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Springfield police arrest 21-year-old city resident Kimberly Lenois after she allegedly broke into parking meters in the downtown

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A male suspect fled the scene.

SPRINGFIELD - Police arrested a 21-year-old Blaine Street woman early Thursday after she allegedly broke into three parking meters in the downtown.

Sgt. Dennis Pryor said the suspect was seen using a screwdriver to break into parking meters on Bridge Street at about 3 a.m. and was arrested a short time later. A man suspect of being an accomplice fled the scene.

Pryor said police recovered the stolen change. He said detectives are attempting to determine if the suspects are responsible for a series of break-ins to parking meters in the downtown overnight on Tuesday.

Kimberly Lenois was charged with breaking into a depository, malicious damage over $250, larceny under $250 and possession of burglarious tools.


New search planned in Mass. in 1989 disappearance of 14-year-old girl

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WBZ-TV reports that volunteer teams with cadaver dogs will scour a portion of the Middlesex Fells Reservation in Stoneham this weekend.

STONEHAM, Mass. (AP) — A wooded area of Stoneham will be searched for clues in the unsolved 1989 disappearance of a 14-year-old girl.

WBZ-TV reports that volunteer teams with cadaver dogs will scour a portion of the Middlesex Fells Reservation this weekend. The search was prompted by an anonymous tip received by a private investigator working for Melanie Melanson's family.

The Woburn teen disappeared in October 1989 after attending a party in the woods with friends. Her body was never found.

The district attorney's office announced a $5,000 reward in 2009 for information that might help solve the case.

Report: Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes described killings in package

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As reports emerged of a suspicious package sent to a university the suspect in the Colorado theater shooting once attended, the first memorial service was held for a victim of the massacre.

colorado shooting memorialAurora police officer bow their heads in prayer at the memorial across from the movie theater, Wednesday, July 25, 2012 in Aurora, Colo. Twelve people were killed and over 50 wounded in a shooting attack early Friday at the packed theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

By KRISTEN WYATT and NICHOLAS RICCARDI, Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — As reports emerged of a suspicious package sent to a university the suspect in the Colorado theater shooting once attended, the first memorial service was held for a victim of the massacre.

The University of Colorado Denver said Wednesday that the U.S. Postal Service delivered the package Monday, and it was immediately investigated and turned over to authorities within hours.

It wouldn't confirm its contents or whether it was sent by former neuroscience graduate student James Holmes. However multiple media outlets, citing unnamed sources, reported Holmes sent a notebook with drawings and descriptions of an attack.

Fox News' website was among those reporting the notebook was in a package addressed to a psychiatrist at the school. It was unclear if Holmes, 24, had had any previous contact with the person. The neuroscience program that he withdrew from on June 10 included professors of psychiatry.

Holmes is accused of opening fire on a theater showing the new Batman movie, killing 12 people and injuring 58. He is due to hear the charges against him at a court hearing scheduled Monday.

NBC News, citing unnamed sources, reported that Holmes told investigators to look for the package and that it described killing people.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies refused to confirm the reports to The Associated Press.

U.S. Postal Service spokesman David Rupert said the agency's inspectors have no direct knowledge of the package in question. He said no one has contacted the Postal Service for assistance in the investigation.

Before a judge issued a gag order in the case, police said Holmes received more than 50 packages at the school and his home that apparently contained ammunition, combat gear and explosive materials that he used in the attack and to booby-trap his Aurora apartment.

The apartment building was evacuated for days while authorities rendered it safe and collected evidence. Residents were allowed to return Wednesday.

Holmes' defense team also briefly visited the building Wednesday and left without answering reporters' questions.

Holmes, who grew up in California, was allegedly stockpiling for the attack while he studied at the school's neuroscience program. He bought a shotgun and pistol in May, authorities say. On June 7, the date he took a year-end oral exam, he bought an assault rifle. He filed paperwork to leave the program three days later and did not provide a reason, the university has said.

Meanwhile, 51-year-old Gordon Cowden was honored Wednesday at the first memorial service for a slain victim.

About 150 mourners including Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper gathered on Wednesday the father who had gone to see "The Dark Knight Rises" with his teenage children. His children were unharmed.

Cowden lived in Aurora, the Denver suburb where the theater is located. A family statement described him as a "true Texas gentleman" who loved the outdoors and owned his own business.

"A quick-witted world traveler with a keen sense of humor, he will be remembered for his devotion to his children and for always trying his best to do the right thing, no matter the obstacle," his family said.

Cowden's memorial was also attended by Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan and Aurora Police Chief Dan Oates.

Later this week, families of other victims planned to say their final goodbyes.

Funerals were planned in towns from San Antonio, home of aspiring sportscaster Jessica Ghawi, to Crystal Lake, Ill., hometown of Navy intelligence officer John Thomas Larimer.

Pierce O'Farrill, who survived being shot three times in the attack, told The Denver Post he has forgiven the gunman and feels sorrow for him.

"I want to see him sometime. The first thing I want to say to him is 'I forgive you,' and the next is, 'Can I pray for you?'" he told the newspaper.
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AP writer Colleen Slevin contributed to this story from Denver.

East Longmeadow police probe break-in to Competitive Edge Ski & Bike shop on North Main Street

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Police believe an alarm frightened the suspect or suspects away before they could grab anything.

EAST LONGMEADOW – Police are probing a break-in to the Competitive Edge Ski & Bike shop on North Main Street early Thursday.

Sgt. Patrick Manley said an exterior door on the second floor of the shop at 612 North Main St., was kicked in shortly before 3 a.m. Nothing, however, is believed to have been taken, he said.

“The alarm went off and that must have frightened them away,” Manley said.

The businesses has been a target for burglars in the past, Manley said.

National Weather Service: 'Isolated tornado or two' possible Thursday

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Storms may bring torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding.

day1probotlk_1300_torn.jpgView full sizeA "tornado outlook" map published by the National Weather Service shows a 5% probability of tornadic activity in southern Berkshire and Hampden counties in Massachusetts.

SPRINGFIELD -- The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for western Massachusetts Thursday, warning of the potential of severe thunderstorms and conditions favorable for a tornado.

"An isolated tornado or two can not be ruled out across western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut late this afternoon and evening," the statement reads.

The agency reports that the region may see a "significant outbreak" of severe thunderstorms late Thursday afternoon and evening. Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut are listed as high-risk areas.

Storms may bring torrential rainfall and localized flash flooding.

Sandra Ahearn, a spokeswoman for Western Massachusetts Electric Company, said Thursday morning that the utility would be monitoring the weather closely and keeping crews on standby.

Area city and town officials quickly took to social media to advise residents to remain alert regarding today's conditions.

"Severe Weather is headed our way," Southampton's fire department noted in a Facebook post. "Please keep an eye to the sky and an ear to the weather reports either TV or radio. Please treat each warning issued as real! Keep yourself and your family/ friends safe by staying off the roads as much as possible during 3pm and 10pm when its supposed to be the worst."

Bradley International Airport also warned that the weather could affect air travel today, posting to Twitter: "Keep an eye to the sky later this afternoon and evening. The forecasted weather will impact flights later on today."

How often were Mitt Romney's Massachusetts vetoes overridden?

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Romney said on Wednesday that he occasionally found common ground with the Democratic leadership in the Massachusetts legislature. Independent agencies have looked at his claims in the past, and reported on just how few of Romney's vetoes were sustained.

Mitt RomneyRepublican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney declares victory in the Wisconsin presidential primary at the Grain Exchange, Tuesday, April 3, 2012, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)

In an interview with NBC on Wednesday, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney was asked how Washington would be different if he were elected president.

Romney responded, as he often does, by pointing to the bipartisanship he learned as governor of Massachusetts.

“All I can say is that I got elected governor of a state that was 87 percent Democrat,” Romney said. “And it was not lost on me that if I went around attacking the Democrat leadership, I was going to get nothing done and none of my vetoes would be upheld. And I began a relationship with the speaker of the House and the Senate president that was personal. We respected each other. We often disagreed. But we found common ground from time to time.”

So how often were Romney’s vetoes upheld?

This issue was examined by several media agencies during Romney’s 2008 presidential campaign – and the answer is, rarely, given the heavily Democratic legislature that Romney faced in Massachusetts.

Factcheck.org reported, based on an independently-obtained list of veto override votes, that out of more than 800 budget line-item vetoes during Romney’s four years as governor, 707 were overridden. A separate Factcheck.org post put the exact number of Romney’s vetoes at 844 – and noted that “more than 700” were overridden.

The Boston Globe reported that in 100 instances Democrats did not challenge Romney and his vetoes stood. In cases when the Senate challenged him, Romney was overridden every time. When the House challenged him, Romney was overridden more than 99 percent of time, the Globe reported, based on statistics from the House minority leader’s office.

Read about Romney’s NBC interview here and here.

WMECO reporting intermittent problems with telephone lines and website Thursday morning

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The problem should be resolved within the next few hours, spokeswoman Sandra Ahearn said.

SPRINGFIELD - Western Massachusetts Electric Co. is reporting some intermittent issues with its phone line and website Thursday morning.

“We believe most customers are getting through,” said Sandra Ahearn, spokeswoman for WMECO. “If customers can’t get through they should keep on trying.”

Ahearn said the problem should be resolved within the next couple of hours.

AG Martha Coakley to seek $16M in fines against National Grid for outages

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Attorney General Martha Coakley is scheduled to announce on Thursday that she will seek the penalties against the utility for violations during their response to Tropical Storm Irene and the surprise October snowstorm in Massachusetts.

Attorney General Martha Coakley holds hearing on new anti-bullying legislation02.17.2011 | SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Martha Coakley

BOSTON (AP) — National Grid could be facing more than $16 million in fines connected to its response to two major power outages last year.

Attorney General Martha Coakley is scheduled to announce on Thursday that she will seek the penalties against the utility for violations during their response to Tropical Storm Irene and the surprise October snowstorm in Massachusetts.

Coakley's office said in an advisory announcing the news conference that the violations include "unacceptably low staffing levels" and the utility's failure to adequately communicate with municipal officials, first responders and customers.

Hundreds of thousands of customers of National Grid and other utilities lost power during the storms and some waited longer than a week for crews to restore their electricity.


Things to do this weekend: Celebrate Ludlow, Allman Brothers, Northampton sidewalk sales

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What are you looking forward to this weekend? Share your picks.

072612ALLMANBROS.JPGIn this photograph taken by AP Images for TuneInToHepC.com -- Rock legend Gregg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band perform at the Tune In to Hep C benefit concert at the Beacon Theatre in New York on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 in honor of World Hepatitis Day.

Thursday

Luther 'Guitar Jr' Johnson. Blues favorite performs as part of the weekly Stearns Square Concert Series. Rain location: inside City Stage. 6:30 PM. Free. Stearns Square, Springfield.

Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez. Pop superstars co-headline one of the summer's biggest tours. 7:30 PM. $95 - $135. Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn. mohegansun.com


Friday

Jerry Garcia tribute concert. A hand-picked band and more than a dozen local singers celebrate the Grateful Dead leader's 70th birthday. 10 PM. $10. Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton. iheg.com

Iron & Wine. Indie folk-rock band tours behind 2011's album 'Kiss Each Other Clean.' 8 PM. $25 - $35. Calvin Theatre, Northampton. iheg.com

Saturday

Celebrate Ludlow. Music, food and family activities at 13th annual community event. 3:30 to midnight; fireworks at 9 PM. Free; non-perishable food donation requested. Ludlow Fish and Game Club, Ludlow.

Allman Brothers and Santana. Classic rock stalwarts ramble into Hartford. When it's time for leaving, they hope you'll understand. 7 PM. $39.50 - $99.50. Comcast Theater, Hartford. livenation.com

Hampden County 4-H Youth Fair. 4-H members show off their talents and animals in the 59th annual fair.. 9 AM - 5 PM. Free. Eastern States Exposition grounds, West Springfield.

Saturday and Sunday

Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour. Annual studio tour of Hampshire County ceramic artists promises back roads and great pots. 10 AM - 5 PM. Free. Various locations in Westhampton, Cummington and Worthington. hilltown6.com

All weekend

Northampton Sidewalk Sales. Over 50 downtown shops set up outdoors to offer discounts, plus daily music and entertainment. Free. Downtown Northampton. northamptondowntown.com

What are you looking forward to this weekend? Share your picks in the comments below.

Westfield police officer struck, killed while working construction detail on Pontoosic Road

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The accident happened around 7:30 Thursday morning.

WESTFIELD -- A city police officer was struck and killed while working a construction detail Thursday morning.

Capt. Hippolito Nunez said the male officer was hit by a dump truck while directing traffic on Pontoosic Road.

The accident happened around 7:30 a.m. The officer was taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and police were notified by the hospital about two hours later that the officer had died, Nunez said.

Police, who continue to probe the accident, have not yet released the name of the officer.




This is a developing story. Details will be added as our reporting continues today.

Congressional candidate Bill Shein talks privacy, Iran, unemployment and more during chat with voters

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During an hour-long live chat with the readers of MassLive.com, Shein discussed a variety of topics, ranging from unemployment and tax policy to Iran and the use of unmanned drones.

Bill Shein live chatBill Shein, a Democrat running to represent the newly drawn 1st Congressional District in Massachusetts, answers questions from the MassLive.com readers during a live chat on July 26, 2012. (Staff Photo by Amanda Hofmockel)

SPRINGFIELD — During an hour-long live chat with the readers of MassLive.com, Congressional candidate Bill Shein discussed a variety of topics, ranging from unemployment and tax policy to Iran and the use of unmanned drones.

Shein, a political activist and writer, is taking on former state senator Andrea Nuciforo Jr. and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, who represents the present 2nd Congressional District, in a three-way Democratic primary to represent the new 1st district, which includes all of Berkshire County, most of Hampden County and parts of Hampshire, Franklin and Worcester Counties.

When asked by a reader what he thinks about the use of unmanned drones to conduct military strikes abroad and surveillance of American citizens domestically, sometimes without a court order, he said the trend is "deeply troubling."

"I believe that in Pakistan, for example, our use of drones as a tool of counter-terrorism is quite likely laying the groundwork for future conflict. The civilian casualties have been numerous, despite claims that drones make it easier to avoid them," Shein wrote. "I'm similarly troubled by the use of drones here by police forces. I don't think any of us are comfortable with the increasing amount of surveillance here, whether it be in closed-circuit cameras on street corners or drones flying overhead. Again, we have to maintain a commitment to our core values and ideals, and not buy into the idea that those must be sacrificed for security."

Shein also said that if would have been in office following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he would not have voted for the Patriot Act, which expanded the powers of law enforcement to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence.

On the topic of health care, Shein reinforced his belief that a publicly funded single payer health insurance system is the way to go and something he would fight for if elected.

"We did some very important things with the Affordable Care Act, such as ending denial because of pre-existing conditions, eliminating lifetime caps, allowing young people to stay on their parents' plan," Shein wrote. "But at the end of the day, it's reform built upon a broken, expensive, private health insurance system. The path to high quality, universal, health and dental care for all is Enhanced Medicare for All."

In response to a reader question on what he would do through legislation to tackle the foreign tax havens some wealthy citizens use to duck paying taxes, Shein said the problem lies not just with individuals, but also with banks and corporations.

"I opposed the Panama Free Trade Agreement for, among other reasons, the ease with which money can be, and has been, hidden there by individuals and corporations. The second matter has to do with corporate tax avoidance, which goes hand-in-hand with the shifting of factories and jobs overseas," Shein wrote. "Famously, General Electric uses something called the "active financing exception" to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes each year. And it's also why GE has been moving operations and factories overseas to sell to foreign markets. Rep. Neal supports that special break and wants to make it permanent. I strongly oppose it."

Shein said that in order to reduce the unemployment rate in Springfield, which recently grew to 10.3 percent, politicians need to look beyond the numbers to find real solutions. He said that to generically talk about "job creation" isn't enough, and that diverse opportunities are needed for the area's diverse population.

"I'm a supporter of substantial direct investment in job creation, along the lines of what we did during the New Deal in response to the Great Depression," Shein wrote. "There have been several bills in Congress in recent years to do this: Create several different kinds of job corps to rebuild infrastructure, perform green retrofits to the many buildings and homes here that need it, keep teachers and firefighters and police employed, and more. We did some with the stimulus in 2009, but not enough. And too much emphasis is on tax cuts for big business. That's clearly not working."

And in light of the fact that discussions over what to do about a potentially nuclear-armed Iran have restarted in recent months, Shein said that he believes that diplomacy still has a chance.

"We can and must continue to build diplomatic pressure, while also recognizing that our own government's assessment of Iran's nuclear program, at least for military purposes, is that much of it was abandoned a number of years ago," Shein wrote. "So, again, a rush to military action here would be catastrophic for Israel and others, derail a nascent movement for change in Iran, and set back the prospects for a broader peace. Rep. Neal was a co-sponsor of a resolution that endorsed a military strike on Iran by Israel. I believe there is a better way."

To read Shein's comprehensive answers to questions on the aforementioned topics and more, visit the archived live chat.

Massachusetts Legislature approves Mashpee Wampanoag casino compact

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The tribe has released an environmental report showing the proposed casino would generate nearly $512 million in annual revenue.

042612 mashpee wampanoag casino drawing.jpgThis file image of an artist's rendering released by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe depicts a resort casino that the tribe has proposed be built in Taunton. The plan calls for a 150,000 square foot casino, three hotels, retail stores and a family-oriented water park. The state and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe have reached a tentative agreement on a compact for a resort casino in Taunton. (AP Photo/Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, File)

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Legislature has approved a casino compact signed by Gov. Deval Patrick and the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.

The compact, which promises the state 21.5 percent of gaming revenues if the tribe succeeds in developing a resort casino in Taunton, now heads to Patrick's desk.

The Senate voted 27-to-9 on Thursday in favor of the compact approved last week by the House, and each chamber has given its final procedural approval.

Some southeastern Massachusetts lawmakers had pushed for a compact deadline by which the tribe must earn federal approval to place the land into trust, saying the region could fall behind in casino development if the process drags on too long.

The tribe has released an environmental report showing the proposed casino would generate nearly $512 million in annual revenue.

Proposals for 3 new Springfield charter schools, 1 in Longmeadow being considered by Massachusetts Department of Education

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One of the proposed charter schools in Springfield was not accepted in February, but was invited by the state to reapply.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 1:55 this afternoon.


SPRINGFIELD – The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is considering proposals for 22 new charter schools across Massachusetts including three proposed in Springfield and one in Longmeadow.

The proposals, known as prospectuses, are the first step in the application process. The state will review each proposal, and by mid September will notify those groups “that hold the most promise” to submit final applications, due by Nov. 7.

Springfield has three existing charter school and a fourth, Veritas Preparatory Charter School, is scheduled to open this fall. A fifth, Baystate Academy Charter School, is scheduled to open in 2013.

Mitchell Chester 2009.jpgMitchell D. Chester

The proposal to add to those numbers has raised some concerns in Springfield in the past, with critics saying the charters drain students and funding from the existing public schools. Proponents say the charter schools offer more choices for parents and students, and promote improvements in the educational climate.

“I won’t create a campaign for or against charter schools,” new Springfield Superintendent of Schools Daniel J. Warwick said Thursday. “But I say that, generally speaking, I think charter schools create additional options for families. However, my job and my focus is making Springfield Public Schools great.”

The three new charter schools proposed in Springfield are as follows:

• Springfield Preparatory Charter School, grades K-8, and having an eventual maximum enrollment of 1,200 students.

• Springfield Collegiate Charter School, grades K-8, and a maximum enrollment of 456 students.

• Phoenix Charter Academy, grades 9-12, and a maximum enrollment of 250.

The fourth new charter school proposed in the region is:

• Classical Community Charter School in Longmeadow, that would serve students in grades K-12, and have a maximum enrollment of 390 students.

The specific locations are not yet disclosed.

All of the local proposals are ““Commonwealth Charter Schools,” that would be fully autonomous and operate independently of the local school district, according to the state.

In fiscal year 2014, Springfield would have about 1,300 seats available for new charter schools under its cap, a state spokesman said.

The Springfield Preparatory Charter School is being filed for a second time. A proposal was filed last year, but was denied approval by the state in February and invited to reapply. SABIS International, which already has a charter school in Springfield, resubmitted its proposal for a second school in Springfield, as invited.

Mitchell Chester, the state commissioner of education, will make recommendations to the state education board. The board is scheduled to vote at its meeting in February of 2013 to award the new charters

Chester also praised charter schools as providing parents and students “with important public school options as they consider the educational program that best meets their needs.”

Last year, there were seven charter proposals statewide, but the state has lifted a moratorium in several cities including Lawrence and Boston this year.

Rookie Chandler Jones has successful first day at Patriots training camp

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Jones said the work he put in during the offseason paid off on Day 1 of training camp.

chandler-jones.jpegNew England Patriots rookie defensive end Chandler Jones (95) stretches during practice on the first day of training camp at the NFL football team's facility in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, July 26, 2012.

FOXBOROUGH – The Patriots’ offseason program is already paying dividends for the team’s rookies.

After wrapping up their first training camp practice, first-round pick defensive end Chandler Jones reported that he already felt up to speed with everything that was going on and never once felt overwhelmed.

“It felt great,” Jones said. “I feel like I’m still dreaming, but I’m taking it one day at a time.”

Jones spent his first day severing on the second-team defense, rotating in for Rob Ninkovich and Trevor Scott at defensive end.

He received guidance from several of the veteran players on both sides of the ball during the session, something that has been ongoing since he was drafted, and has helped accelerate his learning curve.

“We have a nice brother system from Tom Brady to Vince Wilfork,” Jones said. “The whole team, they do a good job of putting their wing around the rookies and new guys and get us moving forward.”

Jones said the biggest adjustment for him coming out of Syracuse is the difference in time management, and that he has a lot more free time now that he doesn’t have to attend classes.

To maximize on that, he went back to Syracuse and trained with his old strength and conditioning coaches to prepare for training camp.

“Whenever I was in school, when I got out of practice, I did homework or played video games,” Jones said. “But guys are going home to their families and guys are getting into their playbooks. This is our job. This is how we’re going to support our families and eat food. It’s just a whole different approach.”

Jones’ biggest goal now is to attempt to impress the veteran players he’s been leaning on with his work ethic.

“My job right now is to earn respect from the veterans and be a sponge, learn the playbook, earn respect from Vince Wilfork and the rest of the guys and keep moving forward,” he said.

Attorney General Martha Coakley seeks $16.3 million fine against National Grid for slow response to 2 storms

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The attorney general is asking for $11.680 million fine for infractions by National Grid during the Octorber snowstorm including more than $8 million alone for being late in responding to more than 1,500 priority calls for downed wires.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 9:46 this morning.


BOSTON -- Attorney General Martha M. Coakley on Thursday proposed a $16.3 million fine against National Grid, saying the giant utility failed to communicate effectively, neglected to mobilize enough crews and was delinquent in responding to thousands of fallen wires during last year's October snow storm and Tropical Storm Irene.

Coakley said she is asking the state Department of Public Utilities to issue $4.645 million fine for National Grid violations during the tropical storm.

coak2.jpgMartha M. Coakley

She is seeking $11.6 million fine for infractions during the Oct. 29 storm including more than $8 million alone for being late in responding to more than 1,500 priority calls for downed wires.

"This is the largest penalty we have ever sought in Massachusetts and for good reasons," Coakley said at a press conference.

Deborah Drew, a spokeswoman for National Grid in New England, issued a prepared statement, saying company officials "strongly disagree with the extreme conclusions of the attorney general. Drew said she would not comment beyond the statement.

She said the company will file its formal response on Wednesday with the state Department of Public Utilities, which will decide if any fine is imposed. She said the company will wait to see the department's findings and recommendations.

"While we acknowledge that our storm restoration efforts did not meet our customers' expectations, and there is room for improvement, we strongly disagree with the extreme conclusions the Attorney General has drawn," Drew said in the statement. "We will address those issues in our August 1 response to the DPU. We will continue to work to provide the level of service our customers expect and deserve."

National Grid, based in London, provides electricity and gas in the Northeast part of this country. It serves 168 communities in Massachusetts including Belchertown, Brimfield, East Longmeadow, Erving, Granby, Northampton, Palmer and Wilbraham, which felt the brunt of the October storm.

The October storm dumped up to two feet of wet, heavy snow and shocked a region that was still recovering from the devastating June 1 tornado and a microburst that struck Wilbraham in July. Statewide, the October storm knocked out power for some for up to nine days and downed 22,000 wires, Coakley said.

In a filing with the utilities department, National Grid said that it activated and followed its emergency plan to safely restore power to its customers as quickly and responsibly as possible.

Coakley said National Grid violated its emergency plan and state standards for assuring power is restored safely and promptly. In a brief, Coakley said National Grid was "egregiously inadequate" in sending crews to take care of certain priority downed wires.

Earlier this month, the attorney general asked for a $4 million penalty against the Western Massachusetts Electric Co. for its response to the Oct. 29 snow storm.

During a press conference, Coakley said that National Grid's performance during the storms was "woefully lacking." She said power outages lasted longer and were more severe than needed.

She said that a fine would send a message that National Grid should improve.

Coakley said any fines would need to be paid by the companies, not their customers. Under current state law, a fine would go into the state's general fund, but Coakley said she supports legislation that will require all fines to go directly back to ratepayers.

In seeking a fine from Western Massachusetts Electric, Coakley said the electric utility violated its plan for responding to the October storm. Coakley said the infractions included faulty communications with the city of Springfield and failing to properly alert customers to the potential of losing power for a week, neglecting to contact customers on life support during and after the storm and neglecting to provide damage assessments within 48 hours after the storm.

The Western Massachusetts Electric Co. says there is no reason to fine the company for its performance. In a filing with the state utilities department, the company said that it responded quickly and effectively to the most severe weather event in the company's history.

In a brief filed with the public utilities department, Coakley said that under state law, a company faces $250,000 fine for each day a violation occurs.

She said National Grid broke its emergency plan by failing to analyze damage assessment information within 48 hours or sooner during the two storms. She is seeking $1.25 million penalty for violating this provision, or $250,000 for each of five days during the tropical storm and $1.5 million, or $250,000 for each of six days during the October storm.

Because National Grid failed to mobilize enough crews in violation of its plan, Coakley is proposing $500,000 fine for the tropical storm and $1 million for the October storm.

The attorney general said restoration should have taken five days for the October storm, but it took nine days.

Coakley said National Grid should be penalized $5,000 for each priority downed wire to which it failed to dispatch a crew in a timely manner, or 24 hours, after being called by police and fire.

Coakley's office counted 21,529 wires down in the state during the October storm and 13,062 during Irene.

During the October storm, Coakley said there were 1,686 priority wire down calls that were not dispatched within a reasonable time, meaning the company should be fined $8.43 million.

She wants $1.145 million fine for 229 delinquent wire down calls during Irene.

She also wants a fine for $250,000 for each of three days, or a total of $750,000 that National Grid failed to provide estimated times for restoration to customers during the October storm.


State Civil Service Commission rules Holyoke mayor Alex Morse improperly fired personnel director Jeanette Berrios

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The city was ordered to restore Berrios to a 'clerk and typist' and to pay back pay to January. It is unclear if she must be reinstated as personnel director.

Alex Morse 2011.jpgHolyoke mayor Alex Morse.

Updated at 9:01 p.m.: Includes comments from Berrios' lawyer Shawn Allyn and Mayor Alex Morse.


HOLYOKE -- The state Civil Service Commission ruled Thursday Mayor Alex B. Morse failed to give Jeanette Berrios proper notice before firing her as city personnel director the same day Morse took office as mayor Jan. 3.

The commission ordered the city to reinstate Berrios as a "clerk and typist" with back pay to Jan. 3.

Lawyer Shawn P. Allyn, representing Berrios, said the commission decision is a rebuke to Morse.
    
    “It means Morse and his inexperienced team were wrong,” Allyn wrote in a text message.

City Solicitor Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross said she will discuss options to respond to the Civil Service Commission decision with Mayor Alex B. Morse, such as appealing it in Hampden Superior Court.

The commission decision means Berrios would be a clerk-typist with the city, not be reinstated as personnel director. But Berrios would remain not employed by the city if an appeal of the commission decision is filed, Rodriguez-Ross said.

Allyn disputed that, saying Berrios must be reinstated immediately unless a Superior Court judge puts a stay on the Civil Service decision.

Morse said he stood by his decision to fire Berrios because she lacked a bachelor’s degree, as the job requirements specified, and he called on Allyn to be civil.
    
    “I respect the decision of the Civil Service Commission and we will move forward appropriately. Mr. Allyn is welcome to his opinion and I urge him to act in a mature manner in regards to this matter in the interest of civility and professionalism. I could not be more proud of the team we have in Holyoke, at all levels of government,” Morse wrote in an email.

The Civil Service decision comes with the position of personnel director still not filled permanently. Morse terminated the employment of Adam Pudelko, a former city staff attorney, whom Morse had appointed to replace Berrios, on July 3. Morse and Pudelko have declined to discuss the reasons for the termination.

On July 18, Morse appointed Richard A. Merchant interim personnel director. Merchant, of Southwick, was formerly the personnel head in Westfield, Chicopee and Easthampton. He also was city compliance officer here from 1992 to 1998.. He will be temporary director of human resources until a permanent director is hired, Morse said.

Vince Wilfork shows up to Patriots training camp noticeably thinner

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Wilfork said that he didn't want his weight to become an issue as he continues to age.

Vince WilforkThis guy no longer exists ... at least not how he is pictured here.

FOXBOROUGH – The New England Patriots are going to have a slimmer player anchoring the defensive line this season.

No, Vince Wilfork is still here. He's just now considerably thinner and in better shape.

“I lost a couple pounds,” he said. “It’s not a big deal.”

It may not be a big deal, but there is a noticeable difference in his physique. One may even say he’s a bit ripped now compared to where he was.

Wilfork was reluctant to announce figures or explain how he went about slimming down, stating only that he worked hard this summer to make sure that his weight didn’t become an issue as he continues to age.

“You know what they say, every year the older you get, the harder it gets. So I just wanted to make sure I’m in tip-top shape, in the best shape I can be for the beginning of camp,” Wilfork said. “Like I said, I’ve been coming in for nine years. I just wanted to make sure I had good conditioning under me. My body feels good and it does. … I just wanted to make sure it don’t become a problem, which it never have.”

Here's a photo of Wilfork from Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com.

wilfork

Owner of Rumbleseat sports bar in Chicopee purchasing closed Collegian Court restaurant

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The Collegian Court was a mainstay of downtown Chicopee until it closed in January 2009.

collegian courtThis photograph was taken before the Collegian Court closed in 2009.

CHICOPEE — A friend of the family who owned the Collegian Court is purchasing the restaurant and hopes to renovate it and restore it to its former glory.

Bill Stetson, who owns the Rumbleseat sports bar on Springfield Street, said he has put a deposit on the Collegian Court and is now going through local boards and the state Alcohol Beverage Control Commission to get the liquor license transfer approved. He is estimating he will open in six months, depending on how long it takes to get final approvals and renovate the building.

“They have a gorgeous banquet room and a big beautiful bar. I’ll maximize the best of the older things and bring in new things,” he said.

The Collegian Court, on Park Street, was a mainstay of downtown for decades. The Szpara family closed in January 2009, mainly deciding it was time to do something else.

“Everyone went there. They did a great job with banquets, gatherings after funerals and showers,” said Gail A. Sherman, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce president.

She said she is delighted another business may open downtown and said additional restaurants in the same area are good because it could make people think of downtown as a destination for dining.

Stetson, whose family is Polish and has connections with the Szpara family, said he wants to serve some of the traditional Polish foods that were favorites in the past. He said he also plans to have plenty of menu options that are not Polish.

“That place did not close because of their poor quality, it was a family that got tired of running it,” he said. “It has a beautiful banquet room and there is a shortage of those.”

One of the things that attracted Stetson to the restaurant is the patio. Owners talked about turning that into an outdoor dining area but never did, he said.

“My first priority is renovating the courtyard and making it an active part of the bar,” Stetson said.

Although the Rumbleseat is only about a mile from the Collegian Court, Stetson said he doesn’t see the two restaurants in competition. The Rumbleseat is a sports bar with 20 televisions; he pictures his new restaurant more of a formal sit-down place.

Stetson, who grew up in Chicopee but recently moved to Granby with his wife, an Elms College professor, said he was working at Calloway Golf and taking business courses at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst when he took a chance a decade ago and bought the Rumbleseat with his father.

For three years he worked full time at Calloway and ran the Rumbleseat with his father. Eventually he was able to quit Calloway Golf and buy out his father.

Boston Celtics 2012-13 schedule released: Ray Allen's return date to Boston with Miami Heat announced

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The Boston Celtics will open the upcoming season against the Miami Heat and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day, according to the 2012-13 NBA schedule released Thursday.

kevin garnettBoston Celtics' Kevin Garnett reacts after scoring during the second half of Game 5 in their NBA basketball Eastern Conference Finals playoff series against the Miami Heat, Tuesday, June 5, 2012, in Miami. The Celtics 94-90.

The Boston Celtics will open the upcoming season against the Miami Heat and visit the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day, according to the 2012-13 NBA schedule released Thursday.

Some key dates:

Ray Allen will make his return to Boston for the first time as a member of the Heat on Jan. 27.

The Celtics have their first rematch with Miami on opening night, Oct. 30. Since the first meeting is in Miami, the Celtics will be in attendance while the Heat receive their NBA championship rings.

Both of Boston's meetings with the Los Angeles Lakers come in February, the first on Feb. 7 at the TD Garden and the second on Feb. 20 at the Staples Center.

Find the full 2012-13 Boston Celtics schedule at Celtics.com.

Police: 76 Springfield parking meters roughed up and robbed

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In a potential break in the case, police arrested as 21-year old woman for allegedly vandalizing 3 meters with a screwdriver.

061212 springfield parking meters.JPGSeventy-six Springfield parking meters have been broken in the downtown area over the past five days, according to police.

SPRINGFIELD — Someone is whacking the city’s parking meters.

Wielding a baseball bat or sledgehammer, two suspected assailants have inflicted $45,000 in damages during a five-day meter-battering binge downtown, according to police and the city’s Parking Authority.

By Wednesday night, 76 meters had been broken open on Worthington, Bridge, Bliss and Lyman streets.

For their efforts, the culprits netted $1,200 in coins, city officials said.

“You have to ask: Is it worth it?,” said Ehsanul H. Bhuiya, interim parking manager at the Springfield Parking Authority.

Not only do the thieves risk being caught by police, security patrols or on downtown video cameras, but breaking into a parking meter is a labor-intensive crime, Bhuiya said

“They’re not just taking a single swing. These meters are being pounded and pounded,” he added.

The meter assaults began Saturday night, with 15 roughed up and robbed on Worthington, Bridge, Harrison and Lyman streets; by Monday night, police and Parking Authority patrols were on the lookout for the suspected meter beaters, who were reaping about $10 in coins for each meter, Bhuiya said.

By Tuesday, investigators had their first clue – a downtown video camera caught an image of a young man carrying a baseball bat, followed by a woman wearing a large backpack, Bhuiya said.

The suspects chose their targets wisely: only the older, battery-operated meters were attacked, not the new, digital models installed in the past few years on Main Street.

“Nobody could break into the new meters,” Bhuiya said.

In a potential break in the case, police arrested as 21-year old woman Wednesday night for allegedly vandalizing three meters with a screwdriver. A second suspect, a male in his 20s, escaped.

072612 kimberly lenois.jpgKimberly Lenois

Kimberly Lenois, of Blaine Street, Springfield, was charged with breaking into a depository, malicious damage over $250, larceny under $250 and possession of burglarious tools. She pleaded not guilty Thursday in Springfield District Court.

Assistant District Attorney Marie Angers told the court that the three meters were a small fraction of the 60-plus roughed up and robbed in the past few days.

That number was lower than the 76 damaged meters reported by the Parking Authority, but still took Judge Robert A. Gordon by surprise.

“60 meters?,” he asked, sounding incredulous.

Defense lawyer Steven A. Nison said his client was only accused of damaging three meters, not 60.

Lenois, a former Windsor, Conn., resident, has no criminal record and had no money on her at the time of her arrest, Nison said.

Gordon ordered her released on personal recognizance, and told her to return on Aug. 29 for a pre-trial conference.

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