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Dog named Lucky rescued by Sturbridge firefighters after falling into icy swamp

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The Sturbridge Fire Department said Lucky the dog's owners called 911 shortly before 6 a.m. Lucky fell through some ice covering a swamp behind their home on Woodside Circle.

 
A Sturbridge dog lived up to his fortunate name Monday morning when he was rescued uninjured after falling through thin ice into a freezing swamp.

The Sturbridge Fire Department said Lucky the German Shepherd's owners called 911 shortly before 6 a.m. Lucky fell through some ice covering a swamp behind their home on Woodside Circle.

Firefighters wearing ice rescue suits and used a Rescue Alive Platform to get to the dog. One rescuer, firefighter MaryLou Volpe, entered the swamp while tethered to a rope and pulled Lucky to safety.

"Lucky was happily returned to his owners cold, but apparently uninjured," Sturbridge Lt. Nicholas J. DaDalt said in a statement.

Lucky's owners quickly booked him an appointment at Bark and Bubble, a local pet grooming business, DeDalt said in an email.

Watch a video demonstrating use of the Rescue Alive Platform used in Monday's rescue:


Holyoke opens application cycle for shares of federal grant with filing deadline Jan. 10

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The city's share of CDBG funds this year was $1.1 million.

HOLYOKE -- The city is accepting applications from organizations for shares of Holyoke's allocation of the federal Community Development Block Grant.

"The Community Development Block Grant program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs primarily to serve low and moderate income residents," said a press release from interim Administrator Alicia M. Zoeller.

Applications are available at the Community Development office at City Hall Annex, Room 400, and the deadline to file the applications is Jan. 10, the press release said. The funding is often referred to by its acronym CDBG.

The $1.1 million the city received for the current fiscal year funded the Pulaski Park Skateboard Park, renovation of Library Park and improvements to Avery Field, which is between the end of Oak and Hampden streets, along with helping people with home ownership, learning to read and job training.

The mayor decides how CDBG funds are distributed in a process that includes meetings and recommendations of the City Council Redevelopment Committee.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) began the CDBG program in 1974, according to the HUD website.

"The CDBG program works to ensure decent affordable housing, to provide services to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to create jobs through the expansion and retention of businesses," according to the HUD website.

The city Community Development office can be reached at (413) 322-5610.

Custodian at Chicopee Comprehensive High School charged with sexual abuse of student

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The suspect has been placed on paid administrative leave and barred from entering school property.

CHICOPEE— A custodian at Chicopee Comprehensive High School has been charged with enticing a student into engaging in sexual conduct for money and drugs.

Timothy M. Lynch, 54, of 34 Lorimer St. in Chicopee was arraigned in Chicopee District Court Dec. 2 on charges of indecent assault and battery on a child 14 or over, assault to rape a child, dissemination of obscene material to a minor, distribution of a Class D substance, distribution of drug paraphernalia and enticing a child under 16.

Superintendent of Schools Richard Rege said Monday that as soon as the School Department was notified of Lynch's arrest, he was placed on paid administrative leave and barred from entering school property.

Lynch was arrested Nov. 29 at his home following an investigation by police and the Hampden District Attorney's Office. According to court records, Lynch is accused of befriending a 14-year-old student, and over the course of months provided snacks, money, marijuana and an iPhone to the boy. Eventually the boy told police Lynch coerced him into sexual acts when he brought the boy to his home to smoke marijuana. Lynch allegedly told the boy that he had had a similar relationship with another Chicopee student, as well as other boys.

Police interviewed the alleged victim after he was brought to police headquarters by his parents on Nov. 24. The boy's father had discovered the iPhone, and when questioned about it the boy said that Lynch had given him the phone and marijuana, and that Lynch would discuss sexual situations with him.

The relationship between the Lynch and the boy lasted just over a year, the records indicate, even after the boy stopped attending the Chicopee school. During that time, the boy told police Lynch would drive to Holyoke to give him money and the iPhone at the boy's request.

Lynch is accused of fondling the boy, and asking for, and receiving, a nude photograph of him.

Lynch was released on $5,000 cash bail after his arraignment and was ordered to wear a GPS locator bracelet. He will return to court Dec.31 for a pretrial conference.

Cody Haskins of Northampton identified as man struck by car Sunday on Route 9 in Hadley

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Haskins was attempting to cross Route 9 near the entrances to the WalMart shopping plaza and Home Depot.

HADLEY -- The Northwestern District Attorney's Office has identified the man struck by a car on Route 9 as Cody M. Haskins, 21, of Northampton.

Haskins is currently listed in stable condition at Baystate Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for multiple facial and skull fractures.

According to the DA's office, Haskins was attempting to cross Route 9 near the entrances to the WalMart shopping plaza and Home Depot. Officials said the initial investigation indicates Haskins tried to cross Route 9, also known as Russell Street, against the traffic light. He was not in a crosswalk.

No charges have been filed against the 19-year-old woman driving the car that struck him. She has not been identified.

The incident remains under investigation by Hadley Police, State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney's Office and the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

Man found dead in Greenfield's Fall River identified as Michael Hogarty

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According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the state medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause of death.

GREENFIELD - Police have identified the man whose body was found earlier this month in the Fall River as Michael F. Hogarty, 56, whose last known address was Marlborough, Mass.

Construction workers repairing a Route 2 bridge over the river spotted the body in shallow water on Dec. 2. Fall River separates the communities of Greenfield and Gill and runs into the Connecticut River.

Police from those two communities arrived at the scene and pulled Hogarty’s body out of the water.

According to the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the state medical examiner has yet to determine the official cause of death. However, a preliminary investigation does not suggest that there was foul play involved. No other information was released by the DA’s office Monday.

Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette, interim register Suzanne Seguin, State Sen. Gale Candaras among possible contenders for Hampden Register of Probate

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The election could also set up a game of musical chairs in the legislature. If Candaras runs for register of probate, State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera is likely to remain in the House, but State Rep. Angelo Puppolo is likely to run for Candaras' Senate seat.

SPRINGFIELD - At least three candidates are exploring a run for Hampden County register of probate, including interim register Suzanne T. Seguin, outgoing Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette and state Sen. Gale Candaras, D-Wilbraham.

The register of probate job opened a year ago when longtime register Thomas P. Moriarty Jr. retired. Seguin was appointed to serve on an interim basis until voters choose a new register for a six-year term in 2014.

Seguin, who previously served as head administrative assistant to Moriarty, said she is giving a campaign “some serious consideration” although she has not made a final decision yet.

Bissonnette said people have asked him to run for the job. Bissonnette said he will not think about his future plans until his term in Chicopee is up in January, but he is not ruling out a run for the probate job.

Last month, Candaras said she is “looking very closely” at the position.

The register oversees the keeping of records at Hampden County Probate & Family Court. The position can provide a long-term job for the right candidate. Moriarty was register of probate for 22 years before he retired in November 2012. The previous register, John O'Brien, died in office after 18 years. The salary was $110,000 a year when Moriarty left.

Seguin has worked in the court system for 31 years. For the last 14 years, she worked in the Probate & Family Court, and before that she was a clerk in Hampden Superior Court.
When she was appointed interim register, she had been working as both office manager and head administrative assistant.

“I have made quite a few changes that were for the better,” Seguin said. She said the court now processes paperwork while a customer waits, and will docket documents at the counter as soon as they come in.

Seguin, 53, who lives in Westfield and grew up in Southwick, said she will decide after the holidays whether to run for a six-year term. “It’s a wonderful job, one I can do and do effectively,” Seguin said.

Bissonnette, who served four terms as Chicopee mayor, recently lost his bid for reelection to past mayor Richard Kos.

In an email, Bissonnette said the most important thing on his mind now is his upcoming marriage on Saturday. Until his term ends on Jan. 6, he said he will focus on ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration and completing projects that are already underway.

2013 michael bissonnette mug.JPGMike Bissonnette 

“As for my future plans, people whose opinions I respect have approached me suggesting my courtroom and public management experience would serve the public well in other offices (including register and district attorney),” Bissonnette wrote. “Once my term is completed and the holidays are over, I will focus on the future, including all potential options including running for office, practicing law and public administration positions.”

The Hampden district attorney’s position will open up if current district attorney Mark Mastroianni is confirmed to become a federal judge.

Bissonnette is a lawyer who left his law practice to run for mayor, a position he has held since 2005.


candaras mug.jpgState Sen. Gale Candaras, D-Wilbraham 


Candaras, like Bissonnette, said supporters are asking her to run for either the register job or the district attorney position. She said she is focused on finishing her Senate term, but is also looking at other opportunities closer to home.

State Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, D-Springfield, has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for the register job. Coakley-Rivera, who has served in the Legislature since 1998, said she has been talking to people about running, but if Candaras runs, she is leaning toward supporting Candaras.

“I’m happy where I am. I love my district. I love being a state rep,” Coakley-Rivera said.

With Springfield state Rep. Sean Curran leaving office at the end of his term and Rep. Benjamin Swan, 80, undecided about another run, Coakley-Rivera said it will be important for Springfield to hold onto an experienced state representative.

082311 cheryl coakley-rivera mug.JPGCheryl Coakley-Rivera  


Another Springfield legislator, Democrat Angelo Puppolo Jr., may also leave the House. If Candaras runs for register of probate, Puppolo said he is considering a run for her Senate seat.

Sturbridge firefighters rescue dog from drowning in swamp off Woodside Circle

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Lucky the dog lived up to his name when firefighters were able to rescue him after he fell through the ice in a swamp off Woodside Circle.

police lights.jpg 

STURBRIDGE – Sturbridge firefighters on Monday morning rescued a dog that had fallen through some thin ice and was stuck in mud up to his neck in a swamp off Woodside Circle, officials said.

Firefighters were called to the area of Woodside Circle just before 6 a.m. by two panicked residents who said their dog, a full-sized German shepherd named Lucky, had fallen through the thin ice about 75 feet from the shore and was sinking in the mud.

Firefighters deployed the department’s Rescue Alive ice rescue platform, and Lt. Matthew Roderick and firefighter MaryLou Volpe donned protective ice-rescue suits and made their way out on the ice. They were able to free Lucky from the mud and bring the dog back to shore.

Lucky was not injured, just cold and wet, when returned to his owners, officials said.

The rescue took just over an hour, officials said.

Sturbridge police also assisted at the scene.


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Springfield's Forest Park residents come together for 2nd annual Christmas tree lighting

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The second-annual event brought together dozens of local residents and elected officials to celebrate the holiday season and maintain the cohesive fabric that has come to define this part of the sprawling neighborhood carved from the northeast corner of the park.

SPRINGFIELD — With parents in tow, children emptied out of their homes in the city's Forest Park neighborhood Sunday evening as the fire department blared its horn, en route to deliver Santa and Mrs. Claus to a community Christmas tree lighting.

The second-annual event, held on the green at the intersection of Texel Drive and Trafton Road, brought together dozens of local residents and elected officials to celebrate the holiday season and maintain the cohesive fabric that has come to define this part of the neighborhood carved from the northeast corner of the park.

As a gift to the community that supports their businesses year-round, Pasquale Izzo of Nino's Pizzeria and Anthony Daniele of A & M Landscaping help pay for the Christmas tree, its lights and decorations.

"We grew up right here, and this event is a way for us to give back to the neighborhood that has given us so much," Izzo said. "And this is not just about Christmas or one religion- it's about getting people to come together and be good neighbors. We'd love to see the concept spread to other parts of the neighborhood and the city."

Daniele added that "You hear about all the bad things happening out there, but this is one of those positive things we're doing and hope to be doing for years to come."

At the event, DJ Rocco of East Longmeadow played sounds of the season while locals enjoyed pizza from Izzo's Dickenson Avenue shop and hot chocolate courtesy of Elegant Affairs.

2013 Court Square Tree LightingView full size12/06/13-SPRINGFIELD-The fountain in Court Square in downtown Springfield was lit by Santa during ceremonies on Friday evening. (Staff Photo by Dave Roback) 

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno also attended the event, which capped a weekend full of celebrations surrounding not only the holiday season, but also the 100th anniversary of Springfield City Hall, Symphony Hall and the Campanile. Other notable locals present included state Rep. Angelo Puppolo, D-Springfield, outgoing City Councilor John Lysak and Councilor Ken Shea, who lives on Trafton Road.

"This helps us all get to know one another and that is good for any neighborhood," Shea said. "It is also a chance for us to do something positive as we collect for the Toys for Tots program."

Despite the cold air and pending winter storm warning, residents spent more than an hour on the terrace catching up or getting to know each other. The tree will remain on display at the intersection through the end of the holiday season.



Update: Vehicle sought in Worcester hit-and-run found, police say driver was not involved in crash

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Worcester police said Monday the vehicle they were looking for in a hit and run on a pedestrian last week was not involved in the crash.

Worcester police said Monday the vehicle they were looking for in a hit-and-run on a pedestrian last week was not involved in the crash.

The owner of the Toyota RAV 4 that officers were looking for came to the station after learning police were searching for him. After talking with him, officers decided they had the wrong car.

Police said a 39-year-old man was struck while crossing Chandler Street near Barney's Bicycle Shop on Tuesday, Dec. 3. He was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries to his head, pelvis, legs and lungs, police said.

Police said they are now looking for a small white truck or SUV with "significant damage to the hood."

Man held on $25,000 cash bail in connection to Rutland fire homicide

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A man who was found in possession of the SUV of a Rutland homicide victim has been held on $25,000 cash bail following an appearance in Western Worcester District Court.

A man who was found in possession of the SUV of a Rutland homicide victim was held on $25,000 cash bail following an appearance in Western Worcester District Court.

35-year-old Amador Roman who was listed as homeless but with a 2 Joanna Drive address in Rutland, where the victim lived, was held Monday on $25,000 cash bail. He was found in possession of a 2004 Toyota Highlander that belonged to Diane Lamarche-Leader who was killed in a house fire on Friday.

Roman was arraigned on charges of larceny over $250 (motor vehicle larceny,) receiving stolen property and witness intimidation. According to court records, he has a four-page record and has committed time in the past.

The records of the court were impounded, with one of the reasons listed as an ongoing homicide investigation where the statements of the record could impede the investigation. According to the Telegram and Gazette, Roman had been staying with Lamarche-Leader at the 2 Joanna Drive home where the fire occurred and allegedly lied to police, saying that he had not been living there. Roman had reportedly had issues with drugs and Lamarche-Leader was a nurse who helped people struggling with addiction.

Roman is due back in court on Jan. 4.

Man allegedly punches Worcester police officer, tosses loaded gun during foot chase

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Worcester police arrested a man who reportedly led them on a chase and threw away a loaded handgun on Monday.

Worcester police arrested a man who reportedly led them on a foot chase and threw away a loaded handgun on Monday.

After Worcester police officers responded to a domestic dispute, they observed 26-year-old Sayed McKenzie "attempt to pull the victim out of a vehicle that was parked outside of the apartment," according to a Worcester PD statement.

Upon an officer approaching the man, "McKenzie punched the officer in the mouth with a closed fist. Officers ordered him to stop resisting arrest. McKenzie threw the officer to the ground and fled," the release states.

After a 35-minute search on foot, officers spotted McKenzie near the Worcester Arts Magnet School, and placed him under arrest.

While McKenzie attempted to flee, a witness reportedly saw him toss a backpack at an apartment on Country Club Boulevard. When police searched the area they found a backpack containing a fully loaded handgun with a high capacity clip, according to police.

McKenzie arrested on two counts of possession of firearm/ammunition without an FID card, two counts of assault and battery, possession of a large capacity firearm, disorderly conduct, trespassing, resisting arrest and assault and battery on a police officer.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Law enforcement agencies made 1.1 million requests for Americans' cell phone records in 2012, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey finds

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Markey is pushing for new privacy regulations that would make it harder for law enforcement to collect cell phone data on Americans without a warrant.

Law enforcement officials made 1.1 million requests for cell phone records from U.S. wireless carriers in 2012, according to new data collected by U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, a Massachusetts Democrat.

The information includes wiretap requests as well as requests for information such as the location from which a call was made, the phone number to which a call was made, the content of text messages or the duration of calls. The carriers were paid millions for providing the information.

The revelation comes as President Barack Obama’s administration is facing backlash over surveillance of Americans conducted by the National Security Agency, which involved the collection of cell phone records overseas. This information relates to police requests about wireless data belonging to Americans at home.

Markey, a long-time proponent of privacy regulations, plans to use the data to push for legislation providing new standards for law enforcement requests for cell phone data.

“We have to protect against crime and protect our privacy at the same time,” Markey said in an interview with The Republican/MassLive.com. “We have to construct a formula that ensure the police get the information they need to apprehend criminals, but that they aren’t able to go through innocent Americans’ wireless data.”

Markey first collected data on cell phone records requests in 2011. That year, he found state, federal and local law enforcement officials made 1.3 million records requests. That number, based on responses to Markey’s inquiry from seven major cell phone carriers, was down slightly last year, to 1.1 million. But the actual number of individuals affected by requests could be far higher, since Markey discovered that there were at least 9,000 requests for “cell tower dumps,” each of which can capture information about thousands of calls. In a cell tower dump, law enforcement officials request the numbers of all cell phones that connected to a particular cell phone tower during a period of time – which can be 15 minutes or a couple of hours.

“It’s obviously a staggering number of requests for wireless information,” Markey said. “I think it’s important that if that new trend has unfolded that we ensure that there is a privacy trend that unfolds simultaneously to protect those whose information does not have to be compromised.”

This year, Markey asked the carriers for more detailed information than he did in 2011 – such as whether the requests were emergencies, how long the carriers store information and what legal standards they require before providing information.

Markey found that carriers have different standards for what information they provide and under what circumstances. Some require a warrant before providing geolocation information; others do not. The companies differ in whether they require a warrant or a subpoena before providing the content of voice mails or text messages. According to Markey, AT&T, Verizon and Sprint reported 56,400 emergency requests for information, which are self-certified by the police and do not face an audit.

There is no standard for how long companies keep information. AT&T keeps location information about calls for five years, while other companies keep it for six to 18 months. The carriers’ responses are available on Markey’s website.

Law enforcement agencies pay phone carries for collecting and providing the wireless records. According to Markey’s report, AT&T received $10 million; T-Mobile received $11 million; and Verizon less than $5 million for conducting surveillance in 2012.

The companies said they were not aware of any misuse of cell phone data by the police.

The new data have spurred calls for regulation by privacy advocates. Chris Ott, communications director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, said the data “urgently shows the need for reform to rein this kind of thing in at both a state and federal level.”

“One of the shocking things is just the sheer volume of data that’s been turned over without a warrant,” Ott said.

However, law enforcement officials say the data is important. "Location information is a vital component of law enforcement investigations at the federal, state and local levels," said FBI spokesman Christopher Allen.

Allen said the FBI does not comment on the techniques used by law enforcement to obtain location information. But, he said, "The FBI only collects and maintains information that has investigative value and relevance to a case, and such data is retained in accordance with controlling federal law and Attorney General policy."

Markey plans to propose legislation that would require law enforcement officials to obtain a warrant indicating there is probable cause to believe the information will uncover evidence of a crime before any location tracking information can be provided. A similar standard is used for allowing a home search.

“It should be the same standard for going into someone’s home,” Markey said. “We need a Fourth Amendment for the 21st century wireless world.”

In emergencies, law enforcement would be able to get the information quickly but would have to provide a statement afterwards saying why the information was necessary. The legislation would create standards limiting how long carriers can retain personal information. It would require that requests for cell phone tower dumps be more narrowly tailored. And it would require law enforcement to regularly disclose information about the nature and volume of their requests.

The Massachusetts State Police referred questions to the state’s District Attorneys. Two district attorneys in Western Massachusetts did not return calls, nor did the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley.

Springfield officials say they'll use casino revenues, other funding to increase access to early education programs

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The local officials said that investments in early education will pay off later in improved academic and graduation success

SPRINGFIELD – Local officials announced a public-private fundraising effort on Monday, including the use of future casino revenues, to increase access by Springfield children to early education programs.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, following a meeting with various city and schools officials and early childhood education advocates, said he is committed to using a portion of casino revenues to expand access to quality preschool programs. MGM Resorts International, if awarded a casino license in Springfield, will provide $2.5 million annually for community programs including educational programs, as part of its host community agreement.

Sarno said the specific amount he will pledge for the early education initiative is not yet determined, but will be used to leverage additional funds from philanthropic organizations, the business sector and the state.

“If we are ever going to knock down poverty and public safety issues in urban America, education is the key,” Sarno said.

The research shows that investment in early education — both in providing access for children and providing high-quality programs — is critical for those children’s future, Sarno and local early education advocates said.

The funds raised will help needy families afford the cost of preschool, officials said.

In addition, the school system has amended the curriculum, and will provide professional development and classroom coaching to help improve the quality of early education programs, to be shared with public and private providers, Superintendent of Schools Daniel J. Warwick said.

Mary Walachy, executive director of the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, joined in praising the early education initiative, saying it has been a top priority of the foundation.

“What we know, particularly in communities where families have economic and educational challenges, pre-school is a huge opportunity for kids to get a head start on education,” Walachy said.

Warwick and Walachy said children do better throughout school and in graduation rates and other factors if they receive a quality early education start.

The state provides vouchers to help families with pre-school costs, but there are thousands of children statewide on the waiting list, and hundreds in Springfield, officials said.

Walachy estimated that at least 60 percent of children in Springfield do not receive some type of early education program. Full-day, full-year early childhood programs cost $10,000 to $20,000 per child, per year, she said

“The research is very clear,” Walachy said. “Children who attend a quality pre-school program, especially children from the low income communities, arrive at school better prepared to be successful and more closely aligned with their more middle income peers.”

Kevin Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, said the business community continuously urges the city to focus on public safety and education, particularly early education.

The announcement of the public-private effort occurred after Sarno, Warwick and advocates attended a meeting at the Greater Springfield YMCA on Monday, for a discussion of early education challenges with Massachusetts Early Educational And Care Commissioner Thomas Weber.

Weber met with educators, program officials, families and other stakeholders about the priority of closing the achievement gaps in part by improvements in early education efforts.

Former Westfield State University president Evan Dobelle gets 2 more weeks file additional documents in lawsuit

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In his order Monday, Neiman gave the Freeland and the other defendants until Jan. 7 to respond to any new material submitted by Dobelle.

WESTFIELD – A federal judge has given ex-Westfield State University president Evan S. Dobelle a two-week extension to file additional documents in his lawsuit against the university and state education officials.

In a ruling Monday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Kenneth P. Neiman granted Dobelle’s request to push the deadline for amending his lawsuit back from Dec. 9 to Dec. 23.

One of Dobelle’s lawyers, Katherine M. Romel, stated in a motion last week that events occurring after the lawsuit was filed on Oct. 24 will bolster his case and eliminate the need to respond by Dec. 13 to the defendant’s motion to dismiss.

No description of the new material was included in the motion and Neiman expressed skepticism Monday that it would render the motion to dismiss moot.

“The court has no reason to accept at this time (Dobelle’s) assertion,” Neiman said, adding: “Time, of course, will tell.”

Dobelle, 68, filed the lawsuit after Westfield State trustees placed him on paid leave Oct. 17 and hired a Boston law firm to investigate his travel and spending habits.

He resigned Nov. 8, nearly 6 years after arriving at Westfield State with a resume that included serving as president at Trinity College and the University of Hawaii.

The suit alleges that Higher Education Commissioner Richard M. Freeland and three trustees – chairman John F. Flynn, III; Kevin R. Queenin; and Elizabeth D. Scheibel - conspired to force Dobelle from office for personal reasons, and used his extensive travel on behalf of the university as a pretext.

Also named as defendants were the Braintree-based auditing firm of Drew & O’Connor, the school’s attorney, James B. Cox and the Boston law firm of Rubin & Rudman.

In his order Monday, Neiman gave the defendants until Jan. 7 to respond to any new material submitted by Dobelle.

The dispute over Dobelle’s spending flared in August when O’Connor & Drew released the first public summary of his travel, including visits to China, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong and 15 trips to San Francisco.

The auditors found that he repeatedly violated Westfield State policies by charging personal travel expenses for himself and family members to school-related credit cards.

Dobelle said the university benefited from his travel, and all personal expenses charged to the school were eventually reimbursed.

Investigators for state gambling board recommend MGM Resorts International be found suitable for casino license if it meets conditions

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MGM should satisfy regulators that its business practices in Macau meet a legal standard of "responsible business practices" in any jurisdiction

BOSTON - Investigators for a state regulatory agency today said they have "not discovered any disqualifying factors" which would cause MGM Resorts International to fail its background investigation.

Investigators recommended the state Gaming Commission find MGM suitable to apply for a casino license, subject to certain conditions. MGM is planning a casino in Springfield in the city's South End.

James Murren, CEO of MGM, is leading a group of MGM officials who are taking questions this morning during a meeting of the commission in Boston on the findings of the report by investigators.

Those conditions include MGM satisfying the commission that its business practices in Macau meet a legal standard of "responsible business practices" in any jurisdiction.

Investigators for the commission also said MGM must satisfy the commission regarding "Terry Christensen," a former member of the MGM board who resigned after a federal indictment for wiretapping and conspiracy.

The report also flagged MGM for entering the lucrative Macau market in a partnership with Pansy Ho, whose father was linked to organized crime in a 2009 special report in New Jersey, the report said.

MGM is the lone remaining applicant for a casino license in Western Massachusetts.

The five-member commission is expected to vote later this week on whether MGM is suitable to apply for a casino license for a resort in Springfield.

MGM owns 99 percent of the Springfield effort and Springfield hotel owner Paul Picknelly owns 1 percent, investigators reported today. Picknelly is the brother of Peter Picknelly, chairman and CEO of Peter Pan bus line in Springfield. Fifty-eight percent of Springfield voters approved a ballot question for the casino in July.

Last week, Murren told the Boston College Chief Executive’s Club that MGM plans to hire 3,000 permanent employees in Springfield, and another 2,000 to construct the casino.

Investigators today began questioning MGM officials about Christensen, who is a lawyer.

An internal investigation by MGM in 2009 found that Christensen continued to advise company executives on internal matters even after Christensen was indicted and resigned from the board of MGM, the Wall Street Journal reported in August.

Taking up the criticism of Christensen, Roland A. Hernandez, a director of MGM, told the gaming commission today that the casino company has closed a gap in communications between the compliance and audit committees of MGM and the full board.

"There were lapses," Hernandez told the gaming commission. "We don't disagree there were lapses."

Christensen's criminal conviction resulted from a 2002 child-support dispute in which he represented billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, a large MGM shareholder.

In 2006, prosecutors alleged that Christensen had hired a private investigator, Anthony Pellicano, to illegally wiretap the phone of Kerkorian's ex-wife. Christensen was convicted in 2008 following a jury trial. He was sentenced to three years in prison and fined $250,000, but he is appealing, the Journal reported.

Murren told the commission he is "bitterly disappointed" with his own actions regarding Christensen. Murren, former chief financial officer for MGM who became CEO and board chair in December of 2008, said he should have done more with Christensen.

Despite Christensen's indictment, resignation from the board and ultimate conviction, he was allowed to take part, on a repeated and prolonged basis, in certain sensitive and non-public corporate matters of MGM Resorts International , including his attendance at board meetings, the gaming commission's report said.

"I don't have any excuses for this," Murren said, adding that the financial crisis in 2008 was a horrible time for the company and he had received threats for laying off people. "I should have acted differently from the beginning .. We have learned from this incredibly bad situation."

Murren said the company now is "the gold standard" for governance, independence and regulation.

In another issue, Gayle Cameron, the only female member of the commission, noted that there are several rows of MGM officials attending the meeting and asked if there were any women among them.

Murren mentioned only one -- Kelley Tucky, MGM Vice President of Public Affairs-East Coast, as attending the meeting.

Murren had earlier hailed MGM's record of hiring minorities.

Through a spokeswoman, Murren and other MGM officials declined comment on the investigators' report, but may comment after today's hearing. Commission members broke for lunch shortly after noon and will resume the hearing on Monday afternoon.

Murren said he took the advice of the company's then-general counsel on Christensen.

"Even after he was convicted, we were told he would be vindicated on appeal," Murren said.

Murren said he should have talked with Kerkorian about Christensen.

The report by investigators also dug into MGM's ties to Pansy Ho. Her father controlled a casino company that allowed organized crime to enter the Macau casino market, according to the New Jersey report.

The Massachusetts report said MGM did not investigate Pansy Ho's source of funds when it negotiated a 2004 partnership deal with her for a casino in Macau, which opened in 2007, the report said.

MGM did not look into whether she acted independently from her father, the report said. Ho is now co-chair of MGM China and owns 29 percent of the company.

When investigators interviewed her in June, Pansy Ho said there is no interest in going back to the traditional way of operating in Macau, when the scene was dominated by triad organized crime gangs, the report said.

Ho said she had little involvement when MGM first began working with her father.

Investigators said her statements were consistent with prior testimony in Nevada, but inconsistent with findings of the special report in New Jersey.

The New Jersey report cited testimony from an MGM senior vice president who said that early on in the process Stanley Ho advised him that “from now on I want you to start the discussion and my daughter Pansy Ho will be my representative negotiating with you.”

In their report, investigators also cited Vincent F. Barletta and Ronald J. Gillis, members of a trust that owns land in Brimfield, the initial site for an MGM casino in Massachusetts.

Barletta is a member of a realty trust that annually would receive a portion of gaming revenues from MGM in Springfield in return for releasing MGM from a planned purchase of land in Brimfield. MGM dropped Brimfield and switched to Springfield in August of last year.

Gillis, an accountant, owns a portion of the realty trust, the report said. Barletta and Gillis are "qualifiers" in MGM's application.

Barletta’s application to the commission contained factual errors, including saying that his driver's license had never been suspended when it was suspended five times, the report said. The report added that Barletta also said he had graduated from Northeastern University in Boston when he had not.

The report said Gillis, a notary public, notarized Barletta's signature on a waiver of liability form for the commission, even though Gillis himself had signed Barletta's name to the document.

In testimony before the commission, Gillis said it was inappropriate to sign the name of Barletta. Gillis said he also provided the inaccurate information about Barletta's degree and driver's license on the application to the commission. Gillis said he received the documents late and was facing time pressures around the Thanksgiving holiday last year.

Massachusetts Gaming Commission investigative report: MGM Resorts International by Greg Saulmon


West Springfield approves funds for well fields expansion project

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The Southwick Well fields provide a water supply not only to West Springfield but to Southwick and Westfield as well.


west springfield seal 

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) held an open meeting Tuesday in which they voted unanimously to approve an additional $45,000 of Community Preservation Act funds for 1.01 acres of land in the Southwick Well Expansion project, the town’s main water supply, bringing the project’s total to 43.51 acres for $475,000.

Mark A. Noonan, a conservation officer and assistant planner for the town of West Springfield, said the acre is located on the north side of Shaker Road in Westfield and the reason for the purchase is due to a house with a septic system on the acre.

The purchase of the acre would prevent any contamination with the town’s main water supply, he added.

The project is currently being funded by two grants, he added. The first, the Drinking Water Supply Grant covers $246,000 and was applied for by the town of West Springfield. The second draws from Community Preservation Act funds, approved by the Town Council for $207,000.

“The Southwick Well Field was purchased many years ago because our reservoir at Bear Hole was not adequate at the time and we needed to expand our water source,” said Paul H. Boudo, CPC chairman.

Boudo said that the Southwick Well fields provide a water supply not only to West Springfield but to Southwick and Westfield as well.

“We see the significance of doing what we’re being asked to do, that, buying the additional land and therefore removing the potential contaminant and also expanding the well field that we were originally talking about,” he said.

“We are in the process, now, of redoing our line from Southwick to here. We don’t use all our wells at one time, so, it’s really quite exciting that we kind of have our own independent source of water and we also have a backup with the city of Springfield should we ever need to do that.”

Boudo said he believes the entire Southwick Well Expansion project is an investment in the community of West Springfield and will be a betterment to residents of West Springfield for a long time to come.


Wreaths Across America stops at Westfield's Stanley Park for second year

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Westfield was chosen as a stop once again because it is a community that has embraced the mission of “remember, honor and teach” and teaches its children the importance military personnel play in our lives. Watch video

WESTFIELD – For the second consecutive year, the Wreaths Across America convoy of 18 tractor-trailers accompanied by buses, motorcycles, veterans and supporters stopped at Stanley Park Tuesday as it made its way to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Since 1992, the Wreaths Across America organization has made a pilgrimage from Maine to the cemetery to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with wreaths as an honor. Along the way, the convoy stops at different communities with a goal to educate future generations on the meaning of freedom.

Karen Worcester, executive director of the organization, said Westfield was chosen as a stop once again because it is a community that has embraced the mission of “remember, honor and teach” and teaches its children the importance military personnel play in our lives.

“We don’t mind stopping somewhere again when the community has a good turnout for the organization, and Westfield gets it.” she said. “We want to go where kids can get together with the veterans and talk about freedom and sacrifice.”

The holiday season, Worcester added, is the perfect time of year for families and individuals to reflect on that freedom and sacrifice.

“We want people to stop and take the time during the holidays to celebrate and remember why we are able to celebrate,” she said.

During the ceremony at the veteran’s memorial at Stanley Park, which was attended by about 100 people who braved the cold and snow, two young people proved Worcester’s point about Westfield being a community that “gets it” by delivering remarks.

Julia Visconti, an eighth-grader at North Middle School, understands the sacrifices made by soldiers. Both her grandfathers are veterans, and her uncle and two cousins are in the military.

“It takes a special human being to put their life on the line,” she said. “It’s our job to remember and honor veterans, but it’s important to teach the new generation of the sacrifices.”

South Middle School student Mackenzie Colver thanked “our service men and women” for protecting our freedom.

“No matter what branch of the military, we’re grateful for every single one of you,” she said.

Ann LePage, wife of Maine Governor Paul LePage, is making the trip from her home state to Arlington National Cemetery on the back of a motorcycle. In speaking to the crowd, Ann LePage said she decided to make veterans her cause and support Wreaths Across America because the organization is comprised of “a special group people.”

“I wanted to do whatever I could to support the military,” she said, clad in motorcycle cold weather gear. “I love to do it because we should.”

By Saturday, the convoy will have stopped at 909 locations including communities in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, Worcester said.

Worcester and her husband, Maine businessman Morrill Worcester, founder of Wreaths Across American, continue to be a major donor of wreaths each year, but the majority of the cost of the program is paid for by individual wreath sponsors, corporate donors and volunteer truck drivers and companies, organizers said.

Holyoke officials sift through issues related to proposed zone change for 161 Lower Westfield Road where Big Y had been planned

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The public hearing on a proposed zone change for Lower Westfield Road and Homestead Avenue was continued to Feb. 11.

HOLYOKE -- Accusations that "sleight of hand" occurred drew retorts of "arbitrary and capricious" as the controversy over a proposed zone change for property that was once going to have a Big Y supermarket trudged along.

The City Council Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board Tuesday at City Hall agreed to continue a public hearing on the zone change petition to Feb. 11.

The 29-acre site at 161 Lower Westfield Road overlooks a busy intersection, Lower Westfield Road and Homestead Avenue, near the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. It used to be home to the Atlas Copco factory and is owned by O'Connell Development Group here.

A plan had been in the works for a $16 million retail plaza there to be anchored by a Big Y supermarket. But Big Y pulled out in September because of economic and "unforeseen conditions."

Many people wanted a Big Y in Holyoke, residents and officials said, but with Big Y gone, some say the property should be returned to its previous zone.

Residents filed a petition seeking to return the property to its previous zone, industrial park from the current general industry. The Planning Board recommended the zone change and the City Council unanimously approved it in 2011.

Now, said residents seeking to change the zone back, industrial park would be less intrusive by prohibiting retail stores that would draw heavy traffic to a residential area.

"The only reason they got the zone change was because of the Big Y. That was the only reason," said Emil R. Schlegel, of Homestead Avenue.

Planning Board Chairman John Kelley and member Eileen Regan disputed that. Zone changes are made based on officials' evaluation of a use, not a specific tenant, they said, though board member Mimi Panith said, "Nevertheless, we' re all human" and were aware Big Y was the prospective tenant.

O'Connell was less than forthcoming about whether an entrance to the plaza would be built on Homestead Avenue and about the property being divided over the years into two lots, residents and officials said. Councilor Linda L. Vacon referred to that as "sleight of hand" on the company's part.

But, said O'Connell lawyer Nicholas C. Cramb, "I believe that that's just not true."

The Homestead Avenue entrance was always part of the plan and the dividing of the property occurred with the knowledge and approval of the Planning Board. Kelley and Regan confirmed that.

The current zone wasn't specific to Big Y being part of O'Connell's project, he said, and it would be invalid for the City Council to change the zone.

"It would be an arbitrary and capricious act of the City Council," Cramb said.


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Tully O'Reilly's and The Elevens opts to close on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

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In its Dec. 4 meeting, however, the commission voted to impose the two remaining days, ruling that the bar had violated its orders.

NORTHAMPTON – Tully McColgan, the owner of Tully O’Reilly's and The Elevens, a Pleasant Street bar sanctioned by the License Commission, has chosen to serve the last two days of a seven-day suspension on Dec. 24 and 25. In September, the commission voted to suspend McColgan’s liquor license for seven days after finding him in violation of regulations, but it only imposed five days of that suspension. In its Dec. 4 meeting, however, the commission voted to impose the two remaining days, ruling that the bar had violated its orders.

Dog license tags available in Wilbraham

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This year's dog licenses expire Dec. 31.

WILBRAHAM - Town Clerk Beverly J. Litchfield said that 2014 dog license tags are in and available.

This year’s dog licenses expire Dec. 31, Litchfield said.

For more information, call (413) 596-2800, ext. 200.

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