The 112th Congress has been one of the least productive in recent history. Here is a look at what Congress has accomplished and left undone in its final week before leaving for the election campaign.

AP Photo/J. Scott ApplewhiteThe Capitol is seen in Washington, Thursday, May 17, 2012.

The 112th Congress has been one of the least productive in recent history. Here is a look at what Congress has accomplished and left undone in its final week before leaving for the election campaign:

___

Accomplishments:

—Congress early Saturday completed its major task for the week with Senate passage of a six-month stopgap spending bill to keep federal agencies running past the end of the budget year and the elections. The House approved the legislation last week. Action was needed before the budget year ends on Sept. 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown.

—The House passed a package of measures to promote increased coal production and ease environmental restrictions imposed on coal by the Obama administration. The bill is unlikely to be taken up in the Senate.

—The House moved to rescind guidelines introduced by the Health and Human Services Department giving states more flexibility in how they administer welfare-to-work requirements under the 1996 welfare overhaul act. Republicans say the guidelines are an attempt to undermine work requirements. The bill has little chance in the Senate.

—The House Ethics Committee said it won't charge Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., on allegations that she violated ethics rules by steering federal bailout money to a bank where her husband owned stock.

—The Senate approved a resolution insisting that the United States will do all it can to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

___

Major legislation left for the lame-duck session in November:

—Congress has yet to deal with the tax cuts that will expire at the end of the year, including the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, tax cuts for middle-class households, tax credits for businesses and the payroll tax cut.

—Congress must still decide what to do about spending cuts of $109 billion to defense and non-defense programs that will take place automatically at the start of the new year if alternatives are not found.

—Congress faces a Jan. 1 deadline to avert an almost 30 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors.

—The current five-year farm and nutrition bill, which sets policy for farm safety net programs and funds the food stamp program, expires Sept. 30. The Senate passed a new five-year bill in June and the House Agriculture Committee approved its version in July, but the full House has yet to act. The two chambers also have not been able to agree on disaster relief for farmers hit by the drought.

—The Senate has passed legislation to overhaul the Postal Service, which is losing $25 million a day, but the House has yet to act.

—Russia joined the World Trade Organization in August, but Congress has yet to vote on legislation to remove Cold War trading restrictions so U.S. businesses can enjoy the lower tariffs and greater protections that come with WTO membership.

—The House in May passed a $635 billion defense policy bill, but the full Senate has yet to act.

—The Senate last summer was unable to advance legislation to protect U.S. industries from cyber-attacks.

—The Senate and House have passed legislation to extend and expand the Violence Against Women Act, but no agreement has been reached.

___

Accomplishments:

—Congress early Saturday completed its major task for the week with Senate passage of a six-month stopgap spending bill to keep federal agencies running past the end of the budget year and the elections. The House approved the legislation last week. Action was needed before the budget year ends on Sept. 30 to avoid a partial government shutdown.

—The House passed a package of measures to promote increased coal production and ease environmental restrictions imposed on coal by the Obama administration. The bill is unlikely to be taken up in the Senate.

—The House moved to rescind guidelines introduced by the Health and Human Services Department giving states more flexibility in how they administer welfare-to-work requirements under the 1996 welfare overhaul act. Republicans say the guidelines are an attempt to undermine work requirements. The bill has little chance in the Senate.

—The House Ethics Committee said it won't charge Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., on allegations that she violated ethics rules by steering federal bailout money to a bank where her husband owned stock.

—The Senate approved a resolution insisting that the United States will do all it can to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

___

Major legislation left for the lame-duck session in November:

—Congress has yet to deal with the tax cuts that will expire at the end of the year, including the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, tax cuts for middle-class households, tax credits for businesses and the payroll tax cut.

—Congress must still decide what to do about spending cuts of $109 billion to defense and non-defense programs that will take place automatically at the start of the new year if alternatives are not found.

—Congress faces a Jan. 1 deadline to avert an almost 30 percent cut in Medicare reimbursements to doctors.

—The current five-year farm and nutrition bill, which sets policy for farm safety net programs and funds the food stamp program, expires Sept. 30. The Senate passed a new five-year bill in June and the House Agriculture Committee approved its version in July, but the full House has yet to act. The two chambers also have not been able to agree on disaster relief for farmers hit by the drought.

—The Senate has passed legislation to overhaul the Postal Service, which is losing $25 million a day, but the House has yet to act.

—Russia joined the World Trade Organization in August, but Congress has yet to vote on legislation to remove Cold War trading restrictions so U.S. businesses can enjoy the lower tariffs and greater protections that come with WTO membership.

—The House in May passed a $635 billion defense policy bill, but the full Senate has yet to act.

—The Senate last summer was unable to advance legislation to protect U.S. industries from cyber-attacks.

—The Senate and House have passed legislation to extend and expand the Violence Against Women Act, but no agreement has been reached.

CBS 3 Springfield, The Republican's and MassLive.com's media partner, shot some behind-the-scenes footage of the two sea lions performing at The Big E in West Springfield.

• Senate passes stop-gap spending bill [Politico]




• Holyoke PD unveils Mobile Community Policing truck [CBS 3 Springfield]




• Plan for Conn. rail line could be boon for Berkshires [The Berkshire Eagle]




• CBS 3 gets a behind-the-scenes look at Big E sea lion show [CBS 3 Springfield]




• Kimmel promises 'genuinely weird stuff' at Emmys [CNN]




• NY zoo: Tiger that mauled man 'did nothing wrong' [The Associated Press]




• Northampton City Council targets traffic problems [Daily Hampshire Gazette]




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This weekend, U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., is scheduled to head south of the commonwealth to collect campaign cash to boost his war chest in the tight race against Democrat Elizabeth Warren.

Senator Scott Brown, R-Mass., greets supporters outside Gus & Pauls' Bakery and Deli on Sumner Avenue in Springfield, ahead of an endorsement from former Democratic city Mayor Charles Ryan in early September 2012. (Republican Photo by Mark M. Murray)

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Brown, Warren square off in heated debate : Republican U.S. Sen. Scott Brown and Democratic Harvard Law School Professor Elizabeth Warren both went for the jugular, in a feisty and at times personal debate Thursday night.

• Fact Check: Scott Brown's claim of supporting a conscience exemption like Sen. Ted Kennedy misleading
• Sen. Scott Brown, Elizabeth Warren debate: Massachusetts politicians sound off
• Live updates: Sen. Scott Brown, Elizabeth Warren face off in WBZ-TV Boston debate

This weekend, U.S. Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., is scheduled to head south of the commonwealth to collect campaign cash to boost his war chest in the tight race against Democrat Elizabeth Warren.

Brown, who won his Senate seat in a 2010 special election following the death of longtime Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy, is slated to appear at a South Glastonbury, Conn. eatery this Sunday to thank supporters who previously contributed and potentially take home some more donations.

According to the invitation for the event, Brown was scheduled to attend a fundraiser a few weeks ago at a downtown Hartford restaurant, but was unable to fly into Bradley International Airport due to inclement weather in New York City.

Organizers of the event, which includes former Springfield city councilor Anthony Ravosa, wrote in an invitation email that the Hartford event netted more than $70,000 for Brown's re-election effort.

"I have never been involved in a more successful fundraising event for an 'out-of-state,' non-Presidential candidate here in the Hartford area! That’s both a tribute to the work that Senator Brown is doing and extreme dissatisfaction with Elizabeth Warren’s radical agenda on the issues that matter most," the organizers wrote in the invitation. "Elizabeth Warren’s command performance at the Democratic National Convention showed her true political identity and what we can expect from her if she’s elected – simply put, it’s scary! If you missed her prime time speech, take a few minutes to view it on You Tube. That alone should give you plenty of incentive to do what you can to support Senator Brown."

The minimum contribution for the event is $500, according to the invitation.

Both Brown and Warren have collected hefty amounts of money from outside the Bay State as their Senate contest is among the highest-profile, non-presidential race in the 2012 election cycle.

The junior Massachusetts senator has held fundraisers in several other states, including Florida, Pennsylvania and New York, where last month he was the benefactor of a Manhattan event hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Warren's out-of-state fundraising events have also taken her to New York, although her support from the Hollywood A-list has drawn the most criticism by Brown and the Massachusetts Republican Party, including a March attack by the GOP on Cher for supporting the Harvard Law School professor.

Thursday evening, Brown and Warren faced off in a heated debate at CBS Boston's WBZ-TV studio, tackling topics ranging from taxes to women's issues to energy.

The three remaining televised debates include one hosted by the University of Massachusetts-Lowell on Oct. 1; a debate in Springfield hosted by a western Massachusetts media consortium on Oct. 10; and a Boston media consortium debate to be held on Oct. 30.

The incident was reported at 1:45 a.m. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

SPRINGFIELD -- A stabbing occurred earlier this morning in the parking lot of the Mardi Gras Gentlemen's Club on Taylor Street.

The incident was reported at 1:45 a.m. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene.

There are no further details at this time. Police are investigating.

This is a developing story. Stay with MassLive.com as more details become available.

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Planning a trip to The Big E today? Here's what to expect.

Planning a trip to The Big E today? Here's what to expect.

[Click here for the complete Big E 2012 schedule]

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22
VERMONT DAY & TRUSTEES’ DAY

8 a.m. Now Open: Mallary Complex

Live Antique Engine Demos (All Day) – Mallary Rotunda

4-H Horse Flag Ceremony Activities – Paddock N

8:30 a.m. Now Open: Mrs. Potter’s Coffee House & Apothecary – Storrowton Village

Northeast Regional Tunis Sheep Show – Mallary Arena 2

9 a.m. Now Open: All Agricultural Activities, Fiber Nook and Exhibits – Mallary Complex; Cream Puff Bakery (to 10:30pm) – New England Center

Horse Show Morning Session – Coliseum

4-H Beef Type Show – Mallary Arena 1

9:30 a.m. Goat Milking Demo – Mallary Complex

10 a.m. Now Open: All Buildings, Wine and Cheese Shoppe at Mallary Gardens, Cream Puff Bakery (to 10pm in Food Court), McDonald’s Giant Slide (weather permitting), Exhibits, Attractions, Food Concessions and North American Midway

Walking in a Winter Wonderland, – Young Building

Storrowton Village Museum Self-Guided Tours (to 9pm)

Early American Craft Demos – Nick Nichols, “The Tool Chest”; Bob Aborn, “The Broom Squire”; Reggie Delarm, Yellow Ware Pottery; A.K. Phillips, “Choice Words On Chairs”; John Bielik, Paper Marbling – Storrowton Village Green

NH 4-H Exhibits, Demos, Stage Shows (to 5pm) – New England Center

Pioneer Valley Embroidery Guild Demos (to 2pm) – New England Center

Silk Reeling Demos (to 10pm) – New England Center

Eleventh Hour Pumpkin Carving (to 10pm) – Farm-A-Rama

Cruisin’ New England with Paul Mennett (to 4pm, weather permitting) – Avenue of States
Sensodyne Dental Health Spa (to 10pm) – Door 8 of Better Living Center

Hill’s Science Diet Sampling; Gold Eagle Engine Answerman Tour; Oscar Meyer Wienermobile – Gate 9A

10:30 a.m. Sea Lion Splash, – Avenue of States

Sheep Shearing Demo – Mallary Complex

11 a.m. Now Open: Storrowton Tavern (to 9pm – Terrace to 10pm); Samuel Adams Brew Garden, – Storrowton Village; Big E Mar-tini Bar, – Near Flag Plaza; Guinness Irish Pub – Young Building; Opa Opa Saloon, near Comcast Arena Stage; Oktoberfest Mu-nich Style, – Food Court; Dos Equis Mexican Cantina – New England Avenue

Stars of the Peking Acrobats – Court of Honor Stage,

Catherine Hickland “Comedy Hypnotist” – Storrowton Gazebo,

Horse Show Afternoon Session – Coliseum

11:30 a.m. Sheep Shearing Demo – Mallary Complex

Goat Driving – Farm-A-Rama

12 p.m. Sea Lion Splash, – Avenue of States

Sheep Lead Line – Mallary Arena 2

Early American Children’s Games, – Storrowton Village

12:30 p.m. Early American Craft Demos – Storrowton Village Green – See 10am

1 p.m. Stars of the Peking Acrobats – Court of Honor Stage,

The Big E Super Circus, – Near McDonald’s Giant Slide

Hereford Show – Mallary Arena 1

NH 4-H Exhibits, Demos, Stage Shows (to 5pm) – New England Center

1:30 p.m. Sheep Shearing Demo – Mallary Complex

Goat Driving – Farm-A-Rama

2 p.m. Catherine Hickland “Comedy Hypnotist” – Storrowton Gazebo,

National Natural Colored Sheep Show – Mallary Arena 2

2:30 p.m. Sheep Shearing Demo – Mallary Complex

3 p.m. Joey Molland, formerly of Badfinger – Court of Honor Stage,

Early American Craft Demos – Storrowton Village Green – See 10am

3:30 p.m. Sea Lion Splash, – Avenue of States

Goat Driving – Farm-A-Rama

4 p.m. The Big E Super Circus, – Near McDonald’s Giant Slide

4:30 p.m. Goat Milking Demo – Mallary Complex

Youth Working Steer Jr. Fitting & Show – Mallary Arena 1

5 p.m. The Big E Grande Mardi Gras Parade,

5:30 p.m. Early American Craft Demos – Storrowton Village Green – See 10am

6 p.m. Horse Show Evening Session – Coliseum

Youth Working Steer Sr. Fitting & Show – Mallary Arena 1

Vera O’Connor Dancers (to 7pm) – New England Center Stage

6:30 p.m. Stars of the Peking Acrobats – Court of Honor Stage,

Catherine Hickland “Comedy Hypnotist” – Storrowton Gazebo,

7 p.m. The Big E Super Circus, – Near McDonald’s Giant Slide

4-H Horse Awards – E Barn

Inspired to Dance – New England Center Stage

7:30 p.m. The Big E Doo Wop Show – Comcast Arena Stage

Sea Lion Splash, – Avenue of States

8 p.m. Joey Molland, formerly of Badfinger – Court of Honor Stage,

Time Was (to 9pm) – New England Center Stage

11 p.m. Final Shuttle Departures

Shot at the Big E

Mobile Community Policing officers will set up camp in “hot spots” of the city.

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, left, is seen with Police Chief James Neiswanger.

HOLYOKE – An innovative program to link citizens and police for more effective crime-fighting was announced Friday by Holyoke Police Chief James M. Neiswanger and Mayor Alex B. Morse at the Holyoke Police Station.

Mobile Community Policing, as it’s called, is a police-station-on wheels, involving a truck and a couple of pop-up canopies.

“The traditional policing model is not enough,” said Neiswanger, “and that has led us to a change in strategy.”

“We’re ushering in a new aspect of community policing,” said Morse.

Mobile Community Policing officers will set up camp in “hot spots” of the city, such as the Flats, said Neiswanger. They will put up their tents and put out their literature, talk with people on the street, get feedback, knock on doors and hand out flyers.

“If someone wants to talk in private, we can go into the truck and shut the door,” said Captain David Pratt, whom Neiswanger credits for developing the program with Lieutenant Manuel Febo.

Also on the team are officers Patrick Leahy, Victor Heredia and Dorothy Bennett, who said her earlier career in family services was good training for community policing.

Neiswanger said the new program didn’t cost much more than “a little bit of signage and ingenuity,” since it uses a former SWAT truck that was almost retired. It served as a command post for such infrequent events as the Holyoke St. Patrick’s parade and the Fourth of July fireworks.

The truck includes comfortable seats, storage areas, radios and a message board. Its exterior is painted with the words “Mobile Community Policing” and “to serve and protect.”

Some years ago the Holyoke police won a grant to finance a community policing program, said the chief, but grants run out and can’t be counted on to keep a program going.

So he decided to “carve it out of my police force.” He admits that the project is labor-intensive, and that he will probably have to ask for more officers to staff it.

“I haven’t seen community policing like this before,” he said.

The Holyoke police also opened a substation in December on Maple Street in the Churchill neighborhood.

Gov. Deval L. Patrick's transportation leaders will be in Springfield on Thursday to launch a series of statewide meetings to field ideas about ways to improve and finance roads, bridges and other transportation systems. Richard A. Davey, secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is expected to oversee a public meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m....

Richard Davey

Gov. Deval L. Patrick's transportation leaders will be in Springfield on Thursday to launch a series of statewide meetings to field ideas about ways to improve and finance roads, bridges and other transportation systems.

Richard A. Davey, secretary and CEO of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is expected to oversee a public meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater at Springfield Technical Community College, a spokeswoman for the department said. State officials are currently facing a massive shortfall in transportation funding.

The Republican | Michael S. GordonRichard A. Davey, secretary of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, is expected to be in Springfield on Thursday as part of an effort to find ways to finance transportation improvements.

Under a state law approved by Patrick at the end of June, the seven-member board of the transportation department must publish a long-term transportation financing plan including recommendations on possible changes to state law to raise revenues for transportation.

Representatives from each division of the department – the Registry of Motor Vehicles, Highway, Aeronautics and MBTA, rail and transit – will be available at the meeting to answer questions and provide information.

The meeting comes more than three years after state legislators rejected Patrick's bill to raise the state's 23.5-cents per gallon gas tax to 42.5 cents, largely for transportation improvements.

The motor fuel portion of the gas tax was last increased in 1991. A total of 21 cents of the gas tax is on motor fuel, while an additional 2.5 cents, imposed in 2003, goes for a program for cleaning leaks from underground storage tanks, according to a report by the Massachusetts Transportation Finance Commission.

Davey and other officials are currently proposing no specific ways to finance transportation improvements, said a spokeswoman, Sara Lavoie.

"There's nothing on the table," Lavoie said. "There's nothing off the table. All options are open."

Michael J. Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, said the state still is facing a shortfall of about $15 to $19 billion over the next 20 years in the costs just to maintain current systems.

Widmer was a member of the transportation finance commission, which in 2007 recommended that the gas tax should be increased by 11.5 cents and indexed to inflation. The commission identified the funding gap and issued recommendations on ways to pay for improvements to the state's aging transportation system.

The gas tax is an important revenue source for transportation, Widmer said. "If you are going to raise additional revenues, it's difficult to do that without raising the gas tax," he said.

The state raises about $700 million a year from the gas tax and uses the money for transportation purposes.

The meeting in Springfield will be the first of 15 planned around the state. Lavoie said state officials will be having "an informal conversation" and asking people what they want to see from transportation in the coming years.

At least six meetings were mandated by a law signed by Patrick at the end of June.

Another meeting is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Campus Center, Room 168C, at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

The requirement for the meetings was included in a law that in part transferred $49 million to the MBTA, the public transit system in Boston and the metropolitan area, to help the agency eliminate a budget deficit. The $49 million came from a state fund made up of surplus automobile inspection fees paid by motorists. Regional transit authorities received $3.5 million in the same law.

Trumka said there is "only one bad reason" not to vote for President Obama "and that’s because he’s black.”

Massachusetts Democratic politicians including Joe Kennedy, John Tierney, John Kerry and Elizabeth Warren join national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and state labor leaders for an AFL-CIO rally on Sept. 24, 2012. (The Republican | Shira Schoenberg)

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BOSTON - National AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka visited Massachusetts on Monday to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren at a union event featuring a who’s who of state Democratic politicians.

Warren, Sen. John Kerry, U.S. Rep. John Tierney, congressional candidate Joe Kennedy and Boston Mayor Tom Menino spoke before several hundred union members at an AFL-CIO rally in Dorchester.

All of the politicians argued that Democrats represent the working class – on issues ranging from extending unemployment insurance benefits to supporting Democratic President Barack Obama’s jobs bills. “On vote after vote, these guys have been engaged in the greatest assault on organized labor that I’ve ever seen the entire time I’ve been in the Senate,” Kerry said, referring to Senate Republicans.

Trumka criticized Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney for comments Romney made at a private fundraiser dismissing 47 percent of Americans – who support Obama – as “victims” who feel entitled to government support. “We may not have enough money for Mitt Romney and his friends, but the ballot box doesn’t care,” Trumka said. “We all have one vote on election day.”

Trumka criticized Brown for his voting record on labor-related issues. He also used strong - and personal - rhetoric to criticize those who would vote against Obama and against Warren. “There are dozens of good reasons to vote for Barack Obama and only one bad reason not to, and that’s because he’s black,” Trumka said. “Now hear me about Elizabeth Warren, there are dozens and dozens and dozens of good reasons for us to vote for her, but it’s crazy not to vote for her because she’s a woman or because she’s a college professor, or for any other superficial reason that you’ve been fed.”

Warren said she is proud to have Trumka’s help, and praised unions for their work. “Unions are going to help rebuild America’s middle class,” Warren said.

Brown spokeswoman Alleigh Marre disputed the perception that union members are largely supporting Warren. “Rank and file union members like Scott because they see him as a regular guy with an independent voting record who is focused on creating jobs and reining in government spending,” Marre said.

U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor, noting that Brooks’ co-defendant had received a 17-year prison term while Brooks was given just 3 years, expressed displeasure at seeing Brooks back in his courtroom.

Michael Ponsor

SPRINGFIELD – A few ill-considered words to a probation officer helped bring Kirk Brooks back to federal court Monday for a probation revocation hearing.

After serving 30 months in prison on a federal firearms charge, Brooks reported to the Hampden County Pre-Release Center in June 28 to begin serving the last part of his sentence - six months in community confinement program.

But Brooks reported late, tangled with the center’s staff and was kicked out after three days, according to a motion filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin O’Regan.

“I don’t give a (obscenity); write me up,” Brooks told one staffer, according to the motion. “You’re crazy; I’m not signing nothing. Get the (obscenity) out of here,” he told another.

On July 3, Brooks was arrested and remained in custody until Monday’s hearing. His lawyer, Edward B. Fogarty, acknowledged that Brooks had violated his probation.

U.S. District Judge Michael A. Ponsor, noting that Brooks’ co-defendant had received a 17-year prison term while Brooks was given just 3 years, expressed displeasure at seeing Brooks back in his courtroom.

He also reminded the defendant that his probation terms are not negotiable.

“If they tell you to put on a tutu and take ballet classes, you better put on your dancing shoes,” Ponsor said.

By agreement with Fogarty and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven H. Breslow, Ponsor sentenced him to time served in custody since July 3, plus five more days, before Brooks rejoins the pre-release program.

Brooks and co-defendant Jeremy Wright were arrested in 2009 for trading a 9 mm pistol and a 25 caliber pistol from Brooks father to an undercover detective in exchange for crack cocaine.

The 9mm pistol was eventually confiscated and destroyed by Holyoke police; the second gun turned up in a Hartford high school in 2010.

Given the strict federal sentencing guidelines for repeat firearms offenders, Ponsor warned Brooks that another conviction would be risking a life sentence.

“You’d be better off eating rat poison,” the judge said.

Individual department heads will come before the board in the coming moths with their budget requests.

Longmeadow selectmen Paul Santaniello, Mark Barowsky and Mark Gold, from left, are three of the five Longmeadow Select Board members who called for zero based budgeting Monday night.

LONGMEADOW - The Select Board unanimously voted Monday night to use zero based budgeting in building the spending plan for fiscal 2014.

Board members met Monday night to discuss the budget process and what they will require from department heads.

Chairman Paul Santaniello said he supports zero based budgeting which is also what the town did last year.

Zero based budgeting requires department heads to create a level service budget based on what they spent last year.

Member Mark Barowsky agreed with zero based budgeting, but expressed concerns about the School Department and Parks and Recreation Department getting extra revenues.

Barowsky said that if the departments receive extra revenues, due to user fees or federal or state money, then each department's overall general fund budget should be reduced.

"We should have a mechanism in place so that if a particular department gets additional revenues, the money they get from the general fun will be reduced," he said.

Selectman Mark Gold said he would agree with a policy that would reduce a department's general fund allocation if they received additional revenue.

However, I do not think that is within the scope of the motion regarding the budget process, he said.

Individual department heads will come before the board in the coming moths with their budget requests.

Santaniello said if a department needs additional funds they will have to provide the reasoning behind that.

"They will come in and tell us how much they need to run the department. If they need more they will come in with an impact statement and tell us 'here's what it means if we don't have this money,'" Santaniello said.

Voters will approve the town budget during the annual Town Meeting in May.

The College Board recommends a 1550 average in the three subjects for a student to be successful in college.

This is an updated version of a story posted at 5:06 this afternoon.

The Republican file | Brian CanovaStudents from Springfield Renaissance School are seen at the school's graduation earlier this year. All the students were accepted to four-year colleges.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education released the annual SAT scores Monday, showing a small average increase in scores in math and critical reading, while writing scores remained the same.

The average scores of 523 in math, 506 in critical reading and 500 in writing on the college entrance exam were good news because they show many juniors and seniors who took the exam last year are prepared for college.

Massachusetts showed some of the highest scores and one of the largest participation rates with 89 percent of students taking the test at least once, officials said.

State Education Commissioner Mitchell D. Chester congratulated students and teachers, but said he hopes to continue to see improvements.

“We still have work to do, to ensure that all students are ready for success beyond high school. The new Massachusetts curriculum frameworks, which schools are starting to implement this year, will build on our record of excellence, provide students and educators with greater clarity, focus and rigor and incorporate college and career readiness standards,” he said.

According to The College Board, which offers the exam, students’ goal should be to score at least a 516 on each of the three sections of critical reading, writing and math.

“The SAT benchmark score of 1550 indicates a 65 percent likelihood of achieving a B- average or higher during the first year of study at a four-year college,” according to a statement from the Board.

The increases in scores at Ware High School put students near that goal. Students scored an average of 499 in critical reading, up 12 points from the previous year and 530 in math, an increase of 9 points from 2011. There was a decline in writing from 477 in 2011 to 461 this year.

“We are putting a little more effort in writing and that also affects our reading scores,” Ware Superintendent Mary-Elizabeth Beach said. “As we laser-focus more on writing we should have larger gains over the next couple of years.”

She said educators take the scores seriously because they realize many students statewide must pay to take remedial math and English courses in college if they do not master the subjects.

About half the 78-member Ware High graduating class took the exam last year. Some, especially those who planned to attend community colleges where the SATs are not required, decline to take the exam, which costs $50.

Students typically take the SAT in their junior year and take it again, sometimes several times, in their senior year to boost their scores. The results are a combination of the exam tests taken during the year.

Springfield Renaissance School also registered an increase in SAT scores, with writing increasing four points to 427, Math rising 20 points to 446 and reading increasing 16 points to 440.

School Principal Stephen Mahoney said that while he is happy with the improvement, he is not satisfied.

“We recognize we are not where we want to be in terms of our testing performance.¦...¦We are essentially 75 to 100 points off in each of the measures,” Mahoney said.

Mahoney thanked MassMutual for funding the PSAT tests, which are practice tests taken by sophomores and juniors, so all students have a chance to prepare before they take the SAT.

The school, which is relatively new, has had 100 percent of its graduates accepted to college in the past three years. So far, 80 to 85 percent of graduates are still in college or have completed two-year programs, showing there are other factors that make students successful, Mahoney said.

Students must have the right attitude and academic habits before entering college. The guidance staff also works hard to find the right college for each student, he said.

Chicopee High School includes funding in its budget for all students to take the PSAT. It continues to encourage students to take the SAT so they are prepared if they decide to enter college later. About a three-quarters of the graduating class of about 200 takes the test, Principal Roland R. Joyal Jr. said.

“We would like all of our kids to take it and sometimes the scores will drop because of it¦...¦and that doesn’t bother us,” Joyal said.

This year Chicopee High and Comprehensive High saw increases in all three subjects with Comprehensive showing a 31 point jump in math. At Chicopee High students scored 487 in reading, which was up 6 points, 492 in math, up 19 points and 487 in math, up 23 points.

“We have been doing a lot of work with MCAS and we are seeing a carry over,” Joyal said. “We have improved, and you are seeing it translates to higher grades as they take standardized tests.”

Westfield High School saw a dip in the number of students who took the SAT because the ACT, a competing college entrance exam, is gaining popularity. Still 227 of about 300 students in its graduating class took the SAT last year, Principal Raymond K. Broderick said.

Students saw gains in reading and writing but dipped 9 points in math. The average scores are 504 in reading, 515 in math and 491 in writing, which are close to The College Board goals.

“Our average is right there but we are always striving to go up and we would love to see them higher,” Broderick said.

One of the disadvantages students now face is they are used to the MCAS, which has no time limit, while the SAT is a timed test, he said.

“We are looking at having our students take a timed test,” he said. “When you put the timed parameter into the mix, I’m wondering how it affects the scores.”

Broderick said he is also looking forward to the changes from the new Common Core, a national curriculum that Massachusetts has started putting into place in most schools this year.

He said he believes as the nation standardizes its academic requirements, the SAT will follow and students will improve.

High School 2012 SAT Results

High School SAT 2011 Results

Donald Peltier, of South Hadley, has been linked to two websites accused of misleading people wishing to donate to the Republican and Democratic national committees.

SOUTH HADLEY — A South Hadley man was recently the focus of a network news report that charges he has set up two look-alike Web pages that claim to be the official Internet sites of the Republican and Democratic national committees and that he is accepting campaign donations from an unsuspecting public.

ABC News investigative reporter Brian Ross identified the man behind the two websites, www.RepublicanNationalCommittee.org and www.DemocraticNationalCommittee.org, as Donald Peltier, of South Hadley.

The report, which aired nationally on Friday, stops short of accusing Peltier of breaking the law by misleading Republican and Democratic donors who think they are giving money to the national committees behind Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. But Ross does call the practice questionable and describes Peltier as “an oil delivery driver by day and an Internet sleight-of-hand artist by night.”

View full sizeA screen capture from the site www.RepublicanNationalCommittee.org invites supporters to make donations by credit card. The site looks as if it is affiliated with the Republican National Committee but it has no ties to the national committee and has been called a scam site.

Peltier worked as driver for Fuel Services Inc. of South Hadley, but he was apparently fired on Monday morning due to the publicity resulting from the national telecast, according to WWLP TV22.

Peltier could not be reached for comment.

The Republican left a message at a phone number for Peltier but received no reply. A second number had been disconnected.

In the wake of the ABC story, the supposed Republican Party link remains active, but the link for the questionable Democratic Party site automatically sends you to another link called www.StupidRoss.org

That site takes Ross to task for sloppy, deceitful, lazy journalism and for being too dumb to recognize what it called a political parody website. “Being the intellect he is, Brian Ross is unable to recognize humor,” the site notes.

It also accuses him of trespassing on private property when Ross walked onto Peltier's property in an attempt to interview him on Aug. 23.

In Ross’ original story on ABC, Peltier drove his vehicle to the rear of his property and called police when he spotted Ross and a camera crew. The police came to the scene but found no wrongdoing because the newsman and his crew were at that time standing on a public sidewalk.

The official website of the Republican National Committee is www.GOP.com

The official website of the Democratic National Committee is www.Democrats.org.

Ross, in his report, notes that in the days following the respective party conventions, would-be donors flocked to the Internet set on sending a few bucks to the two main parties prior to the November election. And some of them undoubtedly made their way to the questionable South Hadley sites.

How much money was collected is unknown, but Ross reports that Peltier acknowledged he plans to keep the money that he has received.

Jason Tait, of the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance, said because the two sites claim to represent the national political parties, he said the issue would be outside the scope of the state agency. He recommended checking with the Federal Election Commission.

The Federal Election Commission in Washington, D.C., said it is unclear what legal issues are involved without a complaint being filed.

The FEC allows the formation of political committees that are not affiliated with a particular candidate or party, but these nonconnected committees that collect more than $1,000 in a calendar year are required to file collection and expenditure reports with the FEC. It is not clear if that had been done in this case.

The two questionable sites certainly look like the real thing, with photos, news articles and position statements of two respective candidates. The only clue that something may be amiss is found in the very fine print at the bottom of the page, where it says “This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.”

However, that same language is found in the fine print of the two official Republican and Democratic national committee sites. The legitimate sites have something the two doppleganger sites are missing, namely contact information directing people to a telephone number and mail and email addresses for the national parties.

Federal law requires any political organizations seeking donations which are affiliated with any candidate or party to “state clearly the name and permanent street address, telephone number or World Wide Web address” of the committee or person responsible.

In a 2010 ruling, the FEC fined a Texas woman $41,000 and ordered her to return all donations after she set up a committee for accepting campaign donations with the implication that the money was being solicited on behalf of the Republican National Committee.

Glenn Colburn also is a member of the Monson Conservation Commission.

The Republican/Michael Gordon

PALMER – The town’s part-time conservation agent is leaving for a full-time job in Sturbridge.

Glenn D. Colburn, of Monson, is scheduled to start his new position as Sturbridge’s conservation agent on Sept. 24. He will make $44,061, according to Sturbridge Town Administrator Shaun A. Suhoski.

Colburn has been working 10 hours a week for $20 an hour in Palmer. He gave his notice on Tuesday, and Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said Colburn “has done a great job for Palmer since he was hired last March. He knows all the wetlands regulations and he works very well with the public and with the Conservation Commission members.”

“We’ll miss him, but we understand his preference to take a full time job,” Blanchard said.

Colburn could not be reached for comment.

Suhoski said he received more than 40 applications for the job, and noted Colburn’s 24 years of experience on the Monson Conservation Commission, where he served as the primary contact with the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“Glenn has the key qualities we seek for a conservation agent including knowledge and experience in wetland delineation, the administrative processes under the Wetlands Protection Act and a personable demeanor that will serve him and the town of Sturbridge well,” Suhoski said in a prepared statement.

Blanchard said Colburn indicated he would be willing to do whatever he can to follow through on ongoing issues and projects until a new conservation agent is hired. Blanchard said he will be advertising the job opening.

The investigation into what turned out to be false drug possession allegations made by state representative Denise Andrews, D-Orange, against her Republican opponent in the November election is now under review by the state attorney general.

Democrat Denise Andrews, left, is seen with her Republican opponent Susannah Whipps Lee

ATHOL — An investigation about what turned out to be false drug possession allegations made by state representative Denise Andrews, D-Orange, against her Republican opponent in the November election is now under review by the state attorney general.

Athol police Chief Timothy Anderson has confirmed that Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office began their own investigation of the matter last week.

According to a police report, Andrews had told Anderson that she was provided information by a member of the Athol Police Department that her opponent, the Republican Susannah M. Whipps Lee, was in possession of cocaine. Lee is chairman of the Athol Board of Selectmen.

That information turned out to be bogus, and has cast a cloud over the race.

Following a two-week investigation last month, Anderson determined that the Andrews allegation was unfounded and dismissed the matter. His report, dated August 31, exonerated Lee.

Anderson said a second investigation is underway.

The chief says he is trying to determine whether a member of the Athol Police Department fed Andrews the apparently false information.

A police report written by Anderson says the state representative “had information (that Lee) had purchased cocaine” in August.

The report states Andrews said her source “was a current employee of the Athol Police Department and that she would not disclose this person's identity.”

A public record of that Aug. 31 police report shows Andrews’ name blacked out, but an unredacted copy of the report – with Andrews’ name showing – was released, apparently by a police department employee.

Chief Anderson said the unredacted copy could only have been released by a member of the Athol force.

Anderson said he is investigating what appears to be a security breach. He said it is a violation of department policy to release confidential information.

The chief said he is also investigating whether any member of the force, by failing to notify a superior of the apparent transgression, engaged in a coverup.

Richard Schober Jr., of Templeton, is also running against Andrews and Lee as an Independent.

Following the November election, the newly redrawn 2nd Franklin District will include Athol, Orange, Templeton, Erving, Gill, Warwick, New Salem, Petersham, Royalston, Wendell and Precinct A of Belchertown.

After skipping a year – and going without an audit last year, selectmen said the town must contract with an outside firm to review the books as soon as possible.

File photo | The Republican

BRIMFIELD - After skipping a year – and going without an audit last year - selectmen on Monday said the town must contract with an outside firm to review the books as soon as possible.

Communities and school systems are known to use a certified public accounting firm to perform an audit every year.

Some Brimfield officials explained the reason for no audit last year as result of the June tornado that destroyed many homes and killed a person in town, the August tropical storm Irene that caused flooding and road damage, and the massive October snowstorm that caused widespread power outages for a week or more in the area.

In other business selectmen unanimously approved a 10-year contract with TV and Internet provider Charter Communications

The board also ruled on a complaint by Marcel Burque, who alleged selectmen violated the state’s open meeting law.

“The complainant failed to allege any violation of the open meeting law,” selectmen said in the form of a motion they approved 3 – 0.

Facility problems were also discussed.

Municipal employees said skunks had found their way into the town hall annex, where the roof has been leaking. A member of the historical commission attended the meeting asking selectmen to do something about the growing water damage at the Bell Tower at the nearby town hall building.

Selectmen said they only have $2,900 available to in an account that was supposed to be used to fix broken windows at town hall.

In another matter long-serving finance committeeman Norman Silberman has retired, as has the selectmen’s assistant, Carol DelNegro.

Carol Warren will replace DelNegro next month. In the interim, former Town Clerk Pam Beall has been filling in.

Smith has served on preservation committees in town.

WILBRAHAM - The Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board have voted to appoint Jeffrey Smith as an associate member of the Planning Board for a one-year term.

Smith told the selectmen he has been a member of the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee and the Community Preservation Committee.

He also has been co-chair of the Rice Nature Preserve Stewardship Committee.

“I have an engineering background and I can read blueprints,” he said.

Selectman James Thompson thanked Smith for “the continuing interest he has shown in serving the town.”

Planning Board member Adam Bosch said he appreciates the long-term commitment Smith has shown to serving on town planning committees.

Smith said he “hopes to see good relations continue between the Open Space and Recreation Planning Committee and the Planning Board.”

The second applicant for the position was Michael McDowell who said he is a “builder/developer/realtor.”

He said he is a past president of the local Home Builders Association.

Planning Board members said there are other openings on town planning committees which McDowell could be considered for.

Smith attended his first Planning Board meeting as an associate member on Wednesday.

Qteros closed its Chicopee plant in January after suffering financial problems

The Republican file | John SuchockiThe Qteros Inc. biofuels ethanol plant at 150 Padgette St. in Chicopee.

CHICOPEE — In the market for a 1,000-gallon fermenter tank with an agitator and digital controls? The collapse of once-promising biofuels company Qteros might just be the opportunity you are looking for.

On Friday, auctioneers Aaron Posnik & Co. will sell all tools, equipment and furniture that once belonged to Qteros. Besides the fermentation tank, the sale will include filtration equipment, chillers and incubators Qteros had once hoped to use to scale up its ethanol-production technology to commercial volumes.

The sale is at 11 a.m. at the premises, 150 Padgette St., Chicopee, in an industrial park near Westover Air Reserve Base, and by live Internet bidding.

Qteros closed its Chicopee plant in January after suffering financial problems

In November, Qteros, which has its home office in Marlborough, replaced its chief executive officer and laid off many of its employees.

Qteros had been listed by Biofuels Digest in 2010 as number 21 of the 50 hottest companies in bioenergy, Qteros based its process on a microbe found in the early 1990s in the soils around Quabbin Reservoir and developed by University of Massachusetts Amherst microbiologist Susan B. Leschine.

The microb can produce ethanol fuel from non-food plant materials like grass.

Chicopee Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said it is a disappointing development. But he hopes the city continues to work with the University of Massachusetts Amherst so technology developed in Amherst becomes commercially viable in Chicopee. He said the landlord at 150 Padgette St., Development Associates in Agawam, has tenants in neighboring space and is confident the Qteros space won’t stay vacant for long.

Letter writer: On Sept. 19, a reader ... commented that she objected to being subjected to the gay soldiers’ “shameful behavior,” and rebuked The Republican for running the photo.

Obama, Warren not good for America

Associated Press | Stephan SavoiaPresident Barack Obama waves to supporters as he hugs Massachusetts senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren before addressing supporters during a campaign fundraiser at Symphony Hall in Boston on June 25.

After reading a recent letter to the editor from an Obama supporter, I felt I had to reply.

As for President Obama, let’s hope he doesn’t get re-elected, after all he has done to this country. My great-grandchildren will be paying for his mistakes.

As for Elizabeth Warren, in my opinion, she is the worst possible person for office after all her lies and the fact that she supports the protesters and what they do.

Anyone who goes along with these things should not be in any kind of office.

Four years ago, I also thought Obama was or could be a good choice. But now that I have seen him do what he has done to our country, I hope that he doesn’t get another chance. If he does, I feel he will destroy our country and put us into bankruptcy.

–GERALD DUCHARME, Springfield

Rep. Story’s protest is unconscionable

State Rep. Ellen Story’s classless attempt to foist an Elizabeth-Warren contrived issue on the electorate by picketing Sen. Scott Brown’s election headquarters in East Longmeadow was a shameful scam. Having known Brown for many years, from the time he was a state representative like Story, it is unconscionable that Story, who is obviously only a soldier for the very dishonest and deceptive Warren campaign (I’m part Cherokee), would find a reason to attack the senator on that point.

The truth is that Warren and her operatives are trying to create a negative and divisive issue in an attempt to generate some disingenuous buzz (based totally on emotion) for a faltering campaign. Perhaps Story should keep to her own district and issues within the commonwealth.

– PETER S. BENTON, Longmeadow

Gay soldiers’ return worth celebrating

On Sept. 19, a reader of The Republican, commented that she objected to being subjected to the gay soldiers’ “shameful behavior” and rebuked The Republican for running the photo.

Does this mean that The Republican should be subjected to censoring and thus limiting what they publish?

The “furor fades” article was from the Associated Press and the photo received “tens of thousands likes on Facebook.”

– GREGORY SMITH, Montgomery

There comes a tremendous responsibility on the shoulders of television talk show hosts when addressing subject matters such as foreign affairs and anything that might stir controversy or be divisive whether on the home front or abroad.

I am appalled at the arrogance and recklessness of the Bill O’Reilly segment which airs on the Fox News Channel. He not only puts a spin on everything, but is rude to his guests when their opinion should differ from his own.

He and his subordinates make it their aim to incite the ever growing rift between our two major political parties and his answer to all foreign affairs policy is strong-arm tactics rather than seeking diplomatic approaches. His strength is in his relentless barrage of factless sound-bites.

On the other hand, we should be thankful for the Charlie Rose types who will listen attentively to guests and then ask intelligent questions in his eagerness to learn more from what they have to offer.

The O’Reilly Factor should never be taken as a source of news, but rather a harmful, degrading and polarizing bit of halve truths.

–BILL PAUL, Chicopee

Sen. Brown guilty of stereotyping

Did we just witness Scott Brown racially profile Elizabeth Warren in Thursday night’s debate?

Brown stated: “Professor Warren claimed she was a Native American, a person of color – and as you can see, she is not.”

That statement not only fits the description of prejudging someone’s poor character based solely on their appearance; it reveals the shallowness of Brown’s argument. Brown should visit the National Museum of the American Indian next time he is in Washington DC; he’ll learn a quite large number of people with Native American ancestry do not look stereotypically “Indian.” And shame on us for letting anyone get away with that.

– PETER FROTHINGHAM, Northampton

Since its introduction beginning with six floats, the Mardi Gras parade has added two new floats in the last couple of years, and they hope to expand in the future.

The Republican | Don TreegerOne of the twice daily Mardi Gras parades is seen at the Big E last week.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The beads.

The music.

The floats.

It’s Mardi Gras.

A staple to the Big E fair since its introduction in 2000, the Mardi Gras parade brings New Orleans to New England. The custom-made floats included in the Mardi Gras parade were designed and built by Blaine Kern Studios of New Orleans.

“We chose them because they are the authentic builders of the floats featured in the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. It adds an incredible sense of excitement and intrigue,” said John Juliano, the special events director for the Big E since 1988. “Our goal is to bring Mardi Gras to New England and give those who have never had the opportunity to actually go, an authentic experience.”

Since its introduction beginning with six floats, the Mardi Gras parade has added two new floats in the last couple of years, and they hope to expand in the future. Production of the floats takes about eight to 10 people.

Since the floats are made in New Orleans, they have a long way to travel before taking the fairgrounds by storm.

“They ship here on flat bed tractor trailers” said Juliano, who added that it’s a sight to be seen as they make their way down the streets of West Springfield. “Once they arrive they have to put the props on the foundation and a local artist from Agawam touches them up” he said.

The floats included in the parade are the Boeuf Gras (Fatted Calf), Island Party, Caribbean Carnival, Carnival in Rio, Carneval di Venice, Mardi Gras New Orleans, as well as their African-themed and Patriotic floats. While all different, the thematic influence throughout most of the floats is European. Completing the floats with their New Orleans/Mardi Gras flair are the costumes and the music, with one float even including a live band.

The beaded necklaces are the most anticipated souvenirs tossed into the crowds throughout the parades are also shipped from New Orleans; truly cementing Big E attendees with an authentic Fat Tuesday seal of approval.

The Mardi Gras parade is sponsored by Mohegan Sun Casino. It runs daily; Mondays through Fridays at 1 and 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 p.m.

With activities to suit everyone’s fancy, other main attractions to be featured at this year’s Big E include concerts, the debut of a brand new exhibit called “Walking in a Winter Wonderland,” and the Big E Super Circus.

For more information on The Big E, visit www.masslive.com/the-big-e

Superintendent David Dupont will retire after the current school year ends in June.

HOLYOKE – The first of numerous meetings will begin this week for teachers, senior citizens and other groups to discuss characteristics they want in a new school superintendent.

Superintendent David L. Dupont will retire at the end of the school year in June. His yearly salary is $144,000. This is his third year as superintendent and 40th with the School Department.

The School Committee has hired a consultant, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, of Boston, to search for a replacement.

“A number of focus sessions are being held across the city for various groups to share their thoughts and ideas about what characteristics the next superintendent of the Holyoke Public Schools should possess,” according to a School Department flyer provided by Mayor Alex B. Morse, School Committee chairman.

“If you are not able to attend a focus session specific to you, please do not hesitate to attend any one of the open sessions that you can to voice your opinion,” the flyer said.

Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, Holyoke High School cafeteria, 500 Beech St., 4 to 5 p.m, support staff: clerks, secretaries, custodians, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, etc.; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., professional staff: teachers, nurses, therapists, etc.; 7 to 8 p.m., parents and other community members.

Thursday, Holyoke High School conference room, noon to 2:30 p.m., administrators, directors, principals; Dean Technical High School tea room, 1045 Main St., 3 to 4 p.m., parents.

Oct. 2, War Memorial, 310 Appleton St., 2 to 3 p.m., senior citizens; Holyoke High auditorium, 3:30 to 5 p.m., students.

Oct. 3, Dean Tech tea room, 10 a.m. to noon, business and community leaders; School Department, 57 Suffolk St., 1 to 2 p.m., central office staff; Dean Tech cafeteria, 3 to 4 p.m., students; Dean Tech cafeteria, 4 to 5 p.m., professional staff and faculty.

Oct. 10, City Hall, City Council Chambers, High and Dwight streets, 6 to 8 p.m., City Council and elected officials.

Additional information, including the schedule in Spanish, is available at hps.holyoke.ma.us/