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Vermont Yankee: Small amount of tritium found in Connecticut River

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The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the departments of health in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts have been notified of the findings.

Vermont Yankee, aerial viewIn this undated file aerial photo provided by Vermont Yankee Corporation, the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant in Vernon, Vt. is shown.

VERNON, Vt. – Vermont Yankee says a small amount of radioactive tritium was found in a Connecticut River water sample, but follow-up samples showed no signs of it and the finding poses no risk to public health or safety.

The nuclear plant says it learned Tuesday that a small amount of tritium was found in a sample taken near the plant on Nov. 3. The amount was significantly below the federal drinking water limit, and samples taken Nov. 7 and 10 showed no signs of tritium.

Plant officials expected that tritium would eventually reach the river after turning up in groundwater monitoring wells on the Vermont Yankee grounds last year.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the departments of health in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts have been notified of the findings.


Gifts from Thing5 and Hampden County Correctional Center inmates' commissary fund boost Toy for Joy by $20,000

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The family of Jaime Ulloa also contributed to the holiday toy campaign.

Thing5 Republican.jpgThing5, of Springfield, is among the latest donors to the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign, this week delivering a check for $15,000. Shown here outside the company's office are, back row, left to right, Jason Schrecke, Rick Kelly, Mike Petit, David Thor, Mario Torchia, Anthony Gragowski and Shawn Paul, and front row, left to right, Demetra Belitsos, Theresa Claffey, Melissa Thornton, Lorenza Daye, Ryan Collins, Aaron Lewis and David Rooks.

SPRINGFIELD – Two major gifts, one from a long-time donor, the other from a first-timer, have generously boosted the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign by $20,000.

That first-time donor, the technology-based corporation Thing5, contributed $15,000 to Toy for Joy this week.

The Hampden County Correctional Center inmates’ commissary fund, which has donated to Toy for Joy for many years, presented a $5,000 donation.

Toy for Joy, jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, is working to raise $150,000 by Friday to cover the costs of bringing toys and gifts to thousands of children this holiday season.

David Thor, managing director for Thing5, which supports technology for the travel and leisure industries, said personnel opted to give a major boost to Toy for Joy after reading that the fund-raising campaign still had a significant way to go towards reaching its goal.

Thing5, which has about 1,100 employees, including 100 in Springfield, is growing rapidly, Thor said.

“We are quiet because we don’t do business here,” Thor said, adding that the Springfield operation is based at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “We wanted to participate more in the community as we grow.”

Sheriff Michael J. Ashe said the commissary fund is accrued through the sales of coffee, snacks, envelopes and the like.

“It’s a case of the inmates giving back to the community,” Ashe said, adding that it’s a wise donation because many of those incarcerated at the Hampden County Correctional Center at Stonybrook in Ludlow have children who benefit from Toy for Joy.

toyashe.JPG21911 - Ludlow - Hampden County Sheriff Michael Ashe with the $5,000 donation for the Toy for Joy from donations of the Sheriff's department personal who were represented by officer Jose Ramos, Victor Kelly and Cpl. Barbara VanValkenburg

“The unexpected gift by the employees of Thing5 and the continued generosity of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department are both a source of great reassurance that there are kind and generous people who make up our communities in Western Massachusetts,” said Cynthia G. Simison, managing editor of The Republican. “This season is all about giving, and every donor, no matter the size of the contribution, ensures we are able to bring smiles to the faces of many, many children on Christmas morning. It can be the gift of a family in memory of a loved one, pennies gathered by school children or a collection made at a variety store, like JJ’s in Westfield. Every single gift is important.”

Contributors in today’s list of donations, which tallies to $26,611, include the eight grandchildren of the late Jaime Ulloa.

Ulloa, who became a quadriplegic after a diving accident, was widely known for his community activism, his tireless dedication to the disabled and others in need of a helping hand.

“It’s something that he really focused his life on and by extension, made clear to us, his children and grandchildren that a big part of life is giving back to others,” said Shaun Ulloa, one of the eight grandchildren.

“Give to others, that’s what both my parents taught,” said Cathy Ulloa. The elder Ulloa died 30 years ago, and a park in the North End is named in his honor.

Toy for Joy still needs to raise $52,237 to meet its goal.

IMG_0824.JPGhe 8 grandchildren of the late Jaime Ulloa of Springfield have donated to Toy for Joy. Shown here from the left is Aanalisa Fazio, Catalina Ulloa-Hiltz and Marco Ulloa-Hiltz.

Hasbro, Inc. this year joined Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which were distributed.Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees have also been among the volunteers who aided the Salvation Army with registration and distribution of toys and gift.

For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through noon on Friday.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

Happy holidays from the leadership team and employees at Thing5, $15,000
Happy holidays from the Hampden County Jail Inmates Commissary Fund, $5,000
In loving memory of Jaime Ulloa from your eight grandchildren, Jaime, Shaun, Christina, Miguel, Analisa, Loli, Catalina and Marco, $80
In memory of Helen and Ray Provost, $100
In memory of the Rosati family, my husband Guido and my sister Tina Hottin, love you, $10
Merry Christmas Dutchie and Bella from Ray, $25
To make Christmas merrier for the children from Phelps School faculty, $140
Merry Christmas from the Beturnes, $25
In honor of Cleland Stephens’ 90th birthday from the King family, $30
For grandsons Aiden and Kieran, $25
Merry Christmas from Christien, Nathan and Owen, $20
Phoebe, $30
From Jake, Josh and Katie, $50
From Castlegate Drive friends, $40
In loving memory of our parents from Ron and Noreen, $50
In memory of my beloveds, Gramps, Ma and JK, $50
God bless the children from Mrs. Santa, $25
Merry Christmas from Barb and Ed, $50
In loving memory of Louis and Germaine and Paul Morin, $25
In memory of Abe and Ines Albano, $1000
In memory of Fred from Red, $20
Merry Christmas from Joyce, $100
In memory of loved ones, $15
In loving memory of my parents Adeline and Don Charest from Tom, $30
In lieu of gifts to my coworkers at Hasbro from Bob and Nancy, $50
In memory of my dad, William LaRochelle. Miss you, $50
In memory of Julie, $25
In memory of Margaret Russell, Mildred Dumas, $40
Thank you St. Jude for continued support, Dawn S, $20
George and Jackie, $250
In memory of Manser Hapcock, John Barney and Tom Thompson, $50
Memory of Grace and Don Liberty and John Klisiewicz, $100
In loving memory of Moira from the family, $100
In memory of Dick and Doris Cote and Bob and Barbara O’Connor, $25
In memory of Albert Ronini and Fuzz Kellogg, $20
In memory of ESH, DBH, DEH, CLB and DLB, $15
In dear loving memory of Dr. L. Lester Cohan, my father, my best friend. Love, Lana, $20
In memory of Suki Beucke, the Christmas puppy, $20
Remembering Ray and Dot Hosley and George and June Keefe, $15
MJ, $20
In memory of Grace and John Lazazzera, Lena Bitsacos, Leo Remillard, Maureen and Sal Scibelli, $20
In memory of all the sisters of Notre Dame, $50
Merry Christmas to all from Don and Marie, $250
Remembering Daddy, Ting, Jenna and TeeJae from Cindi, Zeke and Lacie, $25
For my 13 grandchildren, $13
In memory of my husband Edward Lubas from wife Doris, $25
Merry Christmas from Connor and GiGi, $25
For Ellie who loved Christmas, $25
Wishing everyone a Christmas filled with peace and joy from Stan and Barb, $100
Thank you St. Jude and Anthony for prayers answered, favors granted, JG, $20
Peace and abundance for all from Tom and Teri, $50
In loving memory of my husband Joe Marazzi by wife Marion, $10
In loving memory of Pop from John, Liz, Pete, Josie, Mike, Dan and Trev, $50
In memory of GG, $25
Merry Christmas Michael, Katie and Dusty, $25
In memory of Christopher J Knight. Sadly missed by Mom, Dad and Brian, $30
Merry Christmas to all children from Sam, Lucy and Ruby, $25
In memory of Stanley Gallup and Rose and Tom Haynes, $50
In memory of Ron Harrison and Boo, $25
In thanksgiving for our grandsons Jacob and Jameson, $20
In loving memory of Bill Curtis Jr., $25
In celebration of the birth of Chloe Elizabeth, $50
God bless the little people from William and Anne, $100
In thanks for our grandchildren Sarah, Parker, Alex, Sophie and Stella, $50
In memory of Mom, Dad, Donnie, Debbie and Kevin, $50
Helping Amelia share her blessings, Grandma and Grandpa, $50
Anonymous, $20
Book Club, $70
Wally, $50
In memory of Brian Eric, $20
Loving memory of Mom and Dad from Steven and Sheila, $25
In memory of Salem and Sabrina, $10
William and Margaret, $20
Merry Christmas from the drivers at Sunshine Village, $50
Have a wonderful Christmas from Nellie, $10
In memory of Ti Ti Connie, $20
Merry Christmas and God bless from Jim and Sally, $25
Raymond and Cecelia White, $30
From three loving grandmothers, $30
In memory of Bob, George, Evelyn, Paul, Shirley and Mania, $25
In loving memory of Joseph and Mary Frydryk and Karl Dygon from Carl and Patty, $25
Jane and Pierce, $100
From Public Safety and Management employees at Eastfield Mall, $100
Merry Christmas from the employees at the Longmeadow Town Hall, $150
To my parents Kenneth and Marjorie Chapin, father-in-law Mike Miller and son Kenny, know that you are always in my heart and sadly missed, love Ken, $40
In memory of Pauline Schonauer, $25
St. Mary’s Girls Softball Division, $100
In loving memory of my mother Helen Kennedy, grandparents William and Glee Rich and Mozart and Tiki, love Kathleen and Sebastian, $20
Christmas together in heaven, Tio, Tia, Sally, Michael, BJ and Brenda, $30
In memory of our beloved daughter, Beth Girotti. Love, Mom and Dad, $20
In memory of our parents Betty and Pickles Harrington. Love, Judy and Dave, $20
In memory of our parents Ray and Angie Girotti. Love, Dave and Judy, $20
In memory of our father and Popau Socco Babacas. Love, Pam, Bobby, Krysten, Jen and Katie, $25
In loving memory of my mom Mary Lorraine Boronski. Missing you so very much. Love, Sue, $25
Anonymous, $10
From the Hampden Golfing group, in memory of Vincent McGovern, $538
In memory of Joe and Rita Leary from Bob and Eileen Zewski, $25
In memory of Frances Potter Colvin and Thomas Potter, $50
Merry Christmas Aunt Stasia. Love, Mark, Jan, Alex, Rebecca, Michael and Nick, $50
Merry Christmas Aunt Cece. Love, Mark, Jan, Alex, Rebecca, Michael and Nick, $50
Merry Christmas from Accu Finish Orthodontic Lab, $25
From all our great customers at JJ’s Variety in Westfield, $100
Merry Christmas to all from Alpha Oil Company, $100
Anonymous, $50
Nick, Carolyn, Buddy and Brittany Athas, $25
Gerard and Maya, $30
In memory of Sharon, Robin and Bill, $60
In memory of Doris, Paul and Al from Sunday Money Makers, $50
Merry Christmas to all the children from Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative’s Hampden-Wilbraham bus drivers, $145
In loving memory of two of our coworkers, Paul Hackett and Brian Boyden, from their friends at M.J. Moran Inc., $250

RECEIVED, $26,611
TOTAL TO DATE, $97,763
STILL NEEDED, $52,237

Proposed 1 a.m. Springfield entertainment curfew has Mayor Domenic Sarno and nightclub officials clashing

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A Springfield lawyer for bars and clubs said the curfew on bar entertainment will hurt business, hurt the entertainment district and not deter crime.

domenic sarno vs daniel kelly.jpgSpringfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, left, has proposed a 1 a.m. curfew on entertainment in bars and restaurants, which attorney Daniel Kelly, right, who represents several Springfield clubs and bars, says prompted several calls from angry clients.

SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said this week that law enforcement concerns about late-night violence and disturbances triggered his proposal for a 1 a.m. curfew on entertainment in bars and restaurants.

Some of the people in the bar industry, however, said the mayor’s proposal will hurt business, hurt the downtown entertainment district, and never achieve the goal of reducing crime.

Under the mayor’s proposal, any type of music and other entertainment must cease in liquor-serving establishments at 1 a.m., unless the club or restaurant obtains a Special Late Night Entertainment Permit from the mayor through an annual application process.

A public hearing is scheduled for Friday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to present statistics on late-night violence, and to seek comment from residents, business owners and others about the proposed restriction on entertainment.

Currently, entertainment is allowed until 2 a.m. when bars close; under the new proposal, alcohol-serving establishments can remain open until 2 a.m., but cannot provide entertainment past 1 p.m.

Springfield lawyer Thomas J. Rooke, who represents bars and restaurants, said he doubts Springfield can impose limits on license holders when the rest of the state does not.

110405 thomas rooke.JPGThomas Rooke

“I question the constitutionality of it,” said Rooke, noting that the timing of the hearing – two days before Christmas – seemed designed to discourage attendance.

“Why the Friday before Christmas, when everybody is with their families or away from Springfield?” he asked.

Daniel D. Kelly, a Springfield lawyer who also represents club and bars, said his telephone was “ringing off the hook” Wednesday from his business clients, angered at the curfew proposal.

In addition, the decision to conduct the hearing on the Friday afternoon before Christmas “is one of the worst days they could possibly have picked out of the entire calendar year,” said Kelly.

Kelly sent a letter asking for a change in the hearing date, but Sarno said the date stands, which gives time for his hearing officer to prepare a report on the results of the hearing and her recommendation to the mayor before entertainment licenses are issued, beginning Jan. 1.

“Obviously my clients are against it,” Kelly said. “This is not a minor tweak. This is a major issue. This new regulation could potentially cost people tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue. It might be a feel-good measure, but it would have no impact whatsoever.”

Someone intent on starting trouble is not going to be deterred by the 1 a.m. curfew, Kelly said. Someone who might start trouble at 2 a.m., can just as easily start trouble at 1 a.m., he said.

The mayor's proposal has spurred a Facebook page titled "Keep Entertainment 'til 2 in Springfield."

Sarno, who will weigh a report from his hearing officer before making a final decision, said he believes an earlier time could help reduce violence.

Sarno said he has weekly meetings with local, state and federal law enforcement officials, reviews crime reports, and has great concerns about violence that occurs after bars close at 2 a.m. In addition to public safety, it also requires an added police response and cost, he said.

The 1 a.m. curfew is one strategy discussed, he said. Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet will be sharing some statistics on late-night incidents at the hearing.

Sarno said there are “negative elements” who travel to Springfield causing trouble when bars close.

“I am not going to allow Springfield to be a dumping ground for miscreants who want to get last call, whether gang-oriented or not, and want to cause trouble for 99 percent of customers doing nothing wrong,” Sarno said.

The restriction can be beneficial to properly operating businesses as “people will realize it is safe to come to Springfield and have a good time,” Sarno said.

061311 keith weppler mug shot.jpgKeith Weppler

Keith E. Weppler, co-owner of Theodore’s, Smith Billiards, and J.T.’s Sports Pub, had mixed comments.

Weppler said he is “not really opposed” if it can be used as a tool to crack down on troubled bars and clubs and gives the mayor more power to deal with “situations not in the best interest of the city.”

However, he is concerned about extra fees and taxes. When told that the draft regulation does not stipulate a fee, Weppler said he has “never seen a license that did not have a fee attached.”

Thomas T. Walsh, a spokesman for Sarno, said that people who are unable to testify at the hearing may submit a letter with their comments.

The hearing officer appointed by Sarno is Associate City Solicitor Alesia Days.

Springfield late night entertainment regulation proposal

UMass Chancellor Robert Holub creates committee to look at health service changes

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The 15-member committee's charge is to develop a financial plan to build a new health services facility.

robert holub.jpgRobert Holub

AMHERST – In response to concerns raised by some about cutbacks and changes at University Health Services, University of Massachusetts Chancellor Robert C. Holub has created a committee to review those proposals and report to him in the spring.

According to a release, the committee’s charge is “is to identify cost savings that will enable UHS to develop a financial plan to build a new health services facility for patients that meets 21st century needs while maintaining a sustainable operating budget.”

Spokesman Daniel J. Fitzgibbons said changes already implemented will remain.

“Something could change (later,)” he said. “The idea is to take a good long look at this.”

The committee “is an attempt to respond to some concerns that have been expressed.”

Many were upset by the changes that included a reduction in hours beginning Jan. 23, 2012; a reduction in the work force by 21.5 full-time equivalent positions, or about 10 percent of the 219 full-time equivalent positions; the closing of the pharmacy at the end of the spring semester, and a reduction in on-site laboratory tests among other measures to cut $1 million from the health services budget.

Associate Chancellor Susan Pearson has been named chairwoman of the 15-member committee. She will report the group’s findings to Holub.

“We have no choice but to move ahead and construct a new facility so we can deliver the best health care possible to students,” Holub said in a statement. “Currently, health services are located in three separate buildings, all outdated, inefficient and in disrepair. The changes announced by UHS, following extensive study and data gathering, cut expenses to improve the financial picture and enable the development of a new facility. The bottom line remains the same, but if savings can be achieved in different ways while sustaining the integrity of the operations, then they should be explored. This committee will expand the discussion to ensure that our process is open and inclusive as we implement changes.”

Other committee members include, Bernette Daly, executive director of health services; Donna Yezierski, associate director; Nancy Buffone, executive director of external relations and university events; three physicians; two health services staff members; three undergraduate students to be named by the Student Government Association; one graduate student to be named by the Graduate Student Senate; a representative from administration and finance and from human resources.

The first meeting is expected to be held in January.

Somerville couple denies stealing 100 packages off front porches, steps

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Authorities say the pair was arrested with packages bearing numerous different addresses in their car.

SOMERVILLE – A Somerville couple charged with swiping as many as 100 parcels from the front porches and doorways of area homes has pleaded not guilty to larceny and receiving stolen property charges.

Manuel Sheehan was held on $5,000 bail while his alleged accomplice, Kristen Casey, was released on personal recognizance on Wednesday. Police say Sheehan has a long arrest record while Casey has no criminal record.

Authorities say the pair was arrested Tuesday with packages bearing numerous different addresses in their car. More packages, many apparently containing Christmas gifts, were found in their apartment.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated case, a father and daughter from Quincy pleaded not guilty to stealing a package from a home in that city. Michael Ritchie and 19-year-old Jennifer Ritchie were released on bail warnings.

Careless disposal of cigarette cause of blaze that caused some $35,000 in damage to Halon Terrace home in East Longmeadow

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An occupant of the home prevented the blaze from spreading by dousing it with water.

East Longmeadow Fire Patch.jpg

EAST LONGMEADOW - Careless disposal of a cigarette was the cause of a blaze that caused some $35,000 in damage to the rear exterior wall and deck of a Halon Terrace home Wednesday night, Fire Chief Richard Brady said.

No injuries were reported in the blaze at 24 Halon Terrace. It was reported about 8 p.m.

Brady said an occupant of the home prevented the fire from further spreading by repeatedly dousing it with water from a pan. “It was very lucky that somebody was home,” Brady said.

3 men arrested after police find 25 pounds of cocaine in Peabody hotel room

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Jason Grilli, of Puerto Rico, Valentine Torres of, of Mexico., and Gerardo Rodriguez Florez of Tucson, Ariz., were charged with trafficking cocaine and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

PEABODY – Authorities say three men have been arrested in Massachusetts after police found nearly 25 pounds of cocaine in their Peabody hotel room.

The drugs had an estimated street value of about $1.1 million.

Police say 38-year-old Jason Grilli of Laval, Puerto Rico; 33-year-old Valentine Torres of Juarez, Mexico.; and 27-year-old Gerardo Rodriguez Florez of Tucson, Ariz., were arrested Wednesday and charged with trafficking cocaine and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

They were scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at Peabody District Court.

Police say the men had been under surveillance for some time and police moved in when Grilli allegedly made a drug sale in the parking lot.

It was not clear if the men had lawyers.

The era of the 'non-apology apology,' where too little is too much for some

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Was Easthampton City Councilor Donald Cykowski's apology for making a remark about Puerto Ricans enough? Talbert Swan, president of the Springfield branch of the NAACP, doesn't think so.

092911 donald cykowski.JPGEasthampton City Councilor Donald Cykowski

"I'm sorry if what I said offended you."

Welcome to the era of the "non-apology apology," in which phrases like that abound in the corridors of power, where many leaders have become adept at deflecting criticism by co-opting others into the scenario – namely the aggrieved parties, who are often made out to be humorless, thin-skinned ninnies.

In short, the non-apology apology typically involves an alleged offender who attempts to save face while placating the party that was offended. Curiously, though, those who deliver such backhanded apologies never seem to own up to their wrongheadedness.

The practice of issuing non-apolgy apologies has become so common, in fact, that someone felt the need to create a Wikepedia entry on the phenomenon. And New York Times veteran William Schneider inadvertently coined a new phrase when he referred to the practice as "the past exonerative," or seeming to apologize while not taking any personal responsibility for the presumed offense.

So, does Easthampton City Councilor Donald L. Cykowski's sorry-if-I-offended-you apology for making what has been characterized as both an "off-color remark" and a "racist remark" qualify? Only time will tell.

Cykowski's remark, made when a fellow city councilor got locked out of a meeting room, would certainly seem to meet the threshold. For the record, he said: "Where's a Puerto Rican when you need one." Those eight words – nine, if you eliminate the contraction – were uttered at a Dec. 7 City Council meeting, but it apparently took Cykowski another two weeks before being pressured into offering a public apology.

Also for the record, his act of contrition sounded like this: "I made a statement. If I offended anyone, I apologize."

He did offend someone, namely the Rev. Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP.

talbert swan rev.JPGSpringfield NAACP branch president Talbert W. Swan II

Swan pounced on the ethnically insensitive remark, calling it what, for many, it is – "racist." Swan, who's no stranger to controversy, issued a letter to the president of the Easthampton City Council, urging city officials to take "stronger action" against Cykowski.

According to the standards put forward by linguists, PR gurus, spin doctors and various word pros, Cykowski's remark qualifies as a classic non-apology apology.

Kevin Eikenberry, a consultant and best-selling author whose clients have included Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Marine Corps, writes in "Anatomy of an Apology" about the case of Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, who publicly apologized for significant pricing changes that took effect last July.

The issue received a fair amount of media attention and, according to Eikenberry, Hastings' apology started off great ("I messed up. I owe everyone an explanation.").

"This is a great example of an apology, because it is direct, clear and brief. There is no way to misunderstand or sugarcoat it," Eikenberry writes.

However, Hastings, like so many politicians and titans of industry, proceeds to couch the apology within the context of other mitigating factors or a larger scheme or plan – in this case, an announcement by Netflix regarding changes in its business operations and organization.

For Eikenberry, the CEO's apology was watered-down by the addition of the announcement. "It brings into question the intention of the apology, which I just praised," he writes.

A 2007 piece by New York Times writer John Broder expounded upon the non-apology apology issue, citing the one offered by Justin Timberlake's manager in the wake of the 2004 Super Bowl incident involving Janet Jackson, whose breast briefly was exposed on live TV. The manager stated: "I am sorry if anyone was offended by the wardrobe malfunction during the halftime performance."

The desire of politicians and others in the public eye to deflect criticism is legendary, and phrases like "mistakes were made" have become par for the course. That particular phrase has been used effectively by everyone from Bill Clinton to George H.W. Bush to Ronald Reagan, to name but a few.

Only Cykowski knows if his apology was genuine or an act of coercion. No matter, Swan and others offended by the remark are not about to let him off the hook.


Wilbraham's next police chief, Capt. Roger Tucker, to take over next month

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Tucker was the unanimous choice of the Board of Selectmen.

me new police chief 2.jpgWilbraham Police Capt. Roger W. Tucker will be taking over as police chief on Jan. 1.

WILBRAHAM – When Roger W. Tucker was 12 years old and interested in becoming a police officer, a neighbor who was a state trooper recommended he join the military and take typing because he would be doing a lot of paperwork.

That advice proved to be good. Tucker was appointed to become the Wilbraham Police Chief Monday.

Tucker, 53, of South Hadley, a 25-year-veteran of the town’s police department, was the unanimous choice of the Board of Selectmen. A total of 70 people had applied, and Tucker was one of four selected as a finalist.

“What we appreciate about Capt. Tucker was his passion when he talked about law enforcement and his economy of words,” Selectmen’s Chairman Patrick J. Brady said.

Tucker’s long experience working on Wilbraham’s police force also gave him an edge over some of the other candidates.

“The finalists were all strong candidates, with three holding master’s degrees, one having a law degree and one as a police chief,” he said. The other candidates were Jeff Farnsworth, police chief of the Hampden Police Department, Woonsocket, R.I., Police Capt. Edward Lee and Lt. Mark Dubois of the Shrewsbury Police Department.

The candidates went through an intensive day-long interview that included requiring them to take a written test and give an oral presentation on the law enforcement topic of their choice.

Tucker, who holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College, served as a military police officer in the U.S. Army for three years and worked for the Mount Holyoke College police force and then the Granby Police Department before joining the Wilbraham force in 1986.

“It is a vote of confidence for me,” he said. “You work your whole career for the department and have them reward you for it is pretty nice.”

He said he wants what most chiefs want – the most professional department possible. He said it is a team effort, not something the chief can do alone.

Currently Tucker works as the operations captain, overseeing the day-to-day patrol operations. But with a 26-person department, he said everyone gets involved in different jobs when needed. Tucker is also a member of the town’s rescue dive team and the Eastern Hampden County Drug Task Force.

He said he has always aspired to move up in the department and taken advantage of any additional training offered to become a better law enforcement officer.

“I’m excited for the opportunities and the challenges that await me. We have a great team here, and a lot of guys here are looking forward to new opportunities,” he said.

Tucker will take over for Chief Allen Stratton, who is retiring at the end of the year. Brady said a contract still has to be negotiated, but he does not see any problems with finalizing one quickly.

Fairhaven police say vehicle crashed into Nativity display on purpose

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Sgt. Kevin Kobza said tire tracks indicate that either a pickup truck or SUV jumped two curbs and drove head-on into the creche.

Fairhaven nativity scene 122211.jpgThese are some of the remains of a nativity scene in Fairhaven that police say was deliberately hit by the driver of an SUV or pickup truck Monday.

FAIRHAVEN – Police in Fairhaven say whoever crashed their vehicle through a Nativity scene in a public space in town did it deliberately.

Sgt. Kevin Kobza said tire tracks indicate that either a pickup truck or SUV jumped two curbs and drove head-on into the creche, dragging the wreckage including Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus to the other side of Benoit Square before taking off early Monday morning.

Police told the Standard Times of New Bedford that a person delivering newspapers noticed the mangled manger and called police at about 4:30 a.m.

Other decorations, including a Santa Claus, reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman, in the area were untouched.

Volunteers from the North Fairhaven Improvement Association, which maintains and decorates the square for the holidays, repaired the creche.

MassLive.com launches new iPad app for local Western Massachusetts news, weather, sports and more

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The app includes a bold, photo-driven home screen that automatically arranges top stories into an attractive, dynamic layout.

masslive ipad app.jpgGet the latest Massachusetts news, weather, sports, jobs and entertainment info on your iPad with MassLive.com for iPad.

Springfield, MA —MassLive.com has launched a new iPad app, with real-time local news, sports, entertainment, business, and opinion articles, photos and classifieds—powered by The Republican.

The MassLive.com iPad app features content from Western Massachusetts’ leading news and information properties including MassLive.com and The Republican.

The free app is available in the iTunes App Store. It was developed and launched with Advance Digital and Verve Wireless.

The app includes a bold, photo-driven home screen that automatically arranges top stories into an attractive, dynamic layout. Articles automatically adjust to portrait or landscape orientation. Article pages feature a clean look, with adjustable text size, and saving and sharing functions through Facebook, Twitter and iMessage.

"This is another step in our efforts to meet our readers where they are and to deliver the news on a dynamic, mobile platform," said Ed Kubosiak Jr., Editor-in-Chief of MassLive.com. "The intuitive layout of the news within the app and the seamless functionality make reading a pleasure. It’s tough to put it down."

Articles with multiple photos automatically generate photo galleries. Intuitive swiping gestures quickly move the reader from one page to another. A convenient pop-up “More Articles” tray shows the 20 most recent stories in a section.

Articles are downloaded and stored locally in the app for fast access, even when offline.
"The popularity, portability and ease of use of the iPad makes for a terrific device to view MassLive's vast array of content," said Wayne Phaneuf, executive editor of The Republican.

Content on the app includes news coverage of local communities throughout Western Massachusetts, high school sports, local pro and college teams; entertainment coverage of TV, movies, music and the local arts scene; and photo galleries and obituaries. There’s also local advertising and links to classifieds listings of jobs, autos, and homes for sale and rent.

Download the MassLive.com iPad app from the App Store here.

About MassLive.com
MassLive.com, an affiliate of Advance Digital, is the leading local website for news and information throughout Western Massachusetts featuring the latest Western Massachusetts news, business, sports, travel, weather, traffic, shopping and entertainment information. In addition, MassLive.com has a comprehensive business listings directory, as well as local classified listings for jobs, homes, apartment rentals and autos. MassLive.com is powered by The Republican.

About The Republican
The Republican was founded in 1824 and is the largest news gathering operation in Western Massachusetts. It also publishes El Pueblo Latino, the only Spanish language weekly in the area. In combination with MassLive.com, The Republican is the premier news and information source in its market in terms of penetration.

About Advance Digital
Advance Digital, based in Jersey City, NJ, provides digital information and connection solutions for local consumers and businesses. The company operates 11 media properties across the U.S. that are the number one local news, information and community hubs in the markets they serve. The sites include al.com, cleveland.com, gulflive.com, NJ.com, NOLA.com, OregonLive.com, SILive.com, syracuse.com, MassLive.com, PennLive.com, and lehighvalleylive.com.

About Verve Wireless
Verve monetizes local mobile media. Our solutions help local media companies monetize their mobile inventory and enable advertisers to reach a valuable, premium audience where they live, work and play. Over 1000 local publishers use the Verve platform to manage their mobile advertising businesses and help make their sales teams more effective. In addition, we bring incremental revenue to our publishers through our relationships with national advertisers, who value the Verve network’s high quality local media companies, including the mobile outlets of recognized local media brands as well as newer digital-only local and hyper-local publishers. It is a brand-safe, editorially-driven, high-quality and transparent environment with market-leading targeting, creative and reporting capabilities. Only Verve has assembled such an extensive national footprint of high quality local media. Verve is located in San Diego, CA and Washington DC. For more information, visit www.vervewireless.com.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney spurns Newt Gingrich's challenge for one-on-one debate

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“I’m not going to narrow this down to a two-person race while there are still a number of other candidates that are viable, important candidates in the race,” the former Massachusetts governor said.

Newt Gingrich, Mitt RomneyRepublican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. W. Mitt Romney shakes hands with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich after a Republican presidential debate in Sioux City, Iowa, Dec. 15. (Photo by Eric Gay)

BETHLEHEM, N.H. – Republican presidential candidate W. Mitt Romney on Thursday spurned chief rival Newt Gingrich’s challenge for a one-on-one debate in the run up to the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses but dismissed the notion – suggested by the former House speaker – that he was afraid to participate in such a face-off.

“We’ve had many occasions to debate together and we’ll have more, I presume quite a few more, before this is finished,” Romney told The Associated Press. “But I’m not going to narrow this down to a two-person race while there are still a number of other candidates that are viable, important candidates in the race. I want to show respect to them.”

In a brief interview aboard his campaign bus as it rumbled through New Hampshire, Romney reflected on the a GOP nomination fight that’s seen many candidates and non-candidates alike rise and fall in polls. He mentioned Gingrich as well as Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, Atlanta businessman Herman Cain, Texas Gov. Rick Perry and real estate magnate Donald Trump.

Asked whether Trump and Gingrich were of equal seriousness as presidential aspirants, Romney said: “I’m not going to get into that. It’s up to you to make your own assessment.”

The former Massachusetts governor also distanced himself anew from the standoff in Washington between the GOP-controlled House and the Democratic-run White House over a two-month extension of a cut in payroll taxes.

“I really don’t think it’s productive for me to describe which of all of the compromises within the sausage-making process is my favorite compromise position,” Romney said, adding that presidential candidates getting involved will only complicate the process, not help it.

“We have, what, eight people running for president?” Romney said. “The idea of us all running to Washington and trying to say to the various parties, ‘here’s where I think you should go,’ is not something which our party needs, it is not likely to be conducive to reaching a conclusion.”

“We’re in the last few days before the Iowa caucuses and I’m not going to leave my campaign, fly to Washington and spend a couple of weeks there negotiating something where there are already people elected to do that very job, that we expect to do so,” he said

It was an apparent reference to GOP presidential nominee John McCain shutting down his campaign in fall 2008 during the financial crisis.

For weeks, Romney has repeatedly refused to be pinned down on how Congress should break an impasse that threatens to raise taxes for 160 million workers – the latest pressing policy debate he has sidestepped. House Republicans have rejected a bipartisan compromise in the Senate that would have kept the tax cuts going for two months, instead calling for negotiations toward a one-year extension.

But Romney has left open the terms for an extension. He has suggested it should last more than two months and ideally a year, but has called such details “deep in the weeds.”

In the Thursday interview, Romney said that if he were president, he would “sit down with the leaders in my party and the leaders in the opposition party and work to find some sort of common ground.” He offered advice – as well as criticism – to the man he hopes to succeed, saying: “If the president would take a personal role in leading that process I think we’d have more prospects of it being successful.”

Romney added: “It doesn’t strike me that they’re terribly far apart. I will be surprised if they can’t get this resolved on a timely basis.”

Banning cell phones while driving not on Massachusetts. Gov. Deval Patrick's radar screen

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"I haven’t thought about it much," Patrick said.

Drivers TextingA driver talks on a cell phone while driving through the Financial District of Boston last week. The National Transportation Safety Board declared Dec. 13 that texting, emailing or chatting while driving is simply to dangerous to be allowed anywhere in the United States. (Photo by Charles Krupa)

BOSTON - A year after signing a ban on texting while driving, Gov. Deval L. Patrick punted on a recent recommendation by federal transportation safety authorities on a complete cell phone ban for drivers.

"I haven’t thought about it much," Patrick said during an appearance on Boston area radio station WTKK=FM.

"Certainly the question of texting is a serious problem," he said. "I am also aware that using a cell phone is or can be distracting. Hands-free is one response to that."

Patrick said a total ban on cell phone use in cars "may be impractical" but he signaled that he would be open to a move toward hands-free devices.

"Cell phones are so central to our lives these days that it seems to me it may be impractical to say no, not at all."

Citing an "exponential" increase in such devices, the National Transportation Safety Board last week called on all 50 states to implement a ban on motorist use of non-emergency portable electronic devices and a high-visibility enforcement campaign.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,000 people died in 2010 in "distraction-related accidents," including two people in a multi-vehicle pileup on Aug. 5, 2010 on Interstate 44 in Missouri.

Springfield police search for two suspects, considered armed and dangerous, following robbery of Liberty Heights liquor store

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The suspects allegedly robbed Liberty Package Store at about 10:40 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD – Police continued to search in the area of Van Horn Park late Thursday morning for two young Hispanic males suspected of robbing a Carew Street liquor store at gunpoint.

Capt. Thomas Trites said the Liberty Package Store in Springfield, at Carew and Libcar streets, was robbed at approximately 10:40 a.m.

The suspects, at least one of them armed, both wore dark-colored sweatshirts and had nylons pulled over their faces. “I believe they fled with money,” Trites said.

The suspects, considered armed and dangerous, fled in a blue Toyota with stolen plates that was found a short time later on Wait Street.

Additional information was not immediately available.

Americans frustrated by latest congressional stalemate over payroll tax cut

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Americans of different backgrounds, incomes and political leanings say they're angry and downright disgusted by the posturing in Washington after the House rejected a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut passed by the Senate, then both chambers adjourned for the holidays.

Payroll Tax Cut.jpgDavid Kaiser, 46, of Miami, is shown as he speaks to the Associated Press about his thoughts on the possible extension of the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits,


CHICAGO (AP) — As Americans watch yet another political drama play out on Capitol Hill — this time over whether to extend the payroll tax cut and jobless benefits — they have a question for Congress: Can't you all just get along? For once?

"It's like, 'Kids, kids, kids,'" said Brenda Bissett, a lawyer from Santa Clarita, Calif., as she waited for coffee Wednesday at a Starbucks in downtown Los Angeles. "It's just frustrating that there's no compromise ... I do it all the time."

Around the country, people of different backgrounds, incomes and political leanings say they're angry and downright disgusted by the posturing in Washington after the House rejected a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut passed by the Senate, then both chambers adjourned for the holidays.

If lawmakers don't act by Jan. 1, payroll taxes will jump almost $20 a week, or $1,000 a year, for a worker earning $50,000, and as much as $82 a week, or $4,272 a year, for a household with two high-paid workers. What's more, about 6 million people could lose unemployment benefits, and Medicare payments to doctors would be slashed.

"It's just another smack in our face for the working public. We just can't get ahead," said Mike Pryor, a construction worker from Aurora, Ill. "It seems like everything that Congress is doing is always against us ... I mean, I'm at a loss for words, and I just can't understand it, why they have to keep arguing."

On Wednesday, President Barack Obama urged congressional leaders to return to Washington to pass a short-term payroll tax cut extension before New Year's Day, then work later on a full-year measure.

Leaders from both chambers say they want the other side to return, too, though they still disagree on whether it should be to negotiate a two-month extension or a one-year deal favored by House Republicans.

Meanwhile, the public can only wait and wonder — and stew.

At Augie & Ray's, a popular eatery in East Hartford, Conn., the consensus among several diners Wednesday was that the partisan bickering was eroding their already shaky faith in Congress. To some, that was just as frustrating as the idea that their paychecks could shrink.

"It's us, the average Joe, that's getting caught in the middle," said Ray Ramsey, a retired utility meter technician who works part-time for a medical-supply company.

Fellow diner Richard Longo, who owns a building-maintenance business, said he worries about the effect of the taxes on himself and his 30-plus employees. But he thinks there's a lot of blame to go around.

"I truly believe that if the sides were reversed, if we had a Republican president and a Democratic Congress, we'd still be going through the same thing," he said.

A payroll tax increase would come at a vulnerable time for some people who already have been affected by falling property values and, in some cases, state tax increases.

Some expected to spend less on non-essential things, like dining out. And others said they were willing to pay more if it means reducing the deficit. But almost all agreed that the partisan acrimony and 11th-hour crises in Washington are getting old.

"It seems they want to bring down everything to the last minute and then figure it out," said David Kaiser, a researcher at a Miami college who said a tax increase wouldn't affect him significantly.

Kaiser wanted "some way to send that message to them: That's not what they're hired for."

Mike Raney, a maintenance and repair worker from Chicago, said he blames the stalemate on "misguided ideals" among politicians of both parties.

"I'd like to say they mean well, but we're talking about politicians," Raney said as he ate a hamburger at a McDonald's in Chicago's Loop. "It's very frustrating, especially for people who are just getting by. I mean, it's not like I'm making millions of dollars, but it's affecting other people a lot harder than it's affecting me."

The tax cut lowered the Social Security tax on incomes of up to $106,800 from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent. It's meant a maximum savings of $2,136 for an individual.

Without a deal, Americans would begin 2012 facing a tax increase just as an election year begins. And many say the bickering has more to do with elections than economic ideals.

"The way I see it is that the Republicans want Obama to be a one-term president," said James Edwards, an Amtrak conductor from Hamden, Conn., who was in Boston on Wednesday. "They are taking their patriotism and throwing it away, and they are hurting the middle class. They want to make sure that America is hurting while this president is sitting so they won't vote for him in 2012."

Anaiah Spencer, a property manager from Los Angeles, said the deadlock is damaging people's faith in lawmakers.

"I have never seen a government this divisive," Spencer said. "In the end, we both end up broke, and we wind up with an entire country of angry citizens who don't know who to turn to."

Greg Kirksey, a pastor in Little Rock, Ark., said a payroll tax increase would be little more than an inconvenience for him, but others are "talking about whether to buy dried beans or ground beef to get their protein."

"But I'm afraid because it's a political year ... I'm not thinking anybody's really got the guts to make the hard decisions," he said. "They just keep putting a Band-Aid on, putting a Band-Aid on, kicking the can down the road a little farther."

___

Associated Press writers Christine Armario in Miami, Shannon Dininny in Yakima, Wash., Robert Jablon in Los Angeles, Steve LeBlanc in Boston, Ben Neary in Cheyenne, Wyo., Jeannie Nuss in Little Rock, Ark., Stephanie Reitz in East Hartford, Conn., and Bruce Schreiner in Louisville, Ky.; and AP videographer Robert Ray in Aurora, Ill., contributed to this story.


East Longmeadow police charge 50-year-old Sanyu Zheng with prostitution during undercover visit to Korean Massage Therapy

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Zheng, a Chinese suspect, is believed to be here illegally.

021111koreanmassage-2.jpgKorean Massage Therapy, 611 North Main St.

EAST LONGMEADOW – Police arrested a 50-year-old woman, a Chinese national beleive to be here illegally, on a prostitution charge last week after she allegedly offered to perform a sexual act on an undercover police officer for money during a massage.

Sanyu Zheng, who is believed to have been living in Springfield, denied single counts of sexual conduct for a fee and unlicensed masssage during her arraignment Wednesday in Palmer District Court, Sgt. Patrick Manley said.

Police, aided by U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement personnel, arrested Zheng at Korean Massage Therapy, 611 North Main St., at about 11 a.m. on Dec. 16, Manley said.

The undercover officer entered business and paid money for a massage. “During the course of the massage the individual offered to perform sexual acts for money,” Manley said.

The officer then stopped the massage, another officer came in, and Zheng was arrested.

Manley said ICE took custody of a second woman, also believed to be here illegally and lodged a detainer against Zheng. A third woman on the premises was already undergoing the deportation process, Manley said.

“No one present on the premises was licensed to give a massage,” Manley said.

Police believe Zheng had been staying in Springfield. She was not able, however, perhaps due to a language barrier, to provide an address, Manley said.

It’s not the first time that Korean Massage has been subject to local and federal law enforcement. In November of 2009, it was one of eight area massage salons raided.

Three women, none working at Korean Massage, were arrested on prostitution charges following those raids. Police, however, took three women into custody on immigration charges following the raid here.

Police arrested two women at Korean Massage therapy this past February , one of them on prostitution charges.

Korean Massage, meanwhile remains open for business, Manley said. Massage parlors, like barbershops, are overseen by the state’s Division of Licensure, he said.

“They are reviewing the license,” Manley said.

Officials with the division could not be immediately reached for comment.


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BNB Waste Services ordered to clean up Northampton properties, stop hauling trash

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Judge Mary-Lou Rup granted the injunction, which requires BNB to clean the Williams Street and Glendale Road locations and also remove all other waste containers it has at various sites.

fct rup.jpgJudge Mary Lou Rup is seen in Franklin Superior Court in March.

NORTHAMPTON – A Hampshire Superior Court judge ordered a local waste hauler to clean up its act, particularly properties on Williams Street and Glendale Road that it has been using to store waste.

BNB Waste Services of Northampton owes the Department of Public Works nearly $35,000 in fees for use of the city’s landfill, according to a request for a preliminary injunction filed by the Board of Public Works asking that the company clean up various locations around Northampton where it stores waste and has trash containers. The unpaid debt led the city to ban the company from using the Glendale Road landfill, which in turn led to the accumulation of waste at other sites.

As detailed in court documents, BNB began to fall behind in its payments in 2009 and stopped altogether in September 2010. On Dec. 31, 2010 its hauling permit for use of the landfill expired and it stopped using the facility soon after.

The Board of Health was called in to inspect the Glendale Road and Williams Street sites for health hazards and determined that BNB was essentially operating an illegal transfer station at 52 Glendale Road. When it ordered BNB to clean up the Williams Street site, the company merely attempted to hide the refuse behind a fence, the suit states.

“It’s been an ongoing issue for close to a year,” said Northampton Health Director Ben Wood.

BNB owner Brian A. Maziarz could not be immediately reached for comment.

Judge Mary-Lou Rup granted the injunction, which requires BNB to clean the
Williams Street and Glendale Road locations and also remove all other waste containers it has at various sites. The city has given BNB a temporary permit to remove that waste, but BNB is barred from hauling any other waste in Northampton.

Easthampton City Councilor Donald Cykowski refuses to resign over Puerto Rican remark

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When questioned about the sincerity of the apology because how it was phrased he said, “I’m not quite a wordsmith that some people would want. I tried to be as brief as (possible).”

Cykowksi Swan 122211.jpgEasthampton City Councilor Donald L. Cykowski, left, is seen in this composite photo with Springfield NAACP president, the Rev. Talbert W. Swan II.

EASTHAMPTON – City Councilor Donald L. Cykowski said he has no intentions of resigning over a comment that he made two weeks ago about Puerto Ricans and apologized for Wednesday night.

“I thought my apology was enough,” he said Thursday. When questioned about the sincerity of the apology because how it was phrased he said “I’m not quite a wordsmith that some people would want. I tried to be as brief as (possible).”

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, he said, “I made a statement (at the Dec. 7 meeting,) if I offended anyone I apologize.”

At that Dec. 7 meeting, Cykowski said “Where’s a Puerto Rican when we need one.” The comment came following a discussion about whether to appoint Councilor-at-Large Ronald D. Chateauneuf to the Planning Board. Chateauneuf did not seek re-election to the council. Chateauneuf left the room during the discussion and the door he used automatically locked behind him.

When he was called to come back in he was having trouble opening the door, to which, Cykowski said, "Where's a Puerto Rican when we need one?"

“l quipped something out without thinking I’m sorry I did it,” he said Thursday.

He said he was not intending to play on any stereotypes and said he has nothing against Puerto Ricans. “I worked with Puerto Ricans, Columbians. Cambodians, you name it, black guys, we always got along. I just made a quip, it seems like a slow news day."

And he said “I’m Polish, I’ve been a butt of Polish jokes. I’ve been called a dumb Pollock” and he said he just rolled with it. “I’m sorry I did this.”

Cykowki's comments caused the Rev. Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Springfield branch of the NAACP, to call on Easthampton officials to censure Cykowski.

Cykowski has been a councilor since 2004.


More details coming in The Republican.

Retail store scanners 99 percent accurate, Massachusetts consumer affairs office says

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Inspectors visited 84 stores around the state and found overcharges on just 13 of the 2,425 items run through retail scanners.

BOSTON – Shoppers may not always feel they get the best price, but at least they appear to be getting the correct price at most Massachusetts retail stores.

The state office of consumer affairs said Thursday that for a fourth consecutive year, its annual survey of checkout scanners found an accuracy rate of higher than 99 percent.

Inspectors visited 84 stores around the state and found overcharges on just 13 of the 2,425 items run through retail scanners. Only one overcharge exceeded $1.50.

Officials said only four stores failed to meet the 98 percent accuracy rate required under Massachusetts regulations.

Barbara Anthony, the state’s undersecretary of consumer affairs and business regulation, said consumers trust that prices at checkout scanners will be the same as those listed on shelves, especially during holiday shopping season.

Michael Jacques sentenced to 14 years for burning down predominantly black church in Springfield

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Michael F. Jacques was also ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ and insurance companies.

Michael Jacques 41411.jpgMichael F. Jacques leaves federal court in Springfield after being convicted in in April of the burning of the Macedonia Church of God in Christ in Springfield..
SPRINGFIELD – A Springfield man convicted of burning down a predominantly black church because he was angry with President Barack Obama’s election was sentenced Thursday in U.S. District Court to 14 years in prison.


Michael F. Jacques was also ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution to the Macedonia Church of God in Christ and insurance companies.

Along with two other white men, Jacques confessed to a role in the gasoline-fed blaze that razed the Tinkham Road church just hours after Obama’s 2008 election and several months before its scheduled completion.

Capping a 3 1/2-week trial, jurors in April found Jacques guilty of conspiracy to violate civil rights, destruction of religious property and using fire to commit a felony.

The church’s pastor, Bishop Bryant Robinson, condemned the act in court on Thursday.

“We did not lash out with inflammatory language,” he said in a victim impact statement to the court. “I didn’t act out as a leader nor did the members seek a pound of flesh.”


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