Three adults and one teenager, charged with larceny and other offenses, are suspected in connection with a rash of vehicle break-ins, police said.

 

SUFFIELD — Four Western Massachusetts residents were arrested here early Monday morning in connection with suspected vehicle break-ins, according to Connecticut authorities.

Suffield Police Chief Michael Manzi told 22News that officers set up a burglary detail after a spike in break-ins in Suffield and neighboring Agawam.

As a result of that effort, four Springfield residents – 21-year-old Lee Manuel Rios, 18-year-old Angel Luis Rojas, 20-year-old Julio Cesar Torres, and a 16-year-old juvenile – were arrested on multiple charges ranging from larceny to carrying a dangerous weapon, the Hartford Courant reports.

Police arrested the suspects shortly before 4 a.m. Monday, after they allegedly led officers on a chase in a stolen Honda Civic. The suspects might be linked to a series of car burglaries in Suffield and surrounding towns in recent weeks, according to the Courant.

The car, which reportedly was stolen in Springfield, got stuck in snow, forcing the suspects to abandon the vehicle. Police said all four were eventually caught.

Two of the suspects had a knife and pepper spray, according to police, who also allegedly found burglary tools.

Agawam and Enfield police assisted, according to abc40 News.

Alvarez has been volunteering for Toy for Joy since Dec. 2.

View full sizeTo get a printable version of this coupon to mail in with your Toy for Joy donation, click on "view full size," above. 

SPRINGFIELD - Louisa Alvarez has been volunteering for the Toy for Joy campaign every day since Dec. 2.

“I like to volunteer,” she said. “I used to volunteer for Head Start. I like doing something for other people.”

Alvarez has four children who will receive toys from Toy for Joy. She said said she appreciates the bracelets, basketballs and skateboards her children may receive.

With only a week to go before Christmas Eve, the fund still seeks to raise $106,206 of the $150,000 goal it set for Christmas Eve.

On Tuesday, it recorded $3,081 in new donations.

The Toy for Joy fund, which is in its 91st year, is sponsored by The Republican and The Salvation Army, with the help of campaign partner Hasbro of East Longmeadow, which donates a portion of the toys for the campaign.

One of the contributors Tuesday was the family of Augustus Adamopoulos, the 10-year-old boy who was the victim of a boating crash while fishing with his father on Huntington Lake.

Also contributing to the Toy for Joy fund on Tuesday were the children of the Selser School in Chicopee who gave $100.

This year 3,270 families and approximately 14,715 children have signed up in Springfield to receive toys, more than last year, said Danielle LaTaille, director of social services for the Greater Springfield Salvation Army citadel on Pearl St.

“Some people have one child, some have 10,” LaTaille said. “The average is about five children.”

Families who are registered will receive a toy, game and book sorted to be age and gender appropriate.

Toy registration
Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 91st annual Toy for Joy campaign. Registration has closed in Springfield, Greenfield, Westfield and the Hilltowns. This is the last week for registration in Holyoke
Holyoke
Holyoke Citadel: 271 Appleton St., Holyoke; now through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; for info, call (413) 532-6312; serves Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby
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.For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also 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.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

• In loving memory of Ann Marie Martin 12/17/66 - 8/22/79, love Mom, Dad, Terry, Eileen and John Jr., $25


• In memory of our cat Spotty, love Kelly and Gloria, $10


• In loving memory of my husband Edward Martin from Mary, $20


• Thank you St. Jude for prayers answered, CPO, $20


• In memory of loved ones from Bob and Peg, $50


• For Toppy and Mae who loved Christmas, $25


• In memory of our beautiful dog Sam, we miss you, $25


• To remember Mom, Wally, Mim and Ray, $25


• In memory of Grammy and Granpy Burr, love Jeff, Mike and Chris, $10


• In memory of Grammy and Granpy Maurer, love Jeff, Mike and Chris, $10


• In loving memory of our son and brother Augustus Adamopoulos, $50


• Merry Christmas from Ellen, $100


• In loving memory of Mike Rinehart, $25


• In loving memory of Thomas and Margaret Corliss, $50


• In honor of all my cousins, love Daniel, $100


• In memory of my dad and godmother from Nancy, $100


• Merry Christmas from Tom, $25


• Gene and Judy, $25


• In memory of Annette Lortie and Christine Beshaw, $100


• In somber honor of the first responders on that day, $26


• In loving memory of Dot, Rick and baby Alex, $150


• Memory of Anna and Hugh Ketchum and Jim Donohue from Ken and Peg, $50


• In memory of Victor and Jennie Paluck and Stephanie Collins, Carly, Kevin and Dillon, $75


• Anonymous, $10


• Merry Christmas from Lauren, Lee, Andrew, Kaitlyn and Loretta, $50


• In appreciation of our two beautiful and healthy grandchildren Madeleine and Benjamin from Grammy Marie and Grampa Dennis, $10


• Remembering our deceased friends and family members and honoring all of our servicemen, $10


• In loving memory of Joe, Betty and Ronnie Boyer and Joe and Elvira Orlando, always in our hearts from Marie and Dennis, $10


• In appreciation of our brave military and their families, God bless American, $50


• In loving memory of my husband Stan and our son Greg, love Barbara, $50


• In memory of grandpa and Uncle Greg, love Kevin, $50


• Merry Christmas and God’s blessings for the children, $50


• In memory of Edward and Lucille Enright, love Barb, $25


• Happy Holidays to all from the Dash family, $50


• Jane and Ted, $100


• From 12 perfect angels, $25


• In memory of my parents Hazel and Henry Colbert, $50


• In loving memory of Dad, Niles, Aunt Dot and Reggie, love Liz, $15


• In memory of Todd Marcinkiewicz, $30


• In memory of Grandma and Grandpa Berger, Memere and Pepere Nadeau, $50


• In memory of Chilly, $25


• For Daisy, Merry Christmas everybody, $50


• In memory of Dad F, Aunts Grace and Erna and Elsie and Gran A, $75


• In loving memory of Mom, $25


• In memory of Brian Eric, $10


• In memory of Enis and Carol MacLeod, LES, $50


• In loving memory of Adam, Mary and Brian Nahorniak, $100


• In memory of my father Thomas Taylor, $50


• In loving memory of my grandson Robert Person from Pauline Stuart, $25


• In loving memory of Heidi Weit from Grandma Pauline Stuart, $25


• In loving memory of Donald Stuart from Pauline, $25


• In loving memory of Brice and Sue Draper, $20


• In memory of Barbara Young, Merry Christmas, Susan and Tony, $10


• For Patti Mercure, sister who passed Sept. 2013, love Joyce and Jimmy, $20


• Happy Holidays from Reina (the Beana), Emmy and Beeger, $50


• In memory of my two special angels, love Peg, $25


• In loving memory of my husband and father from the Steinbock family, $25


• In memory of Malcom Missy and Mindy, $200


• In loving memory of Con and Mary Buckley, Peg, $30


• Cheryl, $15


• In memory of our parents from Allen and Susan, $25


• In memory of Dick Borden, $15


• For our mothers, M and L, $25


• In memory of Jean and Andre Baril who loved children, $20


• In gratitude, $25


• Merry Christmas from Lizzie in Potsdam Germany, $25


• To the memory of Mom and Dad, $50


• In memory of deceased members of Mezzetti and DiLullo family and Moe Malanson, $5


• Merry Christmas Matt, Alyssa and Nico, love Noni and Grandpa, $5


• In memory of Barbara and John Welch, Hugo and Dolly, $5


• In memory of Mary Shean, Dolly and Hugo, $5


• In memory of Maurice W. Dickey and Marion M. Dickey, $50


• In loving memory of Eddie (River Rat) Wesloski, love Diane and Vickie, $10


• Merry Christmas Holyoke Geriatrics, thank you for everything, Diane and Vickie Blair, $10


• In memory of Robert (Bobby) Blair, we love you and miss you, luv sis Diane and mom Vicky, $10


• Remembering friends and family past and present, Merry Christmas, Diane and Vickie Blair, $10


• From Marcia and Jim, $100


• Merry Christmas to all the children from Selser School, Chicopee MA, $100

A snow storm forecasted to bring about 3 to 5 inches Tuesday afternoon has school districts planning to close early. Most after-school activities are also canceled.

A snow storm forecasted to bring about 3 to 5 inches Tuesday has school districts planning to close early. Most after-school activities are also canceled.

Click here for the National Weather Service forecast. Snow is expected to start sometime after 9 a.m.

A partial list of early releases (If you see one we've missed, please email john.hill@masslive.com):

• Worcester Public Schools: Two-hour early dismissal. See release schedule here
• Wachusett Regional School District: Early release. See schedule here.
• Auburn: Two-hour early release
• Southbridge: No school committee meeting
• Spencer-East Brookfield: Early dismissal
• Uxbridge: One-hour early dismissal
• Tantasqua and Union 61 school districts: Regional schools close at 11AM; Elementary schools close at 12PM; no morning or afternoon Pre-K
• Berlin-Boylston: Two-hour early release.
• Lunenburg: Two-hour early dismissal. There is no afternoon preschool program. Extended Day will be open.
• Southbridge: School committee meeting canceled

Imprisoned former Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger has been ordered to pay $6 million to the family of a slain Oklahoma businessman, although it's unclear whether they'll ever see the money.

BOSTON (AP) -€” Imprisoned former Boston crime boss James "Whitey" Bulger has been ordered to pay $6 million to the family of a slain Oklahoma businessman, although it's unclear whether they'll ever see the money.

The Boston Globe (http://bo.st/1fAXFmg ) reports that a federal judge ruled Friday that Bulger must pay the family of Roger Wheeler, who was shot to death outside his country club in Tulsa, Okla., in 1981.

Bulger was found guilty this year in the killings of Wheeler and 10 others and was sentenced to two life terms. He was ordered to pay $19.5 million in restitution to his other victims' families and forfeit $25 million to the government.

Investigators found $822,000 in cash stashed in his apartment walls when he was caught in Santa Monica, Calif., after more than 16 years on the run.

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser is stepping down as Mayor-elect Marty Walsh prepares to take office.

BOSTON (AP) -€” Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser is stepping down as Mayor-elect Marty Walsh prepares to take office.

The Boston Globe reports Fraser submitted his resignation Monday to Mayor Thomas Menino. He will leave on Jan. 6, the day Walsh is sworn in.

Fraser said in a letter to Menino that he leaves a better department than the one he found when he was hired in 2006, and says it was time for him to do something different.

His departure leaves another high-ranking position open the city. Police Commissioner Ed Davis left in November for a fellowship at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. Fire Chief Steve Abraira resigned in June, saying public criticism for the way he responded to the marathon bombings made it impossible to do his job.

Federal workplace safety officials have cited the U.S. Postal Service in the July death of a mail carrier who collapsed while walking his route on a day that the heat index went over 100 degrees.

MEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -€” Federal workplace safety officials have cited the U.S. Postal Service in the July death of a mail carrier who collapsed while walking his route on a day that the heat index went over 100 degrees.

WCVB-TV reports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded the postal service had not implemented an adequate heat stress management program to help mail carriers identify, prevent and report symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

The postal service says it has since put in place a new heat stress program, which includes posters, articles and other training.

Forty-five-year-old James Baldassarre of Haverhill had been walking his route in Medford on July 5 for about five hours and was carrying a bag that could weigh up to 35 pounds. He died the following day of heat stroke.

___

Information from: WCVB-TV

Local and state police are searching for 21-month-old Thomas Woods after he did not return home to his mother after spending the day with his father, Ryan Woods.

Thomas Woods (left), 21 months old, of North Brookfield, has been reported missing by his mother after he did not return from a regularly scheduled visit with his father, Ryan Woods (right), on Monday, Dec. 16, 2013.Contributed 

NORTH BROOKFIELD - Local and state police are searching for 21-month-old Thomas Woods after he did not return home to his mother after spending the day with his father, Ryan Woods.

According to police, Thomas's mother called police after Ryan Woods did not return the boy after his regularly schedule visitation ended at 5 p.m. on Monday. Ryan Woods had picked up his son at 11 a.m. that day and left the house without shoes or winter clothing for Thomas, according to police.

The boy's mother, family members and friends told North Brookfield Police that Ryan Woods may be depressed. The mother has not been identified.

Thomas Woods is described as a white male approximately 2 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 30 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue sweatpants, a blue and green striped shirt and white socks. Thomas has a scar on his upper lip.

Ryan Woods was last seen in the town of North Brookfield at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday. Ryan Woods is described as a white male approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue denim jeans, and white sneakers.

Police said Ryan Woods could be driving a tan/brown 2005 Volvo V70 station wagon with Massachusetts plate 875CT5. (Note: The picture shown in the police press release was taken from the internet and is the not the actual vehicle.)

Police ask that anyone with information about Ryan and Thomas Woods' whereabouts or anyone who has seen the man and the boy to please call 911 or contact the North Brookfield Police Department at (508) 867-1170.

North Brookfield, Mass State Police search for Thomas Woods, a missing 21-month-old

Speed on the Massachusetts Turnpike has been reduced to 40 mph from the Chicopee exit to the New York line.

 

SPRINGFIELD – State police warn of deteriorating road conditions as snowfall intensified in Western Massachusetts mid-Tuesday morning.

“They are reporting the roads are becoming snow-covered and motorists should use a lot of caution because the roads are not going to get any better,” said Sgt. Alan Joubert. “They are only going to get worse.”

State police have lowered the speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike to 40 miles per hour from the Chicopee exit west to the New York state line.

State police in the Northampton barracks reported a vehicle went off Interstate 91 in Holyoke mid-morning. No injuries were reported, Sgt. Adam J. Hakkarainen said.

Along with reducing their speed, motorists should leave some extra distance between their vehicle and any vehicles in front of them, Hakkarainen said.

CBS3 meteorologist Nick Morganelli said the fast-moving storm will bring some 3 inches of snow to Springfield by 5 p.m., with additional accumulations into the evening.

Cold weather continues on Wednesday and Thursday under a mix of sun and clouds, Morganelli said.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command defends the video as nonthreatening and safe for kids.

DENVER (AP) — The U.S. and Canadian military will entertain millions of kids again this Christmas Eve with second-by-second updates on Santa's global whereabouts. But there's something new this year: public criticism.

A children's advocacy group says an animated video on the NORAD Tracks Santa website injects militarism into Christmas by showing fighter jets escorting Santa's sleigh. It's a rare swipe at the popular program, which last year attracted a record 22.3 million unique visitors from around the world to its website.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command defends the video as nonthreatening and safe for kids.

The kerfuffle erupted two weeks ago over a 39-second video on noradsanta.org called "NORAD Tracks Santa Trailer Video 2013."

A 5-second segment of the video — which is also available on youtube.com — shows two fighter jets flanking Santa.

The Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood said the video brings violence and militarism to a beloved tradition. Others had similar criticism. Blogs and Twitter lit up with volleys from both sides.

Josh Golin, the coalition's associate director, reiterated his criticism in an interview with The Associated Press — but he called the brouhaha "a media-manufactured controversy." The coalition hadn't known about the fighter jet video until reporters called, he said.

"Nobody in my organization was out there protesting," he said.

U.S. Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a NORAD spokesman, said he understands the critics' point of view but disagrees.

"We really do feel strongly that it's something that is safe and non-threatening, and not something that would negatively impact children," he said. "In fact, we think that it's a lot of fun."

Davis said the fighter escort is nothing new. NORAD began depicting jets accompanying Santa and his reindeer in the 1960s, he said.

And he insisted the fighters in the video are unarmed: They're Canadian Air Force CF-18s, with a large external fuel tank under the belly that might look like a bomb. The wing racks that would carry bombs or missiles are empty, he explained.

The flap has driven lots of viewers to the video — nearly 265,000 on YouTube by midday Monday.

"That's way off the charts for any other videos we've done before," Davis said.

A second video on noradsanta.org and on YouTube, "NORAD Tracks Santa Command Video 2013," has drawn nearly 122,000 views. It's a longer, fast-paced mix of animation and real-life footage billed as a test flight for Santa, who gets the military tag "Big Red One."

"This is very much a fun and safe and nonviolent site that children of all ages can visit," Davis said. "Parents can be confident their children will walk away (and) have had fun and potentially have learned something, too."

NORAD is a U.S.-Canadian operation based at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo. It's charged with defending the skies over both nations and monitoring sea approaches.

The Santa program began in 1955 when a typo in a local newspaper advertisement had children calling the hotline of NORAD's predecessor, asking to talk to Santa.

It's now a Christmas tradition that thrills millions of kids, and parents. Last year, global monitoring of Santa's voyage logged 114,000 phone calls to NORAD, 1.2 million Facebook followers and 129,000 Twitter followers.

According to the Hartford Courtant, authorities who were responding to a 911 call found 27-year-old Tabitha Perry on the floor "unconscious and not breathing" at the home of a friend she was visiting at 25 Darling St. in Southington, Conn.

Another associate of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has been found dead.

According to the Hartford Courant, authorities who were responding to a 911 call found 27-year-old Tabitha Perry on the floor "unconscious and not breathing" at the home of a friend she was visiting at 25 Darling St. in Southington, Conn. Police, who do not believe the death was suspicious, are awaiting toxicology results before determining her cause of death.

Perry was of the individuals that had been connected to Hernandez's social roots in Bristol and had interviewed by police following the June 17 slaying of former semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd. Hernandez faces six charges in connection to the death, including first-degree murder. He has plead not guilty to all charges.

In addition to being connected to Hernandez's social circle in Bristol, Perry was also involved in the July 2 crash that killed 33-year-old Thaddeus Singleton III, who was expected to be interviewed by police in connection to Lloyd's death.

Perry was a passenger when, according to the Courant, the vehicle Singleton was driving "shot 100 feet through the air and hit the Farmington Country Club 6 feet off the ground" in Farmington, Conn., killing Singleton and injuring Perry.

Singleton was married to Hernandez's cousin, Tanya Valderrama and was driving a vehicle that was registered to his father-in-law, Andres Valderrama.

This marks the third death of individuals connected to Hernandez since he arrest six months ago. Robert Valentine, another uncle of Hernandez, was killed in a moped crash in Bristol back in August.

Longmeadow Select Board member Alex Grant says his personal views on casino should not affect negotiations with MGM Springfield.

LONGMEADOW — MGM Resorts International Vice President Michael C. Mathis has expressed his disappointment in the lack of progress in negotiations with Longmeadow in a letter that has caused some internal conflict among board members.

Mathis sent a letter to Town Manager Stephen Crane claiming the town's attorneys have displayed an "adversarial posture," and questioning "the conduct of certain members of your Select Board."

In response, Select Board member Alex Grant, who is against a casino proposed in Springfield, sent a letter without conferring with the board, stating the casino will be detrimental to Western Massachusetts businesses and residents.

Longmeadow, like many communities before it, is in negotiations with MGM to become a surrounding community, which means its would be owed mitigation for any adverse affects of a casino in Springfield.

In his letter, Mathis, vice president of global gaming development, details the casino's efforts to reach an agreement with Longmeadow that is similar to other agreements accepted by communities including Ludlow, East Longmeadow and Agawam, among others.

Mathis said he does not believe Longmeadow will be impacted more than these communities.

"We do not accept that Longmeadow will be significantly and adversely impacted as we understand the operative standard," he writes. "Nonetheless, we have attempted to work in good faith with Longmeadow... ."

Mathis goes on to question whether it is pointless to negotiate with the town.

"We have repeatedly heard that it is pointless to attempt to negotiate a surrounding communities agreement with Longmeadow as it is a common perception that the leadership of your community is unconcerned with the resurgence of Springfield or the economic development that we are attempting to bring to the Western Massachusetts region, and will only use this process to frustrate the progress of our proposal," he wrote.

MGM is currently offering Longmeadow a preliminary, and standard, deal of $25,000 in up-front costs, and $75,000 annually.

The town argues that it will be adversely affected, particularly by any traffic directed off Interstate 91. Crane, who has worked closely with Select Board Chair Marie Angelides and town counsel to negotiate an agreement, said the town will be submitting a counter offer to the casino's current agreement in the next few days.

"We have been straight with them the whole time and have not slow walked this process," Crane said. "So much of our analysis was reliant on data MGM had to provide and that is why it seems to have dragged on forever," he said.

Crane also said MGM has 30 days after submitting its application to come to agreements with surrounding communities.

"I think they may have made the deadlines seem closer than they actually are and put some undue pressure on communities to accept the agreements," he said.

In his letter, Mathis goes on to point at the "conduct of certain members of your Select Board and a recent Town Meeting vote" as further reasons why Longmeadow has not accepted the agreement.

While the town voted not to support a casino in Springfield, the Select Board as a whole has not taken an official position on the casino. However, Grant has been actively opposed to a casino coming into the area and expresses his opposition in his letter.

Angelides said she is disappointed in Grant's decision to send the letter and sign it as a member of the board.

"I am disappointed that an individual member of the board responded to official correspondence addressed to the whole board," she said. "The Select Board voted to hire a legal firm to handle the communications and negotiations with MGM."

Angelides said the board has spent several months preparing for the negotiations and it was not the right time for Grant to express his personal views.

In his letter, Grant responded to Mathis by saying his personal feelings have nothing to do with whether Longmeadow should receive mitigation as a surrounding community. He also said he takes offense to the comment that he and others do not support the economic growth of Springfield.

"I reject your suggestion that I, and many other people who feel as I do, such as the majority of voters in West Springfield, are 'unconcerned about the resurgence of Springfield,' or 'economic development of Western Massachusetts' ... The people of Longmeadow, West Springfield and the other surrounding communities have cared about Springfield long before MGM came to town. We work in Springfield, we patronize local businesses in Springfield, and we give money and time to institutions that support Springfield," he wrote.

As for the town's vote against a casino, Grant said it is the town's right under the Gaming Commission's statute that the views of surrounding communities be considered in awarding the license.

MGM Springfield letter and surrounding community agreement proposal to Longmeadow 12-13-2013 by masslive

Longmeadow Selectman Alex Grant Letter to MGM by masslive

Haley started working for the Palmer police department 36 years ago.

PALMER - Police Chief Robert P. Frydryk said Detective Sgt. Scott E. Haley has investigated every major crime in town over the past 25 years, which is one of the reasons the chief nominated him for the prestigious 16th annual Richard G. Werenski Officer of the Year Award from the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association.

For Haley, who plans to retire on Feb. 1, the award caps off a career that he started 36 years ago as an auxiliary officer. He rose through the ranks to become a sergeant in 1987, then the department's first - and only - detective in 2000.

Haley said he was told a few days before the award ceremony that he would be getting an award, but didn't know what it was for. So it was a surprise on Dec. 10 when he attended the ceremony at the Log Cabin in Holyoke with his wife, Jacqueline, and children Ryan, 23, and Danielle, 20, and learned he was police officer of the year.

"I think it's a great privilege," Haley, 55, said recently. "There are hundreds of police officers in Western Massachusetts. To be picked for that award over so many quality people really is an honor."

Palmer Detective Sgt. Scott E. Haley stands with his family on Dec. 10 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke after receiving the Richard G. Werenski Police Officer of the Year Award from the Western Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. From left to right, Haley's son Ryan, Haley, his wife Jacqueline, and daughter Danielle.submitted photo 

Haley said he's loved being a police officer, and said it's been a wonderful career. He said he always took it personally when he heard about someone dealing drugs or committing crime in his town, and became determined to arrest them.

"I love working in my own community. I didn't have it in me to leave Palmer. I've had chances over the years to leave, but I really felt like over the years I could make an impact," Haley said.

"I’m a local guy who knows like everybody in this community. I can find out what I need to find out. My phone’s ringing all the time from people," Haley added.

Haley also is one of the founding members of the Eastern Hampden County Drug Task Force, and has worked with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration over the years on cases.

He's been involved in plenty of drug seizures, including a crystal methamphetamine case 10 years ago - a bust police described at the time as one of the largest seizures of the drug in New England.

Frydryk said he felt Haley was worthy of the award, and noted his "long and distinguished career with the police department." Frydryk described Haley as "loyal and dedicated, extraordinarily hardworking and tenacious," with an enviable work ethic.

"He's done a lot for the Police Department in terms of establishing relationships with other state, local and federal agencies . . . . He's taken drug investigations on as one of his passions," Frydryk said.

Frydryk said Haley is so good at writing search warrant applications that he teaches how to do it at the police academy.

An arrest that happened on Christmas 2012 showed the kind of police officer Haley is, Frydryk said. On that day, even though Haley had enough seniority to take it off, he chose to work so he could arrest a man responsible for break-ins in Palmer and other communities, Frydryk said. The man had escaped from police the night before when they tried to arrest him.

Police tracked the man down at his mother's house in Bondsville, where a struggle ensued. The man crashed through the basement drywall in an attempt to escape and it finally ended when police tasered him, Frydryk said.

"(Haley) was certainly entitled to take (the day) off. But he knew this guy needed to be arrested so he came in at the expense of precious family time," Frydryk said.

The award notes Haley's involvement in major Palmer criminal investigations, from arson and homicide to drugs and robberies, how he "worked tirelessly day and night" and states that his ability to investigate crimes is "extraordinary."

The Cumblerland Farms store at 134 King St. was robbed by two men just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, Northampton Police Lt. Alan Borowski said.

 

NORTHAMPTON — The Cumberland Farms convenience store at 134 King St. was robbed by two masked men just before 1 a.m. Wednesday, Northampton Police Lt. Alan Borowski said.

The suspects fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to Borowski.

Greenfield police responded to a similar report involving two men who robbed a convenience store in that city about an hour before the Northampton incident. Authorities are still trying to determine if the crimes are related.

The clerk at the King Street store was shaken by the holdup but unharmed, according to police, who continue to investigate.

The suspects did not show any weapons, and it remains unknown if they fled the scene in a car. "(We have) no vehicle descriptions," Borowski said.

A police K-9 unit attempted to track the men, but the dog lost their scent.

Police are asking anyone with information about the crime to call them at (413) 587-1100.

Town officials will hold public hearing on closed bridge next month.

AMHERST – Town officials are asking for people to comment on the future of the now closed Mill River bridge – reopen it to traffic or leave it just the way it is.

The town has hired the Cambridge-based CDMSmith to help the town evaluate the options and will be holding a public hearing next month to hear comments about options.

Options include rebuilding the bridge as either a full two-lane bridge with a sidewalk or a one-lane bridge and accompanying bicycle and pedestrian path, leaving it the way it is now and continuing to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to use it or improving it for just cyclists and walkers.

During the summer, the state notified the town that it was on a fast track to have the bridge replaced in 2017 but Town Manager John P. Musante sent a letter to Albert Stegemann, district director for the state Department of Transportation, asking for some more time with the project.

During the bridge closing, “the change in the neighborhood and Puffers Pond recreational area have been positive with only limited impact to the traveling public,” Musante wrote. He asked to hire a consultant to give the town the tools and time to evaluate the options.

Schematic drawings of the various options are available at http://www.amherstma.gov/index.aspx?nid=1872.

Officials are asking that people send comments to the Department of Public Works at Publicworks@amherstma.gov. Comments will be added to the projects website so that they are available to the public.

People can also speak at a Public Works Committee public hearing Jan. 9 at the Bangs Community Center. Time has yet to be posted.

Once comments have been received, the Public Works Committee will review the options and comments and then recommend one of them to the town.

Town officials closed Mill Street at Summer and State streets to all but local traffic in July 2012 after state officials released the results of a January inspection showing that rust had deteriorated the I-beams that support the bridge. 


The bridge had lost so much metal that officials determined it could not safely bear the weight of motor vehicles. The bridge, built in 1906, last had its decking reconstructed in 1983.

Musante said last year that repairing the bridge could cost between $2.5 million and $3.5 million.

Approximately 540 families received toys from the Salvation Army on Pearl Street in Springfield on Tuesday.

View full sizeTo get a printable version of this coupon to mail in with your Toy for Joy donation, click on "view full size," above. 

SPRINGFIELD - The Toy for Joy fund is distributing both popular and educational toys this year, as well as books.

Popular with babies is the Playskool Panda Glofriend which plays lullabies for 10 minutes, while emitting a soothing image which glows.

Popular with “tween” girls is the “One Direction Girl Talk” game, a good game for fans of the band, “One Direction” to play with friends.

Volunteer Michael Skala said parents are overjoyed to receive the toys so they will have something to give their children on Christmas.

The Toy for Joy fund, which is in its 91st year, is sponsored by The Republican and The Salvation Army, with the help of campaign partner Hasbro of East Longmeadow, which donates a portion of the toys for the campaign.

On Monday toys were distributed to approximately 535 families at the Salvation Army on Pearl Street in Springfield. An additional 540 families received toys on Tuesday.

This year 3,270 adults and approximately 14,715 children signed up in Springfield to receive toys from the fund, more than last year, said Danielle LaTaille, director of social services from the Greater Springfield Salvation Army citadel on Pearl St.

Holyoke so far has registered and distributed toys to 1,240 families and still has three days of registration and distribution left.

On Wednesday the fund received $3,930.It still has $102,276 to go.

The Toy for Joy fund has a $150,000 fund-raising goal by Christmas Eve.

Toy registration
Here are the times for families to register at Salvation Army sites for the 91st annual Toy for Joy campaign. Registration has closed in Springfield, Greenfield, Westfield and the Hilltowns. This is the last week for registration in Holyoke
Holyoke
Holyoke Citadel: 271 Appleton St., Holyoke; now through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; for info, call (413) 532-6312; serves Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby
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.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also 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.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

• In memory of husband Jim and our parents Eunice and George Ross and Barb and Jim Fitzgibbon, $50 


• In memory of Dom and Lucy Tranghese and Fred and Mary DeAngelo, love Joe and Carla, $20


• In memory of my mother Helen and brother Stephen, love Louis, $20


• In memory of Margie, she loved children, $25


• In thanksgiving for our many blessings, Sandy and Pat, $25


• In loving memory of my son Norman Oliver, $10


• Happy holidays and peach on earth, $100


• Merry Christmas, $100


• Christmas blessings for all the children, $10


• Happy holidays Will C., $30


• In memory of Ben Langlois, keeping your joy alive, Donna, $20


• In memory of Bill and Ruth Dorval, love Barbara, $50


• In memory of Chooch, $20


• In memory of my grandsons Jonathan and Louis Hyder and Benjamin MacDougall from Grandma Misiaszek, $25


• In thanks to all my co-workers at PPK, $50


• Merry Christmas from Jim, Judy, Jeff, Chris, Kim, Nick and Josh, $150


• Thank you Blessed Mother, Sts. Jude, Anthony for favors, JG, $50


• In memory of Bert, we miss you, Ernie, Rosie, Zoe and Mama, $50


• Merry Christmas Erin and Finnola, $25


• Anonymous, $300


• In memory of my lovely wife Rita, $10


• Happy holidays, EK, $20


• In loving memory of EH, DH, EH, DB and WW, love Janet, $15


• In memory of my parents Al and Lucy DiStefano from son and family, $20


• In memory of my grandparents Anna and Walter Larzazs, love Louis, $10


• In memory of our parents Baxter, Nell, John and Amelia, $25


• Merry Christmas from Skywalker, $30


• In loving memory of Forrest Tyson from his family, $25


• Audrey, $25


• In memory of my parents Marge and Stan from Carol, $50


• Russell bus drivers for Snoopy’s Ransom, $80


• In loving memory of the Flynn and Carneiro families, Phyllis and family, $100


• Shirley, $50


• In memory of our grandfather Joseph Misiaszek from Kristin, Mike, Holly, Beth and Levi, $25


• In memory of brother Joe who loved Christmas, $25


• Peace, love, joy and grateful for blessings, $20


• For our parents and two brothers, $25


• In memory of Jack B Honey and all from the family, $50


• Merry Christmas to all, $25


• Nancy, $50


• Thankful for healthy happy grandchildren, $25


• In loving memory of Mom, Dad, Shirley, Sandy and Janasia (JJ), $25


• In loving memory of my father Walter J Haryasz from son Ed, $25


• In loving memory of my parents Stanley and Stella Borowik from daughter Marilyn, $25


• Merry Christmas from Mike, Cindy, Holly and Matt, $100


• In loving memory of Grandpa Dale, love Sarah, $20


• Merry Christmas to all the children from the Boyers, $10


• Anonymous, $100


• In loving memory of my sisters Mim McNulty and Phyll Marhoffer, $50


• In memory of Francis Stahelski and Daniel Fiala, $20


• In loving memory of Ralph O’Brien, always in our hearts from his family, $50


• In loving remembrance of my brothers Michael and Jack from Joan, $25


• In memory of Joseph and Margaret Ambrose from their daughters, $20


• In memory of my parents Jennie and Joseph Rubis, $200


• Anonymous, $50


• In loving memory of my husband Jonathan and our parents, $50


• Merry Christmas to all children from Kaitlyn, EJ and Anthony, $20


• Pow-Mia you are not forgotten, $25


• Remembering our beloved Marcia Tarosky, $10


• Anonymous, $100


• God bless us all, $50


• Last year my daughter Erin had the Christmas she deserved based on the generosity of my family and friends, thank you, Kathy, $30


• Merry Christmas from Griffin and Casey, $100


• Merry Christmas from Bill, Sue and Whitey, $50


• Merry Christmas from Wayne and Maureen Harju, $25


• The Gallaghers, $25


• Merry Christmas and God bless you, $50


• In loving memory of Georgianna Marshall, love Carol, Molly and Lacy, $25


• In memory of Walter and Sally Jurkowski8 from Joanne and Bill, $50


• In memory of my Cioci Mickey with love, $50


• To brighten a child’s Christmas morning, Diane and Frank, $50


• Anonymous, $100


• Anonymous, $15


• In memory of George Wing from his wife and family, $25


• In memory of Norman Beaulieu Sr from his wife and family, $15


• In memory of Mildred and Frank Beaulieu from their daughter in law, $15


• In memory of Jack and Ethel Saunders from their daughter and her family, $15


• In memory of John Saunders from his sister, $15


• In loving memory of Julie Mullin, Janet MacDonald and Jean Lockwood, miss you all, Ed, Evelyn, Conor and Eliza Mullin, $15


• In loving memory of Elaine, June and Joseph Calabrese, love you and miss you every day Mom, Dad and sis, love Nancy and Darcy, $50


• In memory of Em and Fred, $10


• In memory of our beloved son Paul Woishnis from Mom and Dad, $10


• In memory of our beloved grandson Matthew Woishnis from Baci and Dziadziu, $10


• In memory of Raymond Kotfila and Brianna Donovan, $100


• God’s blessings, $20


• In loving memory of my husband Eddie, love Dottie, $50


• Anonymous, $50


• In loving memory of my father Alfred “Pete” Bagge, $50


• Paula, $25


• Nick, Carolyn, Brittany and Buddy Athas, $25


• Your friends at Storms Forge, $50

A Harvard University student prosecutors say made bomb threats to try to get out of a final exam is making an initial appearance in federal court.

BOSTON (AP) - A Harvard University student prosecutors say made bomb threats to try to get out of a final exam is making an initial appearance in federal court.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Boston filed a criminal complaint Tuesday against Eldo Kim, alleging he sent hoax emails saying bombs were in four buildings on the Cambridge, Mass., campus. The emails came minutes before he was to take a final exam in one of the buildings.

The threats led to the evacuations of the buildings on Monday, shutting them down for hours before investigators determined there were no explosives.

Kim is due in court Wednesday. It's not known who is representing him.

Harvard said it was "saddened" by the allegations in the federal complaint but would have no further comment on the investigation.

The youth will be summonsed to juvenile court in Springfield, police said.

 

EAST LONGMEADOW – A DNA sample taken from a bloody shard of glass found at the scene of break-in to a North Main Street business last March has implicated a 16-year-old Springfield youth in the crime, police said.

Police Sgt. Patrick Manley said the break-in to the Competitive Edge Ski & Bike Shop, 612 North Main St., was reported early in the morning on March 23. Entry was gained through a broken window and police found blood at the scene, indicating that the suspect cut himself on the way in or out.

The break-in was one of three or four at the shop over the past 18 months or so, Manley said, adding that a number of bikes have been stolen. One such break-in was reported in June 2012 and another was reported the following month.

In the March incident, however, nothing was taken, Manley said.

The suspect’s DNA was already in the system and police received word of the positive match from the state crime lab on Tuesday, Manley said. The 9-month lag is not unusual, he said.

The teen will be summonsed to juvenile court in Springfield to face charges of breaking and entering and malicious damage, Manley said.

There is no evidence that the suspect was involved in the other break-ins or that any additional suspects were involved in the March 23 break-in at the shop, Manley said.

Massachusetts Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker was set to unveil a plan on Wednesday that he said would help eliminate the policy of placing homeless families in hotels and motels during his first year in office.

BOSTON (AP) - Massachusetts Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker was set to unveil a plan on Wednesday that he said would help eliminate the policy of placing homeless families in hotels and motels during his first year in office.

Baker said he would focus on getting families out of hotels by sending out assessment teams to work with each family, giving regional advocates for the homeless greater flexibility and requiring state agencies to work more closely with communities hosting homeless families.

Over the long term, Baker said he'd work to create better communication and coordination between state agencies so that families on the brink of homelessness receive the assistance they need to stay housed.

The number of families living in hotels has spiked in recent months, with about 2,000 families staying in hotels and another 2,000 or so in family shelters.

Baker said he has experience in getting families out of hotels and into housing, pointing to his work in the administration of former Republican governors William Weld and Paul Cellucci.

The first step in this process is to immediately end the current practice of placing struggling families in hotel and motels where they are far from their support network," Baker said in a statement, calling it a "a failed policy that does more harm than good."

Baker's announcement comes as the Legislature's Joint Committee on Housing plans to hold an oversight hearing to examine the rise in homelessness in the state.

Baker was the 2010 GOP nominee for governor. He was defeated by Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick, who is not seeking a third term.

Last night's heavy snow that intensified during rush hour made the trek home a nightmarish one for many commuters.

BOSTON — Last night's heavy snow that intensified during rush hour made the trek home a nightmarish one for many commuters on the roads and on the rails across the city of Boston and beyond.

Travel speeds on many of the major thoroughfares around Greater Boston were averaging 10 MPH or less for hours as drivers carefully traversed snow packed roads. Portions of Storrow Drive were briefly closed yesterday due to the snowy conditions.

Many drivers reported unplowed roads all across the Greater Boston area during rush hour, including highways like the MassPike.

The MBTA experienced delays on nearly every form of transportation it offered as weather conditions prompted closures on some segments of lines, including the Green Line and the Mattapan High Speed Line.

Commuters leaving North Station after the Bruins game complained on social media channels about excessive commuter rail delays.

@Mbta This is unacceptable. 25 minutes late? It wasn't the damn blizzard of '78! Why is the commuter rail TERRIBLE compared to the Blue Line

— Ryan Boehm (@RyanBoehm) December 18, 2013

A similar nightmarish commute took place almost exactly six years ago when they same circumstances, rush hour and snow storm, combined to snarl traffic for hours.

This morning's commute was significantly better compared to last night's mad dash to get home.

A Massachusetts startup is launching a new device that transforms almost any bicycle into an electric-hybrid vehicle using an app on a smartphone.

RODRIQUE NGOWI, Associated Press

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) -” A Massachusetts startup is launching a new device that transforms almost any bicycle into an electric-hybrid vehicle using an app on a smartphone.

The device, called the Copenhagen Wheel, is installed as part of a rear hub of a bike wheel and is packed with a proprietary computer, batteries and sensors that monitor how hard a rider is pedaling and activate an onboard motor whenever support is needed. The device uses wireless connectivity to communicate with the biker's smartphone to track distance traveled and elevation gained, share with friends the number of calories burned and lock the wheel remotely as soon as the owner walks away from the bike.

"The motor integrates itself with the rider's motion very, very seamlessly," said Assaf Biderman, who co-invented the device at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's SENSEable City Lab, where he is associate director. "It's almost like having a riding companion riding together with you, making the ride easier, simpler."

The combination of power from the Copenhagen Wheel and the cyclist's energy can make an average biker move "almost like a Tour-de-France-level athlete in your daily commute," said Biderman, who founded Cambridge, Mass.-based Superpedestrian Inc. that secured an exclusive license for the technology from MIT.

The Copenhagen Wheel packs sufficient power to propel a rider as fast as 60 kph (37.28 mph), but developers have put speed limits in software to meet local speed limits, effectively turning off the motor once the speed reaches 20 mph in the U.S. and 25 kilometers in Europe.

The concept was inspired by a simple question: "How can we get more people to cycle?" Biderman said.

The project received funding from the Italian ministry of the environment and office of the mayor of Copenhagen, a Danish city known as one of the most bicycle friendly locations in the world and whose tourism website says 55 percent of its residents bike 1.2 million kilometers (750,000 miles) every day.

The initial 1,000 units of the Copenhagen Wheel became available for pre-order through the Superpedestrian website earlier this month. Two weeks later, at least 810 had been sold for $699 each, the majority of them to customers in the U.S. Other orders went to Europe, Australia, Kenya, Madagascar and elsewhere. Shipping is scheduled for next spring.

The Copenhagen Wheel does not replace a cyclist's existing bicycle. Consumers get the stylish hubcap-sized device already installed on a new rear wheel that fits their current bicycle. They remove the current wheel from their bike and install the souped-up unit and they are ready to go. The batteries are rechargeable.

The Copenhagen Wheel seeks to tap into a lucrative and highly competitive market for electric bikes, also known as e-bikes.

In a recent report, clean-technology consulting company Navigant Research estimated that worldwide revenue from electric bicycles will grow from $8.4 billion this year to $10.8 billion in 2020, fueled in part by desire for a viable alternative to increasingly congested city roads that makes crawling in car traffic less palatable.

In the U.S., the trend is reflected in Census Bureau data showing the number of bicycle commuters rose 60 percent in the decade ending in 2010.

"Over the past few years we've seen a cycling renaissance throughout the world," Biderman said. "People are looking for alternatives."

___

Rodrique Ngowi can be reached here.

___

More on the Copenhagen Wheel