Police said a driver and a one passenger were on board.
AMHERST -- No injuries were reported Wednesday morning when a PVTA bus lost control on a snowy stretch of South Pleasant Street and crashed head-on into a utility pole.
Lt. Ronald Young said that, along with the driver, one passenger was on board.
Young, speaking shortly after 9 a.m., said emergency personnel were still on scene.
Additional information was not immediately available.
Single family homeowners and commercial property owners will see their 2014 Worcester tax bills rise at the same rate next year.
Single family homeowners and commercial property owners will see their 2014 Worcester tax bills climb at about the same rate.
On Tuesday night, the Worcester City Council voted to increase the median property taxes by 4.1 percent for those properties, according to the Worcester Business Journal.
Single-family homeowners will pay $19.54 per $1,000 assessed value. Commercial and industrial property owners will pay $30.83, according to the Telegram.
For decades, Worcester has charged commercial and industrial properties at a higher rate than residential properties. That "rate gap" is an annual source of debate when the council meets at the end of the year to set the following year's rates.
The city's business interests have been pushing for the council to close the gap between Worcester's homeowner tax rate and the commercial tax rate. The Chamber of Commerce said it met with several council members ahead of the vote, pushing for a more business friendly rate.
Council members who voted against the motion on Tuesday said they wanted to maintain a larger split between the residential and commercial tax rates.
Councilors George J. Russell, Konstantina Lukes, Philip Palmieri, Sarai Rivera and Michael Germain voted against the motion.
Russell, who represents the city's third district, said closing the rate gap would hurt the ability of struggling residents to find affordable housing.
"If you want to make a negative impact on the real estate business and the real estate values in our city, keep marching toward an equal rate," Russell said. "Because that's what it's going to do in the long run."
District 1 Councilor Anthony J. Economou, who voted in favor, said the higher commercial tax rate forced businesses out of the city, hurting the city's overall tax base.
"The burden, as our commercial tax base dwindles away, falls only to the residents," Economou said.
Economou was joined voting in favor by Mayor Joseph Petty and councilors William Eddy, Joseph O'Brien, Frederick Rushton and Kathleen Toomey.
Overwhelmed by the massive damage wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in a central Philippine city, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced nearly $25 million in additional aid Wednesday to help the country deal with the devastation.
MATTHEW LEE
AP Diplomatic Writer
TACLOBAN, Philippines (AP) — Overwhelmed by the massive damage wrought by Typhoon Haiyan in a central Philippine city, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry announced nearly $25 million in additional aid Wednesday to help the country deal with the devastation.
Kerry flew to Tacloban city, where he saw what was left of entire towns wrecked by the monster storm's winds and tsunami-like storm surges. He visited a food distribution center run by USAID and government welfare officers, talked with officials and consoled survivors.
"This is a devastation unlike anything that I have ever seen at this scale," Kerry said at a temporary USAID headquarters in Tacloban.
"It is really quite stunning," he said. "It looks like a war zone, and to many people it is."
The new food aid, shelter materials, water and other supplies he announced for typhoon-lashed families bring the total U.S. assistance package to $86 million for one of its closest Asian allies.
Washington will also back a microlending program and a Philippine government effort with Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble Co. to help more than 2,000 small convenience stores repair and restock their shops. Many malls, gasoline stations and stores in Tacloban, a lively city of more than 220,000 people, were ransacked shortly after the storm hit.
Kerry praised survivors struggling to rebuild their lives amid the ruins.
"Last month's typhoon broke the world's heart," he said, "but what is certain is it didn't break the spirit of the people here."
One of the most ferocious typhoons to hit on record, Haiyan left more than 6,000 people dead and nearly 1,800 others missing. It damaged or swept away more than 1.1 million houses and injured more than 27,000 people.
More than 4 million people were displaced, with about 101,000 remaining in 300 emergency shelters in typhoon-smashed central Philippine provinces.
In Manila, President Benigno Aquino III appealed for help from diplomats and international aid agencies, saying Haiyan left massive damage and losses amounting to $12.9 billion.
Accompanied by Cabinet members dealing with the typhoon's aftermath, Aquino presented a four-year reconstruction plan to build new shelters away from newly declared danger zones, repair infrastructure, revive the livelihoods of tens of thousands of farmers and fishermen, and restore government services.
Aquino said his government would aim for resilience from future storms as it helps the typhoon-ravaged provinces rise from the calamity.
"We cannot allow ourselves to be trapped in a vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction," Aquino said. "We are going to build back better."
Kerry met with Aquino in Manila on Tuesday and announced $40 million in new U.S. assistance to Philippine security forces to help the country better guard its territorial waters amid rising tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The new aid is intended to complement a $32.5 million assistance package, which Kerry announced Monday in Vietnam, to help Southeast Asian nations protect their territorial waters. Up to $18 million of that money will go to provide Vietnam's coast guard with five new fast patrol boats.
Both Vietnam and the Philippines have competing territorial claims with China, which further stoked tensions recently when it declared a new air defense identification zone above disputed territory with Japan.
Kerry urged all nations involved in the disputes to "lower the intensity" and resolve their rifts on the basis of international law, specifically mentioning China's leaders.
The Boston Globe reports that outside groups spent $3.8 million during the campaign, far more than was spent any previous municipal election in Massachusetts.
BOSTON (AP) - The race to succeed Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was an expensive one.
The Boston Globe reports that outside groups spent $3.8 million during the campaign, far more than was spent any previous municipal election in Massachusetts.
Mayor-elect Martin Walsh, a former labor union leader, was the beneficiary of nearly $2.5 million in independent expenditures from political action committees affiliated with labor. Education-related groups fed about half that amount into the campaign of runner-up John Connolly.
The Walsh and Connolly campaigns, meanwhile, spent a combined $5.6 million, breaking the previous record of $4 million for a Boston mayoral campaign spent in 2009.
Walsh, who will be sworn-in to office on Jan. 6, declined a request from Connolly early in the campaign to refuse outside money.
The storm hit just as many people were starting their afternoon commutes, leaving major roadways looking like parking lots for hours after the work day ended.
A Tuesday evening storm that was originally predicted to bring between 2 and 4 inches of snow blanketed the region with as much as 7 inches in some places.
The storm hit just as many people were starting their afternoon commutes, leaving major roadways looking like parking lots for hours after the work day ended.
The National Weather Service says Westboro was Worcester County's unofficial storm winner, posting 7.5 inches of snow, according to spotter reports.
A look at unofficial results from across the county:
Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injures Wednesday morning after a bus crashed into a passenger car in Auburn.
Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injures Wednesday morning after a Worcester Regional Transit Authority bus crashed into a passenger car in Auburn.
The impact sent the car skidding into a front yard on Auburn Street, near Prospect Parkway.
Auburn Street was closed for a few hours while emergency responders cleaned up the scene. It re-opened shortly before 11 a.m.
Just four people, including the driver, were on the bus when it crashed, Auburn Police Sgt. R. Scott Mills said.. It was unclear whether the two injured were both on the bus, or if the driver of the other car was hurt.
The preliminary cause of the crash was poor road conditions after Tuesday's snow storm, Mills said.
The storm kept Auburn police busy. Mills said they responded to more than five accidents Tuesday evening, during the height of the storm.
Two Worcester men and a Holden man have been charged with attempted burglary. All three are suspected in connection with a series of recent residential break-ins, according to Worcester police.
In an era of DNA testing and other sophisticated crime-solving tools, Worcester police resorted to using their eyes and common sense to track down a trio of burglary suspects on Tuesday.
Footprints in freshly fallen snow ultimately led officers to a group of men now under suspicion for a series of residential break-ins in the city.
Police on patrol early Tuesday received a 4:49 a.m. report of a burglary in progress at a home on Chiltern Hill Drive. Residents told police they were awakened by their barking dog to find two men in dark clothes trying to break in through a back door.
The suspects fled on foot toward Belair Street, where police said they followed tracks leading to a car whose lone occupant "could not provide a legitimate reason as to why he was parked on the street ... so early in the morning."
Officers discovered additional fresh footprints and followed them to Old English Road, near Salisbury Street, where they spotted two men in dark clothing.
As a result of their investigation, police arrested two 21-year-old Worcester men: Anthony Colon of 41 Kingsbury St., the man found inside the car on Belair Street, and Trevon Jackson of 69 North St.
They also arrested 21-year-old Eirik McCallum of 15 Laurel Hill Lane, Holden. Police said McCallum was carrying a black backpack that contained various burglary tools, including a utility knife, saw, cordless drill, screwdriver, flashlight, and other items.
Police said a search of Jackson produced a pair of gloves that matched an identical pair found inside the car on Belair Street, which also contained items belonging to Jackson and McCallum.
Jackson and McCallum were each charged with possession of burglary tools and attempted burglary while placing occupants in fear. Colon was charged with possession of burglary instruments and attempted burglary by joint venture.
The men pleaded not guilty to the charges at their arraignments Tuesday in Worcester District Court. Information about bail and other court-ordered conditions was not immediately available.
Police said they believe the men may be responsible for a string of recent burglaries. The investigation is ongoing.
The restaurant's dining room is spacious, with suggestions of brashness in the decor. Watch video
In today's business environment an independent restaurant that makes it to the 10-year mark has demonstrated real staying power.
Consider then the pride that the Caputo family, which owns and operates Red Rose Pizzeria and Restaurant in Springfield's South End, must feel – this year Red Rose is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Such longevity isn't just about Italian food's enduring popularity. We suspect, rather, that it reflects Red Rose's dedication to a simple business strategy – good food, good service.
Neither the menu nor the surroundings have changed much since we last visited Red Rose a number of years back. The restaurant's dining room is spacious, with suggestions of brashness in the decor #8211; big chandeliers, oversized mirrors, and colorful murals. Tables and chairs are the dominant form of seating; a convivial little lounge occupies a space set apart from the rest of the action.
Red sauce Italian is the menu's dominant theme, which is expressed through the likes of Ziti with Marinara Sauce ($11.50) and Spaghetti with Meatballs ($11.99). Other pasta choices range from Fettuccine with Pesto ($12.99) to Chicken, Peas & Ham Alfredo ($14.99).
A selection of house specialties describes Baked Manicotti ($14.99) filled with meat and cheese, Eggplant Parmigiana ($14.99), and Sausage Cacciatore ($15.99) made with peppers, onions, and fresh mushrooms.
The roster of chicken and veal entrees includes Veal Parmigiana ($17.99), Chicken Francais ($16.99) and even Fried Chicken ($14.99), while the menu's seafood department describes Shrimp Scampi ($17.99) and Spaghetti with Clam Sauce ($17.99) among the options it enumerates.
Appetizer choices at Red Rose might not be all that inventive, but they definitely qualify as hearty. Fried Calamari ($12.95), Zuppa di Clams ($12.95), Chicken Tenders ($7.95), and Fried Mozzarella ($7.95) are typical of what's available. A classic Antipasto can also be ordered in two different-sized versions ($12.99 and $16.99).
We passed on the starter choices, instead deciding to begin our dinner with a shared Pizza topped with Sausage, Pepperoni, and Mushrooms ($12.95).
Pies come in four sizes at Red Rose and, after checking out the examples being enjoyed at several tables around us, we decided a "small" would fill our needs. It did so and more; the pie, which was probably fourteen inches in diameter, would have satisfied a small family.
After a few bites we were reminded of why Red Rose is a "go-to" place hereabouts when it comes to pizza. The crust, which is hand-stretched and hearth baked, has an appealing, yeasty flavor. Its texture is neither excessively chewy nor cotton-y soft.
A painting of tomato sauce adds flavor, while toppings of mozzarella, thin-sliced Italian sausage, pepperoni, and fresh mushrooms made for a first rate pizza experience.
Our entrees were equally praiseworthy.
Veal Piccata ($17.99) featured two egg-battered cutlets of good quality veal. Sauteed with butter, wine, and capers, the veal picked up interesting tart and fruity nuances, while the addition of artichoke hearts layered on another flavor motif.
Served with pasta (French fries are an alternative), the veal was a satisfying experience.
So was, for that matter, the slab of Baked Lasagna ($15.99) we tried (and failed) to make a serious dent in. Layered generously with sauce, ground sausage, and a combination of cheeses, it was satisfying, hearty stuff.
Entrees at Red Rose come with tossed salad, a simply garnished affair dressed with a tangy house vinaigrette.
Red Rose is fully licensed, offering a basic assortment of wines as well as beer and cocktails.
Dessert possibilities, some of which come from a nearby pastry shop, include classics such as Cheesecake ($4.99), Tiramisu ($4.99) and Spumoni ($3.75).
The Cannoli ($3.75) we sampled met our expectations – crisp shell; rich, creamy filling – and a wedge of Red Velvet Cake ($5.50) paired tender layers with a satisfying cream cheese icing.
At lunch Red Rose offers items from its dinner menu portioned and priced for midday enjoyment.
Name: Red Rose Restaurant and Pizzeria
Address: 1074 Main Street, Springfield
Telephone: (413) 739-8510
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
Entree prices: $11.50 - $18.99
Credit cards: American Express, MasterCard, Visa
Handicapped access: Accessible, with rest rooms equipped for wheelchairs
Reservations: Accepted for large groups
A DNA sample taken from a bloody shard of glass found at the scene of break-in to a North Main Street business has implicated a 16-year-old Springfield youth in the crime, police said.
These were the most read stories on MassLive.com yesterday. If you missed any of them, click on the links below to read them now. The most viewed item overall was the photo gallery of Tuesday's stowstorm, above.
1) Springfield police: Officer shoots dog while serving warrant on Andrew Street [George Graham]
2) 'American Hustle' makes a Hollywood star of Worcester [Sam Bonacci]
3) East Longmeadow police: DNA from bloody shard of glass at Competitive Edge break-in implicates Springfield youth [George Graham]
4) Thomas Woods is found unharmed in Connecticut; his father, Ryan Woods, is in police custody [Megan Bard]
5) Boston Celtics trade rumors 2013: Celtics emerge among frontrunners in Houston Rockets' Omer Asik sweepstakes [Jay King]
The robberies both occurred at Cumberland Farms stores, including a King Street location and a store in the Florence section of Northampton.
NORTHAMPTON — Police here are investigating the city's second convenience story robbery in as many days, after two men held up the Florence Cumberland Farms store early Thursday.
On Wednesday, the King Street Cumblerand Farms was robbed just before 1 a.m. by two unarmed masked men who made off with cash. In the latest incident, however, armed robbers confronted a clerk at the Florence store at 53 Main St. at about 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
Northampton Police Lt. Alan Borowski was not immediately available for comment, according to a department spokesman. But abc40 reports that at least one of the suspects was armed with a baseball bat.
The men, both of whom wore masks, fled the store with merchandise and an unknown amount of cash, according to the TV station.
Authorities believe Wednesday's robbery at the King Street store in Northampton may be linked to an earlier robbery at the Circle K Irving gas station on the Mowhawk Trail in Greenfield.
No weapons were shown in the Northampton incident, but police are investigating the possibility that one of the Greenfield suspects was armed with a gun. That incident was reported around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 1½ hours before the Northampton robbery.
In the Circle K robbery, two men demanded cash and cigarettes before fleeing on foot. Greenfield Police Detective Lt. Daniel McCarthy told the Daily Hampshire Gazette that a clerk saw one suspect holding a silver-colored item that was protruding from his pocket.
The suspect, if caught, could be charged with armed robbery even though no gun was displayed during the holdup, according to McCarthy. "It's based on the mindset of the clerk," he told the Gazette, adding that armed robbery charges can be filed if a victim believes an assailant had a weapon.
The suspects in the Greenfield robbery were described as two Hispanic men with slender builds, who were wearing dark-colored pants and black hats, masks and gloves, 22News reports. Physical descriptions for the suspects in the Northampton cases were unavailable.
This is a developing story. More information will be posted on MassLive as it becomes available.
MAP showing approximate location of the Florence Cumberland Farms store, 53 Main St. (Route 9), that was robbed early Thursday morning:
The new tax rate for residential property is $19.05 per $1,000 valuation and the new commercial tax rate is $39.75 per $1,000 valuation.
HOLYOKE - With the new tax rate established, Tax Collector David Guzman said Wednesday his office is preparing the 10,000 property tax bills that will reflect the new rate.
Bills for the third quarter must by state law be postmarked by Dec. 31.
The City Council by an 8-7 vote Tuesday set a new residential tax rate of $19.05 per $1,000 valuation and the new commercial tax rate of $39.75 per $1,000 valuation. The previous rates were $18.35 per $1,000 valuation for residential property and $39.97 per $1,000 valuation for commercial property.
The fund still has $98,195 of its $150,000 fund-raising goal to reach by Christmas Eve.
SPRINGFIELD - Donors to the Toy for Joy fund on Thursday honored fallen police officers Kevin Ambrose and Jose Torres.
Ambrose was shot while responding to a domestic call in Springfield and Torres was struck by a truck while working a traffic detail on Pontoosic Road in Westfield, both in 2012. The names of both officers were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in 2013.
Despite these donations, the fund still needs to raise $98,195 by Christmas Eve. Some $4,081 was recorded in today's batch of donations. The fund has a goal of $150,000.
The Toy for Joy fund distributed toys to approximately 1,075 families at the Salvation Army on Pearl Street in Springfield on Monday and Tuesday.
The 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.
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.
Cynthia G. Simison, managing editor of The Republican, said she remains optimistic that the fund will meet its goal.
“For more than a decade, I’ve watched as our readers generously give to Toy for Joy. In good economic times and bad, young and old, rich and poor come together at the holiday season to help ensure needy children have gifts on Christmas morning through this program,” Simison said.
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; today and tomorrow, 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:
The town of East Longmeadow currently does not have a human resources department.
EAST LONGMEADOW – The Board of Selectmen is looking at ways to fund a human resources department, including the possibility of sharing a department with the town of Ludlow.
East Longmeadow currently has a benefits manager, but not a full-time department dedicated to human resources.
Joshua Garcia, the municipal services coordinator for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, met with selectmen recently to discuss options. Garcia said the commission conducted a feasibility study which included visits with town administrators in Ludlow and East Longmeadow to see how the basic human resources functions are carried out in each community.
“ I couldn’t find any other community doing this currently, so if you decided to share an HR department with Ludlow it would be considered a pilot program,” he said.
The study concluded that similar communities pay between $200,000 and $250,000 for a full HR department which consists of a departmental director, a benefits manager, a specialist and perhaps a clerk, Garcia said.
“It would be very costly for you each to have full departments. East Longmeadow is already ahead of the game by having a benefits manager,” Garcia said.
One option the feasibility study includes is sharing the cost of the benefits manager between the two communities.
Both Selectman chairman Paul Federici and member Angela Thorpe said such a plan is not a possibility since the town’s benefits manager is currently overloaded with work.
“I don’t see how we could do that unless we gave her an 80 hour work week,” Federici said.
Federici said East Longmeadow hired a human resources consultant, but residents voted not to fund the position during Town Meeting several years ago.
Garcia said another alternative is to slowly build on the department over several years time.
“I heard you are getting a part-time person to help the benefits manager. You could certainly add to that in the future,” he said.
Board members said they will review the feasibility study and continue to consider what the town’s options are.
Coming soon: The Abandoned Building Brewery on Pleasant Street and the Fort Hill Brewery on Fort Hill Road.
EASTHAMPTON — Ah, beer ... the most egalitarian beverage on the taste spectrum, from the blue-collar punch of Pabst Blue Ribbon to the all-collar jolt of anything concocted by the folks at Oskar Blues Brewery.
Western Massachusetts has its fair share of microbreweries. But the increasingly funkified Easthampton is about to wrest the title of Brew Capital of the West from anyone who dares challenge the city, which will become home to two new breweries "within a month or two," Daily Hampshire Gazette staff writer Rebecca Everett reports.
Abandoned Building Brewery at 142 Pleasant St., just east of Eastworks, is fully licensed and hopping to brew its first batch of grog before year's end, owner and brewmaster Matthew Tarlecki told the Northampton newspaper.
A bit farther from downtown Easthampton, the Fort Hill Brewery at 30 Fort Hill Road expects to begin beer-making operations sometime in January, according to owner Eric Berzins.
More good news: Tarlecki and Berzins are both 20somethings who live in Western Mass, so we're talking about young, local entrepreneurs launching business ventures in this still sour economy.
Beer lovers will likely soon be shuffling between Easthampton and Northampton (they really shouldn't drive, after all), the latter being the region's undisputed bar and restaurant Mecca. But Amherst, Greenfield and Pittsfield continue to flex their muscles, too.
Springfield's tavern culture is mostly limited to a single city block, and past attempts at brew pubs have failed there.
As craft brewing continues to increase its presence in the beer market, "investors have a lot more faith" in such ventures, said Berzins, who hopes to roll out his first lager by February.
State officials say the eastbound Storrow Drive tunnel in Boston has been closed due to what is described as minor flooding.
BOSTON (AP) - State officials say the eastbound Storrow Drive tunnel in Boston has been closed due to what is described as minor flooding.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation said the heavily-traveled tunnel was closed at 6 a.m. on Thursday and it's not clear when it might reopen.
Traffic is being diverted from Storrow Drive into Copley Square. Motorists are being urged to take alternate routes into the city.
The last two weeks have been filled with awards and rallies for the champion Doherty High School football team.
WORCESTER - The last two weeks were filled with awards and pep rallies for the champion Doherty High School football team.
Since it's Dec. 7 MIAA Super Bowl win at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, the team has received the state championship trophy, had its Doherty Football 2013 Division IV State Champions banner unveiled, and learned that Coach Sean Mulcahy is the New England Patriot's high school coach of the year.
Wednesday night in the lobby of the DCU Center, dozens of Highlander supporters came to cheer, once again, for their team and watch as they, along with the cheerleading squad, received keys to the city from Mayor Joseph Petty and joined Doherty alum and council member Frederick Rushton in answering fellow Doherty alum and City Council members Joseph O'Brien and Saria Rivera as they lead the crowd in school chants.
Superintendent of Schools Melinda Boone, Athletic Director Dave Shea, DHS Principal Sally Maloney and Coach Mulcahy applauded the team, their parents and the greater Doherty community, remarking that it was a thrill to be on the sidelines during the game at Gillette.
The championship win capped the end to a dream season, which included several come-from-behind wins. Several players attributed their ability to persevere to their close knit relationship and the community's support.
"It's a great accomplishment, having the trophy here, to represent the city," quarterback Luke Brennan said after the rally. "What I'll remember the most about the season is how much the team was a family."
Senior wide receiver Alfred Adarkwah agreed with Brennan's assessment.
"What I'll remember most from the season is celebrating with the team after each win," he said, adding that he'll also remember fondly his touchdown during the game against Dennis-Yarmouth at Gillette.
During the rally, senior wide receiver Isaac Yiadom, who will graduate from Doherty in a few weeks and join the Boston College team in January, thanked the coaches, extended Doherty community and the city for their support throughout the season.
Doherty high alum and outgoing City Council member Joseph O'Brien told the team that he hoped they would carry the lessons they learned during the season with them throughout their life.
"Those life lessons that I learned on the field, I have carried them with me and they have helped me so many ways," O'Brien, who was captain of the 1984 Highlanders team, said.
Parent Anne Thompson, whose son Patrick Thompson is a senior member of the team, said that the friendships formed throughout the year, and prior, are too strong to break.
"For the seniors, this started four years ago," Anne Thompson said after the rally. "I'm incredibly proud of them."
Before the Dec. 7 game, Anne said that she told her son that no matter how the game ends, that the team will have stories that will last for a lifetime.
"After the game he told me, 'Mom, this story is so much better.'"
The right-hand lane on the eastbound side of the Storrow Drive tunnel in Boston has reopened after flooding in the tunnel closed it completely just before the morning rush hour commute.
BOSTON — The right-hand lane on the eastbound side of the Storrow Drive tunnel in Boston has reopened after flooding in the tunnel closed it completely just before the morning rush hour commute.
Department of Conservation and Recreation officials told MassLive that the crews are working to open the left lane in the tunnel as quickly as possible, but press secretary William Hickey could not give an expected time for completion. Water and ice on the left side of the tunnel still need to be removed to satisfaction.
"Something became caught in the catch basin, clogged it and froze it up, causing water to back log and ponding onto the actual roadway," said Hickey.
The flooding created what Hickey called "double icing," a condition that can create extremely unsafe road situations for drivers, particularly in tunnels.
The DCR Commissioner is here. he tells me the problem stems from a pipe clogged with salt and sand. #wbz pic.twitter.com/BOCYy2Gp36
— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) December 19, 2013Check out how far traffic on Storrow is backed up due to tunnel closed because of ice. #7News @7news pic.twitter.com/kflM2mcBMj
— Victoria Warren (@vwarrenon7) December 19, 2013The Storrow Drive Tunnel is closed. a huge backup. #wbz pic.twitter.com/FYUCYIPxex
— Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) December 19, 2013A 40-year-old man was found at Ruggles Station at approximately 5:50 p.m. last night suffering from a stab wound to his torso.
A description of the circumstances surrounding the stabbing and a suspect were not immediately available.
Those with information on the stabbing are encouraged to call the Transit Police Criminal Investigation Unit at 617-222-1050.
Ponds or lakes that have snow or ice are unsafe for walking or skating because temperatures have not been cold for long enough of a period.
SPRINGFIELD – The city is warning the public to stay off all ponds and lakes due to unsafe conditions.
Patrick Sullivan, the city’s director of parks, buildings and recreation management, issued the warning on Thursday.
Despite cold weather, the temperatures have not been cold long enough for the ice to be safe to walk on or skate, Sullivan said. A layer of snow covering on the ice gives a false sense of safety and the department encourages all parents and guardians to educate their children on the danger of unsafe ice and to heed the warnings posted on the signs.
An ice safety brochure is available online at springfieldcityhall.com/park and by checking the “ice safety” in the left hand column. The public can also contact the Recreation Division, (413) 787-6434 weekdays.
The dialed 911 as she followed the suspects in her car.
SPRINGFIELD – Police credit a 34-year-old woman, driving home from work early Thursday, with interrupting an armed robbery in the East Forest Park neighborhood, potentially saving the victim from injury or worse.
“They pulled a knife on him,” Sgt. John M. Delaney said. “They were fighting. He could have been stabbed.”
The incident unraveled as the 27-year-old victim, walking down Island Pond Road, crossed paths with the two suspects who were walking in the opposite direction, Delaney, aide to Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said.
The suspects jumped the victim, pulled his hooded sweatshirt over his head and began to beat him. One of the suspects then pulled a knife and stole the man’s cell phone.
The good Samaritan, driving down Island Pond Road, saw the robbery, stopped her car, flashed her headlights on the altercation and continuously blared her horn.
The startled suspects fled on foot and the woman “went above and beyond” and followed the suspects as they fled, Delaney said. She dialed 911 on her cell phone and officers Thomas Hervieux and Felix Perez caught the suspects after a brief foot chase.
Hervieux hurt his hand after he fell during the short foot chase on icy roads and sidewalks.
Daevon Ramsey, 18, of 52 Mapledell St., and Ashwan Whyte, 21, of 71 Arden St., were charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, assault and battery and threat to commit a crime. Whyte also had outstanding warrants.
