A man who played Santa Claus at a Massachusetts mall has been barred from the shopping center after he was charged with groping an 18-year-old woman playing an elf.

HINGHAM, Mass. (AP) — A man who played Santa Claus at a Massachusetts mall has been barred from the shopping center after he was charged with groping an 18-year-old woman playing an elf.

Herbert Jones was released on $1,000 bail after pleading not guilty Monday to indecent assault and battery. A judge ordered him to stay away from the Hanover Mall and barred him from playing Santa anywhere pending the outcome of his case.

Police say the woman called them Saturday to report that the 62-year-old Jones had pinched her buttocks and made suggestive comments. The two worked at a Santa photo booth.

Jones, who has a real bushy white beard, denied touching the woman to police and mall management.

First Night Worcester, facing a 50 percent drop in donations, needs $25,000 to fund this year's event.

First Night Worcester, facing a 50 percent drop in donations, needs $25,000 to fund this year's event.

The event's executive director, Howard McGinn, told the Telegram & Gazette that the money is crucial, but there are no plans to cancel the New Year's Eve celebration.

“We are committed to going forward (with the event),” McGinn told the newspaper.

First Night Worcester has gone on every year since 1982.

The nonprofit that runs the event is holding a fundraiser on gofundme.com. As of Monday morning, the group had raised $905.

The event has seen a 50 percent drop in donations in the past three years, according to the website. The event is funded solely through the sale of admission buttons and donations and gets no government funds.

First night celebrations in many other cities have faced similar funding woes, and many have been forced to close.

First Night Worcester will feature music, food, ice skating, art and fireworks. Buttons, which can be purchased for $10 until Dec. 25, are available at many locations across Central Massachusetts.

Massachusetts State Police have fired an analyst who worked at a state drug lab after questions arose about her academic credentials.

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts State Police have fired an analyst who worked at a state drug lab after questions arose about her academic credentials.

State officials say Kate Corbett said she has a chemistry degree from Merrimack College, though investigators determined that her degree is in sociology. Although she took some chemistry coursework, she did not earn a degree in chemistry.

Corbett worked in the same lab as Annie Dookhan, who was sentenced to prison after admitting to faking test results. Corbett has not been accused of tampering with evidence.

The president of a state employees union tells The Boston Globe that Corbett is "highly competent" and is challenging her termination.

Defense lawyers say if she testified in court cases that she had a chemistry degree, it opens the door to legal challenges.

___

Information from: The Boston Globe

Members of the state congressional delegation have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to keep six air traffic control towers open that have previously been identified for closure because of federal budget constraints.

Members of the state congressional delegation have asked the Federal Aviation Administration to keep six air traffic control towers open that have previously been identified for closure because of federal budget constraints.

Although there is not an impending plan to close the towers, which include Worcester, in letters to the FAA and to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees the state delegation asks that a permanent budget fix be implemented to ensure that the towers remain open.

“The FAA’s contract tower program is critical to enhancing aviation safety and cost savings at our nation’s smaller airports,” members of the delegation wrote in the letter to the FAA. "The potential closure of these facilities will have negative economic impacts on surrounding airport communities,” they added.

Due to the sequester funding cuts, six air traffic control towers in Massachusetts were scheduled to be closed in April. In addition to Worcester, the towers included Beverly, Lawrence, New Bedford, Norwood and Westfield-Barnes. The towers were kept open after a last-minute temporary spending solution was approved.

According to a March Associated Press story, the closures would not have forced the shutdown of any of those airports, but pilots will be left to coordinate takeoffs and landings among themselves over a shared radio frequency with no help from ground controllers under procedures that all pilots are trained to carry out.

In the letters sent Nov. 22, the Massachusetts congressional delegation, led by Sen. Edward J. Markey, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; and Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, ask that a permanent funding source be established to keep the towers open and safe from a closure list.

“The towers permit safe arrivals and departures, prevent mid-air collisions, and maintain the safety and efficiency of our national airspace system through essential flight training programs," wrote the delegation. "These airports also have a significant direct economic impact on smaller cities and rural areas. Combined, the six named towers in Massachusetts manage hundreds of thousands of operations annually."

"While we understand that the FAA's budget is facing fiscal constraints ..., we continue to feel strongly that safety, security and economic well-being should not be jeopardized," the senators and congressmen wrote.

Massachusetts congressional delegation's letter to the FAA on the fate of regional air traffic control towe... by Megan Bard

Massachusetts congressional delegation's letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee on the fat... by Megan Bard

The office of Hampden district attorney Mark Mastroianni will appeal the case to a single justice of the state Appeals Court in hopes of keeping the public documents sealed.

SPRINGFIELD - A District Court judge says the court documents about the arrest of Dennis Rosa Roman for the 2011 killing of Amanda Plasse in Chicopee should be made public.

A ruling made public on Tuesday shows Judge Phillip A. Beattie agreed to the request of The Republican’s request to lift an impoundment order for the documents filed by Hampden district attorney Mark Mastroianni in Chicopee District Court.

Mastroianni's office is now appealing the ruling to the state Appeals Court and has asked Beattie to delay making the files public until the case can be heard in Boston.

The Republican is seeking access to documents, including the affidavit submitted by law enforcement to secure the arrest warrant of Rosa Roman. Rosa Roman was arrested on Nov. 5, more than two years after the 20-year-old Plasse was found dead in her Chicopee apartment.

Mastroianni has refused to discuss the case publicly and asked the documents be sealed, contending the investigation into the murder is continuing.

Rosa Roman, 22, is being held without right to bail; he has dened a charge of murder for the killing of Plasse on Aug. 26, 2011.

Court documents were impounded at the request of Mastroianni on the day Rosa Roman was arrested. Such documents are typically part of case files which are public records.

Beattie heard arguments on Monday on a request by The Republican to lift the impoundment order for the documents, citing the public’s right to access of court documents.

The Republican's Motion to Terminate Impoundment by Greg Saulmon

The 10.8 percent unemployment rate in Springfield is the fifth-highest for any city in the state.

SPRINGFIELD -- The city's unemployment rate fell two tenths of a percentage point to 10.8 percent in October from 11 percent in September, according to figures released Tuesday by the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Springfield's unemployment rate was 11.7 percent in August and 10.1 percent a year ago in October 2012.

According to statistics from October 2013, 57,171 people in Springfield had jobs, a slight decrease from the 57,262 a month before. The number of unemployed people also fell to 6,946 in October 2013, from 7,112 in September 2013.

The 10.8 percent unemployment rate in Springfield is the fifth-highest for any city in the state, behind Lawrence at 14 percent. Holyoke is the next-highest local community at 10.7 percent, down from 11.1 percent last month but higher than the 9.7 percent unemployment rate recorded in that city a year ago in October 2013.

As a region, Greater Springfield gained 1,000 jobs on a month-to-month basis from September to October. On the year, Greater Springfield is down 400 jobs, or 0.1 percent of the total, according to jobs numbers collected separately from unemployment statistics.

Regional unemployment is 8 percent, down from 8.1 percent the month before but higher than the 7.4 percent unemployment rate for Greater Springfield recorded a year ago in October 2012.

The statewide average unemployment rate is 6.8 percent. The national average is 7.3 percent.

Statewide unemployment is 13.2 percent when counting all those who have dropped out of the working population and stopped looking for work, or are working part-time when they would rather work full-time.

For baby boomers needing or wanting to make a career change, there is some specialized advice and services to help them navigate into a new career field.Associated Press file photo 

Last year, Toy for Joy served 3,021 families and 14,199 children.

View full sizeTo get a printable version of this coupon that you can mail in with your donation, click on "view full size" above. 

SPRINGFIELD - The 91st annual Toy for Joy campaign, sponsored by The Republican and the Salvation Army, has $576 to start, thanks to the generosity of the friends and family of Lisa Sawicki, of Chicopee, who died at home in August after fighting cancer.

Sawicki was the head medical clerk at the Hampden County House of Correction in Ludlow.

Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe and his staff donated $100 in Sawicki’s memory to Toy for Joy.

The Hampden County Sheriff Department’s Medical Department donated $91.

The fund-raising goal of this year’s Toy for Joy campaign is $150,000 by Christmas Eve.

With contributions from the friends and family of Lisa Sawicki the campaign has $149,424 to go.

Sawicki, who died at the age of 48, was a volunteer for Toys for Tots. Near the end of her life, she asked friends and family to make a toy donation to Toys for Tots or a monetary donation to the Toy for Joy campaign.

The Toy for Joy program provides toys and gifts to needy families in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties with the help of campaign partner Hasbro.

Jeff Lombard, of Longmeadow, senior vice president of domestic manufacturing for Hasbro, said, “Hasbro has a long history in this region of providing toys and games to families in need at the holidays. This program means so much to our employees, who volunteer every year to help with the registration, as well as unloading and handing out the toys and games.”

“As in previous years our team has worked closely with the Salvation Army on the need to carefully tailor the donation in terms of gender and age breakdowns," Lombard said.

Ronda Ferreira, captain of the Greater Springfield Citadel of the Salvation Army, said she is thrilled for the partnership with The Republican and Hasbro.

Last year, Toy for Joy served 3,021 families and 14,199 children.

“We are expecting to serve a similar number this year,” Ferreira said.

Registration officially starts on Dec. 2. Dates and hours vary with each unit. For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield, 01102. Contributions also may be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 24.

Toy registration
Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 91st annual Toy for Joy campaign:
Springfield
Greater Springfield Citadel: 170 Pearl St., Springfield; Dec. 2-6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; for info, call (413) 733-1518; serves Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Ludlow, Palmer, Mon´son, Springfield, Ware, West Springfield, Wilbraham 
Greenfield
Greenfield Service Center: 72 Chapman St., Greenfield; Dec. 2-3, 9 a.m.-noon; for info, call 773-3154; serves Hampshire and Franklin counties 
Holyoke
Holyoke Citadel: 271 Appleton St., Holyoke; Dec. 9-20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; for info, call (413) 532-6312; serves Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby
Westfield
Westfield Service Center: 12 Arnold St., Westfield; through Dec. 6, weekdays 9 a.m.-noon; for info, call (413) 568-1256; serves Westfield, Southwick, Russell, Chester, Granville and hilltowns
Required documentation
Participants must bring the following documents: Photo ID for head of household; proof of address (within the last 30 days); MassHealth cards or other identifying information for any child age 16 or younger; and birth certificates (or passports) for any child age 16 and younger.

Vermont authorities are seeking 24-year-old Brendan Anderson in connection with an alleged domestic assault at a residence in Londonderry, Vt.

 

LONDONDERRY, Vt. — Vermont authorities are looking for a Longmeadow man who's wanted for an alleged weekend assault in the Windham County town of Londonderry.

Brendan S. Anderson, 24, is facing possible charges of domestic assault, unlawful mischief, unlawful restraint, and interference with access to emergency services in connection with a Sunday morning incident, Vermont State Police Trooper Bryson Lunderville said in a news release.

State Police from the Rockingham Barracks responded to a 9:09 a.m. report of a domestic disturbance at a home on Little Pond Road, according to Lunderville, who was off duty early Wednesday and could not immediately be reached for comment.

Anderson had already left the residence when troopers arrived, but police said they found probable cause to seek a court-issued arrest warrant for Anderson, who had yet to be located by late Tuesday afternoon.

Anderson apparently lives in Londonderry, about 40 miles north of the Massachusetts border, but his legal residence is listed as Longmeadow, according to police records.

Additional information, including the identity of the alleged victim, was unavailable.

A Flood Watch is in effect through 4 PM Wed. for most of Western MA particularly for street flooding.

A storm tracking along the Appalachians will move over us midday as everyone heads out for their Thanksgiving travel today.

A Flood Watch is in effect through 4 PM Wed. for most of Western MA particularly for street flooding. 2-3 inches of rain is likely across southern and central New England. We've been dry, so not much concern for larger rivers and streams, but woes for travelers with hydroplaning conditions will be the greatest impact.

There will not be damaging wind with this storm here in the Pioneer Valley, however, central and eastern MA as well as RI and coastal CT will see wind speeds over 50 mph. The National Weather Service already has high wind watches posted through noon today.

Some areas have received quite a winter storm from western PA and NY and even into northern New England. The Berkshires will also end wintry with a light accumulation in snow showers Wednesday night as colder air returns.

We return to sunshine and a winter chill Thanksgiving Day through Saturday.

View full sizeThanksgiving Day Forecast MapCBS3 Springfield Meteorologist Nick Morganelli 

Today: Early morning wind. Moderate to heavy steady rain. 2-3 inches likely. High 55. Wind advisory until noon.

Tonight:(Hanukkah begins) Snow showers and flurries. NW wind 20-30 mph. Low near 18, Wind chill in 1s late.

Thanksgiving Day: Sunshine and wind. High 32. NW 20-30 mph. Wind chill 10s.

Black Friday: Sunny, but cold and breezy. High near 34.

Small Business Saturday: Sunshine. High 38.

Several open space proposals and recreational projects received a financial boost on Tuesday when the state announced that it would provide $3.1 million in grants to help cover some of the costs. At a press conference Tuesday, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan said that the funding, which will be applied to various projects in nine Central Massachusetts...

Several open space proposals and recreational projects received a financial boost on Tuesday when the state announced that it would provide $3.1 million in grants to help cover some of the costs.

At a press conference Tuesday, state Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan said that the funding, which will be applied to various projects in nine Central Massachusetts communities, will be used to improve parks and expand open space.

“In addition to preserving open space, improving recreational opportunities and protecting the Commonwealth’s natural resources, these investments will create economic growth across the region,” Sullivan said later Tuesday in a news release.

Included in the $3.1 million is more than $700,000 for two projects within the city of Worcester. The first includes $400,000 from the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant to support Green Hill Park renovations. The second includes $329,000 in Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity grant funding to acquire land as part of the EcoTarium West conservation project.

Leominster will receive $800,000 from the Gateway City Parks grant to pay for the second phase of the Monoosnoc Brook River Walk, which will extend the first phase of the river walk through downtown, providing a trail, benches and other amenities, according to the release.

Other communities receiving funding from the Parkland program grants include Framingham and Leominster, which will receive $400,000 each, and Orange, which will receive $300,000.

Two additional projects that will benefit from the natural diversity grant are the King Farm conservation restriction in Petersham ($160,000) and the Muddy Pond project in Westminster ($80,000).

Fitchburg will receive more than $175,000 from the Drinking Water Supply Protection grant program for protection of its northern watershed in the towns of Ashby and Ashburnham. Hardwick and West Brookfield will receive more than $68,000 in Conservation Partnership grants for various projects.

Sullivan also announced a new grant program called Our Common Backyards, which will provide up to $200,000 in funding for each of the state’s 54 cities to build a playground or spray park.

Mass.environmental.Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs announces $3.1 million grants f... by Megan Bard

Wing Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a holiday "Santa Skate" at Interskate 91 in Wilbraham on Dec. 1 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

MONSON - A holiday open house will be held at the Keep Homestead Museum from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at 35 Ely Road.

The annual event will feature the house decorated for the season, refreshments and a holiday sing-a-long with Gay Paluch at the piano.

The museum features items collected by the Keep family, who lived there for over 150 years. There is furniture, silver and cut glass, collections of rocks, minerals and shells, quilts and an extensive button collection (the pride of the museum).

This event is free, although donations are accepted. For information, call (413) 267-4137, email khm@keephomesteadmuseum.org or visit www.keephomesteadmuseum.org

The Keep Homestead Museum will be closed for the winter, starting Dec. 17. Trails will remain open, but they are not in good shape.

MONSON - The Democratic Town Committee will meet Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Polish-American Citizens Club at 7 Bliss St. Interested Monson residents are welcome to attend. For information, call (413) 218-6271.

BRIMFIELD - Hitchcock Free Academy is participating in a new online fund-raising program called “Valley Gives” on 12/12/13.

On Dec. 12, there will be free activities, from 9 a.m. until midnight: music, performances, children’s programs, classes ranging from aerobics to watercolor to Zumba, henna, making a watercolor bookmark with Beth Parys, creating evergreen swags with Linda Fuchs, food, games and more. Holly the Elf and Santa also will visit. Visit the website to see what’s going on at what time.

By making a donation online that day, Hitchcock will be eligible to win some of the $200,000 in cash prizes available to non-profit organizations.

Call Hitchcock at (413) 245-9977 for information, or visit www.hitchcockacademy.org

PALMER- The Audiology and Hearing Improvement Center at Wing Memorial Hospital & Medical Centers is accepting applications to help patients obtain a hearing aid.

The Audiology Honor Fund at Wing Memorial Hospital was established in 2008 by an anonymous donor and has assisted many individuals in the Quaboag Hills and Pioneer Valley who want to improve their hearing with the use of hearing aids.

Applicants must fill out a short application and meet certain criteria in order to obtain funding from the fund. Necessary criteria include: the applicant has no insurance that covers hearing aids, the applicant’s yearly income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, and the applicant is serious about wearing a hearing aid.

To be eligible for funding, applications must be received by Dec. 13. Applicants will be notified if they will receive funding by Jan. 1, 2014.

To get an application, call (413) 284-5499 (Voicemail is available; leave name and address in the message).

For individuals who wish to contribute philanthropic funds to the Audiology Honor Fund, call (413) 284-5798 or send a donation to Audiology Honor Fund, c/o Audiology and Hearing Improvement Center, 40 Wright St., Palmer, MA, 01069. All contributions are tax deductible.

PALMER - Wing Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a holiday "Santa Skate" at Interskate 91 in Wilbraham on Dec. 1 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

A $10 donation (skate rental is extra, if needed) includes a free snack, raffle ticket, and a gift from Santa.

The event helps Wing Memorial Hospital celebrate its 100th birthday and support its new emergency room addition.

Brian Lees and Heriberto Flores are proposing a medical marijuana facility at Race and Appleton streets.

HOLYOKE -- The city would gain tax revenue from a medical marijuana dispensary that would be subject to local regulations but not a moratorium, under proposals officials are considering.

"We need to send a message to the Commonwealth," City Councilor at Large Joseph M. McGiverin said Tuesday at City Hall.

The council Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board discussed such issues in a public hearing, which was continued to Dec. 10.

A theme from officials was encouraging the city to figure out how to reap revenue from a facility that, despite state rules requiring it to be a nonprofit organization, would nonetheless benefit from police and fire protection and other city services.

Ordinance Committee Chairwoman Rebecca Lisi said she would file an order that the City Council impress upon the Department of Revenue that the city wants a medical marijuana dispensary here to be taxable.

Committee members Daniel B. Bresnahan and Gordon P. Alexander were among those who said perhaps a payment in lieu of taxes could be required as part of the local approval process.

Brian P. Lees, former state Senate minority leader, and Heriberto Flores, president of the New England Farm Workers Council, attended the hearing. They are proposing a medical marijuana dispensary at Race and Appleton streets, said Lees, who with Flores has formed a nonprofit company called Debilitating Medical Treatment Centers.

They are looking to put such a facility here because the site downtown is easy to reach, said Lees, and because of the city's plentiful energy from the hydroelectric dam, said Flores.

The state is expected to award medical marijuana licenses in late January, said Lees, who made a pledge to Holyoke officials.

"We will pay taxes. [...] We want to be a good citizen," Lees said.

Voters in 2012 permitted medical marijuana shops by approving a statewide ballot question, 63 percent to 37 percent.

Under the law, the state can license up to 35 dispensaries, including up to five in each county.

If such a facility is to come here, council President Kevin A. Jourdain and others said, it should be regulated in terms of hours and proximity to schools and daycare centers, along with an awareness that some people would find being near a medical marijuana dispensary "noxious".

The state has made clear that while communities can establish a moratorium of up to a year on allowing such facilities to study the issue or draft regulations, they cannot ban them, officials said.

The city should be able to regulate and tax such a facility given the revenue choke-hold that Holyoke experiences from the numerous nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations here, McGiverin said.

"Holyoke is not now 'the Paper City.' It's now 'Holyoke The Not For Profit city,'" he said. "Enough is enough."

Planning Board Chairman John Kelley agreed.

"Although it's a nonprofit coming in for the license, they're going to make a ton of money," Kelley said.

Later, the Ordinance Committee voted 3-2 to recommend to the full City Council that proposals for a moratorium on permitting a medical marijuana dispensary be withdrawn.

Voting in favor of withdrawing the proposals were Lisi, Alexander and Jourdain. Voting no were Bresnahan and Linda L. Vacon, who said a moratorium should be explored because it could be be another way for officials to protect the city.

Police are investigating the theft of an estimated half a million dollars' worth of high-end leather goods from a Berkshire County store.

LEE, Mass. (AP) - Police are investigating the theft of an estimated half a million dollars' worth of high-end leather goods from a Berkshire County store.

Police in Lee say three masked men broke into the Michael Kors store at Premium Outlets between 4:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. Saturday and stuffed leather handbags, purses, wallets and watches into garbage bags and backpacks before leaving through the back door.

The thieves disabled the store alarm and entered by breaking off the lock and forcing their way in.

The theft was caught on surveillance video.

Police tell The Berkshire Eagle (http://bit.ly/InXAXX ) the store manager discovered the break-in at 8:30 a.m. He estimated the cost of the stolen goods at $500,000.

Police think there may be a connection with similar break-ins at outlet stores around the Northeast.

___

Information from: The Berkshire (Mass.) Eagle, http://www.berkshireeagle.com

State police in Springfield have responded to at least 3 rain- or flooding-related crashes since 7 a.m.

SPRINGFIELD -- State police warn commuters and Thanksgiving travelers to take it easy Wednesday morning as heavy rains soak Western Massachusetts.

Sgt. Alan Joubert said troopers have responded to a least three rain- or flooding-related accidents since shortly before 7 a.m.

“The first one came it at 6:57 a.m. and we have been going steady ever since,” said Joubert, who is attached to the Springfield barracks. “I think the word would be to reduce speed and anticipate flooding, especially in low areas and on ramps.”

No serious injuries were reported in any of the crashes, which started with a 2-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 391 near Exit 2 in Chicopee, Joubert said.

State police responded to a single-vehicle crash in the northbound lanes of Interstate 91 at Exit 9B and another crash on the ramp near Forest Park which leads from Route 5 to Interstate 91, Joubert said.

State police at the Westfield barracks on the Massachusetts Turnpike reported several minor accidents Wednesday morning.

“It’s coming down pretty good,” Trooper John O’Connell said of the rain. “I think visibility might have something to do with it.”

State police in Northampton reported no major problems. Their counterparts in Shelburne Falls reported also reported no major problems, save for a few downed trees.

CBS3 Springfield meteorologist Nick Morganelli said a flood watch is in effect through 4 p.m. Wednesday for most of Western Massachusetts. Heavy rains may cause street flooding.

Two to 3 inches of rain is likely across southern and central New England, according to Morganelli, which could make driving conditions ripe for hydroplaning.

Former Democratic State Sen. Ed Augustus Jr. has been named as the Worcester City Council's choice to take over as interim city manager.

Former Democratic State Sen. Ed Augustus Jr. has been named as the Worcester City Council's choice to take over as interim city manager.

During a city council meeting Tuesday, Mayor Joseph Petty proposed Augustus, who is now Director of Government and Community Relations at Holy Cross, to take over the post for up to nine months.

Longtime City Manager Michael O'Brien announced last week he will resign in January to take a job with a private developer.

Petty said his decision was "not a reflection of anybody in this administration," but he felt Augustus was the best candidate for the job. He works well with people in government, business, nonprofit and education, Petty said.

An overwhelming majority of council members expressed support for Augustus, though his appointment was held over for a week by Councilor Konstantina Lukes.

Lukes said she was disappointed with the decision, saying she had hoped to appoint a woman and/or someone already working at city hall.

"I feel uncomfortable when politicians elect other politicians, and that's what's happening here," Lukes said.

Assistant City Manager Kathy Johnson was Lukes' top choice. But Johnson is not interested in the interim post, Lukes said.

Councilor Rick Rushton pushed back against Lukes, saying Augustus was "not a politician, he is a leader."

"Ed's resume fits the bill, some people are not going to like it because they might not like Ed Augustus," Rushton said. "They might not like the fact that he was an elected democrat -- let's talk about the elephant in the room - but if you think about our needs, then Ed Augustus fits the bill."

On Wednesday, Rushton took to Twitter to criticize Lukes' opposition to the appointment:

Developing a new app....Konnieville...for people who dream to live permanently in naysayerville...

— rickrushton (@rickrushton) November 27, 2013

Augustus, who was not at the meeting, issued a statement Tuesday night, saying, "I'm very appreciative of the confidence expressed by many members of the City Council in me tonight."

Augustus said he would not comment further until the selection process was over, the Telegram & Gazette reported.

The site went online last and includes police logs and an anonymous tip line.

03.09.11 | Photo by Julian Feller-Cohen – The Southwick Police Department's patch. 

SOUTHWICK -- The Police Department has revamped its website and created a Facebook page as part of its effort to better communicate with residents.

“I wanted to present something to our viewers or to the public that was fresh and crisp and user-friendly -- something that can be easily navigated,” said Police Chief David A. Ricardi.

The new site went online last week, replacing the former site which was taken down about six weeks ago while the new one was being created, Ricardi said.

The new site – in bold red, white, blue – includes an anonymous tip line, police logs, information on firearm licensing procedures and fees, criminal and traffic alerts.

A weather alert, meanwhile, warns Southwick and Westfield residents of high winds and heavy rains Wednesday.

Ricardi said the department created the Facebook page to allow residents another avenue to connect with police and comment on crime-related issues and other matters.

Other additions to the website, including a section for press releases and a history of the department, will be coming soon, Ricardi said. “It’s a work in progress,” he said.

Website designer Chris Parker of Phantom Enterprises in Westfield and Officer Thomas Krutka worked with Ricardi to create the new site.

Police have made an arrest in the murder of a 73-year-old Cambridge man.

CAMBRIDGE -- Police have made an arrest in the murder of a 73-year-old Cambridge man.

34-year-old Harold Antoine Maxwell, the nephew of victim Jesse Maxwell, was arrested Tuesday without incident, reports CBS Boston.

The suspect will be arraigned in Cambridge District Court Wednesday.

Maxwell was found by police just before midnight on Monday at 243 Broadway. The man "appeared to have suffered severe injuries" and was later pronounced dead, according to the police press release.

Neighbors in the five-story apartment complex, reportedly known as the George Close building, said the neighbor had lived there for decades, reports the Boston Globe.

Dana Edwards, a neighbor of the victim who called him a "good friend," described him to the Globe as "well liked in the building." She said he was "often seen walking the complex in a red San Francisco 49ers jacket."

Lighting up a cigarette in any Boston park — including the iconic Boston Common and Public Garden — may soon draw a $250 fine.

BOSTON (AP) — Lighting up a cigarette in any Boston park — including the iconic Boston Common and Public Garden — may soon draw a $250 fine.

The city council last week approved a ban on smoking all 250 of the city's public parks, cemeteries and other spaces and Mayor Tom Menino is expected to sign the measure soon. Before it takes effect, the ordinance will have to pass a vote by the city parks commission, which is expected to approve the measure next month.

City officials say the ordinance will reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, curb litter, and help pressure smokers to kick the habit.

Similar ordinances are in place in other major American cities.

Smokers tell The Boston Globe the measure goes too far.
___
Information from: The Boston Globe

The Steamship Authority is the only ferry operator that carries cars to the islands as well as passengers.

FALMOUTH -- High winds and rough seas forced the largest ferry operator offering transportation to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket to suspend service Wednesday.

The Steamship Authority -- the only ferry operator that carries cars to the islands as well as passengers -- posted a travel advisory announcing the suspension to its website.

"All ferry service today is on a trip by trip basis and will resume as soon as the sea conditions improve," the statement reads.

The Martha's Vineyard Times reports:

Early ferries ran on schedule, but The M/V Island Home left Vineyard Haven at 8:15 am this morning, then reversed course and returned to Vineyard Haven, according to a passenger aboard the vessel.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory through 4 p.m. for the islands and parts of Cape Cod Wednesday, where gusts of up to 55 miles per hour are in the forecast.

08.28.2011 | OAK BLUFFS - A wave crashes over a dock the harbor at Oak Bluffs Sunday morning on Martha's Vineyard as Hurricane Irene swept into New England.File photo | Greg Saulmon 

The five Boston stories you must read this morning

Serial Dunkin Donuts heist man caught
Canton police have arrested suspect Isaiah Murphy in connection with the 20-plus robberies of Dunkin Donuts stores in eastern Massachusetts. Murphy allegedly robbed two Dunkin Donuts in Canton, home to the national headquarters of the popular coffee and donut chain.

MBTA cutting fares for The Ride
Users of the MBTA's door-to-door service for the disabled known as The Ride will be seeing a reduction in their fares by a dollar. The Boston Globe is reporting that the proposed fare cut will be costly for the cash-strapped public transit entity.

Lawrence Mayor-elect Rivera has big plans
Mayor-elect Daniel Rivera plans to crack down on drugs in his community by shaming those from suburban towns who purchase drugs in Lawrence, according to a report in the Boston Herald. Rivera told the Herald that he will go to neighboring town meetings and read the names of people in the town caught buying drugs in Lawrence.

Meet the best bus driver in Boston
Willis Rose Jr., 54, won his latest MBTA Bus "Roadeo" competition recently, and BostInno caught up with him.

Driver of car that struck and killed a 7-year-old girl charged
Olivia Mora, 36, has been charged with homicide by motor vehicle while operating under the influence in the death of a 7 year-old Dorchester girl. Mora reportedly hit the girl and an unidentified adult woman on the sidewalk. The adult has sustained non-life threatening injuries. Their identities have not been released.