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Mohegan Sun host community agreement may take longer than expected, Palmer Town Manager Charles Blanchard says

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In other news, the New North Citizens Council has endorsed the casino project proposed by MGM Resorts International, five months after supporting a competitor, Penn National, which is no longer in the running.

PALMER - A Mohegan Sun official said a host community agreement should be ready around July 15, but the town manager thinks that's too soon.

Charles Blanchard horiz mug 2012.jpgCharles T. Blanchard 

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority's chief executive, Mitchell G. Etess, told the crowd gathered at Palmer High School on Monday that the agreement, which spells out payments to the town and traffic mitigation, among other conditions for the project to occur, would be completed in two weeks.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said on Tuesday that a more realistic timetable for the agreement to be completed would be later this month.

"A lot has to be done in the next few weeks," Blanchard said.

Blanchard said the next negotiation session is scheduled for next week, and said a lot of the reports are still being vetted by the town's consultants.

"The (town) council has seen very little as far as these studies," Blanchard said.

The completed host community agreement would be presented to the Town Council, which votes to put it on the ballot, with voters having the final say. A referendum can be scheduled anywhere from 60 to 90 days after an agreement is received by the council.

And while Etess said Mohegan is eying a date of Sept. 15 for a referendum, at least one councilor said he would like to wait closer to the 90-day time period to present the vote.

"I don't support a 60 day referendum . . . I think it's important to take the time to support all the impact studies. I think the more time the better," At-large Councilor Paul E. Burns said. "There's no need to push it through in 60 days."

District 4 Councilor Donald Blais Jr. said he does not have a problem with the 60 day timetable as long as there is enough time for people to read the host community agreement and understand it.

At-large Councilor Jason Polonsky said they have not even seen a draft of the host community agreement, and is excited about getting more information over the next few weeks.

At-large Councilor Mary A. Salzmann said "anything's possible" at this point, as the council has not seen the impact studies.

"I want to look at them and see what's actually happening," Salzmann said. "If we have to go to 90 (days), I'd rather go to 90 especially when voters need to look at it."

Mohegan Sun officials unveiled the latest designs for their $1 billion "Mohegan Sun Massachusetts" proposal across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8 interchange on Thorndike Street (Route 32). The Connecticut-based casino operator is competing with MGM Resorts International in Springfield and Hard Rock International in West Springfield for the lone Western Massachusetts casino license.

In other casino news news, the New North Citizens Council in Springfield has endorsed the casino project proposed by MGM Resorts International, five months after supporting a competitor, Penn National, which is no longer in the running. The New North Citizens Council's Board of Directors voted unanimously on June 26. The citizens council represents the Brightwood and Memorial Square neighborhoods.

MGM is proposing an $800 million casino along the Main Street corridor in the South End-downtown district.

Citizens Council President Jose A. Gonzalez praised the MGM project in a letter to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the City Council.

“MGM Springfield conducted their presentation, heard our concerns, and returned to participate in discussions with us that addressed employment; fair market rents; educational development opportunities; as well as social justice issues that will impact everyone in the City of Springfield,” Gonzalez said. “We will focus on getting the word to the residents to come out on July 16th and vote yes for MGM Springfield.”

William Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts President and Chief Marketing Officer and MGM Springfield president said the company is “thrilled” to have the New North Citizens Council’s endorsement. “This well-respected community organization has the best interest of the residents of Springfield in mind,” Hornbuckle said. “We are honored that they believe in our project and will partner with us to bring out voters for a yes vote on July 16th.”

Meanwhile, the Political Action Council of Greater Springfield, in collaboration with groups representing blacks and other minorities, was scheduled to have a private, closed-door meeting with MGM Resorts International Tuesday night to discuss the impact of MGM’s casino project on communities of color.

Representatives of The Political Action Council, the Urban League of Greater Springfield, the Greater Springfield branch of the NAACP, and the Black Leadership Alliance met with MGM officials at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, 100 Congress St.


Staff writer Peter Goonan contributed to this report.


Holyoke City Solicitor Heather Egan yet to release anticipated legal opinion on residency that could affect mayoral candidates

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The city solicitor said her interpretation has nothing to do with getting the mayor reelected.

HOLYOKE -- A legal opinion about a residency requirement that could disqualify some mayoral candidates and was scheduled to be released Tuesday won't be provided until next week, a city Law Department staffer said.

City Solicitor Heather G. Egan will be unable to provide the opinion until July 8 or 9, according to a staffer's voice mail message. Egan told the Board of Registrar of Voters on Monday she would issue the opinion Tuesday.

Egan's reading of a two-year residency rule in the city charter has stirred controversy as some officials contend that her interpretation is wrong and that she is trying to help the reelection effort of Mayor Alex B. Morse, which Egan said was untrue.

Holyoke sets public hearing on land takings for widening intersection at Lower Westfield Road-Homestead Ave.

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To improve the intersection, it must be widened, and city officials say doing that requires land takings.

HOLYOKE -- A public hearing will be held Monday regarding land takings by eminent domain and property easements the city is seeking for traffic improvements at Lower Westfield Road and Homestead Avenue.

The hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at City Hall, Ward 5 City Councilor Linda L. Vacon said in an email Tuesday.

Widening the intersection has been considered a prelude to construction of a $16 million plaza that would include a Big Y supermarket at the site of the former Atlas Copco compressor factory at 161 Lower Westfield Road. A Big Y official said the company is reevaluating its part in that plan in light of a plan to build a Walmart nearby.

Chicopee Police Department adds 6 new patrolmen, 1 new sergeant

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The officers will be the first who will receive a pay incentive for holding a degree that is outside the Quinn Bill. Watch video

CHICOPEE — As a child, Christopher Malooly always looked up to one of his neighbors who was a police officer – now he will be the one children admire.

Malooly, of Chicopee, was one of six new Chicopee patrolmen who were sworn in on Monday in City Hall. At the same time Hamilton Wray, a 15-year police officer, was promoted to sergeant.

A member of the Air Force Reserve for 12 years, Malooly said has worked at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee full-time for the past six years before deciding to become a police officer.

Police Chief Thomas Charette, who was sworn in as chief five days earlier, congratulated the five new officers on finishing a 21-week police academy training and told them the real training will start when they hit the streets.

The hiring of the five officers and the promotion of Wray will put the Chicopee Police Department at full staff.

“It is dangerous work. It is important to have a full complement of police on our streets,” Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said, just before the men were formally sworn in as patrolmen.

Brian Corridan, a city businessman, also spoke, telling the officers that they are starting a new career to protect people and businesses like his own. “In choosing the career you have, you have chosen to live your lives to serve other people,” he said.

Wray started his career as a Springfield patrolman but when he was laid off after five years, he was hired by the Chicopee department and has been there for the past decade. While some officers were rehired in Springfield, Wray said he opted to remain in Chicopee.

“It is a noble profession and I like my community of my fellow officers and I like the community of Chicopee,” he said. “It is great to be able to help.”

Wray will work as supervising patrol sergeant for the 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. shift.

The six new officers bring a variety of experiences and educational background to the department. They are also the first officers who will be under a newly-negotiated contract that will give them pay incentives for holding degrees outside the Quinn bill, which the state no longer helps fund and is too expensive to continue, Bissonnette said.

William Powell, who holds a master’s degree in social work, is one of those men. He spent the past seven years working for the Hampden Sheriff’s Department. “It gave me the experience I need and it propelled me toward a law enforcement career,” he said.

He said he hopes his degree will help him be a better police officer. “The number one thing we do as police officers is talk to people so it really fits,” he said.

Vicente Torres, a graduate of Chicopee High School and a life-long city resident, joined the police force just as he was leaving the U.S. Marine Corps. “It brings a lot of different challenges,” he said. “Having the experience helped me with the academy.”

The three other new officers are Yamil Montanez, Christopher Sawa and Murphy Serafino.


Chicopee man injured in 20-foot fall from waterfall in Connecticut forest

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The man was transported to Hartford Hospital by Lifestar helicopter.

GRANBY, Conn. - A 19-year-old Chicopee man was injured Tuesday night during a fall from a waterfall at Enders State Forest, officials said.

The man, whose name was not released, was transported by Lifestar emergency helicopter to Hartford Hospital, according to Granby police.

He fell approximately 20 feet, police said.

There was no word available on his condition.

The Simbury Fire Department's high angle rescue unit was called in the scene to assist with retrieving the injured man and carrying him to safety, police said.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, which has jurisdiction of the state forest, has been notified and is on scene investigating the accident, police said.


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Chicopee officials hoping for no tax increase for fiscal year 2014

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The City Council approved a $168 million budget for fiiscal year 2014 on June 27.

CHICOPEE — An expected surplus for next year could mean no new taxes for homeowners and businesses.

Following the City Council’s approval of the $168 million budget for fiscal year 2014, Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said he is hoping to be able to freeze property taxes, especially for homeowners.

“It is too early to tell. ... What we have seen so far it appears we will have a revenue surplus based on preliminary estimates,” he said. “We will have to wait for the final figures.”

The tax rate is typically set in October.

Even if there is no tax increase, homeowners and businesses may see a change in their tax bills because valuations change year to year, he said.

Bissonnette said he will specifically push for helping homeowners since last year the City Council opted to shift the tax burden more toward homeowners and lessen the increase the businesses would pay.

Last fiscal year, the city raised taxes, but at less than the 2.5 percent allowed under the Proposition 2½ law. At very least, Bissonnette said the city will not have to raise taxes to the 2.5 percent levy limit for 2014.

The current tax rate has residents paying $15.74 in taxes per $1,000 of the value of their property. Businesses pay $31.41 per $1,000.

The council and Bissonnette disagreed back and forth on setting the tax rate last year, with it taking four meetings and a veto for them to come to a final compromise. The rate raised the average homeowner’s bill by $13 and the average business bill by $475.

Last year, Bissonnette also proposed raising taxes by another about $600,000 so the city could purchase a new ambulance and recycling truck. The City Council rejected that proposal, but this spring was able to use surplus money to purchase a variety of equipment including those two items.

With the city’s so-called rainy day or savings account growing, it is unlikely a similar request to raise taxes would come forward.

Earlier this month, the City Council moved $2.2 million from free cash into the stabilization account to bring it up to nearly $11 million. The city is still expecting about $2 million more to be added to the savings, with about half coming from reimbursements from grant funds received for projects that have been done such as improving Szot Park. The other half is to come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for costs paid on expenses for storms that were later declared emergencies, Bissonnette said.

The city also expects some surplus left over from fiscal year 2013, which ended on June 30. The amount left over will not be certified as free cash to be available for the city until the fall.

While the city could have an ever larger rainy day fund, Bissonnette said it is important to balance the need to make capital improvements, keep the tax rate affordable and save money.


Mark Witowski appointed provisional sergeant in Ludlow Police Department

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Witowski will serve as acting supervisor on the day shift.

LUDLOW - The Board of Selectmen Tuesday on a 5-to-0 vote approved the appointment of patrolman Mark Witowski to the position of provisional sergeant in the Police Department.

Acting Police Chief Paul Madera told selectmen he wants Witowski to serve as acting supervisor on the day shift.

Sgt. Louis Tulik has been splitting his time between serving as supervisor on the day shift and supervisor in the detective bureau, Madera said.

“I need a sergeant in the detective bureau full time,” Madera said.

He said Tulik is doing a good job, but there is enough work so that he needs two separate supervisors.

Witowski, who has served the department as a full-time police officer for 27 years, said he does not plan to apply for the permanent sergeant position.

Selectmen have called for a Civil Service list. The next Civil Service exam for sergeant will be held in October. An appointment from that list could possibly be made in January, Madera said.

“He has the respect of his fellow police officers. He is more than qualified," Madera said about Witowski.

Selectman Brian Mannix, a retired sergeant with the Police Department, said that if no Ludlow candidate passes the Civil Service sergeant’s exam, he would favor hiring from a statewide Civil Service list.

Madera said he would prefer to hire from the Ludlow list.

“Just talking about this will get people’s attention,” Madera said.

Witowski said the Police Department is undergoing a smooth transition since former Police Chief James McGowan retired.

“We work together. We get along pretty good,” he said.

Springfield police arrest city man for allegedly assaulting woman, tussling with police dog

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Manuel Sala, 26, of 862 Worthington St. was arrested on assault and other charges in connection with a domestic incident, police said.

SPRINGFIELD — A city man assaulted a woman and tore off a police dog's collar after the dog found him hiding in bushes off Worthington Street, police said.

Manuel Sala, 26, of 862 Worthington St. was charged with domestic assault and battery, mistreating a police dog, resisting arrest and malicious property damage in connection with a Saturday morning disturbance at 866 Worthington St., according to Sgt. John Delaney, spokesman for Springfield Police Commissioner William Fitchet.

The incident stemmed from an apparent domestic incident with a woman, who was found at the scene with torn clothing and other signs of distress, police said. Authorities did not indicate her relationship to Sala, who was expected to be arraigned Monday in Springfield District Court. The outcome of that hearing was not immediately known.

According to police records, officers Scott Stelzer, Matthew Longo and Danny Huard took Sala into custody around 4:50 a.m. at the Worthington Street address, where they discovered a smashed air-conditioner in the street and a ransacked first-floor apartment.

Sala fled the scene, but Stelzer and his police dog, Blek, quickly located the suspect hiding in some thick bushes. After Sala refused to exit his hiding spot, Blek went in after him. That's when Sala fought with the dog and tore off its collar, according to authorities.

"The fight did not last long and the officers were able to get (Sala) out of the bushes," Delaney said. Sala then proceeded to fight with the officers, Delaney said.

According to city records, Norwell-based Worthington Commons LP owns 866 Worthington St., located at the corner of Worthington and Summit streets in the Metro Center neighborhood. The address is where the body of JoAnn Thomas, a victim of convicted serial killer Alfred Gaynor, was found in November 1997.


MAP showing section of Worthington Street where police responded to an early Saturday morning disturbance:
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10-year-old girl, pulled from Chicopee River in Indian Orchard, pronounced dead at hospital

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The girl was underwater for an estimated 70 minutes before she was found.

This is an update of a story originally posted at 6:10 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD - A 10-year-old girl who was pulled from the Chicopee River after being submerged for an estimated 70 minutes was pronounced dead Wednesday evening at Baystate Medical Center, according to police.

The girl, whose name was not disclosed, was rushed to the hospital by ambulance just before 6 p.m. but efforts there to revive her were unsuccessful, said Springfield police Capt. Cheryl C. Clapprood.

Springfield police and firefighters, Ludlow firefighters and American Medical Response EMTS all took part in an effort to locate the girl in a section of the River of Pinevale and Water Streets in Indian Orchard.

A member of the Springfield Police Underwater Search and Rescue Team found the girl roughly 10 feet from shore. Her discovery triggered an rush to carry her to a waiting ambulance where EMTs immediately began performing CPR on her.

Dennis Leger, aide to Fire Commissioner William Conant, said the estimates were that the girl was underwater for about 70 minutes.

Police and fire were notified by a 911 call at 5:02 p.m., and she was pulled from the water at 5:54 p.m., Leger said. It is estimated she was underwater for 10 minutes before the 911 call was made, he said.

Leger said she was apparently swimming with a group of friends, went underwater and never resurfaced. She had apparently became trapped under a clump of submerged trees.

The Springfield police and fire departments each dispatched their chaplains to console members of the girl's family.

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Rapper 50 Cent charged with kicking ex-girlfriend, trashing her condo

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The 37-year-old "In da Club" singer, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was charged with domestic violence and four counts of vandalism in papers filed Monday.

LOS ANGELES -- Rapper and actor 50 Cent was charged this week with attacking his ex-girlfriend and trashing her Los Angeles condo, city attorney Mike Feuer said Wednesday.

The 37-year-old "In da Club" singer, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was charged with domestic violence and four counts of vandalism in papers filed Monday. If convicted, he faces up to five years in jail and $46,000 in fines.

A representative for Jackson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jackson had already left when officers arrived June 23 at a Toluca Lake condo belonging to a woman who had a baby with him, police said.

During an argument, the woman told police, Jackson began destroying her property before she locked herself into her bedroom. The woman said Jackson kicked open the bedroom door and kicked her, causing injury.

Police said they estimated about $7,100 in damage to the woman's home. They observed many broken items in the ransacked and clothes-strewn condo, including chandeliers, furniture and a television.

The woman told police she had been in a three-year relationship with Jackson.

"Regardless of perceived celebrity or notoriety, domestic violence is a serious crime and alleged perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by this office," Feuer said.

The Queens-reared rapper has referenced drug-dealing and violence in many songs, and is known for having survived nine gunshots in an attempted assassination.

Jackson has also worked as an actor in recent years. He starred in an autobiographical account of his life as a drug dealer in "Get Rich or Die Tryin'."

Jackson is due for arraignment July 22.

Expert: No Trayvon Martin DNA found on grip of George Zimmerman's gun

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Zimmerman said he shot the 17-year-old in the chest to protect himself as Martin reached for his firearm during a fight.

7313_george_zimmerman_case_amy_siewert.jpgAmy Siewert, a firearms expert with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, faces the jury in a demonstration with George Zimmerman's gun during Zimmerman's trial in Seminole County's circuit court in Sanford, Fla. 

By KYLE HIGHTOWER and MIKE SCHNEIDER

SANFORD, Fla. – Trayvon Martin's DNA was not found on the grip of George Zimmerman's gun, and Zimmerman's DNA was not found under the unarmed teen's fingernails, a law enforcement expert said Wednesday in testimony that prosecutors hope will refute the neighborhood watch volunteer's self-defense claim.

Zimmerman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and said he shot the 17-year-old in the chest to protect himself as Martin reached for his firearm during a fight.

Judge Debra Nelson dismissed jurors without the prosecution having rested its case as it had hoped to do by day's end. Nelson won't resume testimony until Friday morning, giving jurors the Fourth of July off. They will remain sequestered during the holiday break.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement DNA expert Anthony Gorgone also testified that Zimmerman's DNA was found among blood on a shirt Martin was wearing under his hooded sweatshirt.

While cross-examining Gorgone, defense attorney Don West focused on the packaging of the DNA samples, suggesting it could have led to the samples being degraded. Gorgone told him that Martin's two sweatshirts had been packaged in plastic while wet, instead of a paper bag where they can dry out, and when he opened the samples they smelled of ammonia and mold.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyst Amy Siewert also testified that tearing and residue on Martin's clothing showed the gun was directly against him when it fired.

Prosecutors have sought to portray Zimmerman as a vigilante who profiled Martin as the teen walked home on a rainy night.

They called Gorgone on the same day they presented evidence that they say shows Zimmerman had aspirations of becoming a police officer and knew about Florida's "stand-your-ground" law. The law says a person has no duty to retreat and can invoke self-defense in killing someone if it is necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.

Zimmerman had maintained in an interview with Fox News last year that he did not know about the law.

Prosecutors said he did have knowledge of it, however, because the subject was covered in a college class on criminal justice Zimmerman attended.

They called as a witness Alexis Francisco Carter, the military attorney who taught the class. Carter described Zimmerman as one of his better students and said the neighborhood watch volunteer got an "A'' in his class.

Under cross-examination, Carter gave two definitions of legal concepts that seemed to bolster the defense's case. He explained that a person can make a self-defense argument if the person has a "reasonable apprehension" of death or great bodily harm.

"It's imminent fear. The fact alone that there isn't an injury doesn't necessarily mean that the person didn't have a reasonable apprehension or fear," Carter said. "The fact that there are injuries might support there was reasonable apprehension and fear."

Carter also explained the concept of "imperfect self-defense," when a person is being threatened but then counters with a force disproportionately greater than the force used against them.

"They would have the right to defend themselves?" said defense attorney Don West.

"Right," Carter said.

Another instructor, Seminole County State College professor Scott Pleasants, testified that Zimmerman had taken his online criminal justice class.

Pleasants' testimony via Skype from Colorado, broadcast live on television, was interrupted when he started getting inundated with Skype calls.

Nelson also ruled Wednesday that prosecutors can show the jury Zimmerman's job application to a police agency in 2009 and his application to ride around with Sanford police in 2010.

Lt. Scott Kearns of the Prince William County Police Department in Virginia testified that Zimmerman wasn't initially hired because of a less-than-stellar credit history.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Martin last year. Martin was black; Zimmerman identifies himself as Hispanic. The case sparked nationwide protests and touched off a debate about race and self-defense.

Prosecutors said Zimmerman's ability to understand criminal investigations and desire to be a police officer doesn't show wrongdoing, but is relevant to Zimmerman's state of mind on the night Martin was killed.

"He has applied to be a police officer before, he still wants to be one, according to some of his homework assignments. ... This wasn't some sort of passive thing," said prosecutor Richard Mantei, who noted Zimmerman took a course on how to be a good witness and expressed a desire to go on police ride-alongs. "This is simply a fact the jury ought to know."

When he was interviewed by detectives, Zimmerman spoke "in written police jargon" and talks about "justifiable use of force" and said he "'unholstered my firearm,' not 'I pulled my gun,'" Mantei said.

Defense attorneys believe the items are irrelevant and asked the judge not to allow them.

Defense attorney Mark O'Mara said Tuesday that if prosecutors start bringing up Zimmerman's past, the defense will dig into Martin's past, including fights. The judge had ruled previously that Martin's past fights, drug use and school records couldn't be mentioned in opening statements.

"There is no relevance and the suggested relevance will be far more outweighed by the prejudice," O'Mara said of the evidence admitted Wednesday.

2013 Celebrate Ludlow to be held July 27 rain or shine

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Last year the event was canceled due to heavy rain.

celludlow.JPGLast year's Celebrate Ludlow was rained out. 

LUDLOW - The Celebrate Ludlow Committee is completing preparations for 2013 Celebrate Ludlow which will be July 27 from 3:30 p.m. to midnight at the Ludlow Fish and Game Club on Sportsmans Road.

The selectmen on Tuesday approved the hanging of banners advertising the annual event at the entrance to town at the Putts Bridge and at the Massachusetts Turnpike exit in front of Friendly’s Ice Cream Shop on Center Street.

“This year the event will be held rain or shine,” Celebrate Ludlow Committee Chairman Denise Zrakus said.

Last year the event was canceled due to heavy rain, and the event lost funds due to equipment which had to be contracted in advance.

“It would be too expensive to schedule a rain date for the event,” Zrakus told the Board of Selectmen.

“We would have to pay for two days to contract for things like the inflatable bounce houses,” she said.

Zrakus said donations are down because last year’s event had to be canceled.

This year there will be a 50/50 raffle and a photo booth to make up the funds.

“We want to depend less on donors,” she said.

Admission to the event is free. Parking is free at the Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, Ludlow High School and Ludlow Town Hall, and Peter Pan Double Decker Bus will take people to the Fish and Game Club. There is no bus after the fireworks, however.

Entertainment will include Vicki Rose at 4 p.m., the Ludlow Community Band at 5 p.m., Noah Lis at 5:30 p.m., Debra Nunes, Alegria Dance and Fitness-Zumba at 7 p.m., 1220 Band at 7:30 p.m., the 50/50 drawing at 9:15 p.m. and fireworks after the drawing by Atlas Pyrovision Productions of Jaffrey, N.H.

From 10 p.m. to midnight the Lobsterz from Marz and a Grateful Dead Tribute Band will perform.

There also will be the Forest Park Zoo On the Go and face painting and balloon sculpting.

The Masonic Lodge will run a Child ID program and new this year will be a Kiddie Carnival Area.

Food will be sold by Ludlow-based non-profit organizations.

There also will be remote control race cars and a rock climbing wall.

There will be information booths by the Ludlow Lions Club, the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimers and the Ludlow CARES Coalition and Michael J. Dias Foundation, organizations committed to helping individuals and families support the goal of drug free communities.



West Springfield offers counseling in wake of child rape charges against middle school teacher

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Counseling will be offered Monday morning at West Springfield High school to students, staff and parents.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The city’s public school system will offer counseling Monday in response to the recent arrest of a teacher at West Springfield Middle School on a charge of aggravated child rape related to a relationship he claims was consensual.

James L. Parks, a seventh-grade science teacher, pleaded not guilty last week in Northampton District Court to the charge.

“We feel that in situations like this that are upsetting, it is a way for people to get help and channel their emotions, hopefully in a productive way,” School Superintendent Russell D. Johnston said Wednesday.

Johnston said he could not comment on Parks' employment status because of personnel laws. However, Johnston said Parks has been notified that he is not to go on any school property, pending how the case progresses during his next hearing, scheduled Aug. 6.

A press release issued by the school district states that it will offer counseling for anyone – including staff, students and parents – “who wishes to check in about this troubling news.”

“The district continues to monitor the situation and is committed to protecting the safety of our students,” the release states. The district has also posted a link on its website (www.wwsps.org) to an article on how to talk to students about “troubling events in the news.”

The free counseling will available Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at West Springfield High School. More information is available by calling (413) 263-3300. Adjustment counselors in the school system have volunteered their time, and outside counselors may be called in.

The alleged victim, a female who is now 15, was not a student in West Springfield public schools, according to Johnston.

The 54-year-old Parks, who lives at 60 Rattle Hill Road, Southampton, has been released on $1,000 cash bail.

Southampton Police Chief David G. Silvernail said Parks was arrested last month after authorities got a complaint that he had an ongoing relationship with a girl that started about three years ago.

The court has ordered that Parks have no contact with the alleged victim and have no unsupervised contact with children.

Parks has admitted to having “inappropriate sexual relations” with the girl, according to law enforcement officials, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reported.

Material from the Associated Press was included in this report


President Obama 'deeply concerned' about ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi

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The president said he was ordering the U.S. government to assess what the military’s actions meant for U.S. foreign aid to Egypt.

By JOSH LEDERMAN and MATTHEW LEE

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama urged Egypt’s military Wednesday to hand back control to a democratic, civilian government without delay, but stopped short of calling the ouster of President Mohammed Morsi a coup d’etat.

In a carefully worded statement, Obama said he was “deeply concerned” by the military’s move to topple Morsi’s government and suspend Egypt’s constitution. He said he was ordering the U.S. government to assess what the military’s actions meant for U.S. foreign aid to Egypt.

Under U.S. law, the government must suspend foreign aid to any nation whose elected leader is ousted in a coup d’etat. The U.S. provides $1.5 billion a year to Egypt in military and economic assistance that is considered a critical U.S. national security priority.

“I now call on the Egyptian military to move quickly and responsibly to return full authority back to a democratically elected civilian government as soon as possible through an inclusive and transparent process, and to avoid any arbitrary arrests of President Morsi and his supporters,” Obama said.

The U.S. wasn’t taking sides in the conflict, committing itself only to democracy and respect for the rule of law, Obama said.

Egyptian armed forces on Wednesday ousted Morsi, an Islamist and Egypt’s first democratically elected president, after just a year in power. The military installed a temporary civilian government, suspended the constitution and called for new elections.

Morsi has denounced it as a “full coup.”

Obama huddled in the White House Situation Room on Wednesday afternoon with Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, Attorney General Eric Holder and his new national security adviser, former U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. In his statement after the meeting, Obama said he expected the military to protect the rights of Egypt’s men and women to due process and peaceful assembly. He reaffirmed his call for a democratic Egypt that involves participation from secular and religious parties alike.

“The voices of all those who have protested peacefully must be heard, including those who welcomed today’s developments, and those who have supported President Morsi,” Obama said, urging all sides to refrain from violence.

Northampton School Committee approves budget with Proposition 2.5 funding

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The committee was able to create a stabilization fund, using nearly $200,000 of the remaining override money, to see it through the next few years.

BUS.JPGThe new School Department budget restored busing at the high school. 

NORTHAMPTON – The School Committee Tuesday gave its official approval to a budget for fiscal 2014 that reflects an additional $985,000 from a $2.5 Proposition 2 ½ override passed by voters last month.

The additional funding is already reflected in the amended city budget approved by the City Council last week. Mayor David J. Narkewicz set aside the largest portion of the override funds for the schools to help them restore cuts they have had to make in recent years and to give them some breathing space for the future.

The money will enable the School Department to restore nearly all the positions that Superintendent Brian Salzer had to cut in his previous budget proposal. The exception is a few hours for a photography teacher at the high school.

School Committee member Lisa Minnick said the committee opted to make some organization changes in which emphasis shifted from some disciplines to others, but that the total number of jobs equals what it was before Salzer’s proposed cuts.

“In some ways people might be thinking we did not restore everything,” she said. “We did.”

Last year, Minnick said, the school system agreed to participate in a federal program that stresses computer science in the curriculum. Because the schools plan to offer more classes in that area, it will eat into the hours of the photography teacher. For that reason, School Committee member Blue Duval cast the sole vote against the revamped budget.

The override money also allowed the School Committee to restore busing to the high school, a service that had been cut under Salzer’s previous budget. The department hopes to save money by hiring replacements for John F. Kennedy Middle School associate principal Sal Canata and Northampton High School associate principal Bryan Lombardi, who were named principals of those schools. Both Canata and Lombardi were near the top of the pay scales for their previous posts, and the School Department expects to hire replacements at lesser salaries.

The committee was able to create a stabilization fund, using nearly $200,000 of the remaining override money, to see it through the next few years. Increases in fees for school lunches and participation in sports will remain in place.

“We hope the override money is going to help us for the next several years,” Minnick said.


Holyoke's Cherry Street reopens as police continue probing accident that killed female driver

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The victim was driving off Exit 16 from Interstate 91 northbound when the accident occurred, police said.

acci.jpgThe scene of a fatal crash between a tractor trailer and a car on Cherry Street in Holyoke. (Photo by Tim Callery, courtesy of CBS 3 Springfield) 

HOLYOKE -- Police reopened Cherry Street at about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday but continue to investigate an afternoon accident that killed a female driver and seriously injured her two passengers.

The woman was coming off Exit 16 northbound from Interstate 91 and attempted to cross one lane of Cherry Street when a truck broadsided her small sedan, Police Lt. James Albert said.

Cherry Street, which runs east to west from Northampton Street and past the I-91 ramps and the Holyoke Soldiers' Home to Jarvis Avenue, reopened about 4 1/2 hours after the accident, Lt. Manuel T. Reyes said.

The victim's name has yet to be released. Albert said she is middle-aged and lives in Massachusetts.

Her two passengers have been brought to Baystate Medical Center by ambulance with serious injuries, Albert said.

Chicopee DPW worker Mike Lovely badly hurt in basement fire, officials say

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CHICOPEE – Fire officials said a city employee was seriously injured after suffering from smoke inhalation and burns in a basement fire Tuesday night. Mike Lovely, who works for the Department of Public Works, was cooking on a stove in the basement of 116 Polaski Ave. when the fire started and ended up trapped under a collapsed ceiling. A neighbor...

CHICOPEE – Fire officials said a city employee was seriously injured after suffering from smoke inhalation and burns in a basement fire Tuesday night.

Mike Lovely, who works for the Department of Public Works, was cooking on a stove in the basement of 116 Polaski Ave. when the fire started and ended up trapped under a collapsed ceiling. A neighbor tried to help him out before the Fire Department arrived but was unable to free him, said Deputy Chief Joseph Crevier.

Firefighters rescued Lovely and brought him to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield by ambulance and extinguished the blaze.

The fire, which caused about $20,000 in damages, was limited to the basement but wiring was damaged and there was significant smoke damage in the rest of the house. The rest of the family was away on vacation when the fire happened. They will not be able to return until the wiring is repaired and inspected, Crevier said.

Palmer Planning Board grants approval for fourth solar project; town manager negotiating power purchase agreement with company

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One of the four approved solar projects in town already is complete - the installation at the Draper Farm off Route 67.

palmer seal palmer town seal.jpg 

PALMER - The Palmer Planning Board recently granted site plan approval for a solar project proposed by BlueWave Capital for a 4.6 megawatt facility at a former orchard off Baptist Hill Road.

This approval brings to four the number of solar projects in various stages of operation in town.

BlueWave’s project will sit on 25 acres and feature ground-mounted solar panels. Boston-based BlueWave is leasing the property at 2189 Baptist Hill from Helder and Kari Nunes.

The town also is in the process of negotiating a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement and power purchase agreement with BlueWave.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said he expects the town will receive close to 80 percent of its energy needs through the power purchase agreement, and will save 35 percent of its power costs over the next 20 years. The town’s annual power cost is $500,000 he said.

“This presents a great opportunity for communities such as Palmer,” Blanchard said.

Through the power purchase agreement, Blanchard said the town will purchase credits from BlueWave that it can apply toward its power bill.

A BlueWave representative could not be reached on Wednesday regarding the number of panels the project will feature.

Town Planner Linda G. Leduc said the panels will be ground-mounted, and erected in a meadow. She said there are some trees left from the orchard days, but most have been removed. Leduc said BlueWave may begin work in the fall, and the project will take up to seven months to complete.

She said the 1.25 megawatt facility on Boston Road (Route 67) is complete; that is on 5.5 acres known as the Draper Farm. That project, which features approximately 5,000 solar photovoltaic panels mounted in rows on the northern part of the property, was proposed by Boston-based Solventerra LLC. Leduc said it has since been taken over by Soltage LLC in New Jersey.

Another Solventerra project, a 3 megawatt installation planned for State Street in Bondsville, has not yet begun, Leduc said. That property is known as the Browne Farm, and 15 out of 58 acres would be used.

Acton-based Palmer Solar LLC’s project for approximately 9 acres at North and Norbell streets in the Three Rivers section will feature a 2.4 megawatt facility and 8,620 panels, which will generate 3 million kilowatt hours a year - enough to power 150 homes, company officials have said.

“I think these are good projects and in the case of the Draper Farm, they can provide another means of income to a farmer,” Leduc said.

She said solar projects do not tax town services the way a subdivision would and have a “minimal impact” in general. The solar projects provide a “green” energy source and help maintain open space, Leduc said.

At one time, Leduc said she was getting three or four inquiries a week regarding solar project proposals, but that has stopped.

An amendment was added several years ago to the Palmer zoning ordinances to include large-scale, ground-mounted photovoltaic solar installations. It states that these installations are subject to the Planning Board’s site plan review process, and would be permitted on parcels larger than two acres located within various zoning districts.

Boston beefs ups July 4th security, revelers resolute ahead of 1st large-scale public gathering in city since Marathon bombings

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For many New Englanders, the Fourth of July means the Boston Pops performing the "1812 Overture" on the Charles River Esplanade and fireworks booming overhead.

By BRIDGET MURPHY

BOSTON — For many New Englanders, the Fourth of July means the Boston Pops performing the "1812 Overture" on the Charles River Esplanade and fireworks booming overhead.

This year, it's also the city's first large public gathering since the Boston Marathon bombings — an attack that authorities have said the suspects first considered staging on Independence Day.

But as law enforcement officials put a ramped-up security plan in place Wednesday, many people in Boston said they wouldn't give in to fear of terrorism by changing their plans or staying away from public celebrations.

Catherine Lawrie, a 54-year-old Massachusetts Senate employee, walked down near the Esplanade to hear some of the performers rehearse Wednesday.

She was disappointed a footbridge to the river was blocked because of increased security, but said Boston looked ready to host a big party without any worries about safety.

She also wasn't thinking about the bombing suspects' alleged original target. "I'm thinking of independence and what our country is about," Lawrie said.

Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart said the tight security reminded him of what it was like during the city's first July Fourth celebration following the Sept. 11 attacks. He said before then, the thought of having bomb-sniffing dogs at the Esplanade was odd.

"The core of terrorism is psychological. I think this is a perfect time to come together as Bostonians," he said. "Events are a good way to move on from events like what happened."

East Boston resident Christy Scott, who watched the Boston Marathon from the halfway point, gathered with her family Wednesday to watch the concert rehearsal. The 41-year-old wore a bracelet that said "Boston Strong," the slogan that since the April 15 attack has come to represent the city's refusal to give in to the fear of terrorism.

"Not about to change our plans and traditions," she said. "We're just not going to live in fear."

Boston University chemistry professor Sean Elliott also brought relatives to the area.

"I'm not nervous," the 41-year-old said. "I am sure that the human spirit will thrive. I'm sure it will be a great festival like it is every year."

Authorities have said the concert and fireworks display usually attracts 500,000 to 600,000 spectators, but 33-year-old cab driver Saidon Mayugi suggested some people would be hesitant about being out in a big crowd.

"Some people, their minds are still on it," Mayugi said.

Local, state and federal authorities coordinated on a security plan that includes a greater law-enforcement presence. That means more uniformed and undercover officers, along with precautions that include bag checks and increased live video surveillance along the Charles River that authorities will monitor from a nearby command center. Authorities also have set up a text-a-tip line for the public to report any suspicious activity.

Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said the public will see more officers both downtown and in outlying neighborhoods. He said the city even graduated a class of 55 police recruits early so they could assist with security.

State police Col. Timothy Alben said Wednesday that authorities haven't received any threats against the event by the river, and he encouraged the public to come out to a show that his own family will be attending.

So will Gov. Deval Patrick.

"I'm looking forward to it," Patrick said Wednesday. "I think it'll be a great day."

Associated Press writer Bob Salsberg in Boston contributed to this story.


Holyoke School Committee confirms Paul Hyry-Dermith as interim assistant school superintendent by vote of 6-2

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Choosing an assistant was the first major decision of the new school superintendent.

2013 Paul Hyry-Dermith.JPGThe Holyoke School Committee on Wednesday voted to confirm the appointment of Peck School Principal Paul Hyry-Dermith as interim assistant school superintendent. 

HOLYOKE — The School Committee voted 6-2 Wednesday to confirm the appointment of Peck School Principal Paul Hyry-Dermith as interim assistant school superintendent.

The appointment was the first major decision of new Superintendent Sergio Paez, who took over as leader of the School Department on Monday.

Paez said he considered Hyry-Dermith and two others for the position. He chose Hyry-Dermith because of his knowledge of the school system and record of improved student academic performances at Peck, where he has been principal of the Full Service Community School at 1916 Northampton St. for five years, he said.

"My commitment is to make the decisions that are best for the district. I believe this candidate is just the right person for the job at this point," Paez said.

The yearly salary of Hyry-Dermith as interim assistant school superintendent will be between $100,000 to $115,000, he said. Hyry-Dermith didn't attend the meeting.

Job postings will be placed in the next few weeks in order to fill the job permanently, officials said, with Paez saying of Hyry-Dermith, "Though the candidate has the qualifications, there's no guarantee that person will get the position."

The state Education Reform Act of 1993 authorizes superintendents to make most appointments with little input from the School Committee.

The assistant superintendent position is one in which the committee can vote whether to confirm the superintendent's choice, said Devin M. Sheehan, School Committee vice chairman. Still, committee members Howard B. Greaney Jr. and William R. Collamore, who voted against the appointment of Hyry-Dermith, objected to the process.

Greaney, committee member at large, questioned why the School Committee wasn't allowed to review the other two candidates Paez said he considered for the position. Sheehan said that was because the law in this case requires only that Paez submit his choice for the job to the committee for a confirmation vote.

Collamore, Ward 6 member, said the wording of the job posting to hire a permanent assistant superintendent should be approved by the School Committee. Sheehan said the law gives that authority to the superintendent.

Michael J. Moriarty, committee member at large, asked why the committee would hold Paez to a different standard since the committee didn't review the job postings made by David L. Dupont, Paez' predecessor as superintendent for three years.

Voting in favor of the appointment were Mayor Alex B. Morse, who is committee chairman, Joshua A. Garcia, Dennis W. Birks Jr., Cesar Lopez, Sheehan and Moriarty.

Members Yvonne Garcia and Margaret M. Boulais were absent.


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