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1st sexual assault trial against lawyer James Martin set to start next week

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Martin is scheduled to stand trial three times -- once for each of the three women accusing him.

SPRINGFIELD -- The first of three sexual assault trials for lawyer James J. Martin should begin next week, a prosecutor and defense lawyer were told Thursday.

Martin is scheduled to stand trial three times -- once for each of the three women accusing him. The next trial is slated for Feb. 11 and the last one is scheduled for March 11.

Hampden Superior Court Judge Richard J. Carey ruled last year a single trial would be "incredibly prejudicial" to Martin.

Assistant District Attorney Eileen Sears and defense lawyer Alan J. Black were before Hampden Superior Court Judge Michael Callan Thursday for assignment to a specific judge with the Jan. 7 trial date approaching.

Callan assigned the case to Judge James Gavin Reardon Jr., who will be sitting in Hampden Superior Court this month. Callan said Reardon will be selecting a grand jury Monday and can schedule Martin's trial following completion of selection.

Martin, 41, of Amherst, is free on his own recognizance. The first case to be tried is for three counts of indecent assault and battery and one count of assault and battery. In that case, the indictments allege the acts happened Nov. 9, 2015, in Westfield.

Another case alleges rape and two counts of indecent assault and battery. A third case involves four counts of indecent assault and battery.

Previously, in arguing for a single trial, Sears said the alleged offenses happened within a specific span of time: November 2015 to June 2016.

Black argued the details of each case were too different to tie them together. 

"The present case is a close call but the allegations against the defendant are not 'related offenses' under Rule 9, and do not warrant joinder of the charges into one trial," Carey wrote.


Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker renews call for focus on blocking career criminals from 'revolving door' in court

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker used his second-term inaugural address to renew a push for revamping the state court system's process for determining criminal "dangerousness."

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker used his second-term inaugural address to renew a push for revamping the state court system's process in determining criminal "dangerousness."

Baker, a moderate Republican, noted the deaths of Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon, Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Chesna, Auburn Police Officer Ron Tarentino and State Police Trooper Thomas Clardy. The four men were allegedly killed by people with a history of run-ins with law enforcement.

"We owe it to them, to their brothers and sisters in law enforcement and to our citizens to ensure that we're doing all we can to keep dangerous people off of our streets," Baker said during a speech inside the state House chamber.

The speech also touched on tackling education funding disparities and wrestling with rising health care costs.

Baker pointed to criminal justice reform legislation he signed last year, which raised the threshold for a felony, required more humane conditions for inmates in solitary confinement and raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old from seven.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker sworn in for 2nd term, says 'good public policy is about perseverance and collaboration'

The package "gives us more tools to help the men and women who'll someday return to our communities get the training, life skills and support they need to succeed upon their release," Baker said. "But our work here is not done."

According to prepared remarks, Baker continued: "In deciding whether or not it makes sense to hold a dangerousness hearing, current law requires a judge to ignore any previous criminal history and to focus only on the crime before the court. Moreover, the list of crimes for which a prosecutor is allowed to make that request is quite narrow."

What happens is "dangerous career criminals" are then released, according to Baker.

"This sort of revolving door serves to undermine people's faith in law enforcement and the courts," Baker said. "And it's a threat to public safety."

In wake of police officer killings, Gov. Charlie Baker unveils plan to fix 'loopholes' in criminal justice system

Baker filed legislation on dangerousness in September, though the bill died because lawmakers did not take it up before the end of the two-year legislative session.

With his remarks on Thursday, the governor, who took the oath of office for a second four-year term, put the bill back on the agenda for the new two-year legislative session.

Reporter Shira Schoenberg contributed to this report.

Residents spooked after discovery of 2 bodies at Northampton residence (photos, video)

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Residents of Northampton's Village Hill were unsettled by the discovery of two bodies in a neighborhood building Thursday morning. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON -- Residents of Northampton's Village Hill were unsettled by a gruesome discovery in a neighborhood building Thursday.

The bodies of two people were found at a residence on Village Hill Road, spurring a large police response. 

By noon, authorities had swarmed the west building of the Hill Top apartments complex. At least half a dozen police cruisers were parked around the building while local detectives and state police assigned to the DA's office investigated the scene.  

Joe Harris, who lives in the nearby Hillside Place apartments on Moser Street, said that he had stayed up late the previous evening and hadn't heard anything in the vicinity of where the bodies were found. "It's a really quiet and friendly neighborhood," he said.

Roland Paquette, who lives in the neighboring Hilltop Apartments East complex, similarly said that drama of this kind was infrequent. "There's construction which is noisy, but otherwise it's very quiet," he said. "Nothing like this has ever happened." 

Both men said they had never met anyone from inside the building where the bodies were apparently found. 

Other residents congregated near the entrance to a nearby building, watching the police investigate and speculating on what could have occurred. 

A local who preferred to go unnamed said he has lived in the area for years and that a cadre of cop cars in his backyard was definitely not normal. "I stay up pretty late," he said, explaining that he hadn't heard or seen anything suspicious the previous evening. "It was quiet, because it was cold," he said. "You don't see anybody out there." 

The Village Hill neighborhood is a mix of residential units, including some assisted living and affordable housing developments.

No information has been released about the nature of the deaths, although the DA's office has said the incident poses no public threat. 

Who paid for Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's inauguration?

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Many of those private donors who contributed have business interests in state government.

BOSTON -- Gov. Charlie Baker's inauguration featured an official swearing-in ceremony, an interfaith service and three big parties, in Boston, Worcester and Springfield. 

So who paid for it?

Private donors paid, through a special political committee.

Inaugural committees are not subject to the same campaign finance restrictions as campaign committees. Baker self-imposed a contribution limit of $25,000 on individuals and businesses. He chose to cap contributions from lobbyists at $200.

The committee has raised a total of $3.4 million, but that also includes fundraising from 2014-2015, which paid for his first inauguration. Since January 2018, the committee has raised $1.1 million in donations.

Many of those who contributed have business interests with state government.

For example, Baker is planning to introduce a major health care bill. Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders has said she wants to curb the growth of drug prices.

Tufts Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and hospital operator Steward Health Care all gave $25,000 to Baker's inauguration. (Baker is a former executive of Harvard Pilgrim.) The pharmaceutical lobbying group PhRMA and Fallon Community Health Plan each gave $10,000.

As Massachusetts is considering whether to legalize and regulate sports betting, the fantasy sports company DraftKings gave $25,000 to Baker's inauguration.

As Baker is pushing for a bill that would incentivize communities to build more housing, real estate developer Winn Development gave $25,000.

Niraj Shah, the CEO of Wayfair, which recently received millions of dollars in state tax breaks for a Massachusetts expansion, gave Baker $25,000.

Other businesses that donated $25,000 include Arbella Insurance, New Balance Athletics, Cumberland Farms, Comcast and others. Individuals who gave at that level include Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish and Bain Capital senior adviser Paul Edgerley, among others.

"The Inaugural Committee is grateful to have support from across the Commonwealth, continues to comply with the letter and spirit of all Massachusetts' campaign finance laws and has implemented self-imposed limits on individual donations and donations from lobbyists," said Terry MacCormack, a spokesman for Baker's political operation.

A full list of donors to Baker's inaugural committee can be found on the Office of Campaign and Political Finance website

Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 3, 2019

National Geographic Channel pulls Neil deGrasse Tyson series amid allegations

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Fox Networks Group has pulled astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson's series "Star Talk."

Fox Networks Group has pulled astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson's series "Star Talk" as it continues to investigate multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against him.

"StarTalk" returned to the National Geographic Channel for its fifth season in November and had aired just three episodes, out of a 20-episode order, when new allegations against Tyson emerged. 

"In order to allow the investigation to occur unimpeded we chose to hold new episodes of 'StarTalk' until it is complete," the network said in a statement to Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. "We expect that to happen in the next few weeks, at which time we'll make a final decision."

Last month, Tyson posted a nearly 1,600-word statement on Facebook defending himself against the allegations made by three women.

"Accusations can damage a reputation and a marriage," Tyson wrote. "Sometimes irreversibly. I see myself as loving husband and as a public servant -- a scientist and educator who serves at the will of the public."

Tyson said he appreciated "the value of an independent investigation."

Clay Works ceramic studio in Ware to open this weekend

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The public is invited to meet instructors and learn about Clay Works programs. The learning center, open to all ages, already has been registering prospective students.

WARE - Clay Works ceramic studio, at 79 Main St., will celebrate its opening Saturday morning with an open house from 10 a.m. to noon.

The public is invited to meet instructors and learn about Clay Works programs. The learning center, open to all ages, already has been registering prospective students. Classes start Jan. 7.

Juliet Bacchas, Linda Spelko, Maryanne Benns, Javier Pinzon, Helen Thelen, Nikki Singer, Debrah Bazer and Judy Green are the Clay Works teachers.

Each course runs for eight weeks.

Clay Works is operated by Workshop 13, a nonprofit arts and learning center located around the corner at 11-13 Church St.

Last month, Art Works, a gallery selling paintings, prints and crafts located next door, at 69 Main St., opened its doors. The art studio is also part of Workshop 13.

Northampton Indivisible group celebrates past activism, looks ahead

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Indivisible Northampton organizers looked ahead to more activism in 2019 at an event in the city's downtown Thursday night.

NORTHAMPTON - Indivisible Northampton kicked off 2019 with a small gathering downtown Thursday night, its members celebrating recent activism while also looking to the future. 

Indivisible, which is a national organization formed after the Presidential election of Donald Trump, says it is dedicated to advancing a progressive political vision in the U.S. It was created by a small cadre of Congressional staffers tied to the Democratic Party. 

The group scheduled myriad events throughout the Pioneer Valley during the past two years, including rallies, protests and other forms of activism. 

Thursday's local event was part of the Indivisible movement's "Whose House? Our House!" national day of action, which was focused on encouraging the newly Democratic House to pursue a progressive agenda. 

The Northampton group stood outside Congressman Jim McGovern's office on Pleasant Street, as a means of thanking him for his support for a new bill touted by the Democrats.

The H.R. 1, or the "democracy reform bill" as activists called it, is a large anti-corruption bill aimed at reducing the power of corporate lobbyists and lessening the influence of money in American politics.  

Local activists encouraged passerby to call their congressional leaders to support the bill. 

Beth Lev, a local therapist who joined Indivisible in 2016, said Thursday that she felt compelled to get involved in activism after the results of the Presidential election. "It was one of the many ways I dealt with my own anxiety and fury," she said. 

A key organizer for the local chapter, Lev said her goal is to make government work better for everyday people. "People can disagree but my overriding goal is to get democracy, justice, and fairness back in government," she said, of her own activism. 

Local activism of the stripe that Indivisible does is a source of pride, she said. Democrats taking back the House was partially a result of such activism, she offered. "Groups in Northampton and other places focused on that strategy, worked really hard and made that happen," she said. "That's huge."  

Which candidates was she planning on supporting for the 2020 Presidential race? 

"A Democratic one," she answered. 


Longmeadow assistant town accountant Christopher Caputo named Westfield auditor

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Close vote favors candidate with more municipal experience

WESTFIELD - Christopher Caputo, of Springfield, will become the city's new auditor later this month or by early February following his appointment on Thursday by the City Council.


The 31-year-old Caputo, now assistant accountant for the town of Longmeadow, was named auditor by a 7-6 vote of the council, defeating candidate Jennifer Gallant, the city's assistant auditor who has been serving as acting auditor for more than a month.


Caputo's salary is "still being negotiated." His appointment comes following action on Dec. 20 in which Matthew Barnes was named by the council as the city's new treasurer and tax collector.


Councilor Cindy Harris, who led the search committee, said Caputo and Gallant were among six applicants for the auditor's position, one of whom was not qualified. They were the only two who were interviewed, she said.


"We thoroughly interviewed these two applicants, and the same questions asked to both," said Harris.


Caputo is a graduate of Bentley University and has been the assistant town accountant in Longmeadow since 2015. He was previously a financial accountant for the city of Springfield.


Caputo listed numerous financial conferences and workshops as additional education. He is a member of the East Forest Park Civic Association and Kiwanis Club, among other civic groups.


Gallant earned her master's degree from the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School of Business and has been assistant city auditor since 2017. Gallant was previously the chief financial officer of the Polish National Credit Union and CFO of the Chicopee Municipal Credit Union.


Gallant has also attended numerous financial conferences and serves on the board for Lorraine's Kitchen in Chicopee and participates in Relay for Life.


Councilor Dave Flaherty commended the committee for bringing forward two well-qualified candidates.


Councilor Andrew Surprise said he felt the "auditor should have a lot of municipal experience and Mr. Caputo has a lot of experience."


Councilors Daniel Allie, John Beltrandi, Nicholas J. Morganelli Jr., Flaherty, Surprise and Robert A. Paul Sr. voted for Caputo.


Councilors Mary Ann Babinski, Brent B. Bean II, Michael Burns, Ralph J. Figy, Harris and William Onyski cast votes for Gallant.


Also on Thursday the City Council reorganized and voted for Figy as its new president.

Jennifer Gundersen sworn in as new South Hadley police chief; makes public, officer safety a priority

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Jennifer Gundersen, a 30-year law enforcement veterans, became South Hadley's first female police chief. Watch video

SOUTH HADLEY - Newly sworn-in Police Chief Jennifer Gundersen said the public's and her officers' safety are her top priorities.

A 30-year law enforcement veteran, Gundersen became the town's first female police chief on Friday.

She replaces Steven Parentela, who served 33 years and assisted Gundersen in the transition.

Gundersen took her oath of office Friday morning at Town Hall. Her wife, Amy Lehane, and their children, Noah and Hannah Lehane, joined her at the podium as Town Clerk Carlene C. Hamlin administered the oath.

She thanked Town Administrator Michael J. Sullivan and the Select Board for the opportunity to serve as police chief.

Select Board Chairman Ira Brezinsky welcomed Gundersen to South Hadley and the 25-member department.

"South Hadley has a police department with integrity, with professional and with a commitment to the Town of South Hadley," Gundersen said. "I'm fortunate to be part of this community right now."

Gundersen said South Hadley is a community "on the rise,' a great place to live, work and to raise a family. She met with town officials, residents and community organizations since her selection.

"I was truly impressed with the dedication that people of South Hadley have to this community," she said. "There is some Tiger Pride here."

Gundersen vowed to "integrate" the police department into the town's fabric, based on decisions that reflect the community's values. She told her new colleagues she would work hard to earn their trust, confidence, and respect.

"When I walk through the doors of the South Hadley Police Department after this ceremony, I am 100 percent South Hadley Police Department," she said. "It's only looking forward to what the future brings for opportunities for us as an agency and as individuals."

She said her officers' safety is paramount as policing is more complex and dangerous. "We're doing more with less resources," Gundersen said.

She cited the 144 police officers killed on duty across the U.S. in 2018, including two in Massachusetts.

"I promise, in the forefront of my mind, every decision we make as an agency will be how to ensure your safety and to ensure your home at the end of your shift," she said.

Gundersen added community engagement and collaboration enhances the public's and her officers' safety.

"We alone, as police, cannot fix the ills we have seen with opiates, school violence, with family violence, with mental illness," she said. "But I promise you, South Hadley police, I will continue to strengthen those ties with have the community, so we know we're not alone when we need to address these problems."

Gundersen will stress "procedural justice" or community interaction as a core value of the department. She called for a fairer process, transparency, and impartiality in decision making.

"I feel very strongly that we can't provide procedural justice external to our agency if it's not a core value internal to our agency," she said, "within our own building."

Gundersen added, "I promise you justice on how this department will be managed."

She will hold each officer, including herself, equally accountable in upholding the department's values. "I will be upfront and honest with you. I will be transparent."

A three-member panel chose Gundersen among a slew of local and regional candidates for the department's top spot.

Gundersen rose to captain on the Amherst Police Department, where she served the bulk of her career.

Representatives from local and state law enforcement attended the ceremony, including Northwest District Attorney David E. Sullivan.

Westfield Ward 5 City Councilor Robert Paul retires

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Leslie Lefebvre, next highest vote-getter in municipal election, will assume seat

WESTFIELD - Ward 5 City Councilor Robert A. Paul officially retired this week.


Paul, who announced in October he would retire from council service, completed his final meeting on Thursday night.


Leslie D. Lefebvre, who received the next highest number of votes in the last municipal election, will succeed Paul.


Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy, who took office as council president, it had been an "honor and privilege" to work with Paul, who, Figy added, is well respected throughout the city.


Paul served as a councilor for five years and was previously a Westfield Gas & Electric commissioner.


Councilor Brent B. Bean II touted Paul's expertise in finances and numerous other areas as a benefit to the city.


"Bob has dedicated himself, and Westfield is a better place because he was a city councilor," said Bean.


Bean added that Paul has been an inspiration to him and other councilors.
"He worked to build bridges here on the council. It made me a better councilor," said Bean.


Councilor Dave Flaherty called Paul "a great asset to the city in his role as a public servant, but even more as a human being."


Paul's personality was recognized by several other colleagues, including Councilor Mary Ann Babinski and John J. Beltrandi III.


"You always kept things lively," said Beltrandi. "You've become a great friend, and I trust your judgment on many things."


"I've appreciated who you are," said Babinski, recalling a special St. Patrick's Day hat, often donned by Paul.


"I appreciate your friendship," said Michael Burns. "This isn't an easy job, but whatever you touch turns to gold."


Councilor Daniel Allie thanked Paul and called him "a class act." Councilor Andrew K. Surprise thanked Paul for his fiscal oversight and his many accomplishments and said "if you like Whip City Fiber, you can thank Councilor Paul for that."


Councilor Matt Emmershy said Paul brought "a wealth of knowledge" to the council, while Councilor William Onyski touted Paul's ability to explain complex situations. "He's the smartest guy in the room," said Onyski. "I've learned a lot, and he's helped me a lot."


Councilor Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. said, "It's been a pleasure serving with you I wish you well in your retirement."


Paul said his retirement was "a family decision" and he encouraged his fellow councilors to recognize in themselves the qualities they found in him.


" I appreciate all the kind and generous thoughts and words," he said. "We all have high value in our learning and knowledge when we listen for it. And, when we do work together, we make a great decision."


Lefebvre said he is ready to assume the seat.


"I'm looking forward to it," said Lefebvre. He said he will spend the start of his service "getting to know folks."


"My number one priority is the residents of Ward 5," he said, noting that sewers and water concerns also top his list.

Amherst HR director retiring; town expects to name replacement Monday

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According to the town's posting for the position, this past fall, the salary range was advertised at $77,000 to $104,000

AMHERST -- An announcement on the replacement for the town's human resources director, Deborah B. Radway, who is retiring, is expected Monday, according to Town Manager Paul Bockelman.

Radway was hired seven years ago as the Amherst HR director with a starting salary of $79,000.

According to the town's posting for the position, the salary range was advertised at $77,000 to $104,000. The review of applications began Nov. 15.

Prior to her work in Amherst, Radway was an operations manager with the state's Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

Her municipal career also included a five-year stint as Montague town administrator and assistant town manager in Lexington, where she was the personnel director.

Voluntary recall of high blood pressure meds expands

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Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is expanding its voluntary recall from two lots of losartan potassium tablets to a total of 10 lots.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is expanding its voluntary recall from two lots of losartan potassium tablets to a total of 10 lots, according to a Jan. 3 company announcement on the Food and Drug Administration website.

The recall, similar to the company's Dec. 20th recall of the two lots of the medication used for treat high blood pressure, is due to trace amounts of N-Nitrosodiethylamine in the losartan active pharmaceutical ingredient manufactured by India-based Hetero Labs Limited.

The chemical compound in the nitrosamines class is considered to be a probable cancer-causing risk in humans at certain exposure levels.

The detection of traces amounts of the NDEA, along with N-nitrosodimethylamine, in the active pharmaceutical ingredient of several medications used to treat cardiovascular conditions, has resulted in a number of voluntary recalls during the last six months, and a number of actions by the FDA.

These have include setting interim acceptable intake levels for NDEA and NDMA, also consider a probable carcinogen for humans, and updating testing methods to detect NDMA and NDEA impurities. 

The drugs involved block receptors in the body that contribute to conditions like high blood pressure and the FDA is now investigating and testing all angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for the presence of NDEA and NDMA.

The contamination, which has been associated with manufacturing facilities in India and China, is sometimes related to change in manufacturing procedures.

Torrent's is the second recall of an ARB medication within the week.

Aurobindo Pharma USA announced Dec. 31 a voluntary recall of 80 lots of amlodipine valsartan tablets, valsartan tablets with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, and valsartan tablets due to the detection of trace amounts of NDEA above "interim acceptable daily intake level of 0.083 parts per million."

The Aurobindo recall, the FDA noted, is for amlodipine and HCTZ "only in combination medications containing valsartan" and that neither "amlodipine nor HCTZ is currently under recall by itself."

Torrent is recalling only those lots of losartan medication that tested positive for NDEA above the interim acceptable intake level of 0.27 parts per million, according to the announcement.

The acceptable intake is a daily exposure to a compound such as NDMA or NDEA that results in a 1:100,000 cancer risk after 70 years exposure, according to the FDA.

The company, which said it has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall, advises affected consumers to continue to take their medication, and to contact their pharmacists or health care provider for advice on alternative treatment.

More information on the recalled lots and contact information for further information is available in the announcement.

In August, Torrent voluntarily recalled 14 lots of valsartan/amlodipine/hydrochlorothiazide tablets due to the detection of trace amounts of NDMA in the active pharmaceutical ingredient manufactured by China-based Zhejiang Huahai Pharmaceuticals. Additional lots of the tablets were also found by the FDA to contain trace amounts of NDEA in the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

In October, U.S.-based ScieGen Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary recall of certain lots of irbesartan, another ARB, because they contain trace amounts of NDEA in the active pharmaceutical ingredient manufactured by India-based Aurobindo Pharma.

There have been about eight voluntary recalls by pharmaceutical companies of medications involving trace amounts of NDEA or NDMA in the active pharmaceutical ingredient and the FDA has posted lists of the recalled medications involving valsartan, losartan or irbesartan since July.

It has also posted listed of valsartan medications not under recall.

Northampton City Council hears support for police, accusations of 'lack of backbone'

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Speakers asked the council to "stand up for the police" and suggested the council ask Walmart to reconsider the withdrawal of its proposed ammunition donation.

NORTHAMPTON -- City councilors heard strong support for the local police department Thursday during a public comment period that included a longtime downtown business owner and former councilor accusing the board of having a "lack of backbone, and quite frankly, balls."  

Some also requested that the council ask Walmart to reconsider the withdrawal of its offer to donate ammunition to the department. The gift -- which was opposed by some residents at the council's Dec. 20 meeting -- would have totaled about $13,000 in ammunition to be used by police for training purposes.

The council sent the matter to committee for further discussion, and the company ultimately withdrew its offer.

Speaking at Thursday's meeting, former city councilor Judith Fine, who owned the Center Street store Gazebo for nearly four decades, faulted the council for its perceived lack of support for the police department. 

"I am appalled disheartened by the seeming lack of backbone, and quite frankly, balls, that this body before me has displayed in the last year concerning our police department," Fine said. "Does it mean nothing to you that our police department has received superior accolades and awards from across the country because of the outstanding work and innovative approaches that Chief (Jody) Kasper has instituted?" 

Fine also cited a recent controversy over a police department proposal to install cameras at the main intersection downtown. The proposal was rejected because some worried the cameras would mean constant surveillance.

"Are you kidding me?" she said, arguing the police cameras would have been used to "solve future possible incidents."

Fine also asked councilors to "represent their constituents" and to "use their own judgment and to weigh the consequences of their actions and decisions for the entire community."

Police officer Andy Trushaw spoke against the term "violence workers," which a speaker at a previous meeting used to describe officers. Trushaw said officers could be called upon to be crisis workers or social workers at a moment's notice, and that violence is a relatively small part of the job. 

"I am not, nor ever have been, a violence worker," Trushaw said. "The police are the ones who investigate violence that has occurred to others." 

Natalia Munoz, a past chairwoman of the city's Human Rights Commission and a member of a team that collaborated with police on the department's open data project, told councilors she respected and admired them. 

But, she said in the end she didn't agree with the council's handling of the donation offer.

"They're part of our community," Munoz said of the city's police force. "There may be a few who are not so great, but the vast majority are. I get very discouraged when I hear people come to public comment and question the integrity of the Northampton police department as if we were dealing with these monsters." 

Munoz said that while police departments have systemically been oppressive and racist, the Northampton police are not.

She said she wanted councilors to ask Walmart to reconsider the donation withdrawal, adding that the saved money could have also been used for more bias training courses.

Laurie Loisel, who works for the Northwestern district attorney's office but said she was speaking for herself, described the city's police department as "pretty progressive," adding that Chief Jody Kasper was the first in the area to sign her department up for an anti-bias training course. The department has regularly participated in similar trainings, Loisel said, such as how to work better with the transgender community.

"I feel like they're doing a lot to be better cooperators with the community and serving the community in a holistic way," she said. "I wish that you guys would defend them a little bit. These are working people. They work really hard. Sure, we can criticize them, but they are also employees of Northampton and they must feel like they don't have any support from their elected leaders, and that doesn't seem right to me."

While a few others also spoke in support of the police, one speaker named Blair said that if people were upset about Walmart's decision, they could go talk to them at the North King Street store and ask the company themselves.

Since the public comment section of the meeting doesn't allow for a back-and-forth conversation between the council and the public, councilors did not respond or indicate what further action they might take, if any.

 

2 people found dead in Northampton apartment identified; DA says 'both appear to have died from gunshot wounds'

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The Northwestern District Attorney's Office says the two people found dead in Northampton likely died from gunshot wounds. Watch video

NORTHAMPTON - The two people who were found dead at a Northampton apartment Thursday morning likely died as the result of a murder-suicide, according to the Northwestern District Attorney's office. 

The dead have been identified as Nelson Cardona, 26, and Karina Nieves, 24. The two had been in a long-term relationship and had three children together, according to officials. 

The DA's office said it appears that Cardona shot Nieves, then himself. 

"Preliminary indications from this ongoing investigation suggest that Cardona likely shot Nieves, and then himself," said Mary Carey, spokesperson for the DA's office. 

However, the investigation into their deaths is ongoing and is being jointly investigated by the Northampton police as well as Massachusetts State Police detectives attached to the DA's office.

The couple's children are all safe and being cared for, Carey said.

The bodies were found inside a residence in the city's Village Hill neighborhood early Thursday.

The neighborhood is a mix of residential units, including some assisted living and affordable housing developments. 

No further information is expected to be released this week, Carey added. 


Smoking materials caused fatal Northampton fire

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The home had no working smoke alarms, officials said.

NORTHAMPTON -- Smoking materials sparked a house fire that killed a Florence man Thursday, according to state and local officials.  

State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said in a press release that a house fire at 45 Carolyn St. appears to have started between two recliner chairs in a den at the home. Investigators found "ample evidence of smoking" in that area, and ruled out other possible causes, he said. 

Firefighters pulled the 69-year-old man, identified by the Daily Hampshire Gazette as homeowner Craig A. Nehring, from the burning building. He was the sole occupant of the home. 

Nehring was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not publicly identified the victim pending an official cause of death and identification by the state medical examiner's office. 

Firefighters were called to the home at about 4:30 a.m. Thursday to find the house heavily involved in flames. 

Investigators found two smoke alarms in the house, but neither had a functioning battery installed. Investigators did not find any carbon monoxide alarms in the home, the statement said. 

The fire was investigated by Northampton Fire Rescue and the city's police department, state police fire investigators attached to the fire marshal's office, state police detectives attached to the Northwestern district attorney's office, state police Crime Scene Services and the Department of Fire Services' Code Compliance and Enforcement Unit.  

 

Westminster police officer charged with domestic assault after allegedly finding wife with his best friend

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A veteran Westminster police officer was released Wednesday after he was arraigned on charghes he assaulted his wife and best friend after finding them in an alleged intimate situation. Richard Michel, 46, was placed on adminstrative leave pending outcome of his court case.

A veteran police officer was released with conditions after he entered not guilty pleas to charges he assaulted his wife and his best friend after allegedly finding them together on New Year's Day, the Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise reported. 

Richard Michel, 46, a 15-year veteran of the Westminster police force, was arraigned on domestic assault charges Wednesday in Gardner District Court. He was ordered to refrain from consuming alcohol and possessing a firearm, among other conditions. 

Michel was charged with assault and battery on a family member, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, destruction of property, breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony and intimidation of a witness.

He was placed on administrative leave from his job, Westminster police said.

According to Massachusetts State Police investigators, Michel said he woke up at about 5 a.m. Tuesday morning to find his best friend and his wife missing from their Westminster home, where the three had celebrated New Year's Eve together, the Sentinel and Enterprise reported. 

Michel said he went to his friend's home, broke down the front door with a baseball bat, charged into the bedroom and found his wife and friend.

Michel's wife said he hit her with the baseball bat, punched and kicked her and tried to choke her. She was able to escape him, slip out of the house and hide in the driveway.

The Worcester Telegram and Gazette reported that Westminster acting Police Chief Michael McDonald requested the state police take over the investigation.  Westminster police officers responded to the original call, but notified McDonald of the accusations. 

 

Obituaries from The Republican, Jan. 4, 2019

The Dana LeVangie saga: From AIC catcher to Red Sox pitching coach

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(Third in a series on the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2019, to be inducted Jan. 31 at La Quinta Hotel & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield). Bottom of the ninth, Game 5 of the 2018 World Series. The Boston Red Sox hold a 5-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Time to close this one...

(Third in a series on the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2019, to be inducted Jan. 31 at La Quinta Hotel & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield).

Bottom of the ninth, Game 5 of the 2018 World Series. The Boston Red Sox hold a 5-1 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers. Time to close this one out and clinch the world championship.

So who do you bring to the mound for that magic moment? On almost any major league team, the job automatically would go to the closer, the guy who throws bullets and chalks up saves for a living.

Not so with those remarkable Red Sox. For that clinching final inning, manager Alex Cora summoned Chris Sale, one of his blue-chip starters. It was the right call, all right. Sale came on to strike out the side, nailing down the Boston club's ninth baseball world championship, and its fourth of the 21st century.

Cora made the decision to use Sale in that situation after considerable discussion with his trusted pitching coach, Dana LeVangie. They had Sale lined up to start Game 6 in Boston, but here was a chance to wrap it right now.

"We had other guys out there, but this was a must-win situation (to end the World Series)," LeVangie said. "With the lead we had, and with Chris ready, we felt he was the best guy for that particular spot."

So that was it, victory No. 119 for a team which had a remarkable season. And, yes, their first-year pitching coach had a lot to do with it, right from Day One of spring training camp.

"I was thrilled to be part of all that. It was very special year for our ball club," LeVangie said.

It is only fitting, then, that he should be part of the Western Mass. Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2019. He will be inducted along with Mark Belanger and Mike Laga, big league players; Candy Cummings, inventor of the curveball; Karl Oliveira, Tri-County League veteran; Jim Jachym, one of Westfield's finest; Pittsfield's 2018 state Little League champions; and Justine Siegal, a pioneer for women in baseball. She also will serve as keynote speaker at the induction banquet.

"I was a little bit shocked when I heard that I'm going into the Hall of Fame. I really didn't know anything about it until I got the phone call. But after the season we had, I guess there's no better time. I feel honored to be a member of the new class," he said.

LeVangie, a 49-year-old native of Whitman in Plymouth County, has ties to Western Massachusetts, dating to his years as an All-America catcher at American International College (class of 1991).

LeVangie has fond memories of his time at AIC. He transferred after two years at Cape Cod Community College.

"When I got to AIC, I felt that I had found the right place for me as a student and as a baseball player. I liked the atmosphere on campus, and I really liked the team. It was a group of guys who were dedicated to playing good baseball. Being part of that made me more committed to becoming a better player."

He certainly became that with the Yellow Jackets. As a senior, he hit .462 with 13 home runs. His 75 RBI in 44 games led the nation's Division II players. He made All-America after leading his team to a 32-12 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II World Series.

In June of '91, the Red Sox drafted and signed him, sending him to their Elmira affiliate in the Class A New York-Penn League. He spent five seasons in the minors, but when it became apparent that he wasn't going to make it as a player, he stayed in the organization, working hard in various roles - bullpen catcher, advance scout, catching co-ordinator, minor league scout, bullpen coach and interim bench coach.

When Cora took over as manager after the 2017 season, he asked for LeVangie as his pitching coach. It was a huge promotion into a very important job.

"Alex was a player with the Red Sox (2005 to 2008), and over that time, we built a good relationship. We had trust between us," LeVangie said.

A catcher as a pitching coach? Yes, that's a rarity in major league baseball, but it worked in LeVangie's case, mainly because he had spent considerable time as a bullpen coach.

"I learned a lot about pitching when I was working in the bullpen," he said. "The pitching-coach job is much like that, but with more responsibilty. Whether you're a pitcher or a catcher doing the job, you don't have all the answers. You're just trying, every day, to give the various pitchers what they need."

A week after his Hall of Fame induction, LeVangie will head for Fort Myers, Florida, and the Red Sox spring training site. He will arrive on Feb. 8, a week ahead of the time when pitchers and catchers report. When they arrive, their pitching coach will be ready for them, just as he was in 2018.

"This will be my 29th year in the Red Sox organization, and I'd like to be part of it for my whole career. When my time comes to retire from baseball, I hope it will be with the Red Sox," he said.

Garry Brown can be reached at geebrown1918@gmail.com

Holyoke City Council calls Jan. 8 meeting to fill vacant Ward 2 seat

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The Holyoke City Council will hold a special meeting Jan. 8, 2019, at 7 p.m., to fill the Ward 2 seat vacated by Nelson Roman. Ward 2 residents can submit resumes or vie for the position during the meeting's public comment portion.

HOLYOKE -- The Holyoke City Council will conduct a special meeting Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. to fill the Ward 2 seat vacated by Nelson Roman.

Ward 2 residents can still submit letters of interest or resumes before the meeting. City Clerk Brenna McGee said candidates for the Ward 2 seat may address the council during the public comment period Jan. 8. The council will then vote on a candidate, immediately followed by the swearing-in ceremony conducted by McGee.

As of Friday, three Ward 2 residents -- former councilor Diosdado Lopez, Roberto Lopez and Marilyn Sanabria -- had submitted resumes or letters of interest to the council's administrative office.

In May 2016, the council appointed Diosdado Lopez to an at-large seat in the wake of Jennifer Chateauneuf's resignation. The term ended in 2017.

The Ward 2 vacancy is the sole agenda item for the special session, which Council President Todd McGee scheduled last month. The Ordinance Committee will meet before the special meeting at 6 p.m.

Roman, whose resignation took effect Dec. 31, last appeared at a council meeting Dec. 4, where he gave a nearly 23-minute farewell address to his colleagues complete with gifts for Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin, former Mayor Elaine Pluta and Kevin Jourdain, the former council president, who were present.

In his last campaign report filed with the city clerk, Roman recorded $900 in campaign-related debts. On Facebook, the former councilor announced a Dec. 12 farewell party and fundraiser to pay down the debt at Capri Pizza.

Besides vacating his council seat, Roman resigned as the executive director of Nueva Esperanza, a Holyoke nonprofit.

During an interview with The Republican-MassLive, Roman said he accepted a position with a Chicago nonprofit, where he will work on homelessness issues affecting teens and the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community. He would not disclose the name of the Chicago nonprofit.

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