What's the fairest food of all? Vote in our poll.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Mirror, mirror on the wall, what's the fairest food of all?

The Big E launches its 17-day run this morning and The Republican, MassLive.com and El Pueblo Latino are teaming up to take their "Valley Food Championships" series to this Mecca of munching.

We're asking our readers to participate in an online poll, choosing among 15 favorites to find the Big E's most quintessential culinary treat. Each day, we'll feature photos and a short post about one of the 15 foods in contention. We'll announce the results on the final day of the fair.

Can the Osborne Mushroom Farm's corn poppers oust Billy's Baked Potato to become the new Sultan of Starch? Can the recently unveiled Hot Diggid-E Dog knock off the cult favorite Craz-E-Burger to become King of the Backyard-Barbecue Staples on Steroids (and cholesterol medication)?

Let your voice be heard. Vote in our poll, and leave a comment below to argue for your choice.

As the temperature dropped, things were just beginning to heat up as the volunteer graveyard shift sent the day crew home and kept things on track for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition project.

SPRINGFIELD - Although the streets of Springfield were fairly quiet early Friday morning, the same couldn't be said for Northampton Avenue in the city's Upper Hill neighborhood.

As the temperature dropped, things were just beginning to heat up as the volunteer graveyard shift sent the day crew home and kept things on track for the Extreme Makeover Home Edition project.

Delivery trucks, backhoes, circular saws and dozens of volunteers were playing their part family home of Sirdeaner Walker edges closer to reveal day.

Until last Sunday, Walker and her two children have lived in the same home where her son, Carl Walker-Hoover committed suicide in 2009 following relentless bullying at his school.

This past Sunday, the Walker family was sent on a vacation to Hollywood, Ca. while the project kicked off. It is now in day six.

Despite Friday morning's temperatures dropping to the 40s leaving everyone wondering what ever happened to Summer, the crews worked through the night with many people keeping busy to the point where they didn't notice the cold.

"It's cold but this is for a good cause and we're happy to be here helping out," said Katie Murphy, a volunteer from Holyoke. "I've never got to experience anything like this in my life. I never knew you could really build a whole house in just a week. It's nice to know there are still so many good people out there willing to do this."

A box truck backed up to the front door of the new home was greeted by people in hard hats who carried in everything from cabinets to kitchen counters. In the side yards, backhoes moved mounds of dirt while carpenters were seen measuring and cutting pieces of wood.

There are a lot of moving parts to a project of this magnitude. It takes most people a couple of years to build a new home from the ground up, but when you have countless volunteers all working toward a noble goal, it seemingly takes just a fraction of the time.

"They've done around 200 houses so it has to be possible to complete a house in a week," said AJ Crane, the night project leader. "The good weather has helped and there are a lot of good people here doing everything they can to make it happen. Awesome is what it is."

Aside from the construction, a whole support team is in place to make sure the workers have everything they need, and then some.

Melissa Leutsch, a massage therapist from Chicopee said she offered her services to what became the on-site massage parlor after receiving an email about it.

"I've done a lot of volunteer work for benefits and things like that but never something like this," Leutsch said. "It is just amazing that it all runs so smoothly."

Geneva Ledbetter Maguire, also a graveyard shift massage therapist at the site, said that she was in awe of the whole scene.

"The generosity of everyone has really been overwhelming," Ledbetter Maguire said. "We've been taking care of everyone the best we can and it seems like everyone here is really just looking out for someone else."

Joseph Bernardi, a Gloucester, Ma. resident, made the trek to Springfield in a mobile food mart at the request of his employer, DLF Promotions. He stood faithfully all night long giving away coffee and hot chocolate to anyone who wanted a cup.

"I worked two other Extreme Makeover Home Edition projects and when I heard there was one in Springfield, I wanted the job," Bernardi said. "When I've taken these types of assignments, I've had a chance to see the best in people. I've never seen a community come together like they do during one of these houses is being built. It's very moving."

The Extreme Makeover Home Edition project has literally taken over the surrounding blocks of the Walker home. There is security positioned at both ends of Northampton Avenue and a pavilion city in Gunn Park. Despite the noise and disruption to their daily lives, Bernardi said all the locals he has met were more than happy to have the crew there helping the Walker family.

"Springfield has been though a lot and the neighbors here have been very welcoming," Bernardi said. "And on reveal day, I'm sure they will be standing alongside the family for that emotional moment."

Antonette Pepe and Jose Tosado seek to unseat incumbent Domenic Sarno -- that field will be narrowed to two on Tuesday. Watch video

Three high-profile candidates are in the running for Springfield mayor, with outspoken School Committee member Antonette Pepe and City Council President Jose Tosado taking on incumbent Mayor Domenic Sarno in next week's preliminary election.

Tuesday's election will narrow the field down from three to two, who will face off on November 8.

Our media partners at abc40/FOX6 in Springfield recently took a look at the three candidates.

Antonette Pepe

Pepe has developed a reputation for her presence on Springfield's school committee, most notably her criticism of the city's hiring of outgoing Superintendent Alan Ingram.

But on the campaign trail, Pepe has also been advocating making the city more business-friendly. She says Springfield can do better.

"We're a hub. We're an artery," she told WGGB's Ray Hershel. "We have many avenues for businesses to come into Springfield. We can work with Connecticut, we can work with Vermont, we have the Boston area, we have Worcester. We have so many things around us and we're not capitalizing on that."

More on Pepe: Read The Republican's profile | Video: Pepe on the issues | More »

Domenic Sarno

Sarno is seeking his third term as Springfield mayor, and he says he's not taking anything for granted. In an interview with MassLive.com earlier this year, he says tornado recovery remains priority number one for him.

Sarno received praise from state and federal figures like Gov. Deval Patrick and Congressman Richard Neal for his oversight of the city's response to the June 1 tornado, but in a recent debate, opponent Pepe said people were getting "fed up" with him "taking credit" for recovery efforts.

Still, Sarno says, as the city bounces back in the aftermath of the storm, he remains focused on curbing violence in the city — something he frequently calls "the scourge of urban America."

"Let me assure you that I will not relent in this war on crime and we will win in this war as we move foreward," he told WGGB.

More on Sarno: Read The Republican's profile | Video: Sarno on the issues | More »

Jose Tosado

Tosado is the city council's president and the Springfield area manager for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. He's the first Latino candidate for mayor in the city's history — a significant development for a city whose population is 38.9 percent Hispanic.

He says he wants to rework the city's approach to fighting crime, and to "change the current philosophy in th police department of simply being a law enforcement agency to also being a crime prevention agency."

A former school committee member himself, Tosado told WGGB he'd take another look at the books to streamline spending in the school system.

"I can't believe that the school system that has $330 million, and our children still can't take their school books home," Tosado said.

More on Tosado: Read The Republican's profile | Video: Tosado on the issues | More »

Four girls at a Plymouth high school are being investigated for allegedly referencing the Columbine killings in online threats.

PLYMOUTH — Four girls at a Plymouth high school are being investigated for allegedly referencing the Columbine killings in online threats.

A student and a parent brought the alleged Facebook threats to the attention of Plymouth North High School administrators Wednesday.

The girls between the ages of 15 and 17 were picked up by their parents that day and a search of their lockers did not turn up any weapons.

Police Chief Michael Botieri says there is nothing to indicate the school was in danger but the town has no tolerance for threats. He says expects the girls to face charges.

Superintendent Gary Maestas says the girls admitted making the threats.

The students allegedly cited the 1999 attack by two students at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. that resulted in 15 deaths.

Police arrested the suspects late Thursday morning at Veterans Park.

Republican file photo

HOLYOKE - A street stop by police at Veterans Park on Maple Street late Thursday morning yielded the arrest of two city men - one for heroin, the other for cocaine.

Erick Serrano, 29, of 365 Appleton St., Apt. 4RR, was charged with distribution of heroin. Ricardo Montalvo, 50, 52 Franklin St., Apt. 1R, was charged with distribution of cocaine. Both were also charged with violation of a drug-free park zone, according to police documents.

Police arrested the suspects shortly after 11:15 a.m. Additional information was not immediately available.

Postal service targets Shrewsbury facility for restructuring, Providence residents take to the streets in protest of vehicle taxes, Romney suggests Perry is less electable.

AP Photo/Toby TalbotBorder Patrol Agent in Charge John Pfiefer looks over security screens in the command center in Swanton, Vt. A decade after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, Vermont's border is a more secure place, thanks to hundreds of millions of dollars in homeland security funding that has beefed up security on the U.S.-Canadian border and elsewhere in Vermont.

• Students rally to raise money for UMass lecturer trying to regain his footing [Gazettenet.com]


• Romney offers the electability argument [boston.com]


• Postal Service targets Shrewsbury facility [telegram.com]


• Protest against higher car tax in Providence [projo.com]


• Deportation Program Sows Mistrust, U.S. Is Told[nytimes.com]


• Republicans rewriting state election laws in ways that could hurt Democrats [Washington Post]


• Why Shouldn't Women Serve In Combat? Ctd
  [The Daily Beast]


• Why Europe has only a month to solve debt crisis [cnn.com]


• Twitter posts tagged #westernma in Western Mass. [MassLive.com]


• Read more News Links »


• Do you have News Links? Send them our way or tweet them to @masslivenews

NOTE: Users of modern browsers can open each link in a new tab by holding 'control' ('command' on a Mac) and clicking each link.

A Haverhill farmer says the buffalo would have been worth $4,000 when fully grown.

HAVERHILL — A Haverhill farmer says a pack of as many as 10 coyotes attacked and killed a 400-pound buffalo leaving behind nothing more than hide and bones.

Tyler Kimball says the coyotes killed a 1 ½-year-old female buffalo last weekend that would have been worth $4,000 when fully grown.

He says he has had trouble with coyotes in the past, and has lost cows and calves, but none of his dozen bison has even been attacked. He hadn't lost an animal to coyotes in seven years until a calf was killed earlier this year.

He told The Eagle-Tribune the coyotes isolated the buffalo from the herd and drove it to a swampy area before moving in for the kill.

Kimball says state environmental police have given him permission to shoot coyotes.

Charges against the woman include assault with a dangerous weapon.

Republican file photo

HOLYOKE – An off-duty police officer who witnessed a white SUV take out two sections of railing in the parking lot of the Sav-A-Lot store on South Street late Thursday afternoon, was nearly run down by the vehicle when a 28-year-old woman attempted to drive it away.

Officer Jan Saj, who was shopping at the store, wrote in his report on the incident that he saw the SUV knock over the railing, narrowly missing a man who had been standing nearby, Capt. Arthur Monfette said.

Saj approached the SUV and saw that it’s only occupant was a child hanging onto the steering wheel and shifter. Saj then said he saw a woman run into the vehicle.

Saj approached the vehicle, showed the woman his badge and told her to stop, Monfette said. Instead, however, she put the SUV into gear and narrowly missing running the officer down.

The woman then drove to a nearby karate studio, parked in the travel lane of the street, went inside and came out with a second child, Monfette said.

Saj said when he again showed the woman his badge, she once again grabbed the shifter and was about put her vehicle into gear. When Saj attempted to intervene, the woman grabbed her keys and took her children inside the karate studio, Monfette said.

Police ultimately arrested the woman, Jacqueline Burgos, of 105 North East St., Apt. 4L. She was charged with leaving the scene of a property damage accident, failure to stop for police, assault with a dangerous weapon and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to police documents.

Here are the average energy prices in the Pioneer Valley for the week ending today.

View full size

Earlier this year, the Senate adopted a rule requiring it to wait 10 days after the release of any gaming legislation to allow the public to see the bill.

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate has released its own version of a gambling bill that would license three casinos and slots parlor in the state.

The Senate Ways and Means committee released the bill during an informal legislative session Friday and a full debate is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 26.

Earlier in the year the Senate adopted a rule requiring it to wait 10 days after the release of any gaming legislation to allow the public to see the bill.

The Massachusetts House passed its gambling bill Wednesday by a 123-32 vote. The House bill had over 150 amendments, but few were adopted during an eight-hour debate.

Senate lawmakers have until Wednesday to file amendments to this bill.

Senators have until Wednesday to file proposed amendments for a debate set to start the last week of this month.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 12:28 this afternoon.

CASINOS AT A GLANCE:
Relevant previous coverage from MassLive.com and The Republican.

THE LEGISLATURE:

• Massachusetts Senate 'likely' to unveil its version of casino bill, President Therese Murray says
• Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray says she won't 'stifle' casino opponents

PALMER:

• Palmer pro-casino group pushes petition; wants agreement between Mohegan Sun and town

HOLYOKE:

• Holyoke City Council deals with casino-related items, including plans for a public hearing about Wyckoff Country Club

BOSTON - The Senate Ways and Means Committee today approved its version of a casino bill today including a provision for a casino anywhere in the four counties of Western Massachusetts.

Like a bill overwhelmingly approved in the House of Representatives on Wednesday night, the Senate bill permits three casinos in three geographic zones around the state and allows for a slot parlor with up to 1,250 slot machines. One of the zones includes the four counties of Western Massachusetts, a key provision for winning support of local legislators.

A debate in the full Senate is scheduled to start on Sept. 26. Senators must file proposed amendments by 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Senate bill calls for taxation rates of 25 percent on gross gambling revenues on casinos, 40 percent on the slot parlor with another 9 percent from the slot parlor going to a race horse development fund. The rates are the same as the House.

The bill creates a five-member commission to license and regulate casinos.

More details coming in The Republican.

The administration has hinted for months that officials are looking for an opening to revisit new forms of transportation revenue to address unmet needs in the state’s network of roads, rails, bridges and maritime infrastructure.

By KYLE CHENEY

BOSTON - Gov. Deval L. Patrick told reporters that his administration has not developed a new financing plan for the state transportation system but intends to craft one that will likely exclude an increase in the gas tax.

“We don’t have a plan yet. But we need a plan,” he said Thursday. “We need to engage the general public in that plan and not sort of drop it on people. We need to deal with the fact that although we are making historic investments in our transportation infrastructure … there is more that needs to be done.”

Asked whether a gas tax would be part of that plan, Patrick said, “It would surprise me if it were.”

The administration has hinted for months that officials are looking for an opening to revisit new forms of transportation revenue to address unmet needs in the state’s network of roads, rails, bridges and maritime infrastructure, particularly with the likelihood that federal support will erode in the coming months.

In addition, MBTA officials have argued that they’ve run out of cost-saving opportunities and will have to revisit fare increases or service cuts without additional opportunities for new funding. It was that same quandary that led lawmakers to begin discussing transportation revenue in 2009, a conversation that eventually resulted in a 25 percent increase in the state sales tax, partly dedicated to support the Massachusetts turnpike and the MBTA.

After coming around to support an increase in the gas tax, citing the constitutional requirement that the proceeds may only be spent on transportation priorities, Patrick proposed an 11-cent increase in the tax in 2009. Lawmakers quickly shot it down in favor of the sales tax hike. Gas prices have since shot up.

During remarks to the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce at a downtown Boston event Thursday morning, Patrick recalled his defeat on the gas tax.

“It went down in flames. I got my head handed to me,” he said. “I still think it’s a good idea, but it’s not going anywhere.”

Patrick described the need for “an adult conversation” about transportation revenues to shore up an aging system with multi-billion-dollar maintenance backlogs and crushing debt loads. His remarks echoed similar comments made by Lt. Gov. Tim Murray in recent weeks.

After the event, Patrick was asked when the “adult conversation” might take place.

“I don’t know, to tell you the truth. We’re trying to sort out a couple of other things,” he said.

Patrick’s discussion of transportation revenue dovetails with his recent visit to Washington in which he huddled with President Obama shortly before Obama called on Congress to reauthorize hundreds of billions of dollars in transportation funding or risk stalling projects around the country and costing thousands of construction jobs. Obama made transportation infrastructure spending part of his recently filed American Jobs Act, contending that spending on infrastructure is a fast way to generate jobs.

Advocates for transportation funding in Massachusetts have long considered a menu of options for raising revenue without fare hikes or tolls on commuters. An April report from A Better City identified options that include: additional motor fuel taxes, personal property tax on motor vehicles, a fee for vehicle miles traveled by drivers, emission fees, parking taxes, property taxes, the personal income tax, payroll taxes, carbon taxes, development impact fees and a local option sales tax.

Since the sales tax increase, the Legislature and Patrick have shown little new interest in major tax hikes and face the likelihood that tax collections levels will trigger a $114 million income tax cut in January.

Holub addressed faculty and staff at the 2011 Faculty Convocation.

Photo by Diane Lederman / The RepublicanUniversity of Massachusetts Chancellor Robert C. Holub, rear, greets a well-wisher, as he and Provost and Vice Chancellor James V. Staros, center, and Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Michael F. Malone, front, enter Stockbridge Hall for the 2011 Faculty Convocation Friday.

AMHERST - University of Massachusetts Chancellor Robert C. Holub compared his fourth and last year as chancellor to that of a senior finishing school.

And he stressed his commitment to leading the Amherst school forward during that final year. A committee that evaluated Holub recommended that he not be reappointed, but an agreement was reached allowing him to remain one more year. A committee to search for a new chancellor was named this week.

Holub made his remarks at the 2011 Faculty Convocation Friday. “I want to pledge to you that during my senior year I will continue to work on behalf of this wonderful institution. I ask you to join me in continuing to pursue our ultimate goal of raising this great campus into the ranks of the very best public research institutions in the nation.”

He talked about the successes during his first three years. “The single most important achievement is that we have thus far survived the worst economic downturn in the past three-quarters of a century and appear to be emerging stronger and better positioned than we were three years ago.”

Despite cuts in state funding, the campus has increases its revenue by what will be $22 million by end of this year through assorted means including a five-year masters programs and a hike in out of state students who pay nearly $12,000 more in tuition and fees compared to Massachusetts students.

He noted the buildings that have opened during his tenure or that have begun such as the new Commonwealth Honors College that will provide both a dorm and classroom space for those students.

He said despite the decline in state funding he reiterated a message that “we must refrain from lamenting...we should not blame or make excuses.

“Our main task must always be to control our own destiny.” He credited the success of the campus in the last three years “to my enormous competent senior administration.”

Holub reiterated the intention for the campus to be recognized as the flagship across the state and referred to many ways in which that is happening including the establishment of an office in Boston to work with the Legislature and the university’s commitment to work with students across the state attending community colleges.

“We want community college students from across the commonwealth to know that the flagship invites successful graduates to continue and complete their baccalaureate education here in Amherst.

“UMass Amherst is truly on the rise, and I detect a new pride among faculty and staff, and among students coming to the campus. The campus community has begun to recognize that we are indeed a great institution, and that we are poised for even greater accomplishments as we ascend into the ranks of the top public research institutions in the country.

“I too am proud – proud that I have been here for a challenging, but rewarding three years, and honored that I am able to lead this campus for a fourth year.”

And while his first convocation speech in 2008 elicited a standing ovation, this one drew measured applause.

At the convocation, six faculty members also received the Award for Outstanding Accomplishments in Research and Creative Activity. Those were Julie A. Caswell, resource economics; Lori A. Clarke, computer science; Peter Gizzi, English; Joseph I. Goldstein, mechanical and industrial engineering; Marla R. Miller, history, and Thomas P. Russell, polymer science and engineering.

He was sentenced to eight years for using his political clout to steer state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks.

File photo / Associated PressFormer Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi makes a statement outside the Federal Courthouse in Boston, in June, after his conviction on conspiracy and other charges in a scheme to steer two state contracts worth $17.5 million to a software firm in exchange for payments. DeMasi's attorney Thomas Kiley is at right.

BOSTON – Former Massachusetts House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi has asked a judge to put off the day he must begin serving his sentence on corruption charges so his lawyers can have more time to prepare arguments on why he should remain free while his appeal is pending.

DiMasi is scheduled to report to prison Nov. 16.

He was sentenced to eight years for using his political clout to steer state contracts to a software firm in exchange for kickbacks.

In a motion filed Friday, DiMasi and co-defendant Richard McDonough asked that a Sept. 23 hearing on their request to stay free pending appeal be delayed until they get trial transcripts to use at the hearing and in appeals.

Both asked a judge to put their surrender on hold until the hearing is held.

Joe McGinnis paints a deeply unflattering portrait of Palin, casting her as ill-informed, coldblooded, narcissistic and vengeful.

NEW YORK (AP) – “The Rogue: Searching for the Real Sarah Palin” (Random House) by Joe McGinnis: This “investigative chronicle” of the former Alaska governor will be catnip for Palin haters hoping to see her discredited as a potential presidential candidate. But the gossipy tale provides little new information on its subject and draws too much of its material from unnamed sources or avowed Palin critics with axes to grind.

McGinnis, a veteran journalist and author of several critically acclaimed political tomes, created a stir in 2010 when he moved into a rental property next door to the Palin home in Wasilla to conduct his research. His anecdotes about life as Palin’s unwanted neighbor are hilarious, riveting and the most enjoyable part of the book.

McGinnis paints a deeply unflattering portrait of Palin, casting her as ill-informed, coldblooded, narcissistic and vengeful. Others have offered a similar view of the 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee, from John Heilemann and Mark Halperin’s best-selling “Game Change” to Levi Johnston, the former fiance of Palin’s eldest daughter, Bristol, who has given many interviews about the Palin family and whose own book about them comes out next week.

McGinnis also throws in some new and prurient details, suggesting Palin and husband Todd used cocaine and that she booted a pair of house guests after finding baby oil in their bedroom.

“Todd says, ‘Sarah wants you out. She’s really upset thinkin’ you’re in there having sex with baby oil.’ We left. We went to a motel,” the unnamed guest told McGinnis.

McGinnis’ reliance on such unnamed sources and quotes weakens the book’s credibility. Too often, his most titillating or revealing material comes from mysterious people identified as “an old friend,” “a friend of Todd” or “a lawyer in Wasilla.” Most of those willing to be quoted by name are former Palin loyalists who have broken with her, including John Stein, whom Palin defeated in 1996 to become Wasilla mayor, and John Bitney, who helped steer her campaign for governor in 2006 but whom she later ousted as legislative director.

“Sarah is just flighty ... she goes with the wind, the flavor of the day, She wants to see herself on TV every day, so whatever that takes,” Bitney said. “She may harbor a grudge, and she does, but she doesn’t act upon them unless she finds that it’s in her interest. She doesn’t forget, but waits for the opportunity to come around to get you.”

The most sensational passage in the book deals with Glen Rice, a former NBA basketball star whom McGinnis claims had a brief sexual relationship with Palin in 1987, before she and Todd were married. But Rice never fully confirms McGinnis’ story.

“We hung out mostly at a motel where the team was staying,” Rice told McGinnis. “It was all done in a respectful way, nothing hurried.”

All of which prompted McGinnis to ask, “So you never had the feeling she felt bad about having sex with a black guy?”

McGinnis rehashes many of the stories that emerged after Republican presidential hopeful John McCain chose Palin to be his running mate in 2008, from the $150,000 the Republican National Committee spent on clothes for her family during the campaign to her insistence that she be allowed to give her own concession speech on election night. He also revisits the issue of whether Palin really gave birth to her youngest son, Trig, a question many reporters looked into and dismissed in 2008.

The book’s most serious chapters pertain to Palin’s record in Wasilla and later as governor.

McGinnis debunks her image as a fiscal conservative, noting that she left Wasilla with nearly $20 million in bonded debt when she left office and lobbied for millions in federal earmarks for the town and later the state – the kind of “pork barrel” spending conservatives typically deplore.

McGinnis also suggests Palin was overly driven by her evangelical Christian faith, ousting aides who did not share her beliefs and censoring books in the local library.

But McGinnis’ experience living next door to the Palins for five months offers the most telling portrait of Sarah Palin’s style and personality.

McGinnis claims he wasn’t looking for such proximity to his subject and merely took the house because it was one of few rental properties available in the area. He promised Todd Palin he would not spy on their family and would not publish anything he learned from living next door.

But Palin went to war nonetheless, trashing McGinnis on Fox News and posting on Facebook shortly after his arrival that he was an unwanted stalker “peering” at her and her children, including her then 9-year-old daughter, Piper.

“Wonder what kind of material he’ll gather while overlooking Piper’s bedroom, my little garden, and the family’s swimming hole?” she wrote. The posting provokes such an angry response from Palin loyalists that McGinnis received death threats and visits from sympathetic onlookers who offered him firearms to protect himself.

One of those was Verne Rupright, who succeeded Palin as Wasilla mayor and who offered McGinnis a handgun when the two sat for an interview.

“People around here don’t (care) about Sarah anymore. They’re burned out on all her drama,” Rupright said

With his book so suffused with Palin drama, McGinnis had better hope that’s not an accurate assessment.

Hampden District Attorney Mark Mastrioanni, Mayor Domenic Sarno and Police Commissioner William Fitchet are among those expected to attend.

SPRINGFIELD - Two Forest Park groups are sponsoring a neighborhood summit on issues of crime and safety Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Holy Name Social Center, 52 Alderman St.

The event is being sponsored by Forest Park Civic Association and Forest Park Business Association.

Scheduled to take part are Hampden District Attorney Mark Mastroianni, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Commissioner William Fitchet, and several city department officials, including Attorney Lisa DeSousa from the City of Springfield’s Housing Legal Division, Business Development Coordinator Bruce Stebbins and David Cotter, the City’s Deputy Director of Code Enforcement – Housing Division. City Council President Jose Tosado and School Committee Member Antonette Pepe have been invited.

The summit will focus on issues affecting the Forest Park neighborhood, with particular attention given to how businesses and residents can make it a better place to live, work and raise a family.

The state's Roman Catholic bishops believe the gaming legislation now under consideration by state lawmakers "opens the door to a new form of predatory gaming" that threatens the "moral fabric of our society."

Republican file photoSpringfield Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell

The state's Roman Catholic leaders acknowledge that Massachusetts is in tough financial shape. But the expanded gambling legislation now wending its way through the Beacon Hill law-making process isn't a catholicon, according to the commonwealth's four Catholic bishops.

"The Massachusetts Catholic Conference (MCC), on behalf of the bishops, will continue to speak out against expanded gambling because the downside certainly outweighs any short-term economic benefits," James F. Driscoll, MCC's executive director, said Friday in a phone interview from the organization's Boston headquarters.

Since 1969, MCC has served as the official representative of the state's four Catholic dioceses on public policy issues. And all four bishops, including the Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, strongly oppose casino gambling in Massachusetts, which could get three new casinos under legislation currently being considered by state lawmakers.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee on Friday approved its version of a casino bill that includes a provision for a large-scale gambling facility anywhere in the four western Massachusetts counties of Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire. The Senate bill -- similar to a bill approved Wednesday by the House of Representatives -- would allow three casinos in three geographic zones in Massachusetts, as well as a slot parlor with up to 1,250 slot machines.

A debate in the full Senate is scheduled to get underway on Sept. 26.

In an appeal to lawmakers in heavily Catholic Massachusetts, the state's Catholic bishops are hoping their collective clout might help derail the legislation, which the clergymen believe could further erode the Bay State's moral and social fabric.

"We urge the Massachusetts state Senate not to follow the lead of their colleagues in the House of Representatives, but vote against the expansion of predatory gambling," the bishops said in a joint statement issued Friday.

AP file photoCardinal Sean O'Malley, archbishop of the Boston Archdiocese

Driscoll, speaking on behalf of the bishops, said big-time organized gambling has far more "negative social influences" than positive. He said passage of the gambling legislation could lead to a spike in divorce and rising alcohol- and drug-abuse rates, among other issues that are deleterious to overall health of the state.

"The bishops recognize the financial strains the state continues to be under, but (they) make it clear that this is not the answer to our financial woes," Driscoll said.

The bishops said the Catholic Church views gambling as "a legitimate form of entertainment when done in moderation." However, the expanded gaming legislation "opens the door to a new form of predatory gaming, which threatens the moral fabric of our society," they said.

The statement goes on to say: "We are concerned that the commonwealth's reliance on gambling revenue continues to escalate. This reliance upon an unstable form of revenue, which has been shrinking in other states, would depend upon those who are addicted to gambling, many of whom are already among the ranks of the poorest in the community."

Mark E. Dupont, a spokesman for Bishop McDonnell, said casinos are not a panacea for the state's economic woes.

"Bishop (McDonnell) is also very sympathetic, knowing that, here in the western part of the state, the economy is in particularly tough shape," he said.

"Many of our Catholics in the pews are among the unemployed, or the under employed" Dupont said.

He said any casino-related construction jobs are likely to be "short-lived" jobs that won't improve the overall unemployment rate or have a long-term positive impact on the region's economy.

"We see the downside to the economy," Dupont said. "High-end gambling enterprises cause us great concern."

The bishops, citing the downside of gambling and its negative effect on society, said casinos are "an illusory solution that will only add to the need for state assistance in the commonwealth."

Although Catholic Church leaders acknowledge that Bingo and other games-of-chance help raise revenues for churches, schools and other nonprofit organizations, such activities provide only "relatively small amounts of revenue" for the church and are miniscule compared to organized gambling facilities.

"We hope the citizens of the commonwealth will recognize the difference between a local fundraiser managed by volunteers and a multibillion-dollar industry that exploits vulnerable members of the community for financial gain," the bishops said.

If Massachusetts passes the proposed gambling legislation, it would open the door for casinos and slot parlors and possibly "diminish our rich heritage and history as a commonwealth," the bishops said. "There is too much at stake for Massachusetts to open the door to expanded gambling."

In addition to McDonnell, the joint statement is signed by Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston; Rev. George W. Coleman, Bishop
of the Diocese of Fall River; and Rev. Robert J. McManus, bishop of the Diocese of Worcester.

The building will have more than 30 exhibitors.

Republican File Photo09/23/10 West Springfield- Anthony J. Fornuto, left Conservation Program Director for the Western Massachusetts Electric Company, and Gene L. Giuliano, right, Commercial & Industrial Program for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, go over an energy audit with Scott J. Soares, center, Massachusetts Commissioner of Agriculture inside the Massachuestts building located on the Avenue of State at the Big E.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Avenue of the States apparently leads to Granville for some Eastern States Exposition visitors.

It happens every year, says Tina G. Deblois, owner of the Granville Country Store.

Big E visitors can get a taste of the store’s famous cheddar cheese in the Massachusetts building on the Avenue of States and, as a result, get inspired to head west on Route 57 for 29 miles .

“We’ve been here for 160 years, and it’s the same now as it was back then,” said Deblois. “It really works out well for us.”

That’s really one of the reasons behind the existence of the Avenue of States, where each New England state is able to showcase businesses and tourist attractions that help drive their economies.

This year, the Granville Country Store will feature grilled cheddar melts, a play of the grilled cheese sandwich craze in culinary circles.

What they won’t bring is the famous “Dreadful” cheese that’s aged in the store basement for two-and-a-half years.

“The Big E doesn’t want us to bring it because it smells,” she said.

The Granville store’s successes with marketing at the Big E is exactly the kind of story which Scott J. Soares, commissioner of the state Department of Agricultural Resources, wants to hear. The building’s job, after all, is to promote Massachusetts agriculture, industry and tourism.

“We’re pretty proud of being able to showcase just how diverse agriculture is in this state, from cranberries to the dairy industry, vegetables, wood products,” Soares said recently. “A lot of people don’t know that all of this exists around the commonwealth.”

The state building, formally called the Massachusetts State Exposition Building, dates back to 1918, he said. It’s run by the Department of Agricultural Resources with participation from the state Department of Travel and Tourism, the Department of Natural Resources, which includes state parks, and the Massachusetts State Police. The state treasurer’s office sets up a kiosk where people can learn if they have unclaimed money due them.

“I found my own name on the list one year,” Soares said. “It was some account I’d forgotten about.”

The Eastern States Exposition estimates that 60 percent of fair visitors do make a point of visiting the Avenue of the States. That means that about 600,000 visitors will pass through the Massachusetts building during the 17-day fair, according to Soares.

There are 30 exhibitors this year, culled from a lengthy list of applicants. They include local favorites Rollie’s Root Beer from Holyoke, Thorndike Mills from Palmer with braided rugs, the Koffee Kup Bakery, of Springfield, Whip City Candle, of Westfield and Pittsfield Rye and Specialty Breads.

The neighboring Connecticut Building will also host Lego Systems Inc., of Enfield.

In the Massachusetts building, Soares said agricultural trade groups like the Hampden County Bee Keepers Association and the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association pay 5 percent of their gross, or $15 a square foot, whichever is less. Companies pay $25 a square foot.

The money goes to the upkeep and maintenance of the building, Soares said. State Agriculture officials use the building year-round for meetings and office space.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 75 points after Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called on European finance ministers to reach a solution on Greece’s debt problems.

Associated Press photoTraders Jennifer Lee and Edward Radziewicz, second left, work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Friday.

NEW YORK – The stock market finished its second-best week in a year Friday as Europe’s debt problems appeared to get closer to a resolution.

Stocks ended higher for a fifth straight day, the longest winning streak in 2 ½ months. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 75 points after Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner called on European finance ministers at a meeting in Poland to reach a solution on Greece’s debt problems.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 finished the week with a 5.4 percent gain. It was the biggest increase for the broad market index since the first week of July.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 75.91 points, or 0.7 percent, to close at 11,509.09. The Dow jumped 186 points Thursday, its biggest gain of the week, after five central banks said they would act together to support European lenders with unlimited dollar loans.

The S&P index gained 6.90, or 0.6 percent, to 1,216.01. The Nasdaq added 15.24, or 0.6 percent to 2,622.31.

Nine of the 10 company types in the S&P index rose. Energy companies fell 0.1 percent.

Officials from countries that use the euro met in Poland to discuss solutions to the long-simmering debt problems affecting the region. The group said it would not decide until next month whether Greece has qualified for its next round of bailout money. Investors had been hoping the question would be decided sooner.

Antony Conroy, head trader for BNY ConvergEx Group, said traders’ sentiment was mixed. Some were picking up stocks they thought were undervalued, while others were selling because of long-term concerns about Europe.

“Even though we’ve had a good couple of days, people still believe there’s a good chance that the credit crisis in Europe is going to cause something like a 2008 event,” he said.

Stocks rose every day this week, their first five-day winning streak since July. The rose 4.7 percent this week but is still down 0.9 percent for the month. The S&P is down 0.2 percent in September.

In corporate news, Blackberry maker Research in Motion Ltd. plunged 19 percent to $23.93 after reporting sharply lower revenue and income. The company faces stiff competition from Apple Inc.’s iPhone and phones that use Google Inc.’s Android software. RIM has lost 59 percent of its value this year. The company said in July it would lay off 10 percent of its work force.

Netflix Inc. lost 26 percent over the past two days, $155.19, after the movie-rental company lowered its forecast of U.S. subscribers. Online retailer Ebay jumped 5 percent to $33.69 after an analyst upgraded the company because of expected growth in its PayPal division. Diamond Foods, maker of Pop Secret popcorn, soared 12 percent to $87.30 after its profits beat expectations.

Rising and falling shares were about even on the New York Stock Exchange. Volume was above average at 4.6 billion shares.

The tracks installed in 1870 still help makers of metal, paper, packaging and other products.

Staff photo by Michael S. Gordon Holyoke Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, Doris M. Ransford, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Michael L. Rennicke, vice president and general manager of Pioneer Valley Railroad's railroad distribution services wait for passengers to board a caboose for a ride around the city Friday.

HOLYOKE – Pioneer Valley Railroad gave a tour by caboose here Friday of the industries it delivers to and improvements made on tracks.

“It’s kind of an old-time asset that’s coming back into use. That’s wonderful,” said Doris M. Ransford, president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

The tour that included Mayor Elaine A. Pluta, business owners and their children began at Hazen Paper on South Water Street under the Interstate 391 overpass.

The Pioneer Valley Railroad tracks were installed in 1870 linking Holyoke and Westfield. They were paid for by the city and paper and other industries, said Michael L. Rennicke, railroad vice president and general manager.

Pluta said having rail freight service is another benefit the city can offer to businesses considering new locations.

“They’re doing a great job in Holyoke,” Pluta said.

The freight expedition continued for nearly an hour with Rennicke providing vocal guides.

The tour proceeded beside the Connecticut River, past South and Jackson streets, behind Fire Department headquarters on High Street and up to the parking lot of the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside with the entrances of Pottery Barn and JC Penny in the distance, before returning to Hazen.

Besides Hazen, the railroad’s customers include Yankee Candle, to which it brings 75 cars of wax a month from Baton Rouge, La. for fashioning into candles in Franklin County, Rennicke said.

Sullivan Metals, on Jackson Street, Sealed Air Corp., on Homestead Avenue, and Sonoco Products Inc., which makes packaging products on Water and Mosher streets, are other customers, he said.

“So it’s pretty much taking a look at the industrial side of trains from a train,” Rennicke said.

With the caboose moving at what Rennicke said was about 4 mph, he pointed to two, 100-foot-tall silos on the Sonoco property. The railroad was called on three or four years ago to deliver the massive silos, which hold starch used in making paper, he said.

Beneath I-391, Rennicke pointed outside the caboose.

“All this is new stone we put in here. We’re rebuilding this section of track here,” Rennicke said.

Track intallation hasn’t changed much, he said, consisting of creosote-treated wooden railroad ties atop beds of stone and tracks secured by 8-inch-long spikes.

The trains run only during the day to spare neighbors the noise of train whistles and the sounds of movement on the metal tracks, he said.

As tourists stepped off the caboose, Rennicke said, “Now you’re all official rail-roaders.”