Included in the roundup: Former Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott launches a $350-per-hour consulting business and more.
Rounding up some of the stories from the weekend of June 25-26, 2011.
• Western Mass. man Jonah Fialkoff makes 'America's Most Wanted' for his role in Belchertown kidnapping
He hasn’t been on the lam as long as Whitey Bulger, but so far Jonah Fialkoff is the one who got away in a case involving $1 million in buried cash, kidnapping and all kinds of double-crosses. Read more »
• Springfield named in lawsuit by Palmer Renewable Energy over biomass permit revocation
On May 23, the City Council voted to revoke the Palmer-based developer's special permit to build a $150 million biomass plant near the intersection of Page Boulevard and Cadwell Drive. The council's decision triggered cheers from project opponents and an expected legal challenge from the developer. Read more »
Springfield:
• Springfield homeowners rebuild after tornado
Nearly a month later, many homeowners are dealing with insurance companies, contractors and even court dates while trying to move forward in their lives. Read more »
• Springfield firefighters extinguish Hungry Hill house fire that left 15 people homeless
Springfield police were first to respond to the call, and officers were credited with safely removing residents from the burning building and surrounding structures. Read more »
• Permit request for Sixteen Acres cyber cafe puts Springfield city council, city clerk at odds
The business on Cooley Street, known as Triple Sevens Cyber Center, has stated that it has no plans for illegal gambling and is mulling legal action to secure its special permit. Read more »
Holyoke:
• Retired Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott now consultant
Anthony R. Scott has launched a $350-per-hour consulting business and counts the Hampden County district attorney’s office among his first clients. Read more »
• Protesters, frustration mark final service at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Holyoke
Mater Dolorosa will merge with Holy Cross Church starting July 1. The new parish, called Our Lady of the Cross, will be located at the former Holy Cross building on Sycamore Street. Read more »
Whitey Bulger:
• James 'Whitey' Bulger era heads for history books
The Whitey Bulger era may be over, but the story is not. Details of Bulger’s alleged crimes – and information about those who assisted him – are yet to emerge. Those details are sure to stir up ugly memories. Read more »
• This is how it ends for Whitey Bulger?
And so it ends not in an explosion, but in a whimper, bringing on the final speculation of what 16 years surrounded by money you can’t spend, firearms that bring no safety, acquaintances you can’t trust and a room you can barely leave sounds like. Read more »
Opinion & Commentary:
• Tom Shea: About Mike Burke, Mario Elie, Keith Nash and other people too interesting to forget
Mike Burke was born in Enfield in 1916. The Gary Cooper movie, “Cloak and Dagger’’ was based on his life. He ran the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus, worked for CBS, where he recommended the company underwrite a new musical called, “My Fair Lady,’’ and was president of the New York Yankees. Read more »
• Viewpoint: Massachusetts 'Right to Repair' legislation unnecessary and unfair
The aftermarket parts makers have pushed for this legislation nationally and in several states throughout the country. Read more »