"I have the utmost respect for the late former Fire Chief John J. Flaherty, the late former Police Chief Thomas P. McNamara Jr., and the late former Town Historian F. Bernard Lally, and I appreciate having the opportunity to serve the same community they so faithfully served," Neffinger stated.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Gregory C. Neffinger has issued a statement to tell West Springfield residents that the omission of in memoriam mentions of three prominent city officials who died in 2011 in that year’s annual municipal report was unintentional.

“I have the utmost respect for the late former Fire Chief John J. Flaherty, the late former Police Chief Thomas P. McNamara Jr., and the late former Town Historian F. Bernard Lally, and I appreciate having the opportunity to serve the same community they so faithfully served,” Neffinger stated.

Gregory Neffinger  

The mayor went on to say that he will correct the omissions by reaching out personally to each of the surviving spouses and by including in memoriam mentions in the 2012 report, which is due out in April.

Neffinger said there are no guidelines for an annual report, saying, “Since no one in the mayor’s office has ever published an annual report for West Springfield, it is easy to see how there could be an unintentional omission.”

“The best way to honor their memory is to continue the focus on the areas that each of these citizens dedicated their career to, namely hiring the new deputy (fire) chief and lieutenants, hiring a new police chief and improving our emergency management and preserving the history of West Springfield," the mayor said.

Neffinger came under strong fire late last calendar year for the omissions from Town Councilor George R. Kelly, who blasted the mayor and expressed hope in print that the omissions were not intended.

Kelly has said he knows biographical information and photographs were submitted to the mayor’s office for inclusion in the annual report, which is a summation of the year’s events and features information from city departments. Kelly could not be reached for comment.

In memoriam and in memoriam-type mentions of prominent city officials have been staples of recent yearly reports.

Obituaries from The Republican.

Janice Colby  

Janice A. (Duffus) Colby, 75, of Westfield, died Wednesday. She was born in and grew up in Northampton, attended local schools and was a graduate of Northampton High School. She worked at the Hotel Northampton, then moved to Coronado, Calif., while her husband completed military service. She moved to Easthampton and then Buffalo Grove, Ill., before settling in Westfield for the past 42 years. She assisted her husband in their businesses, the Colby Co. & Damon Precision in West Springfield for many years.

Obituaries from The Republican:

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  Agosto, Benjamin M.
  



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  Beleski, Cynthia M.
  



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  Bigda, Alexandra V.
  



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  Brookfield, Paul
  



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  Brookfield, Paul
  



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  Brow, Robert P.
  



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  Colby, Janice A.
  



• 
  Colcombe, A. Joyce
  



• 
  Connors, Kathryn M.
  



• 
  Decoteau, Richard J.
  



• 
  Degon, Alan L.
  



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  Dorsett, Eleanor V.
  



• 
  Fijol, Robert J.
  



• 
  Formaggioni, James R.
  



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  Harrold, Fredericka Mary
  



• 
  Heatwole, Robert W.
  



• 
  Horan Jr., James D.
  



• 
  Jarvis Sr., Lester J.
  



• 
  Johnson, Frances
  



• 
  Kelleher, Margaret C.
  



• 
  Killips, Robert J.
  



• 
  Kingsberg, Lenore
  



• 
  Kittridge Jr., Charles S.
  



• 
  Luippold, Harold G.
  



• 
  Mac Arthur, John L.
  



• 
  McFarlane, Marie
  



• 
  Mineau Sr., Clifford R.
  



• 
  Neffinger, N. Andrew
  



• 
  Oldershaw, Bruce R.
  



• 
  Perez, Norma I.
  



• 
  Roda Jr., Frank J.
  



• 
  Rubien, Emily
  



• 
  Rubinwitch, Jacqueline T.
  



• 
  Rucinski, Emil J.
  



• 
  Rucinski, Helen M.
  



• 
  Scanlon, Adaline V.
  



• 
  Theodore, Alfred P.
  



• 
  West, Mary G.
  

The campus center renovations are just one part of a $73.8 million comprehensive building project at the university.

The Ely Campus Center at Westfield State University has undergone a $12.3 million in improvements and renovations.Manon L. Mirabelli photo  

WESTFIELD – Students who return Monday to Westfield State University for the spring semester will find an improved Ely Campus Center with $12.3 million worth of changes designed to enhance their learning experience.

The campus center renovations are just one part of a $73.8 million comprehensive building project at the university that includes $2.5 million in improvements to a student residence apartment complex comprised of Colin, Welch and Seymour halls, as well as a brand new $59 million suite-style apartment housing facility in the northwest corner of the campus that is scheduled to open for the fall 2013 semester.

At the heart of the university, with a wall of floor-to-ceiling glass overlooking the campus green, sits the expanded Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons, which is now 39,000 square feet and can accommodate nearly 500 more students. It also houses the Father Dean Dining Hall and the Tekoa Room.

Diagonally across from the Dining Commons is the new jewel in the Westfield State crown: The Ely Campus Center, which has undergone extensive renovation and houses the library, bookstore, the two-floor wellness center that is now 14,000 square feet and boasts all-new, state-of-the-art fitness equipment, as well as a group exercise studio, reorganized student space with an outdoor patio and a full service Dunkin’ Donuts.

Curt D. Robie, assistant vice president of facilities and operation, said the goal is not to increase the number of students, but to provide the same number with an exceptional educational and campus experience.

“We don’t necessarily want to grow,” he said.

From the lavender and blue walls throughout the campus center building to the brightly colored, modern furniture and lighting in the library, students, staff and faculty alike all had a hand in deciding the form and function of the space.

A quiet lounge-study area in the library within the newly renovated Ely Campus Center at Westfield State University awaits returning students. Manon L. Mirabelli photo  

“It was a campus-wide effort,” Robie said. “Students and every department head had a little something to say.”

Even so, upon their return to campus Monday, Robie expects that the drastic improvements waiting for students will surprise them.

“I think it will be a shock,” he said.

One of the biggest improvements is to the six-floor library that houses an educational resource center, student study rooms, a computer lab, lounge areas tucked away in quiet corners, university archives and yes, books.

Library Director Thomas Raffensperger said the continuing advent of electronic media has resulted in fewer volumes on the stacks.

“This is the first year that we’ve put academic journals online,” he said. “We don’t need as many volumes. We needed more space for the students to study.”

It was not unusual, Raffensperger added, for the library to be so full during final exams that students were not able to find a seat.

“The number of people per hour who use the library has increased. It’s getting used more all the time,” he said.

On the sixth floor of the library is the university archives office under the direction of Judith E. Carlson, department head of technical services and archives. The space is climate controlled and acid-free to maintain the historical documents that date to 1838.

“It was a monumental task to get this all organized,” Robie added.

The two-floor wellness center is comprised of a lower level with weight-training equipment, locker rooms and the existing pool, and the floor above that where the cardio machines hum as students are entertained by all-new, flat-screen televisions while they exercise. Behind a glass wall adorned with color-changing lights is the group exercise studio.

University President Evan S. Dobelle said the modernized campus center is a result of successful legislative work by the lawmakers who fought for funding.

“The investment by the commonwealth is one we deeply appreciate,” Dobelle said. “WSU continues to earn the confidence of our elected officials, and to merit the positive oversight of the State Building Authorities is something that we honor every day. These facilities enhance the transformational experience of our students and the dollars to come in the near future will validate our exceptional faculty and staff.”

The most important validation, though, comes from current and former students who are reaping the rewards of the funding that has made their educational institution one of which they are proud.

“This campus has done a complete 180-degree turn,” said 2011 graduate Laura A. Phelon, writing assistant in the Office of Public Affairs. “The students will definitely be impressed when the return, especially for those who have been here to see the transformation take place.”

“The campus center is unrecognizable,” she said.

Student athlete Rory D. Wilkowich, from Canada, on campus with his hockey teammates, said he especially likes the open space and vibrant colors in the wellness center.

“The gym is very impressive,” he said.

The state reached 17 settlements with insurance companies since 2010, who had overcharged the owners of motorcycles on their insurance premiums.

 

 

Insurance rebates were recently mailed to more than 600 motorcycle owners in the region, the latest in a series of settlements between insurance companies and the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office to compensate for past overcharges.

Statewide, there are more than $2.8 in insurance refunds returned in the past two weeks with the payments made by three companies: Encompass Insurance Co. of Massachusetts, an Allstate subsidiary ($1.9 million); Amica Mutual Insurance Co., ($837,184); and NGM Insurance Co. ($17,833), Attorney General Martha Coakley announced this week.

In Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, checks were mailed to 639 motorcycle owners, totaling $197,600.

“We began our industry-wide investigation into motorcycle insurance based on a single consumer complaint,” Coakley said in a prepared statement. “With these insurance companies having now completed the refund process, we are proud that our investigation has resulted in the return of more than $42.8 million to Massachusetts motorcycle owners since 2010.”

The industry-wide investigation into motorcycle rating practices began in the fall of 2008. The settlements relate to allegations that the insurers overcharged tens of thousands of Massachusetts motorcyclists by using inflated motorcycle values to calculate insurance premiums.

Average refunds to consumers are approximately $280, the office stated.

The attorney general’s office has gained 17 settlements with Massachusetts insurance companies since the investigation began.

Since 2010, the settlements have totaled $2.4 million in Hampden County totaling 8,300 checks, $870,500 in Hampshire County totaling 3,400 checks, and $470,000 in Franklin County, totaling 2,100 checks.

The original case involved a 1999 Harley Davidson Road King Classic. In each year, between 2003 and 2008, that consumer’s insurance company calculated the consumer’s premiums as if his motorcycle was brand new and worth $20,000, when the value was actually significantly less, the release stated.

In order to be eligible for a refund under the Attorney General’s settlements, a consumer must have purchased comprehensive and/or collision insurance coverage for a motorcycle on or after Jan. 1, 2002 and that motorcycle must have been overvalued by the insurance company for the purposes of calculating premiums, the attorney general’s office stated.

Consumers who think they may be entitled to a refund may use the Attorney General’s Motorcycle Insurance Refund Lookup web page at www.motorcycle.ago.state.ma.us to find out whether they are eligible, and if so, how much they are entitled to receive. Consumers who have questions about the settlements or their refund may visit the Attorney General’s FAQ about the motorcycle insurance settlements or call the Attorney General’s Insurance & Financial Services Division at 1-888-830-6277.

Wind gusts above 40 mph tomorrow; snow likely Monday into Tuesday.

A brief batch of cloud cover will move in through the overnight hours, which will actually help our temperatures tonight. Overnight lows will only be allowed to fall to the mid-20s.

A cold front will be moving into the region for Sunday. This will be a dry frontal passage though, as skies will be mostly sunny. Winds will be rather strong again, potentially gusting up to 40 mph at times tomorrow afternoon. The cold air behind this front will be lagging behind a little bit, so high temperatures are still expected to top out at a seasonal upper-30s.

Bitter cold will be the main focus for the upcoming week. High temperatures Monday and Tuesday will only be in the 20s, with high temperatures stuck in the teens for Wednesday and Thursday (along with morning lows at or below zero). A low pressure system developing off the coast will likely bring a couple inches of snow to western Massachusetts Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Tonight: Increasing clouds overnight, low 28.

Sunday: Partly cloudy and windy, high 39.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, late-day snow, colder, high 26.

Tuesday: Morning snow showers, high 21.

Radar | 5 Day Forecast

Nearly a year and half after President Obama and Congress ended "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," same-sex couples are faced with daily reminders of the conflict inherent in serving openly as gays and lesbians under a government that still refuses to acknowledge their relationships.

In this undated photograph made available by Allison Hanson, Hanson, left, poses with her partner, Sgt. Karen Alexander. Alexander, who is stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., married Hanson in Washington. The U.S. Army has denied the couple housing allowance and other family-friendly benefits. Pentagon officials say their hands are tied by the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids the federal government from recognizing any marriage other than between a man and a woman. (AP Photo/Allison Hanson)  

By DAVID CRARY & MICHAEL BIESECKER, Associated Press Writers

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Sgt. Karen Alexander fought for her country in Iraq, but back home she often feels the U.S. Army is fighting against her.

Married to another female soldier with a 4-year-old son, Alexander is denied the same housing allowance and other family-friendly benefits she would be entitled to if married to a man. As far as Uncle Sam is concerned, she's still single.

"I'm married to my best friend, who just happens to be of the same sex as me," said Alexander, 29, who is stationed at Fort Bragg. "We fight for everyone else's rights, but we're treated as second-class citizens."

Nearly a year and half after President Obama and Congress ended "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," same-sex couples are faced with daily reminders of the conflict inherent in serving openly as gays and lesbians under a government that still refuses to acknowledge their relationships.

Pentagon officials say they are bound by the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids the federal government from recognizing any marriage other than that between a man and a woman.

The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of DOMA in June, but advocacy groups say there are numerous steps the Pentagon could take now to treat struggling same-sex military couples more fairly.

Among the steps proposed by such advocacy groups as OutServe-Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and the American Military Partner Association are issuing military IDs to same-sex spouses, ensuring spouses have full access to on-base social programs, and letting same-sex couples qualify for military housing.

"Clearly DOMA prevents commanders from truly treating their service members equally, but there is so much they could do to treat them with greater equity," said Allyson Robinson, Outserve-SLDN's executive director. "The fact they choose not to is shocking."

The Defense Department's public response to these proposals hasn't changed over the past year.

Brenda Sue Fulton, center left, and Penelope Gnesin, proceed through an honor guard forming an arch of raised swords after exchanging wedding vows at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. in December 2012. (Jeff Sheng/Outserve-SLDN via AP)  

"The Department is conducting a deliberative and comprehensive review of the possibility of extending eligibility for benefits, when legally permitted, to same-sex domestic partners," Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen wrote in an e-mail this week. "The benefits are being examined from a policy, fiscal, legal and feasibility perspective."

Almost verbatim, that's the same message conveyed to gay-rights activists in March 2012 by acting Undersecretary of Defense Jo Ann Rooney.

Robinson said it was possible that military leaders were waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on DOMA. If the law is struck down, which is by no means certain, the military would have a clear path to treat married sex-sex couples equally.

"If they're waiting, that in itself is a troubling decision," Robinson said. "For some of these service members, waiting even a few months is an incredible difficulty."

The next step for the activist groups will be putting pressure on Chuck Hagel, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next defense secretary, in hopes that he will take up the cause if he is confirmed.

Hagel, a former Republican senator, has apologized for 1998 remarks referring to an ambassadorial nominee as "openly, aggressively gay" and he pledged this week in a letter to Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., to "do everything possible to the extent permissible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all our service members."

While the Pentagon brass ponders the issue, Alexander and her wife, Pvt. Allison Hanson, struggle to pay their bills.

The couple met in an Army training program for chemical, biological and nuclear warfare in 2010. They got married last year in Washington, D.C., one of an increasing number places where same-sex marriage is legal.

Despite assurances to the contrary before she transferred, it was only after Alexander reported for duty at Fort Bragg in September the couple learned that post officials would not approve money for off-base housing, even the lesser amount provided to single soldiers with no dependents. Hanson said exceptions are routinely granted to unmarried heterosexual soldiers for various domestic reasons, and that she believes commanders at Bragg have the discretion to do so in Alexander's case if they wanted to.

"I can't live in the barracks with her," said Hanson, a National Guard soldier who lost her job when she followed Alexander to North Carolina.

The couple got a tiny one-bedroom apartment in nearby Fayetteville, where inexpensive housing can be tough to come by. After rent, the payment for their shared car, insurance, utilities and other bills, Alexander's modest enlisted salary provides them less than a $100 a week.

"I don't know if people have this Will and Grace image of how homosexuals live, like we're all rich or something, but that's not the case at all," Alexander said. "We're lucky we're vegetarians, so we don't really spend that much money on food."

Hanson made the agonizing decision to send her son to live with her ex-husband and his new wife in Utah because they cannot afford to care for him.

Beyond pocketbook issues, same-sex couples based at Bragg say they face social stigma.

After returning from a nine-month tour in Afghanistan, 1st Lt. Nakisha Hardy and her civilian wife were invited to attend a retreat at the Pinehurst resort intended to help strengthen relationships that can be strained by long separations. Though Hardy was told in advance that a same-sex couple would be welcome, on the second day they were asked to leave by an Army chaplain.

"He said that the program is funded under DOMA and that we were making other families feel uncomfortable and creating a distraction," Hardy said. "It definitely makes you question whether the culture is changing. People's personal beliefs aren't going to change just because laws do."

Last month, Bragg received national attention when Ashley Broadway, who is married to Lt. Col. Heather Mack, was denied membership in the officers' spouses club because she does not have a spouse identification badge issued by the military.

Though she and Mack have been together for 15 years, the only pass base officials will provide to Broadway names her as a caregiver to their 2-year-old son — the same credential given to nannies.

On Thursday, the club announced they would allow Broadway admittance as a "guest member." She said Friday anything less than full membership is not acceptable.

"It's another slap in the face to my life and that of thousands of gay and lesbian soldiers because it basically it's like, 'Yes, please wear the uniform, please sacrifice, put yourself in harm's way, but, by the way, we're not going to take care of your family or your spouse back home,'" Broadway said.

Alexander and Hanson said change isn't coming fast enough. Although she says she loves military life and always thought she'd serve until retirement, Alexander is now considering leaving the Army she has served for nearly 10 years.

"The Pentagon has the option to change things, right now," Hanson said. "My wife and I both raised our right hands and swore to defend the Constitution. At what point does someone protect our rights?"

Usher sang "Yeah!" Katy Perry donned star and stripes for "Firework." And a ballroom full of lucky kids got to rock out with Sasha and Malia Obama at Saturday's Kids' Inaugural Concert, a star-studded event that honors America's military families.

Katy Perry performs during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th Inauguration weekend of events. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)  

By JOCELYN NOVECK, AP National Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) — Usher sang "Yeah!" Katy Perry donned star and stripes for "Firework." And a ballroom full of lucky kids got to rock out with Sasha and Malia Obama at Saturday's Kids' Inaugural Concert, a star-studded event that honors America's military families.

"Now, inauguration is a pretty big deal," first lady Michelle Obama, who hosted the event along with Jill Biden, told the assembled families at the Washington Convention Center. "But I have to tell you that my very favorite part of this entire weekend is being right here with all of you." She paid tribute to the sacrifices that military families make, including their kids.

Pointing out that such kids often attend six to nine schools by the end of high school, always having to be "the new kid," she said being a military kid meant "growing up just a little faster, and working just a little harder than other kids." The concert was streamed live to several military bases around the country.

First lady Michelle Obama, center, and daughters Sasha, left, and Malia, right, react during the Kids' Inaugural: Our Children. Our Future." event in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, as part of the 57th Inauguration weekend of events. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)  

This was the second such concert for the Obama girls, and the choice of talent seemed to reflect the fact that they are four years older. While in 2009 they were entertained by Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, this time it was Usher and Perry, along with the groups Mindless Behavior and Far East Movement. Also performing were cast members from the Fox TV hit "Glee."

Usher, in black leather, kicked off the proceedings with his hit "Yeah!," followed by "Without You" and "OMG," earning a huge cheer from the crowd. In between acts, there were kid-friendly diversions like a dance-off, or a race among mascots of the Washington Nationals: oversized versions of presidents like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.

Three members of the "Glee" cast were greeted warmly by the crowd: Naya Rivera, who plays Santana; Darren Criss, who plays Blaine; and Amber Riley, who plays Mercedes.

Nick Cannon emceed the evening, but it was Mrs. Obama, sporting her new bangs and wearing a white peplum shirt over black pants, who got to introduce the top attraction.

"It is now my pleasure to introduce the fabulous Katy Perry!" she said, and the singer emerged in what looked like a vintage swimsuit, covered patriotically with stars and stripes. She sang her hits "Teenage Dream," ''Part of Me," ''Wide Awake" and then "Firework," which was accompanied by a slide show of President Barack Obama: Obama in the Oval Office, Obama exiting Air Force One, Obama greeting LeBron James.

"I'm very proud to be here ... and to see the Obamas and the Bidens here for four more years," she said.

Perry was the favorite of concertgoer Dylan Garvin, 12, who came from Wilmington, Del. "I thought it was incredible," Dylan said of the concert. "It's a great way to celebrate."

Someone opened fire on Universal Cuts, a barbershop at 172 Eastern Ave. in the city's Old Hill neighborhood. A total of six shots were fired, some of which pierced the window of the business while people were inside, police said.

The Republican  

SPRINGFIELD — Police are investigating a shooting just before 8 p.m. Saturday at Universal Cuts, a barbershop at 172 Eastern Ave. in the city's Old Hill neighborhood.

At least six shots were fired, said detectives, who gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses. Bullets pierced the front window of the barbershop, which had people inside, but no one was injured, police said.

"Shots were fired and officers in the area heard it first," Springfield Police Lt. Alberto Ayala said. The gunfire also was detected by the city's automated ShotSpotter surveillance system.

The shooting happened just a few feet from where 19-year-old Dwayne Kelly Jr. was killed on Oct. 26, and just a few days after multiple gunshots were fired in the same area.

Police characterized Kelly's death outside Emely Market, 168 Eastern Ave., as a gang-related shooting and charged 19-year-old Larry A. Green with his murder. A detective said investigators had yet to establish a motive for Saturday's incident at the barbershop, which is between Pendleton Avenue and King Street.

A similar episode happened in the neighborhood early Thursday, when up to a half-dozen shots rang out in the vicinity of Pendleton Avenue and King Street around 1:30 a.m. A home was struck by bullets, and three men in hooded sweatshirts were seen running from the area immediately afterward, according to a report by abc40.

It's unclear if the incidents are related, but Eastern Avenue has been plagued by gang violence over the years.

Several men and a pitbull remained inside Universal Cuts on Saturday evening as detectives combed the crime scene for clues. One of the men used a broom to clean up broken glass from the damaged window.

Anyone with information about the recent gunplay in Old Hill is asked to call the Springfield Police Department Detective Bureau at (413) 787-6355.

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Complete list of winners for Reader Raves Winter-Spring 2013.

Complete list of winners for Reader Raves Winter-Spring 2013.

 

Springfield is reviewing hundreds of pages of casino project information through 2 mayor-appointed committees and its hired consultant.

View full size Renderings of the competing Springfield casino proposals show concepts for MGM Springfield, above, and Penn National's Hollywood Springfield. Artists' renderings  

SPRINGFIELD — A review of newly unveiled plans for two competing casino projects in Springfield has found many similarities, such as their generation of jobs and commitment to diversity, but also many unique ideas on how each company plans to deal with issues ranging from public safety to economic development.

MGM Resorts International, planning a casino project in the South End, and Penn National Gaming, proposing a casino in the North End of the downtown district, filed their formal plans by Jan. 3, the deadline set by the city. The hundreds of pages, including supporting documents and reports, are now under review by two mayor-appointed review committees and the city’s hired consultant, Shefsky & Froelich of Chicago.

The extensive detail included in both proposals “show how serious they are about locating a casino in Springfield,” said Kevin E. Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer. “I think they both demonstrated a willingness to become part of the fabric in the community,” Kennedy said. “I think they both recognize the economic development aspect of this outside the casino walls.”

The MGM and Penn projects are competing for a single casino license available in Western Massachusetts, and also face competition from casinos proposed in West Springfield on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition, and in Palmer off the Massachusetts Turnpike. Penn National lists the project cost at $809, while MGM has increased its projection from its prior figure of $800 million to a newly revealed figure of $850 million.

A link to the information the two Springfield casino projects is available on the city’s official website at: www.springfieldcityhall.com. Some information is currently redacted as confidential, or is still under review to determine when it becomes public, Kennedy and City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula said.

“It’s another public step the process and another step toward our goal of being open and transparent,” Kennedy said of the newly filed plans. “We anticipate releasing additional information as the process moves forward.”

Some of the pages reveal plans and concepts that have been shared publicly, including the size of their casino projects and square footage for gaming, dining, retail and other uses; their plans for a hotel at each site and parking; and a summary of construction jobs and permanent jobs that would be created.

Other details are new, or have received little or no publicity.

Penn National states it will help accelerate the $78 million Union Station redevelopment project by leasing additional office, retail, and garage space and by constructing a pedestrian skywalk from Union Station to the casino project.

Penn will also construct a skywalk from its casino to the Paramount Theater building on Main Street. The Paramount’s owner, New England Farm Workers Council, plans to invest in a $51 million rehabilitation of the theater. The casino will lease the venue for live entertainment and will also clean up the Main Street frontage for a “retail-lined promenade connecting to the Paramount," the casino plans state.

Penn also states it will make a financial commitment to help the University of Massachusetts locate a new anchor facility in the downtown.

MGM also commits to Union Station, saying it intends to lease 44,000 square feet of space at the site, if approved, for an MGM training institute that includes a hiring center, training rooms and regional call center.

MGM proposes a skywalk connecting its casino project to the MassMutual Center on Main Street.

MGM, stating that “public safety is our foremost priority,” has also revealed that a “160-strong security and surveillance team will regularly monitor outside areas using both physical and electronic security.” In addition, it will vocally support the South End neighborhood’s desire for a South End Police Substation, the plan states.

MGM also cites plans for a redevelopment of Riverfront Park in the South End including an outdoor summer plaza and winter community skating rink.

Both Penn National and MGM provide detailed traffic impact studies for the city’s review, which were completed by each companies hired traffic experts. The city has hired its own traffic consultants to independently review the traffic issues at each location, with the cost covered by $250,000 application fees paid by each company to the city.

Penn National’s traffic study report is available for view on the city’s website, and describes changes at numerous intersections. The casino project will be primarily accessed from interstates 91 and 291, and the company would construct a “partial loop road” along the railway line for traffic entry to the site, according to the report prepared by Penn’s traffic consultant, Alfred Benesch & Co.

“As described thoroughly in the Traffic Evaluation Report, our proposal will mitigate projected traffic impacts by a series of easily-accomplished, moderate transportation improvements requiring no new rights of way and no modifications to the Interstate highway system,” the report states.

It adds that with modifications, “motorists will be able to easily and safely traverse all of the intersections affected by our development, with no objectionable restrictions,” the report states.

MGM asked that its traffic study be kept confidential, and that request was at least temporarily granted, city officials said.

Its proposal states it will use a downtown trolley system connecting 14 points of interest including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the MassMutual Center and Quadrangle, Union Station and the riverfront. It also states plans for marketing agreements with Symphony Hall and CityStage.

MGM’s report details its experience in rebuilding the Beau Rivage Resort & Casinos in Billoxi, Miss., following Hurricane Katrina, and its construction of the MGM Grand Detroit, as an example of “economic regeneration in the inner city.”

Penn stressed that its casino project will include properties owned by the Peter Pan Bus Lines as well as The Republican newspaper building and properties along the riverfront, but that both companies will relocate within Springfield.

The Republican will move its newspaper operations to a new location downtown, and its production facilities will move to a new building in Springfield, the plans state.

Peter Pan will move its operations to Union Station and to a building at 31 Elm St., at Court Square, and will build a new $5 million garage for its bus fleet, also in Springfield.

A graduate of Westfield High School and Syracuse University, duBois has been part of the U.S. Marine Band operation since 1999.

Master Sgt. Kristin duBois, U.S. Marine Band Public Affairs Chief Courtesy of U.S. Marine Band Public Affairs  

Millions of viewers will tune in to the presidential inauguration on Monday, and one Westfield native will play a key role in providing the “presidential soundtrack” for the event.

Kristin duBois is a master sergeant and the public affairs chief for the President’s Own U.S. Marine Band. The band consists of 160 members and four public affairs professionals. The President’s Own Marine Band has played at every presidential inauguration since 1801.

“I like to compare it to the Olympics for us," said duBois. "The Marine band has a fantastic long history; we’re celebrating our 215th anniversary this year. It’s every four years, and where we get to really shine.”

While duBois doesn’t play an instrument in the band, her musical background has helped her communicate with and understand the musicians better.

“My degree in is public relations, but I grew up playing music so I can speak the language,” duBois said.

The preparation leading up to inauguration day has been intense, both for the public affairs office and for the band members. Rehearsals have been almost nonstop, with media members itching to get a sneak peek of the band before inauguration day.

Marine Band Public Affairs Chief Master Sgt. Kristin duBois at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration Courtesy of U.S. Marine Band Public Affairs  

“Leading up to the inauguration it’s rehearsals for the musicians which we participate in, we document everything graphically and get it on social media, then we’re also pitching to reporters and getting the story out to as may media outlets as possible, including hometown outreach,” said duBois.

“We had a rehearsal on Sunday, we actually go out and rehearse the entire ceremony and parade. We reported at 3 a.m. We’re working around the clock from Jan. 1 until inauguration day. We’re just being flexible and ready to react at a moments notice to whatever’s being thrown our way. As a band musically and a public relations office we’re getting calls to attend open rehearsals and interview band members from Japanese television, German television, and others all coming to cover our story,” duBois said.

Inauguration day will begin at 4 int he morning for the Marine Band, when its members report to the band hall and take buses over to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. The band will then wait until they are signaled to take their positions on the platform where the president will be administered the oath of office and deliver his inaugural address.

And duBois is lucky enough to get one of the best seats in the house to watch the event unfold, she said.

“I’ll be seated in the band setup. I’ve been given a coveted seat among musicians and I’ll document with a camera from that seat. There will also be roving photographers,” she said.

duBois has been in the President’s Own Marine Band since 1999. Upon graduating from Westfield High School, she attended Syracuse University, where she heard about the job opening.

“I interviewed in March of 1999 and enlisted, and it’s been a whirlwind of a ride ever since. Upon winning the audition here in the band I reported directly to a local recruiter and he took me through the enlistment process. I enlisted as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps and immediately reported for duty in Washington D.C.,” said duBois.

While most of her work with the band is behind the scenes, her role is a crucial part of the Marine Band’s success.

“The role I play is telling the Marine Band’s story really, not only just during our performances here in Washington but we also go on tour every October, the marine band goes on a national tour and we’re able to tell our story throughout the country. We bring those audiences in, so my role is just telling story and preparing musicians to tell the story as well. They’re classically trained, not trained spokespeople, so it's my job to make sure they’re spun up on who we are and what we do and why we’re special and unique,” said duBois.

An estimated 1.8 million people attended President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration ceremony. Millions more watched it on TV.

Gusts potentially above 40 mph this afternoon; snow expected late-day tomorrow.

A cold front will be moving into the region today. This will be a dry frontal passage though, as skies will be partly cloudy. The cold air behind this front will be lagging behind a little bit, so high temperatures are still expected to top out at a seasonal upper-30s.

Winds will be rather strong again, potentially gusting up to 40 mph at times this afternoon. These winds may also carry some lake-effect flurries across New York and into the Berkshires today (but the Springfield area will stay dry).

Bitter cold will be the main focus for the upcoming week. High temperatures Monday and Tuesday will only be in the 20s, with high temperatures stuck in the teens for Wednesday and Thursday (along with morning lows at or below zero). A low pressure system developing off the coast will likely bring a couple inches of snow to western Massachusetts Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Today: Partly cloudy and windy, high 39.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, cold, low 11.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, late-day snow, cold, high 26.

Tuesday: Morning snow showers, high 21.

Radar | 5 Day Forecast

Stepping into his second term, President Barack Obama took the oath of office Sunday in an intimate swearing-in ceremony at the White House, the leader of a nation no longer in the throes of the recession he inherited four years ago, but still deeply divided.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, Commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, listen to Taps after placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. AP Photo  

The president, surrounded by family in the ornate White House Blue Room, was administered the oath by Chief Justice John Roberts. With Obama's hand resting on a Bible used for years by Michelle Obama's family, the president vowed "to support and defend the Constitution of the United States," echoing the same words spoken by the 43 men who held the office before him.

"I did it," Obama whispered to his youngest daughter, Sasha, as he wrapped her in a hug moments later.

The president said the oath in just minutes before noon on Jan. 20, the time at which the Constitution says new presidential terms begin. There was little pomp and circumstance Sunday — Obama walked into the room flanked by his family and exited almost immediately after finishing the oath.

He'll repeat the swearing-in ritual again Monday on the west front of the Capitol before a crowd of up to 800,000 people.

Only about a dozen family members were on hand to witness Sunday's swearing in, including the first lady, daughters Malia and Sasha, and the president's sister Maya Soetoro-Ng and her family. Mrs. Obama's mother, Marian Robinson, and the first lady's brother, Craig Robinson, and his family were also on hand, along with a few reporters and photographers.

Yet the mood in the nation's capital was more subdued during this year's inaugural festivities than it was four years ago, when Obama swept into office on a wave of national optimism, becoming the first African-American to hold the nation's highest office. Since then, he has endured fiscal fights with Congress and a bruising re-election campaign — and has the gray hair and lower approval ratings to show for it.

Ahead of his swearing-in Sunday, Obama, along with Vice President Joe Biden, solemnly honored the nation's fallen soldiers during a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. On a crisp, sun-splashed morning, Obama and Biden placed a large wreath adorned with red, white and blue ribbon, in front of Arlington's Tomb of the Unknowns. Holding their hands over their hearts, the two leaders stood motionless as a bugler played "Taps."

From Arlington, Obama joined his family at a church service celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. The president's public swearing-in on Monday coincides with the national holiday marking the fallen civil rights leader's birthday, and Obama has invoked King's memory throughout the lead-up to the inauguration.

The Rev. Jonathan V. Newton, an assistant pastor at Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, prayed for God to prepare Obama for battle, "because sometimes enemies insist on doing it the hard way."

Biden took the oath of office earlier in the morning, surrounded by family and friends for a brief ceremony at the Naval Observatory, his official residence in northwest Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, appointed by Obama as the first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court, administered the oath of office to Biden, who placed his hand on a Bible his family has used since 1893.

Among the 120 guests on hand to witness the vice president's second swearing-in were Attorney General Eric Holder, departing Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and several Democratic lawmakers.

A crowd of up to 800,000 people is expected to gather on the National Mall to witness Obama's second swearing-in, which will take place on the Capitol's red, white and blue bunting-draped west front. Roberts, who famously flubbed the oath of office that Obama took in 2009, will administer the oath on Monday.

Sunday's smaller ceremony was a function of the calendar and the Constitution, which says presidents automatically begin their new terms at noon on Jan. 20. Because that date fell this year on a Sunday — a day on which inaugural ceremonies historically are not held — organizers scheduled a second, public swearing-in for Monday.

Once the celebrations are over, Obama will plunge into a second-term agenda still dominated by the economy, which slowly churned out of recession during his first four years in office. The president will also try to cement his legacy with sweeping domestic changes, pledging to achieve both an immigration overhaul and stricter gun laws despite opposition from a divided Congress.

But for one weekend at least, Washington was putting politics aside. Obama called the nation's inaugural traditions "a symbol of how our democracy works and how we peacefully transfer power."

"But it should also be an affirmation that we're all in this together," he said Saturday, as he opened a weekend of inaugural activities at a Washington elementary school.

Obama and Biden were to address supporters Sunday evening at an inaugural reception.

The president planned to save his most expansive remarks for Monday's inaugural address to the crowd gathered on the Mall and millions more watching across the country and the world. Obama started working on the speech in early December and was still tinkering with it into the weekend, aides said.

Sean Payton, a Democrat visiting Washington from Highland Ranch, Colo., said he was hoping to hear more patriotism and less politics from Obama.

"I'm just hoping for a nice, eloquent speech that makes people feel good about being an American," Payton said.

Local officials were busy touching up Washington for all the hundreds of thousands of guests arriving for Monday's swearing-in. Work crews were trimming overgrown grass and trash from walkways along city underpasses, erecting first aid tents and setting up traffic detours. Swarms of tourists easily roamed city streets Sunday ahead of the pedestrian gridlock sure to come with Monday's full inaugural program.

Vicki Lyons of Lakewood, Colo., didn't vote for Obama and doesn't agree with many of his policies. But the 51-year-old said of the inauguration, "No matter who the president is, everybody needs to do this at least once."

The president's address will set the stage for the policy objectives he seeks to achieve in his second term, including speeding up the economic recovery, passing comprehensive immigration and gun control measures and ending the war in Afghanistan. Aides said Obama would save the specifics of those agenda items for his Feb. 12 State of the Union address.

Algerian bomb squads scouring a gas plant where Islamist militants took dozens of foreign workers hostage found "numerous" new bodies on Sunday as they searched for explosive traps left behind by the attackers

In this image made from video, a group of people believed to be hostages kneel in the sand with their hands in the air at an unknown location in Algeria. An Algerian security official says de-mining squads searching for explosives found "numerous" bodies Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013 at a gas refinery where Islamic militants took dozens of foreign workers hostage.  

By AOMAR OUALI
and PAUL SCHEMM

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian bomb squads scouring a gas plant where Islamist militants took dozens of foreign workers hostage found "numerous" new bodies on Sunday as they searched for explosive traps left behind by the attackers, a security official said, a day after a bloody raid ended the four-day siege of the remote desert refinery.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said the bodies were badly disfigured and difficult to identify.

"The bodies could be either Algerian or foreign hostages," he said.

Algerian special forces stormed the natural gas complex in the Sahara desert on Saturday to end the standoff, and the government said all 32 militants were killed. Earlier Sunday, Algeria's chief government spokesman said he feared the toll of hostages — which stood at 23 on Saturday — would rise as the special forces teams finished their search.

He said the militants came from six countries and were armed to cause maximum destruction. Sonatrach, the Algerian state oil company running the Ain Amenas site along with BP and Norway's Statoil, said the entire refinery had been mined.

"They had decided to succeed in the operation as planned, to blow up the gas complex and kill all the hostages," said Communications Minister Mohamed Said, speaking on a state radio interview.

The American government had warned that there were credible threats of more kidnapping attempts on Westerners.

With few details emerging from the remote site in eastern Algeria, it was unclear whether anyone was rescued in the final operation, but the number of hostages killed Saturday — seven — was how many the militants had said that morning they still had.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said Sunday that three Britons were killed and another three are believed dead, along with a foreigner who was living in Britain. He said that 22 Britons who survived the ordeal are now back in Britain.

"Now, of course, people will ask questions about the Algerian response to these events, but I would just say that the responsibility for these deaths lies squarely with the terrorists who launched a vicious and cowardly attack," Cameron said.

The siege at Ain Amenas transfixed the world after radical Islamists linked to al-Qaida stormed the complex on Wednesday, which contained hundreds of plant workers from all over the world, then held them hostage surrounded by the Algerian military and its attack helicopters for four tense days that were punctuated with gun battles and dramatic tales of escape.

Algeria's response to the crisis was typical of its history in confronting terrorists, favoring military action over negotiation, which caused an international outcry from countries worried about their citizens. Algerian military forces twice assaulted the two areas where the hostages were being held with minimal apparent mediation — first on Thursday, then on Saturday.

"To avoid a bloody turn of events in response to the extreme danger of the situation, the army's special forces launched an intervention with efficiency and professionalism to neutralize the terrorist groups that were first trying to flee with the hostages and then blow up the gas facilities," Algeria's Interior Ministry said in a statement about the standoff.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning Saturday night for Americans in or traveling to Algeria, citing credible threats of the kidnapping of Western nationals. The department also authorized the departure from Algeria of staff members' families if they choose to leave.

Immediately after the assault, French President Francois Hollande gave his backing to Algeria's tough tactics, saying they were "the most adapted response to the crisis."

"There could be no negotiations" with terrorists, the French media quoted him as saying in the central French city of Tulle.

Hollande said the hostages were "shamefully murdered" by their captors, and he linked the event to France's military operation against al-Qaida-backed rebels in neighboring Mali. "If there was any need to justify our action against terrorism, we would have here, again, an additional argument," he said.

In the final assault, the remaining band of militants killed seven hostages before 11 of them were in turn cut down by the special forces, Algeria's state news agency said. The military launched its Saturday assault to prevent a fire started by the extremists from engulfing the complex and blowing it up, the report added.

A total of 685 Algerian and 107 foreigner workers were freed over the course of the four-day standoff, the Interior Ministry statement said, adding that the group of militants that attacked the remote Saharan natural gas complex consisted of 32 men of various nationalities, including three Algerians and explosives experts.

The military also said it confiscated heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, missiles and grenades attached to suicide belts.

Algeria has fought its own Islamist rebellion since the 1990s, elements of which later declared allegiance to al-Qaida and then set up new groups in the poorly patrolled wastes of the Sahara along the borders of Niger, Mali, Algeria and Libya, where they flourished.

The standoff has put the spotlight on al-Qaida-linked groups that roam these remote areas, threatening vital infrastructure and energy interests. The militants initially said their operation was intended to stop a French attack on Islamist militants in neighboring Mali — though they later said it was two months in the planning, long before the French intervention.

The militants, who came from a Mali-based al-Qaida splinter group run by an Algerian, attacked the plant Wednesday morning. Armed with heavy machine guns and rocket launchers in four-wheel drive vehicles, they fell on a pair of buses taking foreign workers to the airport. The buses' military escort drove off the attackers in a blaze of gunfire that sent bullets zinging over the heads of crouching workers. A Briton and an Algerian — probably a security guard — were killed.

The militants then turned to the vast gas complex, divided between the workers' living quarters and the refinery itself, and seized hostages, the Algerian government said. The gas flowing to the site was cut off.

The accounts of hostages who escaped the standoff showed they faced dangers from both the kidnappers and the military. The militants focused on the foreign workers from the outset, largely leaving alone the hundreds of Algerian workers who were briefly held hostage before being released or escaping.

One of baseball's all-time greats died Saturday night at 92.

Stan Musialls last year with the St. Louis Cardinals was 1963, when he faced Chicopee High graduate Al Stanek. Associated Press  

HOLYOKE - It happened nearly 50 years ago, but Al Stanek still recalls watching Stan Musial striding into the box.

"Heck yeah, I remember. Guys like that were my idols growing up - Musial, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews,'' said Stanek, 69, a Holyoke resident whose brief major league career crossed paths with one of the game's greatest stars.

Musial died Saturday night at 92. He was to the Midwest what Ted Williams was to Boston, a superstar who transcended baseball in a rare and iconic way.

In the fourth inning on Aug. 16, 1963, Stanek came out of the San Francisco bullpen to face Musial in a Friday night game at St. Louis. The Cardinals had a 5-0 lead on the way to a 13-0 rout.

Stanek starred for Chicopee High School's powerhouse teams of the early 1960s. The left-hander once struck out 25 batters in a nine-inning high school game.

On that night in St. Louis, he was a rookie at age 19, trying to establish himself on a Giants team that had won the 1962 pennant. Manager Alvin Dark wanted the lefty-lefty matchup against Musial, the 42-year-old left fielder and cleanup hitter whose legendary career had begun in 1941, two years before Stanek was born.

Musial retired at the end of the 1963 season. His 3,630 hits were a National League record at the time and still rank fourth in big league history, but it was Stanek who prevailed that night.

He relieved Bob Bolin, who had taken over for starter Jim Duffalo in the second. Stanek can recall the at-bat pitch by pitch

"I threw (Musial) one fastball, and he fouled it off. He fouled off a curve, too,'' Stanek said.

"The count got to 1-2, and I threw him a straight change-up. He bounced it to first base.''

Given the half century that has passed, Stanek's memory was remarkably close. A play-by-play account of that game recorded the inning-ending putout as a grounder to second baseman Jim Davenport.

Stanek came back for the fifth inning. He gave up a double to Ken Boyer, walked George Altman and left for Jack Fisher, who wound up letting both runners score.

"That's why my ERA was so high,'' said Stanek, whose ERA in 13 1/3 big league innings was 4.73.

The game was played at the first Busch Stadium, which at one time had been known as Sportsman's Park. A home to big league baseball since 1902 and to the Cardinals since 1920, it was replaced by a newer Busch Stadium in 1966.

"That was a rough area. We all got on the team bus together,'' Stanek recalled.

Stanek appeared in only 11 games for the 1963 Giants, his only big league season before a shoulder injury curtailed his career. He was reminded of the St. Louis trip not long ago.

"About three or four years ago, a guy sent me a paper with some autographs on it,'' said Stanek, who remembered signing for fans at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The names on the sheet included Musial and former Cardinals catcher Joe Garagiola, who went on to fame as a broadcaster. Stanek's name was there, too.

The fan wanted Stanek to authenticate that it was his signature, which he did.

"It probably became some eBay thing,'' Stanek said.

For someone whose career was brief, Stanek has some remarkable memories. The only home run he allowed was to Aaron, and it came in Stanek's first big league game - No. 304 among Aaron's 755 that broke Babe Ruth's record.

The game at St. Louis was filled with names that resonate today. Musial went 0-for-4 as the only St. Louis starter without a hit.

The Cardinals had a 21-year-old catcher named Tim McCarver. Their leadoff man was Curt Flood, who would help them win the 1964 World Series and would later change baseball by challenging its reserve clause.

The Giants lineup included Hall of Famers Mays in center, Willie McCovey in left and Orlando Cepeda at first base.

Shortstop Ernie Bowman, third baseman Jim Ray Hart, catcher Tom Haller and Duffalo played minor league ball in Springfield. So did Stanek, in 1962 after his high school graduation.

Nowadays, Stanek plays golf and watches baseball. His 1962 high school team was inducted into the Chicopee Athletic Hall of Fame in October.

The memories of 1963 remain fresh and precious - a night in St. Louis in particular.

"Stan the Man,'' Stanek said upon hearing of Musial's passing. "You could never forget a guy like that.''

Sonja Farak, 35, of Northampton is a suspect in a drug tampering case at the state crime lab in Amherst.

Sonja Farak Submitted photo  

NORTHAMPTON- A chemist at the Massachusetts State Crime Laboratory in Amherst has been arrested and charged with allegedly tampering with drug evidence and possessing drugs, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today.

Sonja Farak, 35, of Northampton, was arrested last night without incident at her home by Massachusetts State Police. She is charged with two counts of Tampering with Evidence, one count of Possession of a Class A Substance, and one count of Possession of a Class B Substance. Farak will be arraigned on Tuesday morning in Eastern Hampshire District Court.

“We allege that this chemist tampered with evidence, placing the integrity of that evidence in question,” said Coakley.

The Amherst Drug Laboratory is charged with storing and analyzing alleged controlled substances seized by local and state police. On Friday, members of the Amherst Laboratory contacted State Police to report a discrepancy in the controlled substance inventory held in evidence.

State Police commenced an immediate investigation into the matter. Based on that investigation, authorities allege that the defendant tampered with drug evidence at the Lab. In one instance, it appeared that the defendant had removed a substance from a case that had previously tested positive for cocaine and replaced it with a counterfeit substance that no longer tested positive.

Upon further investigation, authorities determined that the defendant possessed what appeared to be Class A and B substances.

The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

The matter is being investigated by Massachusetts State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Anne Kaczmarek and Criminal Bureau Chief John Verner of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.

Story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Republican reporter Elizabeth Roman participates in a Springfield Fire Department rescue drill. Watch video

SPRINGFIELD- As my legs flailed beneath me in the icy Van Horn Pond, I took a moment to chastise myself for volunteering to jump into freezing ice water for the sake of a Springfield Fire Department rescue drill.

Yes, I was tethered to a rope held by strong able firefighters and, yes, I was in a water resistant floating suit, but when you're out there in the middle of a frozen pond on your own your mind starts to wander a bit.

What if this pond has some mutant cold resistant piranhas that suddenly decide to make an appearance? What if the rope unravels and the floatation devices in the suit suddenly fail and I'm sucked into the murky water and meet my end in a grimy pond?

Luckily, Springfield Fire Capt. Curt Marcellin came to my rescue before I actually started drowning due to exaggerated panic.

Every year firefighters are required to do rescue drills with safety sleds that are used during real rescues on the ice.

"Rescuing on the ice is a very difficult and dangerous operation," Marcellin said. "What this sled allows us to do is get to the victim in a fast and safe manner."

Marcellin had simple instructions for me. Slip into the water, don't jump in because the water will try to suck you down and, basically, act like a person in distress.

In the drill and in a real scenario, Marcellin comes out with the sled. Both are tethered to ropes held by other firefighters. When he reaches the victim, in this case me, he pulls you out of the water and attaches you to the sled which is then pulled back to shore.

Interim Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant said every year the department is called out to do ice rescues after people ignore the department's warnings that the ice is too thin.

"A lot of people will go out on the ice after a pet or kids especially will go out there," he said.

Conant said there are eight engines and one rescue squad each equipped with a sled.The sleds were purchased years ago with the help of government grants and community donations.

He said due to several weeks of warm weather people should not try to go out on the ice.

Wind advisories in effect as gusts could exceed 40 mph this afternoon.

A cold front will be moving into the region today. This will be a dry frontal passage though, as skies will be partly cloudy. The cold air behind this front will be lagging behind a little bit, so high temperatures are still expected to top out at a seasonal upper-30s.

Winds will be rather strong again, potentially gusting up to 40 mph at times this afternoon. These winds may also carry some lake-effect flurries across New York and into the Berkshires today (but the Springfield area will stay dry).

Bitter cold will be the main focus for the upcoming week. High temperatures Monday and Tuesday will only be in the 20s, with high temperatures stuck in the teens for Wednesday and Thursday (along with morning lows at or below zero). A low pressure system developing off the coast will likely bring a couple inches of snow to western Massachusetts Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Today: Partly cloudy and windy, high 39.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, cold, low 11.

Monday: Mostly cloudy, late-day snow, cold, high 26.

Tuesday: Morning snow showers, high 21.

Radar | 5 Day Forecast

Obituaries from The Republican.

Cynthia Beleski  

Cynthia Beleski  

Cynthia M. "Cindy" Beleski, 41, of Wilbraham, died Wednesday. She was born in Springfield, and was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School Class of 1989 in Wilbraham. She was employed for several years as a hairstylist after graduating from hair dressing school, and most recently was employed as a realtor for a number of years in the Greater Springfield area, working for Skinner Real Estate. She also was active for many years in various softball leagues in the Palmer and Springfield area.

Obituaries from The Republican:

• 
  Beleski, Cynthia M.
  



• 
  Bigda, Alexandra V.
  



• 
  Boron, Geraldine A.
  



• 
  Brookfield, Paul
  



• 
  Brow, Robert P.
  



• 
  Colcombe, A. Joyce
  



• 
  Connors, Kathryn M.
  



• 
  Decoteau, Richard J.
  



• 
  Degon, Alan L.
  



• 
  Dorsett, Eleanor V.
  



• 
  Formaggioni, James R.
  



• 
  Johnson, Frances
  



• 
  Kalicka, Joseph D.
  



• 
  Kelleher, Margaret C.
  



• 
  Kittridge Jr., Charles S.
  



• 
  Knowles, Alice M.
  



• 
  Kot, Edward J.
  



• 
  Kozak, Constantine
  



• 
  Mac Arthur, John L.
  



• 
  Mutti, Christine
  



• 
  Neffinger, N. Andrew
  



• 
  Perez, Norma I.
  



• 
  Rubien, Emily
  



• 
  Rucinski, Emil J.
  



• 
  Rucinski, Helen M.
  



• 
  Ryan, John F.
  



• 
  Ryan, Patricia M.
  



• 
  Ryan, Richard P.
  



• 
  Stocker, Henry S.
  



• 
  Zazzaro, Joseph M.
  

Northampton police are searching for the man wo stole money from a Girl Scout troop.

03.17.2010 | FILE PHOTO | Second-graders Morgan A. Latour, 7, left, and Hanna M. Wauczinski, 7, both of Easthampton, donated Girl Scout cookies to the Easthampton Community Center. File photo  

NORTHMAPTON - Police are looking for a a male suspect accused of stealing money from a Girl Scout troop selling cookies outside the Wal-Mart in Northampton Saturday.

Police said around 7:50 p.m. the suspect approached the girls selling cookies in the foyer of the store at 180 North King Street.

He had a conversation with one of the girls and then reached over and grabbed the metal tin containing an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

The suspect then fled to an awaiting vehicle that was parked in the front of the store.

One of the parents pursued the male and approached the vehicle as the suspect entered. The parent’s hand got stuck in the window and he was dragged across the parking lot. He was able to remove his hand from the vehicle, but sustained multiple injuries to his face, hands and arms, officials said.

He was treated and released from the Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

Anyone with information related to this investigation, should contact the Northampton Police Detective Bureau, Detective Peter Fappiano at (413) 587-1105.