Flood warnings have been extended through 12:15 p.m. Friday as waterways continue to recede.

The high water at the Holyoke Dam as seen from the Veterans Memorial Bridge on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011. (Staff photo by Greg Saulmon)

SPRINGFIELD - Although the water level is continuing to drop in the region's many waterways, the National Weather Service has extended the flood warnings for several rivers and streams through this afternoon.

Flood warnings remain in effect for small streams in eastern Hampden County and southeastern Hampshire County in Western Massachusetts as well as southwestern Worcester County in Central Massachusetts until 12:15 p.m. today. Although the water level is dropping, many streams remain out of their banks and therefore a danger still exists, prompting the extension of the advisories.

As of 8 a.m., the Connecticut River in Northampton was at 111.9 feet, just below the 112-foot flood level mark, according to the National Weather Service's Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service.

The weather forecast for the next few days in Western Mass. looks promising, with warm and dry conditions expected through Sunday, when a chance of showers exists, according to the National Weather Service.

Town of Brewster halts plans for wind turbines in order to further consider solar energy; USPS in desperate need of change, current business model is failing.

File photo / Associated Press

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An Associated Press review has found that at least 35,000 people worldwide have been convicted as terrorists and 120,000 arrested in the decade since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Associated PressSecretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gestures during a speech on the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, in this Aug. 11, 2011 file photo, at the International Food Policy Research Institute in Washington.

NEW YORK (AP) — The United States "cannot afford to live in fear, sacrifice our values, or pull back from the world" over terrorism concerns, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in remarks prepared for a Manhattan speech on Friday.

"We are determined not to let the specter of terrorism darken the national character that has always been America's greatest asset," Clinton said in excerpts released prior to her speech at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Her visit comes amid heightened security due to a terror threat, just before the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The United Nations is holding a conference on terrorism on Sept. 19.

"Before 9/11, the Commission found, America did not adapt quickly enough to new and different kinds of threats. It is imperative that we not make that mistake again," she said. "...While we have significantly weakened al-Qaida's core leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan, today we are reminded that they can still conduct regional and international attacks and inspire others to do so."

An Associated Press review has found that at least 35,000 people worldwide have been convicted as terrorists and 120,000 arrested in the decade since the Sept. 11 attacks.

The United States has helped other countries pass tougher anti-terrorism laws and track down militants, but some groups are worried that many countries are using the fight against terror to crack down on political dissidents.

U.S. counterterrorism officials on Friday were chasing a credible but unconfirmed al-Qaida threat to set off a car bomb on bridges or tunnels in New York City or Washington.

Assistance to individuals may include grants to help payrent for rental housing, essential home repairs, disaster-related medical and dental expenses and other disaster-related expenses.

06.01.2011 | SPRINGFIELD - Damage in the wake of a tornado that touched down in Springfield.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a warning against scam artists looking to capitalize on potential chaos following the aftermath of a major storm.

Western Massachusetts has had more than its fair share of severe weather events as of late. Between the tornado this summer, Hurricane Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee, many residents have incurred property damage, and are undergoing repairs.

The agency urged home owners to stay vigilant during these times, and to report any suspicious or possibly fraudulent activities to FEMA's toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721.

These guidelines and safety tips have been provided by state and federal agencies:

· There is never a fee to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or to receive it.

· There is no fee for FEMA or U.S. Small Business Administration property damage inspections.

· The only ways to register for FEMA help are:

1. to call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585)

2. visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

3. visit m.fema.gov from a smartphone or Web-enabled device.

· Government workers will never ask for a fee or payment. They wear a photo ID. Watch out for middle men who promise you will receive money, especially if they ask for an up-front payment.

· Get three written estimates for repair work. Then check credentials and contact your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce to learn about any complaints against the contractor or business.

· Before work begins, make sure you get a written contract detailing all the work to be performed, the costs, a projected completion date, and how to negotiate changes and settle disputes.

· Make sure the contract clearly states who will obtain the necessary permits. Consider having a lawyer review the contract if substantial costs are involved. Keep a copy of the signed contract.

· If the contractor provides any guarantees, they should be written into the contract clearly, stating what is guaranteed, who is responsible for the guarantee and how long the guarantee is valid.

· Pay only by check or a credit card. A reasonable down payment may be required to buy materials for some projects, but don't pay anything without a signed contract.

· Before you sign a contract, be sure you also get a written cancellation notification policy.

· Do not sign completion papers or make the final payment until the work is completed to your satisfaction. A reputable contractor will not threaten you or pressure you to sign if the job is not properly finished.

More information about rebuilding after a disaster is available on FEMA's website.

Below, the full text of a tipsheet on what to expect after registering for assistance:

Here Is What To Expect:

Inspector's Call: When you register - either online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling

800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585)  or by electronic device at m.fema.gov - you will receive a 9-digit registration number. An inspector will then call to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property - usually within 10 days after registration.

Inspector's Visit: Keep the scheduled appointment to make sure the assistance process moves quickly. Inspectors assess disaster-related property damage. Inspectors file damage reports, but they do not determine eligibility. The inspector's visit typically takes 15 minutes to as long as 45 minutes.

You - or your representative who is 18 or older and was living in the household prior to the disaster - must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) and occupancy only (for renters). You can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents on hand:

Proof of occupancy, such as:

A photo ID to prove identity, such as driver's license or passport; 

• · A utility bill from with the address of the damaged home and the applicant's name listed or a merchant's statement, credit card bills, delivery notices or other first class mail addressed to the applicant and showing the address of the damaged home;
• · Current driver's license showing the address of the damaged home.
• · Deed showing you as the legal owner;
• · Mortgage payment book that names you along with the address of the damaged home;
• · Tax receipts or a property tax bill that lists the address of the damaged home and you as the responsible party to the assessments.
• 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• You can get answers to questions about the progress of your application by:
• · Calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 (These toll-free telephone numbers are staffed daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., until further notice. Help is available in most languages.).
• · Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations can register online anytime.

· Pay stubs and similar documents addressed to the applicant and showing the address of the damaged home;

Proof of ownership, such as:

· Title that lists you on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home;

· Real property insurance policy for the damaged home with your name listed as the insured;

After the Inspector's Visit: You will receive a letter from FEMA containing a decision within 10 days of the inspector's visit. If you have any questions about the letter, call the helpline number -

If you are eligible for assistance, the letter will be followed by a check or an electronic funds transfer. The letter explains how the money can be used.

· Going online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov (anytime).

· Using a smartphone or Web-enabled device to visit m.fema.gov.

Assistance to individuals may include grants to help pay rent for rental housing, essential home repairs, disaster-related medical and dental expenses and other disaster-related expenses.

According to state police, Stone's Ford truck was later found up the road from his home which borders the Kenneth M Dubuque Memorial State Forest, but the man was not near the vehicle.

Parts of Route 8A were completely washed away by the Chickley River in West Hawley following the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Irene. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Cox)

This updates a story posted at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 6.

WEST HAWLEY, Mass. - The Massachusetts State Police are continuing to search for Robert Stone, a 78-year-old West Hawley man who hasn't been seen since Aug. 29, a day after Tropical Storm Irene battered the rural Franklin County community.

Stone, of 339 West Hawley Road, was last seen when Hawley volunteer firefighters went to his home to check his well being, following a request by Hospice of Franklin County. According to Fire Chief Gregory Cox, Stone answered the door and seemed fine.

"The day after that, we were called to check his well being again but this time his truck was gone and he didn't answer the door," Cox said. "We referred the situation over to the (Department of Conservation and Recreation) and a ranger entered his house, but he wasn't there."

According to state police, Stone's Ford truck was found on Sept. 5 up the road from his home which borders the Kenneth M Dubuque Memorial State Forest, but the man was not near the vehicle. A state police K-9 unit made the discovery.

Debris and damage on Route 8A near White Farm in West Hawley following the flooding of the Chickley River caused by Tropical Storm Irene. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Cox)

"We have the Air Wing, the Mounted Unit and the Community Emergency Response Team searching the state forest in Hawley and Plainfield," said state police Lt. Chet Warawka. "The conditions based on the weather up there have made this search slower than it would have otherwise been."

The road where Stone lives is also know as Route 8A, and was partially destroyed by the flooding following Irene's track through the region on Aug. 28. Additionally, several other roads around Hawley were damaged or destroyed in the storm, making travel complicated for residents and the search party alike.

Cox said that one of his firefighters lives across the street from Stone and has been feeding his dog since the disappearance.

The state police said the search will continue into the weekend if Friday's efforts produce no results.

Anyone with information about Stone's whereabouts is asked to call the state police barracks in Shelburne Falls at (413) 625-6311.

Prosecutors sought a 12½-year sentence for DiMasi, convicted in June on charges of conspiracy, extortion and honest services fraud.

File photo / Associated PressFormer Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi makes a statement outside the Federal Courthouse in Boston in a file photo.

BOSTON — Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, once one of the most powerful figures in Massachusetts politics, was sentenced Friday to eight years in federal prison for using his influence to steer $17.5 million in state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks.

At end of the sentencing, DiMasi and wife, Debbie, shared a lengthy embrace in the courtroom. DiMasi, grim-faced and shaken, hugged other friends and relatives.

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf also sentenced co-defendant Richard McDonough, a prominent Statehouse lobbyist, to seven years in prison for his role in the scheme.

Wolf said DiMasi's life story is in many ways typical of the American dream. The son of Italian immigrants worked hard to succeed and become the first Italian-American House Speaker in state history. Wolf noted DiMasi is a family man, loved by his stepchildren and wife, who is battling breast cancer.

"This is a dream that has been corrupted," Wolf said.

Wolf also lauded DiMasi for always standing up for the disadvantaged in the Statehouse.

"In my opinion, you sold those people out," he said.

DiMasi was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $65,000, the amount of money he's accused of taking in the kickback scheme.

McDonough was also sentenced to two years of probation, ordered to pay $50,000 in fines and forfeit $250,000.

"You and Mr. DiMasi committed a very serious crime and you were more than just a participant," Wolf said "In my view you were an engine of the scheme."

Wolf said the men wouldn't have to report to begin serving their sentences until Nov. 16, although he is still considering a defense request to allow DiMasi and McDonough to remain free while they appeal their June 15 convictions. He also recommended that DiMasi be allowed to serve his sentence at a federal prison in Devens.

A federal jury, after a six-week trial, found DiMasi guilty of conspiracy, extortion and honest services fraud, while McDonough was convicted of conspiracy and honest services fraud. DiMasi was the third straight speaker to leave office because of ethics issues.

Federal prosecutors had asked for a 12½ -year sentence for the 66-year-old DiMasi, citing the seriousness of the charges and the abuse of one of his office.

On Thursday, DiMasi delivered an emotional speech to the court, calling himself a "broken man" whose finances had been ruined and his reputation disgraced.

DiMasi begged Wolf for compassion, acknowledging that he made mistakes while not admitting guilt.

"They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions," he told the judge. "I don't want to go to hell, and I certainly don't want to go to prison."

Neither DiMasi nor McDonough showed emotion when their sentences were read.

Defense attorneys asked for a sentence of three years, citing DiMasi's long record of public service and dedication to his family. Their request was accompanied by numerous letters of support for DiMasi from relatives, friends and former colleagues. They cited his service and legislative achievement, including passage of the state's landmark universal health care law, and his strong family ties.

DiMasi's wife, Debby, wrote how her husband had been a source of strength through her own battle with breast cancer and other recent family struggles, and of the kindness and patience he had shown to her two children from a troubled previous marriage. She begged Wolf for leniency.

"Sending Sal away for a long period of time, at this stage of his life would be a death sentence for him, for me and the dream nurtured by Sal's parents," she wrote.

Prosecutors said DiMasi used the considerable clout of his office to steer two state contracts worth a combined $17.5 million to the software firm Cognos in exchange for payments in 2006 and 2007.

According to testimony, DiMasi received $65,000 in payments funneled through an unwitting law partner, and that McDonough received $300,000 in payments disguised as consulting or lobbying fees, prosecutors said.

Richard Vitale, an accountant and close friend of DiMasi, was acquitted by the jury. Prosecutors said Vitale's businesses received $600,000 through the scheme, some of which was used to set up a line of credit for DiMasi, who lost considerable income from his law practice after becoming speaker and was struggling with credit card debt.

Prosecutors also alleged that DiMasi was planning for his eventual departure from the Statehouse and wanted seed money for a joint business venture with Vitale after his political career was over. Defense attorneys argued that the allegations involving Vitale should not be considered in sentencing because the jury did not convict Vitale of any crimes.

A fourth defendant in the case, former software salesman Joseph Lally, pleaded guilty before the trial and testified against the other three men.

Lally, who was cast a liar, tax cheat and compulsive gambler by the defense, is scheduled for sentencing in October and could receive a lighter sentence in exchange for his cooperation with the government.

Cognos was not charged and is now a business unit of IBM.

DiMasi, a Boston Democrat who grew up in the close-knit North End neighborhood, was the third consecutive speaker to leave office under an ethics cloud when he resigned in 2009.

His predecessor, Thomas Finneran, was indicted after leaving office for lying during his testimony in a redistricting lawsuit and eventually pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. The previous speaker, Charles Flaherty, was forced from office after pleading guilty to a federal felony tax charge.

Neither Finneran nor Flaherty served any jail time.

DiMasi's trial and conviction dealt another blow to public confidence in Beacon Hill at a time when the Legislature was grappling with budget gaps and other major issues.

Prosecution witnesses included Gov. Deval Patrick and aides who testified that DiMasi applied pressure on the administration to approve the second of the two contracts, a $13 million contract for business intelligence software.

Patrick was the first sitting Massachusetts governor to testify in a criminal trial in more than 15 years. Neither he nor any past or present members of his administration were accused of wrongdoing.

Shortly after the trial, House Republicans filed a series of proposed rules changes, including one that would prohibit lawmakers from contacting state agencies about pending work contracts. The heavily Democratic House has yet to act on the proposals.

Now that he has been formally sentenced, DiMasi also faces the loss of his $4,981.86 a month pension and the suspension of his license to practice law. Both moves could occur within days or weeks.

Springfield police officers pulled up to the Sunoco station as the suspects were allegedly driving off with the trunk open, leaving the store's cash register visible inside.

Springfield police said they found 37 packs of Newports along with a cash register in the car after it left the burglarized Boston Road Sunoco station. (Photo courtesy of Springfield police)

SPRINGFIELD - City police arrested four Springfield residents early Friday morning for their alleged part in a botched robbery at a Boston Road gas station.

Around 1:30 a.m., Springfield police officers were patrolling in the Boston Road business district when a citizen flagged them down to report that someone seemed to be burglarizing the Sunoco gas station.

According to Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet, the officers pulled up as the group was driving off with the trunk open, leaving the store's cash register visible inside.

The car was pulled over and the following Springfield residents were charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime and larceny of property over $250:

Clockwise from top-left, Carlos Casillas, Wilberto Aleman Betancourt, Ashley Marie Jimenez and Kasandra Rosa.

• Carlos Casillas, 38, of 116 Federal St.;
• Wilberto Aleman Betancourt, 30, of 88 Maple St.;
• Kasandra Rosa, 18, of 58 Boyer St;
• Ashley Marie Jimenez, 19, of 12 Lazon Brothers Road.

Delaney said that surveillance footage from inside the store revealed that the store, located at 1313 Boston Road, was entered after the suspects allegedly used a car jack to smash a window.

Delaney said that the two females involved allegedly went straight for the Newport cigarettes, 37 packs of which were found in the car.

All four were taken into custody and held awaiting arraignment in Springfield District Court.

A reader asks the candidates what experiences have prepared them to run the city.

Michael Bardsley, left, and David Narkiewicz, right, are candidates to succeed Mary Clare Higgins as mayor of Northampton.

The latest installment of our "Ask the Candidates" series of reader-submitted questions for local mayoral candidates focuses on Northampton, and specifically on what experiences each candidate believes has prepared him for the job of running the city.

Candidates David Narkewicz and Michael Bardsley were asked to respond to the following question:

How has your employment history prepared you for the position of Mayor?

It has been a week of transition in Northampton with six-term mayor Mary Clare Higgins stepping down from her post today following a near-record tenure as mayor of the city. City Council president Narkewicz will assume Higgins' official duties for the remainder of her term before the general election in November when voters will elect a new mayor.

Here's what each of the candidates had to say:

Michael Bardsley

For over three decades I have had a career as a public school educator, serving in the roles as classroom teacher, guidance counselor, department chair and administrator.

This valuable work experience gave me the opportunity to develop numerous abilities and personality traits that I have used in numerous years of community public service and will continue to use as Mayor if elected.

Through developing and overseeing budgets, I have become very conscientious about effectively and efficiently using public funds to meet identified program goals and objectives. Wisely managing the financial resources that have been provided by tax payers has been a practice of mine for many years.

I have considerable experience with hiring and evaluating staff, including situations when I have recommended termination. I have a track record of supporting employees to ensure they have the resources and skills necessary to successfully accomplish responsibilities. Conversely, I have proven that, when needed, I can hold individual employees accountable and have the strength of character to carry out those tough personnel decisions.

As a department chair and administrator I have successfully served on several management teams. I have developed the ability to determine when I need to be a team player and when I need to lead a group or organization in a different direction. I have successfully led my department through various organizational changes, constantly re-evaluating the way in which counseling and guidance services were delivered.

I vehemently believe that governmental institutions have a moral obligation to successfully meet the needs of those for whom they have the responsibility to serve. My experience here includes developing mission statements, identifying unmet needs, and evaluating program effectiveness. As an educator I relentlessly advocated for students who felt unsuccessful and for families who felt marginalized. One significant example of my leadership in supporting vulnerable segment students was my founding the school’s gay/straight alliance, one of the first in Western Massachusetts.

By nature I am an innovative thinker and by necessity I have become an agent for change within established organizational systems. One example would be the formation of the Educational Transition Program in collaboration with Greenfield Community College. Via this endeavor students who felt unsuccessful within the traditional structure of a high school became accomplished and independent learners in the college’s environment. A second example of organizational change is my leading the committee that made recommendations for improving the school district’s response to wide range of well-being needs of K-12 students. The scope of the concerns addressed included bullying, physical and emotional abuse , suicidal and self-abusive behaviors and inappropriate relationships between staff members and students.

I know how to successfully perform various roles within an organizational system while also being able to lead organizational change. I have developed a deeply seated belief that public sector leaders need to wisely manage financial and human resources. Finally, my professional experience in listening to others will be able to put to good use in city hall.

David Narkewicz

I enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and served on active duty and as a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard. In addition to life-long lessons about service, discipline, and leadership, my six years in the military gave me valuable training as a personnel specialist and real-world experience managing people, data, and resources in a large and diverse organization.

I put myself through the University of Massachusetts at Amherst using my veteran’s benefits and by holding as many as three part-time jobs a semester together with summer jobs. I graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Political Science and received several awards, including the Goodwin Public Service Scholarship and the Senior Leadership Award.

After college, I worked seven years as a staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives. This included time in Washington D.C. as a legislative assistant advising Members of Congress on a broad range of policy and budget issues. It also included serving as Congressman John Olver’s District Economic Development Director, working to bring federal support to communities, organizations, and businesses across western Massachusetts and leading a staff based in three offices throughout the district.

The best groundwork for the position of mayor, however, might have been the next job I decided to take: Stay-at-home dad. When we started our family, I made the decision to be home with our children so my wife could finish her medical training and begin her successful career as an obstetrician/gynecologist.

Being a stay-at-home dad was the most challenging and rewarding job I have held. While my focus was on my family, I immersed myself in neighborhood and community issues, and served the city through sustained work with organizations like the Northampton Education Foundation (NEF), volunteering in my kids’ schools, and serving on city boards like the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Transportation and Parking Commission.

In 2005, my neighbors in Ward 4 elected me their representative to the City Council. In 2009, the city elected me Councilor At-Large and my colleagues elected me City Council President. I’ve worked with people across our city on issues including transportation, energy, education, economic development, the budget and government reform. I’ve created policies and programs aimed at keeping our community strong. I’ve also learned the nuts and bolts of how our city functions and an understanding and appreciation of the challenges we face as a community.

Growing up one of nine children in a working-class household, I credit my parents for teaching me the values of family, community, and hard work. These values have shaped my life and work choices, setting me on a path of public service that has led to my decision to run for mayor. My work at the federal, state, and local level combined with my record of community leadership and service has uniquely prepared me for the position. I believe I have the experience, ideas, and energy to offer a new generation of leadership to move our great city forward.

With police resources scattered across flood-ravaged Vermont, volunteers are needed for a community search to help find 17-year-old Marble Arvidson, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Volunteers are needed to help find Marble Arvidson, 17, who was last seen a day before Tropical Storm Irene battered Vermont.

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont - With police resources scattered across flood-ravaged Vermont, volunteers are needed for a community search to help find 17-year-old Marble Arvidson, who has been missing for nearly two weeks.

Arvidson was last seen on Saturday Aug. 27, a day before Tropical Storm Irene brought torrential rain and flooding to the Green Mountain State. Police say he left his home on Marlboro Road in West Brattleboro, Vt. around 2:15 p.m. after letting an unidentified man inside the house sometime after 1 p.m.

Police have not released further information about the man other than saying a housemate saw Arvidson let him in.

According to police, the teenager left a note saying he was going for a hike and planning to meet his girlfriend at 4 p.m., but he never showed up.

Missing person posters and anonymous tip boxes have been places across Vermont and New Hampshire in an attempt to solicit new leads in the case. (Republican Photo/ Robert Rizzuto)

The flooding that followed Irene destroyed roads and homes throughout southern Vermont, spreading law enforcement resources thin, according to a group working to find Arvidson.

Previous searches have yielded no clues and his family's concern is growing by the day.

Friends have set up a Facebook page and a website to assist those wishing to help with the upcoming searches.

Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation can send an email to findmarble@gmail.com.

Arvidson, who was last seen wearing a black outfit and a dark bowler hat, is preparing for his senior year at Brattleboro Union High School.

Anyone with information on Arvidson's whereabouts is asked to call the confidential tip line at (802) 257-9111or the Brattelboro Police Department at (802) 257-7946.

The suspect allegedly stole a safe containing $13,000, a wedding ring, a watch and a will.

Springfield PDKelly Heffernan

SPRINGFIELD - Officers Michael McNally and Edwin Hernandez arrested a 29-year-old West Springfield woman early Friday after she allegedly used a phony distress call to lure her father to a convenience store and then broke into his home while he was out.

Kelly E. Heffernan, of 209 Main Street in West Springfield, was charged with breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, larceny over $250, and a Westfield default warrant for larceny of a motor vehicle after her arrest at 1:19 a.m.

Springfield police Sgt. John M. Delaney said that Heffernan's father told officers that his daughter contacted him at his Springfield home to ask if he would meet her at a West Springfield Cumberland Farms to help her with a drug problem. She was not there when he arrived, though, and upon his return to the residence he discovered that his safe containing $13,000, his wedding ring, watch, and will was missing.

Heffernan returned the home later that night and after her father pleaded with her to return the safe, she produced $5,677 in cash. At this time the father called the police, Delaney said.

Police said a 48-year-old detective borrowed a BMX bike from a child in the neighborhood and used it to chase after and catch Adams down the street.

Nicorie Adams, 17, allegedly ran from police but was caught when a detective jumped on a BMX bicycle and chased him down.

SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield teen was arrested Thursday afternoon following an incident that involved an officer commandeering a BMX bicycle to chase him down for illegally possessing a handgun.

According to Sgt. John Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William Fitchet, detectives James Mazza and Sean Condon were patrolling the Mason Square area of the city around 3 p.m. Thursday when they received information about a teenager on a porch with a gun.

As they approached 59 Maynard St., Nicorie Adams, 17, was allegedly rolling a joint. Delaney said when the teen saw officers, he threw a gun and the marijuana onto the porch and began running.

Mazza grabbed the gun and the weed while Condon began running after Adams.

Delaney said Condon, who is 48 years old, borrowed a BMX bicycle from a child in the neighborhood and used it to chase after and catch Adams down the street.

Adams was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a license, illegal possession of ammunition, resisting arrest and he was given a citation for possession of marijuana.

Police recovered a small amount of marijuana and a .22-caliber revolver with four rounds of ammunition.

Adams was taken into custody and held awaiting arraignment in Springfield District Court.

Troopers said they are working to identify the body which was found a mile into the forest from where they found a truck belonging to Robert Stone, 78, who was last seen on Aug. 29.

Debris and damage on Route 8A near White Farm in West Hawley following the flooding of the Chickley River caused by Tropical Storm Irene. (Photo courtesy of Gregory Cox)

HAWLEY - During the search for an elderly West Hawley man Friday afternoon, Massachusetts State Police and local authorities found a body in the area of Hell’s Kitchen Road in the Kenneth M. Dubuque Memorial State Forest in Hawley.

Troopers said they are working to identify the body, which was found a mile into the forest from where they found a truck belonging to Robert Stone, 78, who was last seen on Aug. 29.

Stone, of 339 West Hawley Road, was last seen when Hawley volunteer firefighters went to his home to check his well being, following a request by Hospice of Franklin County. The next day, a similar request was made, but firefighters said that his truck was gone and he wasn't inside the home.

This is a developing story and more information will be published as it becomes available.

It is unclear if federal authorities will be leveling federal murder charges against the duo or if the focus of the investigation, which is officially considered "ongoing," will center on the drug war.

Frank Caraballo, left, and Joshua Makhanda-Lopez are facing federal drug charges although murder charges relating to the killing of Melissa Barratt have been dropped by the state.

BRATTLEBORO, Vermont - Although the state of Vermont has dropped murder charges against two local men in connection with the killing of a Bellows Falls, Vt. woman, federal authorities have indicted the pair on interstate drug trafficking charges.

Frank Caraballo, 29, of Holyoke and Joshua Makhanda-Lopez, 22 of Springfield were charged in a six-count indictment Thursday alleging that they crossed the state line in a conspiracy to distribute crack in the Brattleboro area during June and July.

Caraballo was previously charged in Vermont State Court with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting 31-year-old Melissa Barratt in the head, killing her in a wooded area near Drummerston, Vt. in July. Makhanda-Lopez was charged with the same offenses and referenced by police at the time as an accomplice in that state's second homicide of 2011.

Maj. Ed Ledo with the Vermont State Police said at the time of the initial arrest that through an investigation, detectives learned that Barratt was abducted from an apartment in Brattleboro and that she, Caraballo and Makhanda-Lopez were in the area of East West Road in Dummerston at approximately 5 p.m., on July 28, about 18 hours before her body was found.

It is unclear if federal authorities will be leveling federal murder charges against the duo or if the focus of the investigation, which is officially considered "ongoing," will center on the drug war.

According to court records, Carabello has previous drug charges in Massachusetts and New York while Makanda-Lopez holds the same distinction in the Bay State.

Melissa Barratt was charged in Springfield, Vt. with drug-related offenses prior to her murder in July. (Photo courtesy of Southeast Vermont Drug Task Force)

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont, Tristram Coffin, Caraballo pleaded not guilty to the federal drug charges and Makanda-Lopez is still awaiting arraignment.

Federal authorities have moved to detain Caraballo without bail pending a trial. At a hearing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vt., Caraballo asked for a continuance of the detention hearing. That proceeding will now take place on Sept. 15 in Rutland, Vt.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Vermont State Police, the Southeast Vermont Drug Task Force and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

If Caraballo and Makanda-Lopez are convicted on the drug conspiracy charge, they are subject to a mandatory-minimum sentence of five years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison and up to a $5,000,000 fine.

The city released statistics on damage and recovery from the tornado on the 100-day milestone.

SPRINGFIELD – Just one sign of the “beehive” of activity in Springfield since a June 1 tornado are newly released statistics showing the city has issued 2,698 building permits in the past three months for private construction totaling $13 million, officials said.

And counting.

The statistics on damage and an update on rebuilding efforts were released Friday during a press conference on Main Street, coinciding with the 100-day milestone of the tornado.

“There is a beehive of activity out there, rehab in every single neighborhood,” said Gerald W. Hayes, co-chairman of the Rebuild Springfield effort. “In a word, the progress is nothing short of remarkable.”

The EF-3 tornado with speeds up to 160 miles per hour tore a 6.2 mile, quarter-mile path of destruction through the city on June 1, affecting an estimated 40 percent of the city’s population in the first 48 hours, officials said.

Nicholas Fyntrilakis, co-chairman with Hayes, said the rebuilding effort will include a master plan assisted by a “world class” consultant hired in the next two weeks, continued community engagement in evaluating future development, and “neighborhood by neighborhood” approach.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said the city’s response in the 100 days since the tornado is a model on how to respond to a natural disaster, with a strong public-private partnership in place.

Local officials say it was remarkable that no one was killed in the tornado in Springfield. The tornado, however, damaged more than 600 structures in Springfield including 477 single-family homes and 81 multi-family buildings, according to city statistics.

More than 350 people were temporarily sheltered at the MassMutual Center.

The signs of recovery are many.

Since the tornado, 82 of the 87 small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the tornado have reopened, according to the city.

Positive signs have included: a commitment to rebuild Cathedral High School and St. Michael’s Academy now in temporary locations; the completed renovation and reopening of International Hall at Springfield College, and a temporary location for the heavily damaged South End Community Center at Milton Bradley School until a permanent location is determined, officials said.

Sarno and Hayes praised city departments for the initial emergency response, the cleanup in the aftermath of the tornado, and continuing efforts to assist property owners. The city is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other state and federal agencies to help reimburse much of its costs.

The rebuilding effort is being led by the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and DevelopSpringfield, a nonprofit private organization.

Other successes have included the cleanup of parks, and efforts to help reforest sections of Springfield that lost thousands of trees. On public property, 2,217 public trees were removed and 3,381 trees were damaged in public parks, and 147,954 cubic yards of vegetation and debris were removed from public ways along with 15,000 cubic yards of construction debris, according to the new statistics.

Sarno and Hayes praised the Rebuild Springfield Advisory Committee which has conducted neighborhood meetings and “listening tours.”

The city anticipates completing the planning process by the end of the year, and will be pursuing planning funds and implementation funds from public and private sources.

Becky's hairbrush was submitted to New York City police department for DNA testing, but there was little hope left. Mike Sicilian, who worked with Becky for 14 years, knew she had a meeting on the 97th floor of 1 World Trade Center at 8:30 a.m. the morning of Sept. 11. She was on a conference call at the time of the attack.

"She asked me for a Baldwin piano instead of an engagement ring," said my uncle, Anthony Avalone.

Though she was deaf in one ear, Becky was an accomplished pianist who often tutored schoolchildren and played for senior citizens. Whenever she could she sang and played at local piano bars and restaurants in Manhattan and New Jersey.

I was sitting in Mrs. Jamison's sixth-grade math class when I first heard of the World Trade Center attacks. We didn't have a television in the classroom, so updates related to what we later learned was the largest terrorist attack in the history of the United States came to us via the radio on my teacher's desk. That afternoon, the principal announced that all after-school activities were cancelled; it was a time for us to be with our families. I boarded the school bus disappointed there wouldn't be soccer tryouts that day.

When my older sister Jessie and I arrived home, the first thing I noticed was both my parents' cars parked in the driveway, which was unusual for the middle of the afternoon on a Tuesday. They greeted us at the door with somber faces and I knew something was very wrong. We waited for my 8-year-old brother Ian to get home from school and they told us all at once: Aunt Becky works in the World Trade Center, and we don't know where she is.

Disbelief came first, then horror when I saw the television footage. While people worldwide were glued to the television that day, ours was turned off and remained that way. For months news organizations showed the steel towers billowing with smoke, then crumpling to the ground, huge clouds of dust and twisted metal all that was left of what many thought were indestructible buildings.

I didn't understand. How did this happen? More importantly, why would anyone do this?

Hope came each time the phone rang in the coming days, but it was quickly replaced by despair when I realized it was only another family member or friend and not Aunt Becky calling. We tried to keep the line open, just in case. Days passed and we still hadn't heard anything. My uncle Anthony went to every hospital in the city in search of Becky; maybe she was seriously injured and couldn't identify herself. Please, God, anything but dead.

The first four days my mum was numb and in shock. She paced the kitchen constantly , forgetting to turn the stove off more than once. On Saturday of that week she boarded a Greyhound bus from Bangor, Maine to Boston by herself. The possibility of losing her sister and best friend finally hit her - she cried the entire ride there. The woman sitting in the seat to her left, a complete stranger, held her hand through it all. Sometimes no words are better than any words.

My mum arrived at South Station only to find the next available train to New York City didn't leave for another seven hours. The man working the ticket booth told her conductors had control over the schedule and there was nothing he could do.

Disheveled and emotionally exhausted, she went in search of the conductor. When she found him standing on the train platforms outside all she could think to say was “ I can't find my sister”. After a brief exchange he had her riding first-class to Penn Station within 30 minutes.

Though she had visited Becky dozens of times over the years, the New York my mum saw was unrecognizable.

"There were great big American flags hanging off buildings under construction. People were being so polite; strangers hugging, holding doors open and saying please and thank you," she said.

There were no cab drivers honking or angry businessmen cursing the rush-hour traffic. The constant, unmistakable buzz of the city that never sleeps was gone, replaced by a silence that began to define the magnitude of loss.

She and my grandparents, John and Julie Koborie, stayed on the 22nd floor of the Millennium Hotel in mid-town Manhattan, where Aunt Becky's employer, Marsh and McLennan, provided a Family Assistance Center that provided information, support and transportation within the city.

"We were very lucky, they made it as easy as they could have for us," Mum said.

Becky’s hairbrush was submitted to New York City police department for DNA testing, but there was little hope left. Mike Sicilian, who worked with Becky for 14 years, knew she had a meeting on the 97th floor of 1 World Trade Center at 8:30 a.m. the morning of Sept. 11. She was on a conference call at the time of the attack.

“The connection was cut off as the plane hit because the telephone switching equipment that she was using was on the floor below her,” Sicilian said.

American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower between floors 93 and 99.

On October 13, more than a month after the attacks, we held Becky's funeral at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in her hometown of Sharon, Pa. Since her body was never recovered, there wasn’t a burial. The city of New York gave my grandparents ashes from Ground Zero, which rest in a black, felt-lined box on top of the piano in their living room.

In mid-November, I went back with my family to New York City. Stuffed animals, candles, cards and poems remained for those injured, missing and dead. Red Cross tents were accepting blood donations and providing food for those too consumed by remorse to remember to eat.

We visited Ground Zero where bright construction lights lit up a sea of metal; the closest thing to a graveyard for nearly 3,000 victims. On December 15, the last standing piece of the World Trade Center was torn down.

In the years following Becky's death, I continue to wonder how and why that day happened.

Though answering 'how' has proved to be much easier, certain aspects of the events leading up to 9/11 forever haunt me. Five of the Middle Eastern terrorists entered Maine from Canada. Vincenet Cannistraro, the former chief of intelligence for the CIA, told the Montreal Gazette the terrorists drove to Bangor for a flight out of Bangor International Airport, but when only three of them could fit on the feeder plane, the other two drove on to Portland and later connected in Boston.

At some point, the men responsible for killing my aunt were less than five miles from my house. Equally chilling is the fact that three of the four hijacker pilots learned to fly a plane at aviation schools in Florida.

With the recent deaths of Osama Bin Laden and Atiyah Abd al-Rahman, some top U.S. officials have publicly announced their belief that Al-Qaeda is in disarray, and that the terrorist organization's ability to strike has been severely compromised.

There are many people who will always remember exactly where they were the day the world seemed to stop spinning. In the names of those civilians, firefighters and other safety personnel who lost their lives in the terrorist attack that September day, never forget.

Healey said a resident called police about the van, and reported that it had been at the housing complex for several days.

The Republican | Dave RobackVarious police agencies check out a van in the side parking lot of the Church Street School Senior Housing on Friday afternoon.

WARE - The van belonging to Joseph Cernauskas, the missing elderly Hardwick man whose home was destroyed in a suspicious fire, was found parked at an elderly housing complex on Church Street Friday afternoon.

Ware Police Chief Dennis M. Healey said the 1999 Town & Country van was found in a side parking lot on the Walnut Street side of the building, which is the former Church Street School, about 2:30 p.m.

The complex was swarming with police after the discovery, and part of Walnut Street was shut down.

A spokesman for the Worcester County District Attorney's Office said Cernauskas was still missing, and that the fire at his home at 151 Off Maple St. in the Wheelwright section of Hardwick remains under investigation. The van was found approximately 9 miles from his home.

Healey said a resident reported that the van was at the complex, and said it had been there for several days. The resident had read newspaper accounts about the search for Cernauskas and his van.

Joseph Cernauskas

The van and Cernauskas had been missing since the fire broke out at Cernauskas' home early Tuesday morning; the fire was reported at 7:45 a.m. At approximately 5:30 a.m. that same day, the van was seen in Ware, driving west on West Main Street by the library, according to Healey, who said an officer was doing routine license plate checks and did not pull the van over.

Friday was Cernauskas' 85th birthday, and his sister-in-law said that it is unusual to go this long without talking to him.

"We heard from him quite frequently," Norma G. Cernauskas, of North Brookfield, said.

She said she and her husband, John, who is 13 months younger than Joseph, are worried about him. She said she wasn't aware of him having any friends at that housing complex in Ware.

"He had friends, but he didn't discuss that part of his life," she said.

She described her brother-in-law as "on the frail side," and while police placed his height at 5 feet, 9 inches, Norma Cernauskas said that's generous. She said he had a cell phone, but doesn't think he ever activated it.

She said he used to like to hike, but in recent years, was unable to continue it.

He lived alone in the home that he grew up in with no running water and only an outhouse. She said at one time, it did have running water, but said her brother-in-law never had the pump fixed when it stopped working.

Cernauskas had electricity, and used wood to heat the home, something that was getting harder and harder for him to manage during the tough New England winters, she said, adding "he did quite a bit of shoveling."

She said her brother-in-law had been retired for more than 20 years, and also was an Army veteran of the Korean War. She said she and her husband would visit him at his home, or he would visit them. She described visiting her brother-in-law as "not too pleasant" because the home lacked modern features.

Set at least 1,000 feet off the road, Norma Cernauskas said her brother-in-law referred to the 15-acre property as his "oasis."

She described Joseph as an "avid reader" who amassed a collection of 5,000 books in his attic- history, politics and psychology were some of the subjects he enjoyed.

"He was very, very brilliant," she said.

Norma Cernauskas said it would be "extremely unusual" for her brother-in-law to be driving at 5:30 in the morning because he was a "night owl" who would stay up all night reading, and sleep late.

"Sometimes he would be having breakfast at lunchtime," she said.

She said the state police went through the wooded property with search dogs and found nothing.

"It's the not knowing that's difficult," she said. "The state police do not believe he left on his own."

This map shows the location of Joseph Cernauskas' home and where his van was found:

View Joseph Cernauskas' home, and location where his van was vound in a larger map

Stone's body was found in the area of Hell's Kitchen Road in the state forest by a team of searchers who were going through the woods looking for him, police said.

This is an update of a story that was posted Friday at 1:34 p.m.

HAWLEY - The state police have confirmed the found Friday afternoon in a section of Kenneth M. Dubuque Memorial State Forest was a 78-year-old town resident Robert Stone, who had been the subject of a missing persons investigation since Aug. 29.

First Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Steven E. Gagne on Friday afternoon announced police had confirmed the body was Stone and that his relatives had been notified.

“No foul play is suspected at this time. We are awaiting full results from an autopsy," he said.

The autopsy will be conducted early next week, he said.

Stone's body was found in the area of Hell's Kitchen Road in the state forest by a team of searchers who were going through the woods looking for him, police said.

The body was found roughly a mile away from where they found his truck had been parked, police said.

Stone, of 339 West Hawley Road, was last seen when Hawley volunteer firefighters went to his home to check his well being, following a request by Hospice of Franklin County. The next day, a similar request was made, but firefighters said that his truck was gone and he wasn't inside the home.

This was the 2nd time Alexander was arrested in 2 weeks; he also tried to flee from police in the previous incident.

File photo | The Republican

WARE – Police arrested Duran Alexander, 29, after a short police pursuit and foot chase early Thursday night on West Main Street that ended when he crashed his car into a fence and tree behind the Debbie Wong restaurant.

Alexander, of 95 Lois St., Springfield, was charged with possession of a class B substance with intent to distribute, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, reckless motor vehicle operation, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop for a police officer.

Police Chief Dennis M. Healey said Officer Shawn Crevier spotted Alexander driving on West Main Street at about 5:15 p.m. and attempted to pull him over because Alexander has a suspended license.

Alexander refused to stop and after he struck the fence and tree, he jumped out of the car and attempted to run, but was stopped by Crevier, Healy said.

Crevier saw Alexander throw several packets of what police believe was Oxycontin into the bushes, Healey said.

Alexander, who had $750 in cash on him, was held overnight at the Hampshire House of Correction until his arraignment Friday in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown. He denied the charges and was ordered held in lieu of bail until his next court appearance on Sept. 13.

Healey said this was the second time Alexander was arrested in two weeks; he was arrested for driving with a suspended license on Sept. 2. Healy said in that incident, Alexander also tried to flee from police, who had to force their way into an apartment to apprehend him.

Alexander also was arrested by Ware police in May for his involvement in an armed robbery.

State Rep. Daniel Winslow filed an amendment that he said seeks to make Massachusetts the first state to legalize Internet poker.

Photo by Ann MurphyFrom lett to right, Rep. Daniel Wilson, a Republican from Norfolk, files an amendment to legalize Internet poker with Stephen Zerdelian, a clerk in the state House of Representatives.

Members of the state House of Representatives on Friday filed 154 proposed changes to a casino bill including measures to legalize Internet poker and change the minimum investment required for a casino.

House members are set to debate a bill on Wednesday and possibly Thursday that calls for constructing three casinos in three regions of the state, including one for anywhere in the four counties of Western Massachusetts. The deadline for filing amendments was 3 p.m..

Rep. Daniel Winslow, a Norfolk Republican, filed an amendment that he said seeks to make Massachusetts the first state to legalize Internet poker.

Winslow's amendment would create five licenses for Internet poker for companies with operations in Massachusetts. Winslow said he supports the casino bill but wants to add Internet poker to the mix.

Entrepreneurs in the college-rich Pioneer Valley would benefit from Internet poker, he said. "It's high-tech," he said outside the House clerk's office. "You don't need the bricks and mortar. You need smarts."

Winslow, who grew up in Amherst, filed an amendment that would ban elected, politically appointed and political party officials from working for a casino or obtaining a license for a casino in the state until at least two years after leaving office. Winslow said the amendment seeks to ensure public trust and confidence in the process.

Rep. Michael F. Kane, a Holyoke Democrat who supports a casino for his city, filed an amendment that seeks to require a minimum investment of $400 million to $600 million per casino. The bill currently sets $500 million as a minimum investment.

Kane said he wants to give more flexibility to a gambling commission that would oversee and license casinos. "The experts are in the gaming commission," he said. "Allow them to make that decision."

Rep. Nicholas A. Boldyga, a Southwick Republican, filed an amendment that seeks to guarantee that at least a majority of jobs at a casino go to legal Massachusetts residents.

"This is supposed to create jobs," he said of casinos. "Nowhere does the bill say that these jobs should go to legal Massachusetts residents."

Casino opponents, including church leaders, are planning a press conference at the Statehouse on Tuesday.

Thomas Larkin , of Bedford, president of United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts, said opponents want to appeal to Gov. Deval Patrick and his values on social justice. Larkin said casinos will get most of their revenues by exploiting lower- and middle-income people.

"We want to express that there is a long, deep rooted, still very active opposition to bringing casinos and slot machines to Massachusetts," Larkin said. "I think the whole thing is just a bad, bad idea."

Musante may be able to return to work in several weeks.

John Musante

AMHERST – There is good news from the Musantes.

Marlene Musante has issued another update reporting that her husband Town Manager John P. Musante is recovering well from injuries sustained in Tuesday morning’s fall.

According to the release they expect Musante to leave Baystate Medical Center in Springfield in the next few days to recuperate at home. “Rest is the most crucial element to his healing. Visits and phone calls will be limited and no visitors can be accepted without prior arrangement,” she said.

According to the release, he fell because of slippery road conditions.

“Every head injury is different, and a timeline for the recovery process is impossible to predict. However, he has made great progress already, and we are optimistic that he maybe able to return to work in several weeks.

“John has inspired all of us with his strength and resiliency, and he has kept his sense of humor throughout this ordeal,” she said.

Musante fell early Tuesday morning while walking his dog. The Select Board has appointed M. David Ziomek, director of Conservation and Development, as acting town manager.