protection."

A similarity between the two movements, Thayer said, is a spirit of welcoming people in need.

"People still come to this country in part (because of) American policies and how they affected their country of origin," she said.

For example, she said, the North American Free Trade Agreement was supposed to curb immigration, but it made life harder for small farmers. Mexican manufacturers were driven out of business and Mexicans fled for better jobs and pay in the U.S.

Also, Thayer said, the U.S. invasion in Iraq in 2003 destabilized the area. "We have a role in producing conditions they're trying to escape," she said.

An executive order Trump signed in January barred nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from entering the U.S. for 90 days. The order also banned refugees from entering the country for 120 days, and halted the entry of Syrian refugees indefinitely.

The travel ban as been blocked by the courts, but the White House has indicated a new immigration order is forthcoming.

The UMass Amherst Sanctuary Campus Movement has been calling on the university to become a sanctuary since Trump was elected.

In a statement this week, UMass officials said they are committed to supporting all students, faculty and staff regardless of their immigration status. But they said UMass would not declare itself a sanctuary campus because that could "bring unwanted attention to vulnerable members of the campus community" and jeopardize the university's federal funding.

Thayer praised Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy "for the actions he has committed to. But he hasn't gone as far as we'd like him to."

Sanctuary status would mean that federal immigration officials would not be allowed on camps and that the university would not collaborate with them unless the immigrants in question were felons, Thayer said.

"It takes a willingness to take some risks," she said.

Meanwhile, some area communities have already adopted or rejected sanctuary status or are debating the issue.

Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz signed an executive order in 2014 that directed the city's Police Department to not honor any noncriminal detainer requests from ICE.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse has said he will fight Trump's "toothless" plan to block federal funding to sanctuary cities. However, the Holyoke City Council this month pushed back and asked the city's Law Department for an opinion on whether Holyoke is actually a "sanctuary city."

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has been clear in his opposition to sanctuary status. "We are not a sanctuary city, period," Sarno said in January.

In Easthampton, a City Council subcommittee voted Wednesday to withdraw a sanctuary city ordinance after a co-sponsor expressed regret that the matter had caused a rift in the community. The city solicitor, meanwhile, issued an opinion that the council has no authority over the Police Department.

Although sanctuary status appears to be a no-go for UMass, Thayer said it is significant that other campuses and communities are considering the move.

"The broader the movement gets, the more people that get involved, the more people who want to welcome immigrants and not drive them out (bolsters the movement)," she said. "It's really about policies to tip the balance in favor of humane policies."

3-car crash in Turners Falls sends several people to area hospitals

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The Massachusetts State Police are investigating a three-car crash Friday night, that injured several people, but neither the State Police nor Montague police are releasing many details.

MONTAGUE— A section of Turners Falls Road in Montague was closed for much of the night as investigators worked at the scene of a three-car crash.

The Greenfield Recorder reported that the 9:45 p.m. crash involved three cars, but authorities are no releasing any details. All questions are being referred to the Northwest District Attorney's Office.

The newspaper reported that several ambulances responded to the area of the intersection of Turners Falls Road and Hatchery Road near the Millers Falls Rod and Gun Club.

The State Police at the Shelburn Barracks confirmed that the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crimes Scene Services responded to the scene.

Seen@ Boston Improv Asylum's fundraising performance for Friends of Holyoke Public Schools

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For the fifth year in a row, Boston's renowned Improv Asylum made their appearance at the Log Cabin in Holyoke to benefit Holyoke Public School students.

HOLYOKE - For the fifth year in a row, Boston's renowned Improv Asylum made their appearance at the Log Cabin in Holyoke to benefit Holyoke Public School students.

The Friday evening of food and fun was presented by the Friends of the Holyoke Public Schools (FHPS), a volunteer non-profit organization sponsoring enrichment programs for students throughout the year.

"We're excited to host the Boston Improv Asylum in Holyoke for another great evening that raises money for our city's students and teachers," said Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, president of the Friends of Holyoke Public Schools. "We're trying some new things this year to keep this event exciting, and we're thankful for the support of our generous sponsors."

Murphy-Romboletti said that assistance from the business community has been greatly responsible for the success of FHPS. This year's event was once again supported by the Log Cabin-Delaney House in addition to major sponsors Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn attorneys-at-law and Holyoke Pediatrics.

Funds raised, from what is their biggest annual fundraising event, have allowed the Friends of Holyoke Public Schools to sponsor their acclaimed Summer Strings Program, issue grants to teachers across the district, and provide opportunities for students to attend special performances and cultural events.

Improv Asylum actors and comics focused on local news and issues. Their ad lib skits provided a steady stream of surprise and laughter throughout the evening.

Developer of controversial Chicopee condo complex returns with new plans

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Residents who live near the property on the corner of McKinstry and Haus avenues have protested the plan since it was proposed in 2011.

 

CHICOPEE -- The third time may be the charm for an Agawam developer who wants to build a controversial condominium complex at the corner of McKinstry and Haus avenues.

Sergey Savonin returned to the Planning Board this month with a third set of plans for the condominium complex that feature fewer dwellings than earlier proposals. He earlier withdrew plans approved at a June 16 meeting for a complex at the same property, telling members he was redesigning the project.

"I love the plan and how it is laid out," Planning Board member Tom Reniewicz said of the new design.

"This is a huge improvement," said member Elin Gaynor.

Savonin received approvals to build a 17-unit complex on the property in 2011, but later withdrew the proposal and submitted a modified plan with 16 units instead. The resubmitted plans received preliminary approvals in June, but Savonin never returned to the Planning Board for a definitive site plan permit.

When the Planning Board threatened to rescind the approval because he had not addressed Fire Department concerns or submitted final plans, Savonin announced he was scrapping the entire plan and would return at a later date with a new proposal.

"We started from scratch. We had concerns with what was provided," said Rob Levesque, the Westfield engineer now working with Savonin. "We felt it was nonfunctional."

The biggest change was to reduce the number of units in the complex to 12. The design has an open courtyard in the middle and garages for each unit.

Neighbors, who have repeatedly aired concerns about the proposal, said at this month's meeting they are worried about the additional traffic the development would bring. They also are concerned that residents would be parking on side streets that are already congested and in poor condition.

But Levesque said there are 23 parking spaces in the complex in addition to the 12 garages, an arrangement that meets city parking requirements.

The Planning Board asked questions about landscaping plans and snow removal but did not air major concerns about the new proposal. The preliminary plans were approved in a 6-0 vote. The Planning Board will have to approve final plans before construction can begin.

Daily double: Springfield man allegedly sold heroin wrapped in Massachusetts lottery tickets

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Each packet carried a "Rolex" stamp, and every 50 packets were wrapped in Massachusetts lottery tickets, the report said.

SPRINGFIELD -- If the police report is correct, Jose L. Baez was pushing his luck -- and something much more lethal.

Not only was Baez selling large amounts of heroin from his Church Street home, he was wrapping the drug in unscratched Massachusetts lottery tickets, Assistant District Attorney Jill O'Connor said Thursday during Baez's arraignment in Springfield District Court.

Baez, 22, pleaded not guilty to cocaine and heroin trafficking, possession of ammunition and violating a drug-free school zone. His father, Jose Guzman Baez, 41, and Edward Olmo, 22, both of Springfield, also pleaded not guilty to the same charges.

Springfield detectives seized 610 grams of heroin and a smaller amount of cocaine while raiding the home Wednesday evening, O'Connor said.

They stopped a vehicle carrying the younger Baez and Olmo on Main Street and found 450 bags of heroin, then obtained a search warrant for the Church Street home, where they recovered several large bags of pure heroin and 23 grams of cocaine, the prosecutor said. The elder Baez was arrested inside the home.

The raid was notable for the amount and purity of heroin seized, said Springfield police spokesman Sgt. John Delaney. "This is a huge seizure of pure heroin that would have been packaged into thousands of bags of heroin for sale on the streets of Western Massachusetts," he said.

In the basement, police found a heroin packaging station, stocked with boxes of unused heroin bags, a sifter, spoons, tape, a large bowl, an ink pad with a "Rolex" stamp and lottery tickets. A glass jar held three large bags of pure heroin and seven individual bags with a "Rolex" stamp, the report said.

Groups of 50 bags were bundled together and wrapped in Massachusetts lottery tickets, the report said.

Detectives also found 24 shotgun shells, 17 rounds of 30/30 rifle ammo and 20 rounds of 30/06 rifle rounds, according to O'Connor, who said none of defendants have the necessary permits to possess ammunition.

At the prosecutor's request, Judge Michele Rooke ordered the younger Baez held on $25,000 cash bail. The judge later set bail at $10,000 for Olmo and $5,000 for the elder Baez.

The defendants are due back in court for a pretrial hearing next month.

Trial set for Springfield man accused of murder in 2010 death of 5-month-old son

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Judge Mary Lou Rup said it appears there is a dispute within the scientific community about the validity of a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

SPRINGFIELD -- The murder trial of Raymond Collazo, accused of causing a fatal brain injury to his 5-month-old son in 2010, is slated to begin with jury selection Tuesday in Hampden Superior Court.

Judge Mary Lou Rup held a hearing session on the case Friday in preparation for the start.

Collazo and Dayanna Pagan are both charged with murder in the death in Springfield of their son Davian Collazo on Dec. 10, 2010. Their cases have been separated.

The trial of Collazo, represented by Jeffrey S. Brown, will be held first.

The prosecution charges the baby died from traumatic brain injury, often called shaken baby syndrome.

The two were arraigned on the murder charge in February 2013. Although they were initially held without right to bail, both are not incarcerated now as they await trial.

Collazo, 29, and Pagan, 31, are also charged with assault and battery on a child with substantial injury, assault and battery on a child with injury and reckless endangerment of a child.

Assistant District Attorney Jane E. Mulqueen said some of the charges were brought because signs of other, older injuries were found on the child.

Rup said even if a jury is selected before March 3, opening arguments will not be held until that day. The trial is expected to last through at least the third week of March. Expert witnesses are being called from other parts of the state and country, Rup noted.

Rup had held hearings previously dealing with what evidence and opinions various experts would be allowed to discuss at trial. She said for the most part she is allowing all the testimony.

She said it appears there is a dispute within the scientific community about the validity of a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome, now called abusive head trauma. She said the lawyers can use cross-examination to challenge expert testimony.

The question of the cause of injuries is a question for a jury, Rup said.

Mulqueen said there are no eyewitnesses, so the case involves piecing together circumstantial evidence.

Also discussed Friday were questions during jury selection. Mulqueen said she wants to ask about exposure to news media accounts of shaken baby syndrome.

Rup said she will tell jurors they will have the option of considering voluntary and involuntary manslaughter as well as murder in the case.

Upcoming Northampton discussion considers future of health care coverage in Massachusetts

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With the future of the ACA in doubt, many are wondering how Massachusetts will respond.

NORTHAMPTON -- With the future of the Affordable Care Act in limbo, many are wondering if Massachusetts could just go back to "Romneycare."

How would repeal of the ACA affect Massachusetts? Could the state move forward with a single-payer system?

These and other questions will be addressed at an upcoming panel discussion hosted by the Hampshire Health Action group.

The panelists are University of Massachusetts economics professor Gerald Friedman; Jackie Wolf, co-chair of the Massachusetts Campaign for Single-Payer Health Care, or Mass-Care; and Cheryl Zoll, executive director of Tapestry Health.

The event is free and open to the public.

If you go:

What: Health Care and Coverage in Massachusetts: What's Next?
When:
Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
Where:
Northampton Friends Meeting House, 43 Center St.


Springfield man fined $2,500 for killing dog

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The defendant fired a BB gun at point-blank range, with the projectile puncturing the dog's lung and lodging in its windpipe.

SPRINGFIELD -- A Springfield man has been fined $2,500 after admitting to shooting and killing a small dog running free on his lawn in Sixteen Acres.

Freddie Guy, 67, pleaded guilty last week in Springfield District Court to one count of killing or maiming an animal.

The plea came 14 months after a witness called police and claimed that Guy used a metal bat to attack a dog outside his Stapleton Road home. By the time police arrived, Guy had driven off and the dog, a 4-pound male Chihuahua, was dead on the lawn, according to the arrest report.

It was unclear to whom the dog belonged.

The body was wrapped in a blanket and carried away by staff of the Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

Guy was arrested after returning home, and released on $500 bail following his arraignment two days later. An autopsy later showed the dog had been shot and killed with a BB gun, police said.

A trial was scheduled for August, but Judge William Hadley dismissed the case after prosecutors asked for more time. The charge was refiled in October, and Guy admitted to the killing during a hearing before Judge William Boyle on Feb. 15.

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Prendergast said Guy shot the dog at point-blank range with a BB gun, with the projectile puncturing its lung and lodging in its windpipe. Guy stood over the dog, waiting for it to die, the prosecutor said.

Prendergast asked the judge to impose a two-year sentence at the Hampden County Correctional Center, with six months to be served and the balance suspended for two years. He also recommended that Guy be required to attend and complete an anger management class.

Defense lawyer Jeremy Powers requested that the case be continued without a finding for one year, and dismissed after that if Guy avoids any further legal trouble.

Boyle required the defendant to plead guilty to the animal cruelty charge and imposed a $2,500 fine, the highest allowed by law.

Westfield police investigate convenience store, gas station break-ins

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Police are seeking information related to a pair of reported early morning break-ins at a convenience store and gas station on Russell Road.

WESTFIELD -- Police are seeking information related to a pair of reported early morning break-ins at a convenience store and gas station on Russell Road. 

Officers, who responded to an alarm at the Four Mile Country Store located at 1230 Russell Rd. just before 5 a.m. Saturday, found that cash had been taken and the convenience store to be "a mess," Sgt. Steve Dickinson told Western Mass News.

While investigating the alleged breaking and entering, police learned that the nearby Circle K gas station, located at 1400 Russell Rd., had also reportedly been broken into.

An undisclosed sum of cash had been taken from the gas station and items had been thrown to the floor, according to responding officers.

Police believe the suspect or suspects broke into the locations by forcing their way through the doors. Officers said they will review surveillance video related to the incidents.

Westfield Police urge anyone with information related to the alleged break-ins to contact the department at 413-562-5411.

21-year-old woman killed in 3-car Montague crash

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A 21-year-old Montague woman was killed in a late Friday three-car crash on Montague Road, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office announced Saturday.

MONTAGUE -- A 21-year-old Montague woman was killed in a late Friday three-car crash on Montague Road, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office announced Saturday.

According to police, the crash occurred when two cars collided head-on near 228 Montague Rd. around 10 p.m. A third car then collided with one of the vehicles, the district attorney's office reported. 

It is unclear which vehicle the woman, whose identity has not been released, was driving at the time of the incident. She was the only occupant of the car. 

The driver and occupant of the second car involved in the crash were respectively transported to Baystate Hospital in Springfield and Baystate Franklin Medical Center, according to the district attorney's office.

The driver of the third car and three occupants were transported to Franklin Medical Center for evaluation and minor injuries. 

3-car crash in Turners Falls sends several people to area hospitals

The Montague Police, Turners Falls Fire Department, Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Northwestern District Attorney's Office, MSP Crime Scene Services and MSP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section responded to the scene. 

The crash remains under investigation.

East Longmeadow police arrest suspect in Stop & Shop parking lot robbery

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A 44-year-old Springfield woman has been arrested in connection with a recent unarmed robbery at an East Longmeadow Super Stop & Shop parking lot, police reported Saturday.

EAST LONGMEADOW -- A 44-year-old Springfield woman has been arrested in connection with a recent unarmed robbery at an East Longmeadow Super Stop & Shop parking lot, police reported Saturday.

Sgt. Jason Guinipero said East Longmeadow Police identified Dorene Harrison as the suspect in a Wednesday afternoon "strong-arm robbery" at the Super Stop & Shop located on North Main Street. 

Officers surveilled Harrison's address following the reported incident but were unable to locate the suspect, Guinipero said. 

Springfield Police arrested her Friday evening after stopping Harrison for a motor vehicle violation. 

East Longmeadow PD seeks female who stole cash from elderly woman in parking lot of Super Stop & Shop

Police allege that Harrison stole several hundred dollars from an elderly woman after claiming to be a nurse from Mercy Medical Center who needed gasoline money.

The victim, who police said is in her 90s, reportedly gave the suspect several dollars, but refused when she asked for more.

The suspect then asked for a pencil, claiming that she wanted to write down the victim's address. That's when the robbery occurred.

According to police, the suspect had approached several others in the parking lot with the same claim. 

Man denies stealing credit cards at Springfield police holiday party

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"Did you say this was at a Christmas party?" the judge asked. "Yes, at the Springfield police C-3 Christmas party," the prosecutor said.

SPRINGFIELD -- A woman working as a volunteer at a Springfield police holiday party gave up more than just her time.

Another volunteer allegedly stole her wallet and charged more than $900 to her credit cards before police tracked him down, a prosecutor said this week.

Shawn Lamb, 42, of Springfield, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Springfield District Court to larceny over $250 and credit card fraud. Sitting handcuffed and shackled in the defendant's dock, Lamb assured the court he was just lending a helping hand.

"I didn't steal anything," he announced.

Shawn LambShawn Lamb, 42, of Springfield.  

The charges were filed after a children's holiday party sponsored by the Springfield Police Department's C-3 Forest Park unit. The party was held Dec. 3 at the Holy Name Social Center.

Among the volunteers was an East Longmeadow woman who left her coat in the kitchen while working in the gym. When the party ended, she noticed that her wallet was missing, but figured she had left it at home, according to the arrest report.

A few days later, TD Bank contacted city police to report that the woman's credit card had been used to buy $122 in merchandise at the CVS on Belmont Avenue, the report said.

When officers reviewed the video, they "immediately recognized the subject using the credit card as a Mr. Shawn Lamb. He was a volunteer (at the party) ... and helped with general cleanup and also in the kitchen," the report said.

"Mr. Lamb was observed by officers as being in the kitchen for extended periods of time on that particular day," the report said.

The woman later realized that $950 in fraudulent charges had been made on her various credit cards, the report said.

In January, an arrest warrant was issued for Lamb. On Tuesday, following his arrest over the weekend, he pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Assistant District Attorney Cary Szafranski requested $1,000 bail on the new charges, and asked Judge Michele Rooke to find probable cause that he had violated probation in an earlier case.

"Did you say this was at a Christmas party?" the judge asked.

"Yes, at the Springfield police C-3 Christmas party," Szafranski said.

Defense lawyer Brandon Parrelli said his client was working at the party to complete his community service requirement in the earlier case. He asked the judge to not revoke his probation, noting that it was nearly completed.

Rooke set bail at $1,000 and ruled there was probable cause that Lamb had violated his probation. Instead of jailing him, the judge ordered him to report for a probation violation hearing next month.

Gas leak closes portion of Carew Street in Chicopee

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Police are urging motorists to avoid a section of Carew Street, which was closed early Saturday afternoon following a reported gas leak.

UPDATED AT 3 P.M. -- Police reopened the street just before 3 p.m. Saturday, despite emergency crews' continued efforts to repair the leak. 

CHICOPEE -- Police are urging motorists to avoid a section of Carew Street, which was closed early Saturday afternoon following a reported gas leak. 

Emergency and gas crews were on scene working to repair the leak as of noon, according to Chicopee Police Department Officer Michael Wilk.

The gas leak shut down the roadway between Marguerite and East Main Streets and led to the evacuation of some nearby buildings, police said. 

This is story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Panic! At The Disco kicks off Death of A Bachelor tour to capacity crowd at Mohegan Sun Arena (Review, Photos)

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UNCASVILLE, CT - Panic! At The Disco took to the stage on Friday night to kick off their Death of A Bachelor tour at Mohegan Sun Arena.

UNCASVILLE, CT - Panic! At The Disco took to the stage on Friday night to kick off their Death of A Bachelor tour at Mohegan Sun Arena.

If the first night of the tour is any indicator of things to come, the band is going to have a big year. Fans are clearly anxious for more from the band, showing up in waves to push the spacial boundaries of the 10,000 seat arena, bringing the venue to capacity.

The Death of A Bachelor tour marks the first headlining tour for the band since the release of the band's newest album of the same name, which was released in January of 2016.

The album received generally positive reviews from critics at it's release and was wildly successful with fans, quickly becoming the band's first number one album on the Billboard charts. The album was also a marking point of sorts for the band, seemingly leaving behind their angsty alternative songwriting an lyrical contributions for more positive top 40 vibes, but that doesn't necessarily mean they've left behind the skinny jeans and heavy eye makeup.

The show started with performances by Saint Motel and Misterwives, who are both supporting Panic! for the majority of the tour. 

Saint Motel is an Los Angeles-based indie pop band known for their large sound and funky electronic influence. The band's My Type EP, released in 2015, was wildly successful in European markets, and was certified platinum in Italy. Fans who got to the show late, missed out on an amazing performance from the seven-piece group, who came out full of energy and ready to tear the house down. The band is definitely a hot act, and someone to keep an ear out for. It won't be long before they are headlining their own arena tour.

The band was followed by the New York City-based indie pop band MisterWives, known for their powerful female vocals from lead singer Mandy Lee. The band has crafted a sound that is truly their own, hailing folk, funk and classic pop influence with an heir of 80's nostalgia with guitar chops the likes of Nile Rodgers.

The tour continues on through Philadelphia, Portland, Pittsburgh and New York City before returning to the DCU Center in Worcester next Saturday, Mar. 4 which is already a sold out show, according to their website. The tour comes to a close at the BB&T Center in Florida on Apr. 15.

View photos from the show above, and for more information about Saint Motel, MisterWives or Panic! At The Disco, visit their official websites.


Joel McAuliffe announces run for Chicopee City Council

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oel McAuliffe, the district director for State Sen. Eric Lesser and a former staffer for Mayor Richard Kos, kicked off his bid to represent Ward 1 on the Chicopee City Council Saturday.

CHICOPEE -- Joel McAuliffe, the district director for State Sen. Eric Lesser and a former staffer for Mayor Richard Kos, kicked off his bid to represent Ward 1 on the Chicopee City Council Saturday.

McAuliffe, the former communications director and special projects manager for Kos, announced his candidacy for the seat currently held by Adam Lamontagne in an afternoon video posted on social media.

Contending that the time was right for him to run for the council, McAuliffe said he hopes to use his municipal experience to help Chicopee residents.

"This race isn't about me, it's about improving the lives of every person in Chicopee," he said in a campaign email to supporters.

If elected to represent Ward 1, McAuliffe said he would bring not just a familiarity with municipal issues, but also a working relationship with several city officials -- things which he said would allow him to better serve constituents.

"The relationships I have in the city with councilors and elected officials, I feel I can effectively advocate for the ward at a level I don't know other people have been able to do," he said in an interview. "I think there's a lot of discussions we can have."

"I know the issues going on in the city and the important decisions that have to be made as good as anybody. I know how to do things like long-term capital planning ... and making sure our infrastructure is maintained at an appropriate level."

Stressing that he is "very passionate about the city," McAuliffe said he would like to focus on economic development if elected, including how Chicopee could expand its business opportunities and help more graduating students get the skills needed to enter high-tech manufacturing jobs.

He further said he would aim to ensure the city has safe, family-friendly neighborhoods and continue efforts to provide high-speed broadband Internet, among other things.

McAuliffe graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in 2010 and from Springfield Technical Community College in 2014.

He unsuccessfully ran for the Chicopee School Committee in 2011 and 2013 -- losses he attributed to a lack of experience.

Joel McAuliffe announces he's running for Chicopee School Committee

"I didn't know what I was doing then," he said of his first campaigns. "I was a wide-eyed kid."

McAuliffe left his job in Kos' office in early January, when he began working for Lesser.

Families flock to WGBY Love for Learning fair in Springfield for day of education, creativity

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Kids took photos with Curious George and other beloved PBS Kids characters, looked at ticks under microscopes, banged on bucket drums and found out what it takes to create a children's book.

SPRINGFIELD - The WGBY Love for Learning PBS Kids Fan Fair drew families to the Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday for a day of creativity and the chance to meet the authors and illustrators of some of their favorite books.

Kids took photos with Curious George and other beloved PBS Kids characters, looked at ticks under microscopes, banged on bucket drums and found out what it takes to create a children's book. The free event ran from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"PBS is committed to making people engaged, committed learners throughout their whole lives," said Marie Waechter, WGBY's director of community relations and events.

Local partners like Springfield Museums, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and Springfield Community Music Schools offered information and activities. The Zoo in Forest Park showed off a snake, a rabbit and an armadillo, while the zoo's interim executive director Nathan Bazinet introduced families to Puff the bearded dragon.

The event was sponsored by Baystate Children's Hospital and media partner MassLive.

PBS is available to 98 percent of U.S. households free of charge, said Waechter, and the organization wants to "explore the continuum" of media that can be used for education. The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, for example, taught kids how to "engage" with the show "Dinosaur Train" by finding out about dinosaur tracks in western Massachusetts, she said.

Author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi told stories about his work on "The Spiderwick Chronicles" and a book inspired by the original "Star Wars" concept art, "Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight."

DiTerlizzi showed slides of Ralph McQuarrie's illustrations and discussed the process of bringing the story to life. He said the original "Star Wars" films were awe-inspiring when he was a kid.

"I remember coming out of the theater, and my world was rocked," said DiTerlizzi. When you're a kid, he said, "the whole world is in front of you."

Other authors and illustrators who attended included Angela DiTerlizzi, Jarret Krosoczka, Jeff Mack and Heidi Stemple.

The fair was meant to celebrate and support the new multi-platform WGBY Kids, featuring streaming content, games and educational resources for families.

27-year-old man killed in rollover crash in Sharon

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A man was killed in an early morning car crash in Sharon on Saturday.

SHARON - A 27-year-old man died in a fatal rollover car crash in Sharon just after midnight on Friday, according to police.  

Sean Kearney, of Quincy, was pronounced dead at the scene of the deadly crash--which occurred on Route 95 North in the vicinity of exit 8 in Sharon.

Kearney's passenger, a 37-year-old man from Quincy whose identity has not been revealed, was also seriously injured in the crash and was taken to Boston Medical Center for treatment.  

Investigation by Massachusetts State Troopers led them to believe Kearney had been driving the car north on Route 95, when he attempted to move from the right to the left travel lane. However, for reasons not currently known, this maneuver caused Kearney to lose control of the car which then rolled over and crashed into the traffic median.

During the crash, both Kearney and the passenger were ejected from the vehicle. 

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.  

 

West Springfield detectives searching for woman who stole from elderly man

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Authorities in West Springfield are searching for a woman believed to have lifted a wallet from an elderly man.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The West Springfield Detective Bureau is asking for the public's help in identifying a recent larceny suspect.

Authorities wish to identify a woman who is suspected of stealing a wallet from an elderly man during a recent incident. 

Anyone who believes they can identify the woman pictured above has been asked to contact the West Springfield Police Department at 413-263-3210.

At least 21 hurt when vehicle plows into crowd during Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans

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Twelve people were injured Saturday night when a vehicle plowed into a crowd at the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras parade in the Mid-City section of New Orleans, police said. Watch video

Twenty-one people were injured Saturday night when a vehicle plowed into a crowd at the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras parade in the Mid-City section of New Orleans, police said. The crash was reported at about 6:45 p.m. Central at Carrollton and Orleans avenues.

"Initial reports show so far about a dozen people are in critical condition," police spokeswoman Ambria Washington said. "That number could increase as the investigation is ongoing." Police Superintendent Michael Harrison later said 21 people, including a police officer, were taken to seven hospitals.

Greg McNeely said he was watching the parade when a pickup truck sped through the intersection. He said he heard three crashes then a fourth loud crash, and saw the truck had come to rest against a garbage bin. Several people were pinned between the truck and the garbage bin or beneath the truck.

A young man was behind the wheel of the truck. "He took out rows of people," McNeely said.

Harrison said the driver appeared to be highly intoxicated.

Another witness, L.A. Morgan of Chicago, said the truck hit several vehicles and people, turned sideways then crashed into the garbage bin. She said she could hear the driver cursing through the truck's open window. Spectators began screaming and running.

"I'm disturbed," Morgan said. "It took the spirit out of the whole event."

The crash came less than five hours after a gunshot wounded a man at the Krewe of Tucks parade, on the Uptown parade route. Police said they think the gun was accidentally fired inside a portable toilet, wounding a man outside, but no immediate arrests were made.

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