A brush fire near Interstate 91 in Greenfield forced state police to close a southbound lane early Tuesday afternoon

4-28-13 - Holyoke firefighters and Massachusetts State Police respond to a brush fire along I-91 southbound by the rest area. The fire has forced officials to close one of the travel lanes on Interstate 91. Michael Beswick / The Republican 

SPRINGFIELD - Fire officials throughout Western Massachusetts warn of increased fire danger as dry weather continues and forests have yet to green.

“It’s very dry out there,” said Westfield Deputy Fire Chief Mark Devine. “It doesn’t take much to get brush going.”

A brush fire near Interstate 91 in Greenfield forced state police to close a southbound lane for a short time early Tuesday afternoon as firefighters worked to put it out. It broke out near the off-ramp just north of Exit 26 which serves the Route 2 rotary.

The fire was reported shortly before 12:45 p.m. and scorched an area of about 100 yards by 100 yards, Fire Capt. Kyle Phelps said.

CBS3 meteorologists forecast dry and sunny weather through at least next Tuesday.

William Simpson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Taunton, said light winds and dry conditions will likely pose an elevated fire risk on Friday.

“You always have to contend with fire danger, especially before the green-up,” Simpson said.

Hadley firefighters responded to, and extinguished, an illegal burn in the Rocky Hill Road area on Tuesday afternoon. A single burning bush, meanwhile, was reported at High Pine Circle in Wilbraham.

Those two fires did not spread, officials said.

A brush fire, which started late Sunday morning on the south side of Interstate 91 in Holyoke, closed one lane of the highway. backing up traffic for more than five miles.

Statewide, the open burning season ends Tuesday, Devine said, however, that the Westfield Fire Department has not allowed open burning for several days due to the lack of rain. “It’s basically done for the rest of the year,” he said.

The Massachusetts open burning season starts Jan. 15.

The Holyoke fire was reported at about 11:45 a.m. near the rest area just north of Exit 17 near the Mount Tom Reservation. It burned about 15 acres of woods, said Lt. Thomas Paquin, spokesman for the Holyoke Fire Department.

The Patriots have terminated Waters' contract. Previously, the six-time pro bowler had been on the Reserve/Did Not Report list following his failure to report to the team last season.

Guard Brian Waters is officially no longer a member of the England Patriots now that the team has terminated his contract.AP Photo 

A source has confirmed to MassLive.com's Nick Underhill that the Patriots have terminated Waters' contract. Previously, the six-time pro bowler had been on the Reserve/Did Not Report list following his failure to report to the team last season. ESPN Boston was the first to report on the release.

The source also said that there is a market out there for the 36-year-old guard, should he choose to play in 2013, and that teams have already expressed interest.

Following his excellent first season in Foxboro, where he started every game for the Patriots en route to their Super Bowl Appearance, Waters considered retirement. However,his hesitation lasted long into training camp, and eventually into the season, leaving the guard's status as an NFL player in limbo. While there were reports that Waters' intentions were to play somewhere closer to his home in Texas, the Patriots refused to budge on his contractual obligation to finish out the remainder of his two-year deal in New England.

Reports emerged late last season that there were talks about bringing Waters back into the fold late in the year, and that the team even offered him a raise to do so. However, no settlement had been reached prior to the deadline to activate players from the Reserve/Did Not Report list.

While he's heavily hinted at it, Waters has never officially announced his decision to retire. As it stands, the guard is currently an unrestricted free agent and may sign with any team. The Patriots may have been unable to coax Waters into coming to play for them last season. However, he may end up choosing to play for a team in Texas, which would allow him to stay close to his family.

The university budget could become a bargaining chip for the Senate in budget talks with the House of Representatives.

BOSTON - University of Massachusetts President Robert L. Caret Tuesday urged the state Senate to provide $39 million increase for the university in the fiscal 2014 state budget, assuring a freeze in tuition and fees for the university next year.

"We are one step away from a potentially historic moment for the University of Massachusetts," Caret told trustees, according to a university release.

According to Caret, an increase of $39 million would give the five-campus university system a state budget of $478 million for the next fiscal year.

If the Senate approves the $39 million increase, it would match the $478 million approved last week by the state House of Representatives in its budget and provide enough state funding to keep tuition and fees at the same level for the next academic level, Caret said.

Gov. Deval Patrick proposed the increase for the university in January in his version of the budget.

Senate Majority Leader Stanley C. Rosenberg, D-Amherst, said he fully supports the effort by Caret.

Rosenberg said he has spoken with Senate President Therese Murray and is asking the Senate Ways and Means Committee to approve the $39 million increase for the university backed by the House.

The Senate version of the budget is expected to be released in a couple of weeks.

Caret spoke about the budget during a meeting of the system's Board of Trustees Tuesday in Boston.

Caret has said that tuition and fees will be kept the same for the academic year starting in September if the university receives the $39 million hike as a line item in the estimated $34 billion budget for state government for the fiscal year starting July 1.

Caret also is seeking a similar increase for the university for the 2015 fiscal year, which would allow for a freeze in student charges for the 2014-2015 school year also.

Under Caret's "50-50" proposal, which would take effect over two years, the state would pay for 50 percent of the costs of educational programs at the university. Right now, the state finances 43 percent and students and their families pay 57 percent of the costs.

If the Senate does not fund the $39 million increase, the university budget could become a bargaining chip in budget talks between leaders in the House and the Senate. After each branch approves a budget, a compromise is sent to the governor's desk.

Boston Marathon amputees who don't have insurance that covers the cost of their first artificial limb could find help from a new coalition of prosthetics industry groups.

BOSTON (AP) — Boston Marathon amputees who don't have insurance that covers the cost of their first artificial limb could find help from a new coalition of prosthetics industry groups.

The Coalition To Run & Walk Again pledged Tuesday to provide the first artificial device for each needy patient.

American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association Executive Director Tom Fise says the coalition won't cut patients a check, but will rely on members to supply devices.

Patients need a doctor's letter that says their injury happened in the marathon bombing and they don't have adequate insurance.

Dr. David Crandell, who heads the amputee rehab program at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, says the coalition's offer helps assure him patients will have support they need.

He says the Boston hospital is now treating eight marathon amputees.

Dry weather is predicted through next Tuesday.

HOLYOKE — Firefighters were working late Tuesday afternoon to extinguish three brush fires in the city caused by a train throwing off sparks along train tracks.

Fire Department Lt. Thomas Paquin said a four-acre area was involved near the Holyoke Community Charter School between Route 5 and Main Street.

Two other smaller areas were involved on the hill leading up to Mount Marie and near the Holyoke Mall, Paquin said.

“The areas are difficult to reach,” he said. He said firefighters were blasting the fires with water, which appeared to be knocking down the flames.

Fire officials throughout Western Massachusetts warned of increased fire danger as dry weather continues and forests have yet to green. Dry and sunny weather is predicted through next Tuesday.

Related:

Increased fire danger reported in Western Massachusetts as dry weather continues

Sarno said MGM provided the development proposal and agreement "that best delivers the game-changing economic, financial benefits, urban planning design benefits and positive ancillary spin-off benefits." Watch video

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced the selection of MGM Resorts International on Tuesday to build a casino in Springfield under an agreement that includes MGM providing more than $25 million annually in property taxes and other city payments and more than 3,000 casino jobs.

During a crowded press conference at City Hall, Sarno announced his decision to choose MGM Resorts, planning an approximate $800 million casino in the South End. MGM’s proposal beat out a competing proposal submitted by Penn National Gaming, proposing a project in the north end of the downtown district.

The agreement will be forwarded to the City Council on Wednesday. If the council approves the agreement within two weeks, Sarno said it would allow for a citywide referendum vote that could be as early as mid-July.

Sarno said it “has truly been a spirited competition” in Springfield involving two world-class casino developers.

MGM, however, provided the development proposal and agreement “that best delivers the game-changing economic, financial benefits, urban planning design benefits and positive ancillary spin-off benefits,” Sarno said.

William J. Hornbuckle, president and chief marketing officer for MGM Resorts, said the company is “ecstatic” with the mayor’s decision. The mayor called him just hours before the press conference, he said.

The progress and economic development that MGM can drive for Springfield and Western Massachusetts “is what won the day,” Hornbuckle said. The company did not take Penn National lightly, and will not take other casino competitors lightly in the region, he said.

In addition, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is conducting background checks on all casino companies vying for a gaming license in the state and could disqualify firms, under state law. The commission will issue licenses for up to three casinos in the state including one casino designated in Western Massachusetts, and there will also be one slots parlor considered in the state.

04.30.2013 | SPRINGFIELD -- Kevin E. Kennedy, chief development officer for the city, answers a question during a press conference at City Hall on Tuesday in which Mayor Domenic Sarno announced he had chosen MGM Resorts International as the company with which the city has reached a host community agreement on a casino project. Also on hand from left are Sarno, Cezar M. Foelich, consulant to the city, and Edward M. Pikula, city solicitor.Photo by Mark M. Murray / The Republican 

Sarno’s agreement with MGM followed more than two months of negotiations between city officials, city consultants and representatives of both casino companies. MGM is scheduled to formally sign the agreement during a press conference at the MassMutual Center on Wednesday at 10 a.m., and details will be shared with the council at 7 p.m., at City Hall.

Under the host community agreement, MGM Resorts will make payments and advances to the city up to $15 million prior to the casino opening.

Once opened, MGM will pay at least $25 million annually including property taxes, community impact payments, community development grants, and Riverfront Park improvements” according to a summary. Under state law, the developer also must make payments to some surrounding communities to mitigate potential impacts of the casino.

The developer has also agreed to use its best efforts to create and maintain no fewer than 3,000 operational jobs including at least 2,200 full time jobs. It also must use its best efforts to fill jobs with at least 35 percent Springfield residents and 90 percent from Springfield and area communities, under the summary..

The agreement is with MGM, through Blue Tarp Redevelopment LLC — the gaming company’s development arm.

Under the agreement, MGM must: use its best efforts to ensure that at least $50 million is spent annually on local goods and services; must implement or fully fund all traffic improvements described in its traffic study; and must either lease 44,000 square feet of space at Union Station, as planned, or pay the Springfield Redevelopment Authority $500,000 annually for 15 years to be used for station improvements.

MGM must also follow its submitted plans for its gaming, dining and hotel facilities, retail space, housing and an outdoor public plaza for year-round use and activities, under the agreement. The company’s plans include at least 3,000 slot and video gaming machines, 48,000 square feet of dining and beverage service space, and 54 market rate apartments.

Penn National Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Eric Schippers said Tuesday the company was “obviously disappointed,” and believes it offered the best project. Schippers said it is too early to say if Penn National would have any other casino plans or options in Massachusetts. Penn National could seek out another project if desired, a gaming commission spokeswoman said.

Sarno and Kevin E. Kennedy, the city’s chief development officer, said MGM’s proposal is the best for the city, its citizens, and business community, and for the region and the state.

Casinos are also proposed by Mohegan Sun in Palmer and Hard Rock International in West Springfield.

MGM is proposing a casino in a three-block area of the South End. Penn National was proposing a casino in the north end of the downtown district that included The Republican property, Peter Pan Bus Lines, the Kittredge building, and some riverfront lots.

In a prepared statement, Schippers of Penn National said the company respected the mayor’s decision and thanked the city for “a fair and open process”.

“We are obviously disappointed by the Mayor’s announcement this morning given the time, energy and resources we have invested in our proposed Hollywood Casino, which we felt was the best plan for Springfield given its optimal location and significant ripple effect,” Schippers said. He continued: “We congratulate MGM on the decision today and wish them and the City of Springfield the best. Finally, we want to thank our partner, Peter Picknelly, and all of our friends in the North End and throughout Springfield for their tremendous support throughout this process”

George Arwady, publisher and CEO of the Republican, said that “although our company was never an investor or bidder on this project, I nonetheless was saddened by the city’s decision.”

“I thought the site that included our property is a very good location for a resort casino. Nevertheless, we wish the city well as this process continues, since it’s abundantly clear that a resort casino downtown brings many benefits to the city and its citizens,” Arwady said.

Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said the possibility of a casino continues to be alive in Chicopee, but he did not say specifically if Penn National has approached him to discuss placing a casino in the city.

“Three separate developers have expressed interest in Chicopee as a casino location as recently as today (Tuesday),” he said.

That renews the possibility of placing a casino in the former Cabotville Mill in downtown Chicopee, which Paper City Development announced a last minute interest just before the first application deadline. However the Gaming Commission rejected the company’s request for an extension killing the proposal.

Staff writer Jeanette DeForge contributed to this report

MGM Springfield Host Community Agreement by masslive

In addition to removing trash downtown, they will also be covering up areas that have been plagued by graffiti over the years.

A Westfield School custodian cleans off graffiti on the rear of Paper Mill Middle School.The Republican file photo 

WESTFIELD -- The Westfield Police Department will be sponsoring a community cleanup day on Saturday from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m., during which volunteers will help pick up litter and cover up graffiti from various downtown buildings and landmarks.

Sgt. Eric Hall of the Westfield Police said teen volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA of Greater Westfield, Westfield Vocational Technical High School and Westfield High School will take part in the effort.

In addition to removing trash downtown, they will also be covering up areas that have been plagued by graffiti over the years, including the large cement wall that boarders the Westfield River between the new Great River Bridge and the railroad bridge, and one of the structures at Whitney Field, he said.

Rocky’s Hardware has donated paint for the effort, he said.

Hall said covering up graffiti promptly helps prevent its spread.

“The longer graffiti stays on a surface, the more likely it is that more graffiti will appear. If paint and markings are removed promptly, it discourages would be vandals from tagging in the future,” he said.

Both men denied the charges at their arraignments.

Westfield Police headquartersThe Republican staff [file] 

WESTFIELD – Two men are being held on charges that include breaking and entering after forcing their way into a Frederick Street apartment, threatening its occupants by claiming to have a weapon and stealing a television early Tuesday morning.

Westfield Police Capt. Michael A. McCabe said one of the two victims called 911 at 12:21 a.m. to report the incident. The suspects fled before police arrived.

The victims, he said, reported that the suspects forced their way into the apartment, implied they had a weapon and ordered one of the victims to the ground. Meanwhile, the other victim fled the apartment by jumping from a second-floor window.

McCabe said the suspects were familiar with the victims.

“There was no randomness involved,” he said.

Police said the suspects placed the television in the car they arrived in and fled in a different one to Taco Bell, where they called someone for a ride back to Frederick Street to retrieve their vehicle and the television.

“Why they didn’t just drive away is anyone’s guess,” McCabe said.

At that point, three hours after the incident, police arrested the two suspects after identifying their vehicle and the stolen television.

Jesus Torres, 35, and Carlos Alvarez, 27, both of Holyoke, were charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony, malicious destruction of property and larceny more than $250.

McCabe said Torres and Alvarez were originally charged with home invasion, but because a weapon never shown the charge was reduced to breaking and entering.

“We can’t prove they were armed,” McCabe said. “That doesn’t cut it for the elements of a home invasion.”

Torres appeared in Westfield District Court Tuesday where he denied the charges. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for May 28. He is being held at the Hampden County Correctional Center in lieu of $3,000 cash bond.

Alvarez appeared in the same court Wednesday where he, too, denied the charges. He is being held at the jail without the right to bail and will return to court Friday.

Westfield Police headquartersThe Republican staff [file] 

The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth has suspended one student charged in connection with the Boston Marathon bombings and says the other two aren't enrolled.

DARTMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth has suspended one student charged in connection with the Boston Marathon bombings and says the other two aren't enrolled.

The university said Wednesday that Azamat Tazhayakov has been suspended "pending the outcome of the case." He and Dias Kadyrbayev were charged with conspiring to obstruct justice.

Robel Phillipos was charged with making false statements. The university says Kadyrbayez and Phillipos aren't enrolled.

The FBI says the three removed a backpack containing hollowed-out fireworks from the dorm room of bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (joh-HAHR' tsahr-NEYE'-ehv) three days after the bombings. Their attorneys say they had no idea the attack was being planned.

The FBI says the three began attending UMass Dartmouth with Tsarnaev in 2011.

The university says it's cooperating fully with authorities.

The program is called "Homelessness: How Are We Doing? A Local and Regional View."

AMHERST – The Amherst League of Women Voters is sponsoring a public meeting to discuss the issue of homelessness May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Survival Center.

The program called “Homelessness: How Are We Doing? A Local and Regional View” will feature Pamela Schwartz from the Western Mass Network to End Homelessness; Jack Downing, president of the Northampton-based Soldier On; Kevin Noonan, executive director of Craig’s Doors; Nancy Gregg, Amherst Housing and Sheltering Committee; Hwei-Ling Greeney, from the Amherst Community Connections and Housing for All Committee, and Cheryl Zoll, executive director of the Amherst Survival Center.

The event at the center at 138 Sunderland Road.

Charles Allen claimed he was disabled and unable to work from 2003 to 2010. Over this period he also managed a restaurant.

This February 2005 file photo shows trays of printed social security checks, in Philadelphia, waiting to be mailed from the U.S. Treasury. People retiring today are part of the first generation of workers who have paid more in Social Security taxes during their careers than they will receive in benefits after they retire. It’s a historic shift that will only get worse for future retirees, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. Previous generations got a much better bargain, mainly because payroll taxes were very low when Social Security was enacted in the 1930s and remained so for decades. (AP Photo/Bradley C. Bower, File)The Associated Press 

SPRINGIELD – A city man was sentenced on Wednesday to four months of house arrest and ordered to repay the $97,000 he defrauded from the Social Security Administration by falsely claiming he was disabled.

Charles Allen of Springfield, 55, was sentenced in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to committing a fraudulent scheme to secure unauthorized Social Security payments, and making a false statement of a material fact for use in determining rights to Social Security payments.

Judge Michael Ponsor ordered Allen to two years probation, including four months of home detention, and to make restitution of the amount $97,012.

According to prosecutors, Allen between 2003 and 2010 fraudulently obtained payments through Social Security by claiming he was disabled and unable to work. During this time, he was working full-time as the manager of a Springfield restaurant.

Allen filled out Social Security forms in which he stated he had been unable to work due to disability since Jan. 29, 1999. He made the same statement during a 2010 interview with officials with Social Security’s Office of Inspector General before confessing that he had been working.

Ryan McMahon's friends and family have started an onlin fund to raise money to aid in her long recovery.

After two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon, Ryan C. McMahon said she remembers descending through the air and landing hard on her back and right hand on the concrete below the bleachers where she had been sitting near the finish line.

When she fell from the VIP stands, McMahon, 33, who grew up in Longmeadow, suffered a fractured back, two broken arms and a concussion. She said it could have been a lot worse.

"I am so lucky," she said in an interview. "It was like someone was watching out for me. As I was falling, I thought, 'Oh, my God. What is going on?' "

McMahon's struggle to recuperate in the weeks ahead encapsulates the ordeals faced by many of the estimated 280 people injured during the marathon tragedy. Three people were killed and about 15 others lost limbs that were ripped off by the explosions or amputated at hospitals.

Her parents, John P. McMahon and Donna B. McMahon of Longmeadow, and friends have started an online fund to raise money for the extensive rehabilitation and therapy she will need.

Despite her injuries, McMahon said she ran and was eventually helped into a cab that transported her to the emergency room at Boston Medical Center. She said she remains in anguish over the sight of other patients who suffered bloody wounds that in comparison make her own injuries seem less important.

Ryan McMahon 

"That was really hard to watch .. I hope all those people are OK," she said.

During the race, McMahon and a couple of friends were sitting a few rows from the top of the stands, located on the south side of Boylston Street. McMahon, marketing and communications manager for the Boston mayor's office of arts, tourism and special events, said she was enjoying a day off on the state holiday and was inspired by the runners. She said she only planned to stay an hour or two.

When the first bomb exploded across the street, then another about 10 seconds later, the crowd panicked and fled the stands. No one was sure if another bomb would explode and the blasts were hard to comprehend.

As she worked her way down, she bent and held the bleachers, but lost her grip when the stands shook and rattled under the weight of the fleeing crowd.

"We were all freaked out that there could be a blast right there. My initial reaction was, 'We have to get out of here.' "

McMahon, who is recovering at her grandmother's home in Newton, said she is overwhelmed by an "unbelievable outpouring" of cards, letters, flowers, donations and e-mails that is receiving from people in the wake of the bombings.

A 1998 graduate of Longmeadow High School who received a bachelor's degree at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2003 and a master's degree at Boston University, she said she is hearing from old friends from all three schools.

"I cannot believe how much love and support I've received," she said. "I'm in awe."

She said she can't walk without a brace on her back and that she will likely need the brace for the next 10 weeks. She has a brace on her left wrist, which she said is feeling better, and added she will probably wear a cast for up to 10 weeks on a more serious break on her right hand, which required surgery.

She said she is also working with a therapist for mental-health counseling. She said she is experiencing a mix of emotions and is worried about the future. She saw an occupational therapist on Monday who was impressed that she could move her fingers.

"I'm still not sure how things will come out. I've never broken a bone in my body. I've never had anything like this."

McMahon has lived in Boston for nine years. She got to know just about every corner of the city when she was personal photographer for Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino for four years before becoming a marketing and communications manager for the past three years.

She is passionate about the arts and culture and said she won't be held back out of fear of crowds. She said she is looking forward to attending special events and festivals in the city. She has already visited the makeshift memorial for marathon victims at Copley Square in Boston.

"I'm going to go to everything," she said. "I don't want to be stopped by any of this. I know I am injured but I don't want to be afraid ... I love Boston. This is my city."

The award honors teachers in the Pioneer Valley and specifically Hampden County for their impact on children and their communities.

HOLYOKE -- Seven public school teachers are being honored for winning Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards from the Grinspoon Foundation.

The teachers are Janet Morales, Yvonne Hilyard, Karen Chouinard-Sheedy, Joan Cameron, William Greaney, Debbie O'Brien and Joan Daly, said Carmen E. Sikand, assistant human resources director for the School Department.

The award honors teachers in the Pioneer Valley and specifically Hampden County for their impact on children and their communities, she said.

"The single most important influence on the success of a student is a good, quality teacher. We are lucky to have such talented teachers in the Holyoke public schools ...," said Mayor Alex B. Morse, chairman of the School Committee.

The teachers will be feted with a dinner on May 9 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 138.85 points to 14,700 points. Merck, the giant drug company, had one of the biggest falls in the Dow after reporting earnings that disappointed investors. The Dow had risen for four days straight.

Trader Richard Newman, left, works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange Wednesday, May 1, 2013. The stock market fell after a survey showed U.S. companies added the fewest jobs in seven months and Merck reported a lower quarterly profit. AP Photo/Richard Drew 

NEW YORK — Signs of a slowing economy dragged down the stock market Wednesday. Even the prospect of continued stimulus from the Federal Reserve didn't help.

Major market indexes fell by 0.9 percent, their worst decline in two weeks. Small-company stocks fell even more, 2.5 percent, as investors shunned risk. The yield on the benchmark U.S. government bond fell to its lowest of the year as investors sought safety.

Stocks opened lower and kept sagging throughout the day, hurt by reports of a slowdown in hiring and manufacturing last month. Discouraging earnings news from major U.S. companies also dragged the market lower.

"Investors are going to be rattled by these numbers," said Colleen Supran, a principal at San Francisco based-Bingham, Osborn & Scarborough. She expects stock market swings to increase following the early gains of the year.

The Dow Jones industrial average closed down 138.85 points to 14,700 points. Merck, the giant drug company, had one of the biggest falls in the Dow after reporting earnings that disappointed investors. The Dow had risen for four days straight.

The Standard & Poor's 500 index, a broader market measure, dropped 14.87 to 1,582.70.

The stock market was down even after the Federal Reserve stood by its easy-money policies after a two-day policy meeting.

The Fed is maintaining its $85-billion-a-month bond-buying program, begun in 2008, which aims to keep interest rates low to encourage borrowing, spending and investing.

The Fed also raised concerns about the economy, noting that tax increases and spending cuts that kicked in this year are slowing growth. The central bank made clear that it could increase or decrease its bond purchases depending on the performance of the job market and inflation.

John Lynch, chief regional investment officer at Wells Fargo said: "If you get a market that is purely built on free money, as opposed to solid fundamentals, investors should take pause."

The Fed's program has been one of the supporting factors behind the stock market's rally this year. The S&P 500 reached record highs in April and has risen every month in 2013, gaining 11 percent so far this year.

The market has stumbled in recent weeks following several reports suggesting the economy might be weakening.

Employers added only 88,000 jobs in March, far fewer than the 220,000 averaged in the previous four months, and the economy grew at an annual rate of 2.5 percent in the January-March quarter — a decent rate but one that's expected to weaken in coming months because of higher Social Security taxes and the federal spending cuts.

On Wednesday, a report showed that U.S. factory activity in April dropped to its slowest pace this year as manufacturers pulled back on hiring and cut stockpiles. Companies added just 119,000 jobs in April, the fewest in seven months, said payroll processor ADP.

Company earnings also drew investors' attention.

Drugmaker Merck & Co. fell $1.31, or 2.8 percent, to $45.69 after cutting its 2013 profit forecast. The company said competition from generic versions of its drugs and unfavorable exchange rates hurt its profit.

MasterCard eased $13.11, or 2.4 percent, to $539.80 after the payments processing company reported that revenue missed the expectations of financial analysts who cover the company.

About two-thirds of companies in the S&P 500 index have announced earnings for the first quarter.

The earnings are at record levels, and about seven of 10 companies have topped the forecasts of Wall Street analysts, according to S&P Capital IQ. Revenues have disappointed, though, with about six of 10 companies falling short. That suggests companies are raising profits through cutting costs rather than boosting revenues.

Earnings at S&P 500 companies are expected to increase 4.1 percent in the first quarter versus the same period a year earlier. Financial analysts expect that growth to accelerate throughout the year, reaching 12 percent in the final quarter, according to S&P Capital IQ.

But with much of the profit gain coming from cost-cutting rather than higher sales, some market watchers are warning that the market's four-year surge could be coming to an end.

Savita Subramanian, head of U.S. equity and quantitative strategy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, said companies need to show revenue growth. "If we don't see that, then the equity market is toast."

Among other stocks making big moves:

Home security provider ADT fell $3, or 6.9 percent, to $40.64 after its profit didn't live up to analysts' hopes.

T-Mobile USA Inc., the combination of T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS, rose 96 cents, or 6.2 percent, to $16.52 on its first day of trading. Goldman Sachs analysts opened their coverage of the stock with a "buy" recommendation and a 12-month price target of $22, predicting that the company will benefit from further consolidation in the industry.

The Nasdaq composite index dropped 28 points, or 0.8 percent, to 3,300. The Russell 2000 index, a gauge of small-company stocks, fell 23.25 points to 924.21. Small stocks are generally seen as riskier investments because their less established, have fewer resources and are more prone to failure.

In government bond trading, demand for the 10-year Treasury note rose, pushing down its yield to 1.63 percent from 1.67 percent. The yield is at its lowest of the year.

Markets in Europe were closed for the May Day holiday.

The start of the new month will also remind investors of the investing adage "Sell in May and go away."

The S&P 500 hasn't advanced in May since 2009. In recent years, stock gains at the beginning of the year have been followed by late spring-early summer swoons. In 2012 stocks plunged in May on growing concern that Spain and Italy would be sucked deeper into Europe's debt crisis. The year before, wrangling about the U.S. debt ceiling rattled markets.

Since 1970, the S&P 500 has generated an annualized return of 4.1 percent from May through October, well below the 17.2 percent annualized return from November through April.

A transit police officer critically injured during a shootout with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects is thanking those who saved his life.

This undated photo provided by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority shows transit police officer Richard Donohue, 33, who was critically injured in an early morning shootout Friday, April 19, 2013, with the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings. (AP Photo/Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority)The Associated Press 

BOSTON (AP) — A transit police officer critically injured during a shootout with the Boston Marathon bombing suspects is thanking those who saved his life.

In a statement released Wednesday by the Massachusetts Bay Transporation Authority, Officer Richard Donohue thanked fellow officers and emergency responders "who put their lives on the line to save mine" and medical experts who "miraculously brought me back to life."

A bullet to his groin severed a leg artery early on April 19, and Donohue nearly bled to death.

Donohoe said he expects to fully recover, and he's well enough to tell jokes and use a walker. He said doctors will leave the bullet in his leg.

Donohue sent condolences to the family of MIT Officer Sean Collier, allegedly slain by the bombing suspects. Donohue said he and Collier were police academy classmates.

Getting 100 people to show up at Ware town meetings is never a sure thing, but without that number there is no quorum and government business grinds to a halt.

 

WARE — Getting 100 people to show up at Ware town meetings is never a sure thing, but without that number, there is no quorum and government business grinds to a halt.

Numerous attempts to lower the quorum have failed.

This year there is a plan to address the problem: reduce the quorum to zero.

The article appears on the warrant and registered voters will decide the issue at the May 13 annual town meeting – provided there are at least 100 present.

Selectman John Carroll says he expects an amendment to the article to create a quorum somewhere greater than zero but less than 100.

“We can’t do this. That means five people can go in there and make decisions,” former Ware selectman Catherine Buelow-Cascio said in a telephone interview.

“It’s a pain and it’s a problem but we have to educate more,” she said. “We can’t give away our standards and give the town away. I know that sounds like the easy way, but ... .”

Selectman and Town Clerk Nancy Talbot favors the quorum change. She said reducing the quorum will not only allow Ware to conducts its business, but that other clerks she has talked with say a zero quorum actually increases attendance at town meetings.

“We’ve had many town meetings where we’ve had to delay or postpone deliberations because of lack of a quorum,” Talbot said. Proposals to reduce the quorum requirement of 100 have “come up several times but it has never passed.”

Article 26 states: “To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town Charter, to read, ‘The quorum at all Town Meetings shall be 0 registered voters.’”

The town meeting is May 13.

Wilhite had been found guilty of killing Alberto Rodriguez in a 2010 trial with co-defendant Angel Hernandez; Hernandez is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Supporters of Charles Wilhite at January murder retrialThe Republican/Don Treeger 

SPRINGFIELD — Two witnesses in both murder trials of Charles L. Wilhite have been indicted for perjury alleging testimony they gave during different court procedures was inconsistent.

Wilhite was found not guilty in January of the fatal shooting of Alberto Rodriguez in October 2008 in front of the Pine Street Market.

Wilhite had been found guilty of that killing in a 2010 trial with co-defendant Angel Hernandez. Hernandez is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

A judge in 2012 granted Wilhite a new trial in part because a key prosecution witness, Nathan Perez, recanted his identification of Wilhite as the shooter.

Perez, 22, of Springfield, was indicted Wednesday on two counts of perjury.

In the first count the charge says Perez said in the January trial he didn’t see who shot Rodriguez.

It said in the November 2010 trial he said he saw Wilhite shoot Rodriguez, which was inconsistent with what he said in January.

The second indictment charges Perez said in November 2010 he saw Wilhite shoot Rodriguez but in a hearing in April 2012 said he did not see who shot Rodriguez.

That hearing was on whether or not Wilhite should get a new trial, and resulted in Hampden Superior Court Judge Peter A. Velis granting the new trial.

Perez testified in the January trial as well as the April 2012 hearing city Police Officer Anthony Pioggia and another officer coerced him to identify Wilhite by threatening to charge him with accessory after the fact to Rodriguez’ murder if he didn’t identify Wilhite.

Perez had picked up shell casings from the street after the shooting and discarded them.

Pioggia testified he did not coerce Perez in any way.

Perez said he recanted that identification because he wanted to do the right thing.

The second person indicted Wednesday for perjury is Giselle Albelo, 28, of Springfield.

One indictment said she told inconsistent statements at the two murder trials. Another said she gave a statement in an October 2009 procedure (grand jury) inconsistent with what she said at the January trial.

The charges are that she originally said she saw Wilhite shoot Rodriguez, but in January said she did not.

Dozens of supporters of Wilhite, who had formed the group “Justice for Charles,” sat through the trial before Hampden County Superior Court Judge Constance M. Sweeney and attended all other court proceedings leading up to the trial.

No arraignment date has been set for Perez and Albelo.

The proposal to purchase trash barrels on wheels, which would have cost $850,000, was rejected in a 10-3 vote, with the majority of councilors questioning different parts of the proposal.

The Republican staff (file) 

CHICOPEE — The City Council once again has rejected a proposal to purchase trash barrels on wheels to modify the city’s garbage collection system.

The proposal, which would have cost $850,000, was rejected in a 10-3 vote, with the majority of councilors questioning different parts of the proposal.

During the same meeting earlier this month, the City Council approved borrowing about $3.5 million to purchase new equipment for the city and fund some renovation projects.

“We are approving a lot of spending tonight ... and the trash toters didn’t make the cut,” Councilor John L. Vieau said.

But Vieau said it may be something to be considered in the future.

The plan called for each resident to be given one trash barrel, similar to the existing recycling barrels, for their waste. The barrels could be lifted by automatic arm into the trash trucks so eventually the workforce could be reduced. It would also force people to recycle more because they would only have limited room for their trash.

City Councilor Dino A. Brunetti said he sees some benefits from the program but said he believes it will take more effort to educate residents about the plans than it did when the new recycling program was introduced about two years ago.

“At this time I will be frugal with this,” he said. “I still have questions. How much money would this save?”

Councilor Gerry Roy also voted against the idea, but offered an alternate proposal for families who may be interested in trying the program.

“I wouldn’t have a problem if we get some (barrels) and let the homeowners buy them,” he said. “I don’t think we should use tax money for trash cans.”

One of the ideas behind the proposal is to extend the life of the landfill located off New Lombard Road, where the city now dumps its trash. Once the landfill is closed, the cost to dump refuse will be greatly increased.

“I don’t believe this system will extend the life of the landfill,” Councilor James K. Tillotson said, adding that the owners, Connecticut Valley Sanitary Waste Disposal, are in control of how much trash they accept.

He said he has gotten a lot of complaints from people who dislike the proposal.

“I’ve gotten more calls against this than I’ve gotten on anything else in a long time,” he said.

SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen P. Crosby praised the casino process in Springfield on Wednesday, one day after MGM Resorts International was selected by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to compete for a state casino license. Crosby said the competition in Springfield between MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming was beneficial and appeared to be handled well. “What...

05.01.2013 | SPRINGFIELD -- MGM Springfield President William Hornbuckle, left, and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, right, at the MassMutual Center after Hornbuckle signed a host community agreement and transmittal letter Wednesday.Mark M. Murray / The Republican 

SPRINGFIELD – Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen P. Crosby praised the casino process in Springfield on Wednesday, one day after MGM Resorts International was selected by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to compete for a state casino license.

Crosby said the competition in Springfield between MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming was beneficial and appeared to be handled well.

“What we saw happen in Springfield is we see the benefit of competition,” Crosby said. “We are respectful of the mayor’s decision and it looks to us like he did a good job of getting two quality companies to put their best foot forward which is what competition is all about.”

MGM Springfield President William Hornbuckle signed the newly negotiated host community agreement on Wednesday during a ceremony at the MassMutual Center on Main Street. MGM is proposing a project in the South End, now needing approval from the City Council, city voters, and ultimately the state Gaming Commission.

The agreement spells out the specifics of the project and MGM’s financial and non-financial pledges to the city and region. The conditions include that MGM will provide more than $25 million annually to Springfield in property taxes and other payments and create more than 3,000 casino jobs and 2,000 construction jobs.

During the signing ceremony in Springfield attended by more than 200 people, both Sarno and Hornbuckle urged the community to support the MGM project and lobby for its success before the council, voters and the gaming commission.

“We could not be more excited,” Hornbuckle said. “We could not be more focused. We have a great vision for Springfield.”

Hornbuckle compared getting the mayor’s approval to winning the American Football Conference, but said the company is focused on “the Super Bowl,” obtaining the state gaming license.

If approved by the council, a referendum question could be conducted as soon as July 16, officials said.

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will select up to three casino projects in the state, including one designated for Western Massachusetts. The MGM project faces competition from Mohegan Sun, proposing a casino in Palmer off the Massachusetts Turnpike, and from Hard Rock International, proposing a project on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

Sarno urged the public including residents and business people, to serve as “ambassadors” for the MGM project.

Sarno forwarded the MGM agreement to the City Council on Wednesday, and it will be formally received at the council’s at its next regular meeting Monday at 7 p.m., at City Hall.

Sarno is seeking council approval within two weeks, to allow for a citywide referendum vote on July 16.

Penn National, having proposed a project in the North End of Springfield, could still propose a different site in Massachusetts, if desired, because it paid the $400,000 state application fee, Crosby said.

“We would encourage them to look to get in the game somewhere else,” Crosby said.

However, time is growing short in Western Massachusetts and elsewhere, except southeastern Massachusetts for a casino plan, he said. There is also time to bid for a slots parlor, he said.

A Penn National spokesman said Tuesday it is too early to comment on any future plans in Massachusetts, if any, and the company had no further comment Wednesday.

Chicopee Michael D. Bissonnette said the possibility of a casino continues to be alive in his city, but he did not say specifically if Penn National has approached him about that possibility.

He said he has been contacted by three separate developers having an interest in Chicopee, and as recently as Tuesday. Potential sites have been mentioned including Cabotville Mill in downtown Chicopee.

Peter Pan Bus Lines President Peter Picknelly, a partner in the Penn National project, said he would have liked to see Springfield choose Penn, but is optimistic about the city’s future, in an interview with CBS-3 Springfield, The Republican’s media partner.

Under the host community agreement in Springfield, MGM commits to making payments and advances to the city up to $15 million prior to the casino opening, and then at least $25 million annually once opened, including property taxes, community impact payments, and Riverfront Park improvements.

Under state law, the developer also must make payments to some surrounding communities to mitigate potential impacts of the casino.

The company will also strive to hire at least 35 percent of its workforce from Springfield, and 90 percent from Springfield and the region, under the agreement.

The company has also pledged its best efforts to ensure that at least $50 million is spent annually on local goods and services, among other pledges to boost the business and cultural assets of Springfield.

The flights are part of expanded JetBlue service at Bradley; by Oct. 24, JetBlue will offer flights to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach in Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Bradley.

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority has announced new JetBlue daily nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Fort Myers and Tampa in Florida.

The new routes will begin on Oct. 24 and are available for booking this week.

It is part of expanded JetBlue service at Bradley. By Oct. 24, JetBlue will offer flights to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa and West Palm Beach in Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Bradley, according to a news release.

Earlier this month, JetBlue announced that it will add daily flights from Worcester Regional Airport to Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., starting Nov. 7.

At Bradley, American Airlines has announced new nonstop flights to Los Angeles starting Aug. 27.