The staff was recognized was given an award of excellence for its work operating the plant in the wake of Hurricane Irene.

File photo by Michael Beswick / The RepublicanThe workers at the Greenfield Water Pollution Control Plant worked around the clock to clean the plant and bring all facilities back online following Tropical Storm Irene in August.

GREENFIELD – The staff of the city’s wastewater treatment plant was recently selected by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for a 2011 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award.

The staff, led by Superintendent Cliff Bassett, was recognized by EPA’s New England Office for exceptional work in operating and maintaining the plant in the wake of Hurricane Irene in August.

The staff includes Assistant Superintendent Mark Holley and operators Paul Zilinski and Todd Little. The plant was among three facilities in New England acknowledged for exemplary performance during 2011.

The Greenfield wastewater facility was flooded a result of the hurricane. According to the EPA, the entire staff did a remarkable job to protect the plant and to help restore most of the essential infrastructure as soon as possible. The plant was able to be placed back online with primary treatment and disinfection within a few days to protect the Green and Deerfield Rivers.

The plant consists of four stories, and the bottom two levels that contain the major pumping equipment were completely inundated by flood waters. In addition, over 30 inches of flood water was on the main floor of the building that contains the process control center, laboratory, and administrative offices.

The estimated total infrastructure damage in Greenfield as a result of Hurricane Irene is in the $16 million range, with approximately $600,000 alone attributed directly to repairing the wastewater treatment plant.

The state Department of Environmental Protection was instrumental in nominating this facility for the award.

According to Sandra Shields, Greenfield’s Director of Public Works, “The staff’s performance in the wake of Hurricane Irene was truly the most dedicated and exhaustive performance I have seen in my 38 years in the field. They personified the ‘Can Do’ attitude to the utmost degree. ... Within 24 hours after the flood, they had developed a list of ideas to protect the plant against the next 500-year event.”

The EPA Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Excellence Award was established to recognize and honor the employees of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants for their commitment to improving water quality with outstanding plant operations and maintenance. The EPA notes that, particularly with smaller facilities, conscientious operators and staff continue to perform exceptionally with limited resources.

“The professionals operating these wastewater treatment plants, as well as the municipalities and the state environmental agencies that support them, are essential to keeping our environment healthy by protecting water quality. They are devoted, often underappreciated, and demonstrate a high level of commitment under extreme situations. I am proud to give them the credit they deserve,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England Office.

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week: Agawam Mon.- Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library. Tues.- Agawam Cultural Commission, 7 p.m., Agawam Public Library. School Committee, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School. Fri.- Agawam Municipal Golf Commission, 7:45 a.m., 128 Southwick St. Amherst Tues.- Shade Tree Committee, 4 p.m., Town Hall. Agricultural...

File photo | The RepublicanEast Longmeadow Town Hall

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week:

Agawam

Mon.- Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library.

Tues.- Agawam Cultural Commission, 7 p.m., Agawam Public Library.

School Committee, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School.

Fri.- Agawam Municipal Golf Commission, 7:45 a.m., 128 Southwick St.

Amherst

Tues.- Shade Tree Committee, 4 p.m., Town Hall.

Agricultural Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Wed.- Kanegasaki Sister City Committee, 4 p.m., Bangs Community Center.

Bang Planning Board Zoning Subcommittee, 5 p.m., Town Hall.

Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Amherst Leisure Services and Supplemental Education, 7:30 p.m., police station.

Thu.- Human Rights Commission, 7 p.m., Bangs Community Center.

Community Preservation Act Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Chicopee

Mon.- Human Resources Committee, 6 p.m., City Hall.

Ordinance Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall.

School Facilities subcommittee, 7 p.m., 180 Broadway.

Tues.- Council on Aging, 4:45 p.m., 7 Valley View Court.

Wed.- Ambulance Commission, 5:15 p.m., 80 Church St.

School Committee, 7 p.m., 180 Broadway.

Board of Registrars, 5 p.m., City Hall.

Thu.- Public Safety Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall.

East Longmeadow

Mon.- Capital Planning Committee, 6:30 p.m., Pleasantview Senior Center.

Tues.- Planning Board, 6 p.m., Town Hall.

Council on Aging, 9 a.m., Pleasantview Senior Center.

Board of Assessors, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall.

Wed.- Community Preservation Committee, 7 p.m., Pleasantview Senior Center.

Thu.- Mountainview School Council, 3 p.m. at the school.

Appropriations Committee, 6:30 p.m., Peasantview Senior Center.

Easthampton

Mon.- Highway Business Review, 6 p.m., Municipal Building.

Easthampton Housing Authority, 7 p.m., 112 Holyoke St.

Conservation Commission, 6 p.m., Municipal Building.

Tues.- Planning Board, 6 p.m., Municipal Building.

Wed.- Board of Public Works, 4:30 p.m., Municipal Building.

City Council, 6 p.m., Municipal Building.

Greenfield

Mon.- Council on Aging, 2 p.m., Senior Center.

Human Rights Commission, 6 p.m., 14 Court Square.

Appointment and Ordinance Committee, 6:30 p.m., Police Station.

Tues.- Greenfield Redevelopment Authority, 4:30 p.m., 114 Main St.

Library Board of Trustees, 5:30 p.m., 402 Main St.

Economic Development Committee, 6:30 p.m., 321 High St.

Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., 114 Main St.

Wed.- Board of Assessors, 8:30 a.m., 14 Court Square.

Ways and Means Committee, 6 p.m., Police Department.

Town Council, 7 p.m., 393 Main St.

Thu.- School Committee, 6:30 p.m., Town Library.

Hadley

Tues.- Board of Healt, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Wed.- Select Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Hatfield

Mon.- Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Memorial Town Hall.

Emergency Management Committee, 9 a.m., Memorial Town Hall.

Tues.- Selectmen, 8 a.m., New Town Garage.

Council on Aging, 5:45 p.m., Memorial Town Hall.

Thu.- School Improvement Council, 6:45 a.m., Smith Academy.

School Committee, 6:15 p.m., Smith Academy.

Sat.- Selectmen, 9 a.m., Hatfield Elementary School.

Holyoke

Mon.- Board of Health, noon, City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Morgan School Council, 3:45 p.m., 587 South Summer St.

Citizens Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Annex, fourth-floor conference room.

Fire Commission, 6 p.m., Fire Department headquarters, 600 High St.

Water Commission, 6:30 p.m., 20 Commercial St.

Tues.- Retirement Board, 9:30 a.m., City Hall, Room 207.

Planning Board, public hearing, 6 p.m., City Hall Annex, fourth-floor conference room.

City Council Ordinance Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Fairfield Avenue Local Historic District Commission, 6:30 p.m., Wistariahurst Museum, carriage house, 238 Cabot St.

Wed.- School Building Advisory Committee, 10 a.m., Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St.

Thu.- Citizens Advisory Council, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Annex, fourth-floor conference room.

Longmeadow

Mon.- School Committee, 6 p.m., Longmeadow High School.

Park Board, 7 p.m., Fire Department.

Select Board, 7 p.m., Fire Department.

Tues.- Historic District Commission, 7:30 p.m., Fire Department.

Wed.- School Committee, 6 p.m., Wolf Swamp Road School.

Cable Advisory Committee, 7 p.m., Longmeadow High School.

Capital Planning Committee, 7 p.m., Police Department.Thu.- Adult Center Board of Directors, 9:30 a.m., 231 Maple Road.

School Building Committee, 7 p.m., Fire Department.

Monson

Mon.- Finance Committee, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Keep Homestead Committee, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Tues.- Replanting Monson Tree Committee, 6 p.m., Hillside School.

Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Wed.- School Committee, 7 p.m., Quarry Hill Community School.

Board of Health, 6 p.m., Hillside School.

Water and Sewer Commission, 6:30 p.m., 198 WD Main St.
Thu.- Tornado Anniversary Committee, 10 a.m., fire station.

Northampton

Mon.- Board of Public Works/City Council Conference Committee, 4 p.m., 125 Locust St.

Committee on Social Services and Veterans Affairs, 6 p.m., Council Chambers.

Committee on Elections, Rules, Ordinances, Orders and Claims, 7 p.m., Council Chambers.

Committee on Appointments and Evaluations, 11:30 a.m., Council Chambers.

Board of Registrars, 4 p.m., City Hall.

Housing Authority, 7:30 p.m., 49 Old South St.

Tues.- Bicycle and Pedestrian Subcommittee, 7;30 a.m., City Hall.

CDBG Public Hearing, 6 p.m., City Hall.

Wed.- Youth Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Community Preservation Committee, 7 p.m., Council Chambers.

Pleasant/Conz street intersection public hearing, 7 p.m., Senior Center.

Smith Vocational High School Council, 3:30 p.m., Culinary Arts Department.

Thu.- Board of Health, 5 p.m., City Hall.

City Council, 7 p.m., Council Chambers.

TRIAD Committee, 1 p.m., Senior Center.

Palmer

Mon.- Town Council, 7 p.m., Town Building.

Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Building.

Tues.- Board of Health, 6 p.m., Town Building.

Springfield

Mon.- Public forum on superintendent search, 5:30 p.m., Rebecca Johnson School, Catharine Street.

City Council Finance Committee, 4:30 pm., Room 200, City Hall.

City Council General Government Committee, 5:30 p.m., Room 200, City Hall.

City Council Maintenance and Development Committee, 6 p.m., Room 200, City Hall.

City Council, 7 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall.

Tues.- Conservation Commission, 5 p.m., 70 Tapley St.

Wed.- Pioneeer Valley Transit Authority, 11 a.m., PVTA office, 2808 Main St.

Public Health Council, 6 p.m., Room 201, 95 State St.

Thu.- School Committee Parent Concerns Subcommittee, 5 p.m., 1550 Main St.

School Committee, 6 p.m., 1550 Main St.

Warren

Mon.- Library Needs Committee, 6:30 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

Tues.- Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

Wed.- Capital Planning, 7 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

Sewer Commissioners, 8 a.m., Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Thu.- Warren Casino Study Committee, 6:30 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

West Springfield

Mon.- Park and Recreation Commission, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Tues.- Community Preservation Committee, 5:30 p.m., municipal building.

School Committee, 7 p.m., municipal building.

The deal includes freezing rates for 4 years, including rates for 200,000 customers of Western Massachusetts Electric Co.

BOSTON – State leaders on Wednesday unveiled a landmark agreement with NStar and Northeast Utilities that would permit the two electric utilities to merge in return for purchasing a certain amount of power from the Cape Wind project and for freezing rates for four years including for 200,000 customers in Western Massachusetts.

Under the agreement, which still needs approval of the state Department of Public Utilities, the combined company would keep its electric distribution base rates the same through 2015.

In addition, the merged utility would also have to award customers with a one-time rebate of $21 million, or about $12 to $15 for the average ratepayer.

The Republican photo by Dave RobackMassachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick talks to Belchertown residents during a meeting last November about the Oct. 29 snow storm. At right is Richard K. Sullivan Jr. Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Patrick and Sullivan on Wednesday announced that a merger of two electric utilities would be conditioned on a freeze of rates for four years for ratepayers including about 200,000 in Western Massachusetts.

At a press conference, Gov. Deval L. Patrick said the merger will be good for ratepayers, the environment and the economy.

"What we have today is a landmark agreement for customers," Patrick said. "It will protect ratepayers from rate increases now and into the future and it passes the savings from the merger directly back to the customer."

According to Richard K. Sullivan Jr. of Westfield, the state's secretary of energy and environmental affairs, state officials made sure that customers in Western Massachusetts would benefit from the merger.

Sullivan said the merged utility will also need to improve reliability and response to power outages in Western Massachusetts.

"This is a fair agreement, a good agreement," Sullivan said.

Under the settlement, the merged entity will enter into a 15-year contract to purchase 27.5 percent of the electricity from the 133-turbine Cape Wind, the fully permitted offshore wind energy project planned for Nantucket Sound off the south shore of Cape Cod, the Patrick administration said. If that project does not break ground by 2016, the utility will buy an equal amount of clean energy from another source, likely land-based wind or solar, the Patrick administration said.

In 2010, another key utility, National Grid, agreed to buy about 50 percent of the power output of Cape Wind.

Northeast Utilities, based in Hartford, owns the Western Massachusetts Electric Co., which serves 200,000 residential and other customers in Western Massachusetts including Amherst, Agawam, Greenfield, Ludlow, Springfield and West Springfield.

NSTAR, based in Boston, has electric customers in 81 communities and gas customers in 51 communities.

Connecticut regulators also still need to approve the merger of the two utilities.

With its provisions to boost clean energy and help ratepayers, state officials hailed the agreement as a major victory for the state and customers.

Attorney General Martha Coakley said the agreement is a condition for her approval of the merger. Coakley said her office negotiated the agreement with the two utilities.

"The merger of these public utility companies has the potential to lower costs for customers through increased operating efficiency, but we believed ratepayers needed to see the results of those savings in their bills," Coakley said in a statement. "Through this agreement, customers across the commonwealth are ensured much needed savings through the distribution rate freeze and customer credits."

The agreement also calls for restructuring existing rates that currently result in commercial and industrial customers for Western Massachusetts Electric paying significantly more than the actual cost to serve them, Coakley said.

House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., a North Reading Republican, criticized the agreement. Cape Wind has a higher cost for power when compared to some other sources of energy.

"Strong-arming NSTAR to purchase Cape Wind as a condition of the company’s merger with Northeast Utilities will ultimately increase electricity costs and hurt Massachusetts’ ratepayers, businesses and municipalities," Jones said.

The merger, which would create a company valued at $17.5 billion, was announced in October 2010. The new company would be called Northeast Utilities and would result in one of the country's largest utilities.

Sullivan said the state utilities department still needs to rule on a separate investigation into the response of electric companies to the freak Oct. 29 snowstorm, which knocked out power for a week for some customers. The state investigations, announced on Nov. 8, focus on the companies' efforts to restore electric power, including their communications with cities and towns.

VA representatives will provide information about Veterans Health Administration benefits and additional veterans-specific information about VA services.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will host an information fair Thursday in partnership with Greenfield Community College’s VetNet, GCC’s organization for student Veterans.

The 1 to 4 p.m. fair is open to all veterans, retired military members, and family members.

VA representatives will provide information about Veterans Health Administration benefits and additional veterans-specific information about VA services.

The event at GCC’s Dining Commons is the first of several this year the VA intends to host at area schools.

Veterans who are not currently enrolled for VA benefits are encouraged to bring their DD Form 214, “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.” Financial information such as bank statements and insurance coverage is also important. For more information, call John Paradis at (413) 582-3050.

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week: Agawam Tues.- Beautification Committee, 9 a.m., Department of Public Works at 1000 Suffield St. Agawam Disability Commission, 4 p.m., Senior Center. Agawam Housing Authority, 4:30 p.m., 66 Meadowbrook Manor City Council, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School. Thu.- Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library. Amherst Tues.-...

Republican file photoHolyoke City Hall

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week:

Agawam

Tues.- Beautification Committee, 9 a.m., Department of Public Works at 1000 Suffield St.

Agawam Disability Commission, 4 p.m., Senior Center.

Agawam Housing Authority, 4:30 p.m., 66 Meadowbrook Manor

City Council, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School.

Thu.- Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library.

Amherst

Tues.- Amherst Housing Authority, 33 Kellogg Ave.

Wed.- Board of Assessors, 5 p.m., Town Hall.

Planning Board and Zoning Subcommittee, 5 p.m., Town Hall.

Thu.- Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall.

Board of Health, 7 p.m., Bangs Community Center.

Chicopee

Tues.- City Council, 7:15 p.m., City Hall.

Wed.- Sewer Commission, 5:30 p.m., 80 Medina St.

Water Commission, 5:30 p.m. 115 Baskin Drive.

Cultural Council, 6:30 p.m., 449 Front St.

Thu.- Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall.

East Longmeadow

Wed.- Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Easthampton

Tues.- Zoning Board of Appeals, 6:30 p.m., Municipal Building.

Wed.- City Council Finance Committee, 6 p.m., Municipal Building.

Granby

Tues.- Selectboard, 6:30 p.m., Senior Center

Board of Assessors, 7 p.m., Town Hall Annex

Wed.- Library Building Committee, 6 p.m., Public Safety Building

Greenfield

Tues.- Greenfield School Building Committee, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall.

License Committee, 6 p.m., 14 Court Square.

Thu.- Council on Aging, 2 p.m., Senior Center.

Hadley

Tues.- Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Select Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Board of Health, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Sat.- Finance Committee, 8 a.m., Senior Center.

Hatfield

Tues.- Board of Selectmen, 9 a.m., Memorial Hall.

Board of Health, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Hall.

Housing Authority, 6:30 p.m., 2 School St.

Sat.- Board of A Selectmen, 9 a.m., Hatfield Elementary School.

Holyoke

Tues.- Fire Commission, 6 p.m., Fire Department headquarters, 600 High St.

City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Thu.- Handicap Commission, 6 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

City Council Redevelopment Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Monson

Tues.- Planning Board, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Wed.- Veterans Services District, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Assessors, 2 p.m., Hillside School.

Thu.- Zoning Board of Appeals, 7:30 p.m., Hillside School.

Northampton

Tues.- Transportation and Parking Commission, 4 p.m., Council Chambers.

Smith Agricultural Vocational High School, 5 p.m., Vocational High School

Wed.- Board of Public Works, 5:30 p.m., 123 Locust St.

Human Rights Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Thu.- Conservation Commission, 5 p.m., Council Chambers.

Zoning Board of Appeals, 5:30 p.m., Council Chambers.

Planning Board, 7 p.m., Council Chambers.

South Hadley

Mon.- Capital Planning Committee, 5 p.m., Town Hall 204

Tues.- Community and Economic Development Commission, 3 p.m., Town Hall 109

Solid Waste Advisory Committee, 5:30 p.m., 10 Industrial Drive

Sustainability and Energy Commission, 6 p.m., Town Hall 204

School Committee, 6:30 p.m., South Hadley High School Library

Wed.- Town Meeting Electronic Communication Advisory Committee, 6:30 p.m., Police Station

Thu.- Fire District 1 Prudential Committee, 6 p.m., 144 Newton St.

Selectboard, 7 p.m., Town Hall

Fri.- Selectboard, 7:30 a.m., Town Hall

Springfield

Tues.- City Council Planning and Economic Development Committee, 3 p.m., room 200, City Hall.

Springfield Redevelopment Authority, 4:30 p.m., conference room, 18 Saab Court.

Springfield Parking Authority, 5:30 p.m., authority office, 150 Bridge St.

Wed.- Superintendent search hearing, 5:30 p.m., Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy, 1300 State St.

Thu.- City Council Committee on Elder Affairs, 2 p.m., Greenleaf Community Center, 1188 Parker St.

City Council General Government Committee, 5 p.m., Room 200, City Hall.

Superintendent search hearing, 5:30 p.m. Frederick Harris School, 58 Hartford Terrace.

Fri.- City Council Human Services Committee, 12:30 p.m., community room, 18 Saab Court.

Warren

Tues.- Warren Water District, 1 p.m., 20 Old West Brookfield Road.

Assessors, 4 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

Wed.- Planning Board, 6 p.m., Shepard Municipal Building.

West Springfield

Tues.- West Springfield Arts Council, 6:30 p.m., municipal building.

Board of License Commissioners, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Planning and Construction Committee, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Board of Library Trustees, 7 p.m., West Springfield Public Library.

Town Council, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Police said Valego and Montague resident Casey Aiken, hid the animal’s body in a wooded area near Third Street.

MONTAGUE – Police have charged Greenfield resident Shylo Valego with cruelty to animals after she allegedly drove from her home to Turners Falls, about four miles, with her dog’s leash stuck in the driver’s side door, Sunday morning.

Police said Valego dragged the dog to its death, then, along with Turners Falls resident Casey Aiken, hid the animal’s body in a wooded area near Third Street. Officers saw the pair coming from the woods, where they said they had left a dog they found in the road, although police said officers determined it was Valego’s dog.

In addition to animal cruelty, Valego faces charges of obstruction of justice and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. Aiken is charged with obstruction of justice and accessory after the fact.

Turners Falls is located in Montague.

Legislators at a UMass hearing questioned a proposal to centralize community colleges under one board in Boston.

Photo by Diane Lederman/The RepublicanUniversity of Massachusetts Robert L. Caret again made his plea for a hike in state funding before members of the state Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means on campus Thursday.

AMHERST – With student debt skyrocketing over the past few years, University of Massachusetts President Robert L. Caret again made his plea for a hike in state funding before members of the state Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means on Thursday.

This was the third year the committee has held budgetary hearings on the UMass-Amherst campus, according to Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington, who chaired the meeting.

The morning testimony focused on education with Caret and other state education officials talking about their respective programs as well as Gov. Deval L. Patrick’s fiscal budget.

Members of the committee voiced concerns with Patrick's plan to place all community colleges under a governing board in Boston, as a way to improve coordination for statewide and regional job training.

Last month, Patrick submitted his $32.3 billion 2013 fiscal budget, which included $455 million for the five-campus UMass system, a six percent increase over the current budget. The 2013 budget also includes $25.5 million to pay for bargained increases in union employee contracts.

Caret asked the legislature to contribute 50 percent of the cost of education instead of the 45 percent it now pays. He said that the state previously contributed 65 percent of the costs.

Partially as a result of the reduction of student aid, student debt has risen from about $13,000 three or four years ago to $23,000 to $26,000, he said.

"We don't believe that's acceptable, Caret said, noting that the system is spending 22 percent less than in 1999. "There's only so much efficiency you can build into the system."

At the same time, the UMass system is looking at ways to increase efficiency by reevaluating the summer and online classes offered as ways to allow students to graduate earlier.

Before the hearing, Caret said the student fee hike is contingent on how much money the system can obtain from the state.

"We prefer to keep it to zero," he said, but "we're looking at (keeping it in line with) inflation."

Caret said some campuses would like to see higher hikes to help pay for construction costs.

While fee increases traditionally have been equal at all five campuses, there has, in recent years, been talks of a "flagship fee."

"All options are on the table," Caret said, adding that the Board of Trustees likely won’t set fees until the spring or summer when there is more budget certainty.

Legislators, meanwhile, raised concerns about Patrick’s plan to centralize community colleges.

"How can centralization strengthen (what) already exists?" Kulik asked. "How does centralization efforts (from) a modestly staffed office improve an already successful community college education?"

Undersecretary of Education Tom Weber recalled talking to a college president who didn't have money to buy a piece of equipment needed to teach precision manufacturing.

"Each campus is left to do what it can do with its resources," Weber said, citing the lack of coordination within the system. "The benefit of centralized governance could look at making that money available."

Massachusetts Commissioner of Higher Education Richard M. Freeland said having a centralized office “is not at odds with local” concerns and needs.

Weber said the governor wants to provide an additional $10 million to the community college system. The proposal to centralize would do more good than harm, he said.

Robert L. Pura, president of Greenfield Community College, was planning to testify later. During a break, he said that he has the utmost respect for Patrick, but noted that he wouldn't be governor forever.

"Western Massachusetts is not going to be served well by a centralized effort," Pura said. "Increasing funding both from the state and raising it from businesses is a good thing. But centralization, it has to be thought out. We have to be concerned about the logic."

There were multiple fender-benders and spin-outs Thursday during the day, but no serious accidents reported.

Snowfalls ranged from 4 to 11 inches in Western Massachusetts following a storm that started Wednesday and continued into Thursday.

Shelburne appeared to be tops with a total of 11 inches reported. Other Franklin County communities reported high tallies, including Heath, 9.5 inches, Greenfield, 8 inches, and Leyden, 7 inches.

In Hampshire County, Plainfield reached 10 inches, Westhampton measured 7.8 and Worthington 6.9, but to the east Amherst and South Hadley only recorded 4 inches.

In Hampden County, Chicopee was tops at 7.5 inches, followed by Blandford at 7.2, while Southwick tallied 6.9, Westfield 6, and Holyoke 5.8. West Springfield came in at 4.5 inches and Longmeadow 4 inches.

Whatever snow fell in the storm is very likely to disappear soon.

The forecast for today calls for temperatures in the mid-30s and a combination of rain and sleet through the day. On Saturday more rain is expected but the temperature is expected to be in the mid-50s.

Some schools discharged students early on Wednesday, and on Thursday some schools canceled classes and others delayed opening times. For example, Northampton Public Schools and Holyoke Community College canceled classes, while Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Hampden-Wilbraham, Longmeadow and West Springfield delayed the start of school by two hours.

Weather conditions overnight Wednesday into Thursday caused numerous accidents. The state police barracks in the region responded to a total of 28 crashes and 17 vehicles off the road. Along the Massachusetts Turnpike, another 31 crashes and 13 vehicles off the road were reported.

View full sizePhoto courtesy of Pelham Fire Department / Fireground360A vehicle is submerged in a pond off Amherst Road in Pelham.

Chicopee reported a four-car crash on Memorial Drive that resulted in no injuries.

In Pelham, a car drove off Amherst Road and into a small pond just off the road, town Fire Chief Raymond Murphy told Fireground360. The one occupant escaped injury.

At least a dozen high schools in Western Massachusetts have been accepted into the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative program and at least 4 others are on a waiting list.

Republican file photo

Jasmin Whitley said previously she would not have considered taking the hardest courses at Springfield Central High School, but half-way through her senior year she is earning a strong B in English and a C in biology in college-level classes.

Whitley, who wants to be a dentist, said she will be entering college or the Air Force with a better feeling about studying, writing and research papers. If she passes at test, she also could leave high school with six college credits.

“If the school didn’t focus on pushing yourself, I would have definitely taken the easier way out,” she said.

Whitley is one of nearly 8,000 students in 50 high schools across the state who are pushed to take Advanced Placement courses through the Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative.

Advanced Placement classes are college-level courses offered in high schools. At the end of the class, students pay $87 to take an exam and if they score a 3, 4 or 5 they can receive college credit.

“Typically AP has been the solution for the top 5 percent of kids. We think it is good for the next tier of students who might not have been identified as the top students,” said Melanie Winkolsky, vice president of development and operations for Mass Insight Education.

The program, run through the non-profit Mass Insight, provides assistance so schools can expand Advanced Placement offerings in math, science, technology and English. They pay for teacher training, textbooks and stipends for educators who run Saturday study sessions and reduce the cost of the test.

A dozen Western Massachusetts schools including Central and the High School of Science and Technology in Springfield, Easthampton High, Palmer High, and West Springfield High are all members of the initiative.

At least four others are on waiting lists to get involved when more money is available.

The program is funded through a national non-profit foundation that received money mainly from private corporations. Mass Insights is raising money from private sources as well as lobbying for public grants, Winkolsky said.

A study released Friday showed schools which received assistance through the initiative had about 400 exams taken for every 1,000 students while those without the program had 160 exams for every 1,000 students.

The Math and Science Initiative has its participating schools give all students the PSAT and uses scores to identify students who are capable of doing the work. Guidance counselors encourage the students to take at least one college-level course, she said.

One program goal is to reduce the achievement gap so poor urban students are learning at the same level as their suburban middle-class peers, Winkolsky said.

“More minority and low-students are taking the classes,” she said.

The study also showed the initiative increased the number of minority students scoring 3 or higher on the exam.

Central High School Principal Tad Tokarz said in the four years since his school has been involved with the initiative, the atmosphere of the school has changed.

“We push them to take the most rigorous courses they are capable of taking and that is why we see the growth,” he said.

This year the graduation rate has increased to nearly 80 percent of all students. The school now offers 21 classes for its 2,074 students. Along with the math, science and English courses supported through Mass Insight, they also offer art courses, foreign language classes and social studies classes, he said.

In 2008, before the program started, 166 students took Advanced Placement courses in math, science or English. This year 380 are enrolled in the classes, the study said.

“It gives our students the experience of taking college courses so when they get there it is not a shock,” Tokarz said.

Whitley said she likes the study sessions, where students from different schools get extra help and share tips on work such as writing papers.

“In college you will be challenged. There will be things you won’t get and you train yourself how to find things out for the course work,” she said.

This is the second year Agawam has been involved in the initiative and the number of students taking AP courses has jumped, high school Principal Steven P. Lemanski said.

In 2007, 56 exams were taken at Agawam High School and last year 405 classes were taken among the 1,350 students, Lemanski said.

“It made us look at AP differently. It changed the mind set to let’s provide all the kids with the opportunity to take AP,” he said.

Teachers realize, even if students do not receive college credits, they still get the experience and tend to do better when they start college, he said.

“We have kids taking the courses like they never did before. Some kids are taking five and even seven courses,” he said.

The program has allowed the school to train teachers in the courses so it can increase the number of AP classes.

Massachusetts Math and Science Initiative Evaluation

The bill could make some dog owners howling mad.

Photo by Michael DeehanRep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera of Springfield is shown with two of her dogs - Tinker bell, a miniature toy Chihuahua, and Liam, a terrier mix.

BOSTON - A Springfield legislator is seeking to clamp down on people whose dogs are chained all day or tied with heavy logging chains that could injure animals.

Democratic Rep. Cheryl A. Coakley-Rivera, who owns three dogs and is well known for her love of dogs and finding strays new homes, is sponsoring legislation that would create the first state-wide law for tethering canines.

Under her bill, which was heard this week by a legislative committee, dogs cannot be tied up outside for more than 8 hours in any one day. The bill would ban dogs from being “chained, tethered or confined” outside between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

No dog less than six months old could be tied outside at all. Logging chains and certain other devices would be banned.

“It’s to protect the animal,” Coakley-Rivera said of her bill. “It’s a matter of humane treatment.”

She said some pet owners think it’s all right to leave dogs tied up all day in their yards. She and others said it is a problem across the state and can lead to other poor treatment such as a lack of food, dirty conditions and isolation.

Yet, the bill might make some dog lovers howling mad.

Nancy Fisk, owner of Wishing Well Kennel, an all-breed boarding kennel in Bellingham, said the bill could severely affect hobby breeders and sports people such as owners of sled dogs.

In testimony presented to legislators, Fisk said the bill would make it illegal for dogs to be in outdoor kennels overnight.

Kathryn Podgers of Cambridge, pictured with Shannon, her Siberian Huskie, is opposed to a bill that seeks to ban dogs from being tethered outside overnight.

“This makes no sense at all,” she said, according to a copy of her testimony. “If the concern were nuisance barking, it would not apply to me because I have no nearby neighbors and for other dog owners, enforcement of existing noise ordinances would solve that issue.”

New restrictions on tethering could also hurt "mushers," who use tethering as confinement in order to train and condition sled dogs, she testified.

Kathryn S. Podgers, 68, of Cambridge said the bill would force her to bring her service dog, Shannon, an eight-year-old Siberian Huskie, inside at night, where she said her dog would go stir crazy.

She said Shannon is “an outside dog” who has been raised outdoors since her birth. Like other Siberian Huskies, Podgers said, Shannon rarely barks and does not act territorial.

She said the bill fails to discriminate between breeds. A Husky loves to be outside while a Chihuahua may be better off inside, she said.

Podgers said the bill should be changed to protect “unattended” dogs, or dogs that are tethered and left alone at a home. Behavior problems are caused when dogs are left by themselves, not necessarily when they are tethered, she said.

The bill appears to have more than a dog’s chance of passage.

It is being backed by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and co-sponsored by Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo Jr., a Springfield Democrat.

“I support it,” said Puppolo, whose own dog – Zippy the miniature poodle – is a “house dog” except when he goes out for walks. “It’s a good piece of legislation. It will put some teeth into the law.”

Rep. Angelo Puppolo, pictured with Zippy the poodle, is cosponsoring a bill to curb the chaining of dogs.

Rivera said the bill is intended to ban the chaining of dogs overnight or for long periods of time.

She said she is willing to work with sled dog owners or others who might have a bone to pick.

The bill would also control the size and condition of the property where a dog is confined, Coakley-Rivera said. If it is outside, the dog would need to be in a pen, secure enclosure, a fully fenced yard, a trolley system or tether attached to a pulley in a cable run under certain conditions. The dog would need to have adequate space for exercise and access to water and shelter, she said.

If the bill becomes law, people could face a written warning or $50 fine for a first violation. Fines would be higher for subsequent offenses. Owners could be required to give up their dogs under some circumstances.

During a hearing Tuesday by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary, Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, testified in support of the legislation, saying that complaints about constantly-chained dogs are common and sometimes heart-wrenching.

It might sound cruel to leave dogs isolated on a chain for lengthy periods, but legally the society can do nothing about those types of situations, she added.

“A dog could spend his or her entire life tethered to a tree and this is not currently against the law,” she said.

At least six municipalities in Massachusetts, including Amherst, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, and Greenfield, have restrictions on tethering, she said. Twenty states, including Connecticut, Maine and Vermont, have some rules against tying or chaining dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, she said.

Repairs are expected to be completed by Tuesday.

GREENFIELD - Telephone service to city hall was disrupted on Friday, according to a statement from Mayor William Martin's office.

Repairs to the system are ongoing, and it is expected phone service will resume at the latest by Tuesday morning, the statement said.

In the interim, the Town Hall will be open its regular operating hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Mass is a former four-term Greenfield Town Councilor and Republican State Committeeman for the Hampshire and Franklin District.

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick has appointed Greenfield attorney Isaac J. Mass to the Massachusetts State Ballot Law Commission.

The five-member commission investigates objections made to the legality, validity, completeness or accuracy of all nomination papers, as well as to actions required for candidate access to a state ballot or for placing a referendum on a state ballot.

The commission has jurisdiction over:

• The statutory and constitutional qualifications of any nominee for state, national or county office.

• The certificates of nomination or nomination papers filed in any presidential or state primary, state election, or special state primary or election.

• The withdrawal of nomination for any state, county, or federal office after the time to do so has expired or any ineffective withdrawal.

• The filing of nomination papers under a false name, or fictitious nominees.

• The fraudulent or forged signing of statewide initiative or referendum petitions, or any other objection relating to the signatures on such petitions.

As a member of the commission, Mass will be ineligible to be a candidate for public office during his two-year term.

Mass is a former four-term Greenfield Town Councilor and Republican State Committeeman for the Hampshire and Franklin District. He served on the 2008 Republican National Convention Platform Committee.

He is a 2011 cum laude graduate of Western New England University School of Law in Springfield.

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan was at the event to accept $47,000 grant for a regional program for dealing with juveniles who set fires.

File photo | Jeff BrownMassachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray on Friday awarded $4 million in state grants to communities for launching regional and other innovative programs.

BOSTON — Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray awarded $4 million in state grants to 138 communities for launching regional and other innovative programs including an initiative in Western Massachusetts to deal with juveniles who set fires.

During an event at the Statehouse, Murray and Jay Gonzalez, the state secretary of administration and finance, said the grants are for efforts that could save costs in areas such as public health, education and public safety.

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan was at the event to accept $47,000 grant for a regional program for dealing with juveniles who set fires. Sullivan said the program will aim to intervene early with youths in order to prevent further problems before they become adults. He said about 50 percent of the arsons in the country are set by juveniles.

"It's tremendous," Sullivan said of the $47,000. "We couldn't get the program off the ground without this grant."

The initiative includes Northampton, Springfield, Greenfield, Chesterfield, Easthampton, Granby, Montague, Turners Falls and Ware.

Sullivan said the money will help pay for education, a part-time project director and social workers. About 60 to 75 juveniles each year should be referred to the program through the courts, police or other avenues, according to Sullivan.

Sullivan said the program should start April 1 and will focus on juveniles between 5 and 17 years old.

Other grants for Western Massachusetts include:

• $119,375 for cooperative public health services. The grant goes to the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the towns of Buckland, Charlemont, Deerfield, Gill, Hawley, Monroe, Granby and Plainfield.

• $110,835 for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and seven Berkshire communities to provide building permits over the Internet.

• $40,000 for an alliance of 21 Berkshire County towns to pool resources and provide regional public nursing services.

• $132,455 for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission to provide expertise and professional help to conservation commissions in Hatfield, Palmer and Southampton and three small land trusts in the region.

• $44,000 for Granville to join the Southwick-Tolland Regional School District.

• $78,000 for regional technology support services for the Hampshire Regional School District, the Chesterfield-Goshen Regional School District, as well as Southampton, Westhampton and Williamsburg.

• $19,000 for a regional kennel and control of dogs, with the Franklin County Regional Council of Governments as one recipient.

Gonzalez said a new fiscal reality demands that government change the way it operates in order to stretch tax dollars.

The $32 billion state budget is tight again this year, with increases in costs in certain programs such as Medicaid gobbling up any growth in tax revenues. State legislators and the governor are attempting to push regional services as a way to reduce spending and create efficiencies.

The grants were financed by $4 million included in this fiscal year's state budget. The Legislature approved the money after it was proposed by the governor.

One hundred applications were received, totalling $20 million in requests.

Congressman McGovern was a volunteer on the elder's first Presidential campaign in 1972.

George McGovern

AMHERST - Former Senator and Democratic presidential nominee George McGovern will be at Amherst Books Saturday having a conversation with another McGovern and signing his book "What it Means to be a Democrat."

George McGovern will be having the conversation with his friend and former aide U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester.

Congressman McGovern was a volunteer on the elder's first Presidential campaign in 1972. He became an aide and eventually became his Massachusetts chairman during the senator’s 1984 presidential campaign, delivering the nomination speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Because of redistricting McGovern could end up representing seven Hampshire communities, including Amherst and Northampton, plus Greenfield and 13 other Franklin communities and one precinct in Palmer in Hampden.

The talk and signing at the bookshop, 8 Main St., begins at 4 p.m. The event is free.

The six people accused of kidnapping and assaulting a homeless man are expected to be arraigned in Greenfield District Court.

UPDATE, Monday 10:53 a.m.: Kyle Holden, the seventh suspect in the case, surrendered to Montague police Monday morning. The suspects are scheduled for a dangerousness hearing Monday afternoon. Click here for an updated story.

MONTAGUE - Police have arrested six people for allegedly abducting a 19-year-old homeless man, taking him to a Turners Falls home, and beating him with baseball bats.

A seventh man, Kyle Holden, 18, is also believed to have been involved in the crime. He remains at large, Montague Police Sgt. Charles Dodge said in a written statement.

The group, who accused the man of assaulting one of the accused assailant's 14-year-old daughter, abducted the man from Energy Park in Greenfield on Saturday and brought them to one of their homes on 144 Seventh St. After beating him, his hands were bound with duct tape and he was put into a car again, Dodge said.

The victim managed to jump out of the car in the Montague Plains area. In the process, the car ran over his arm and one of the captors threatened him with a gun, Dodge said.

The victim flagged down motorists and called for help. He was brought to Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield for treatment, police said.

Police charged Johnny Lopez, 28, of 114 Seventh St. with kidnapping, assault to murder and assault and battery. He is considered the leader of the group, Sgt. Lee Laster said.

Marcus Thompson, 27, of Shelburne, Robin Shafer 24, of Turners Falls, Dawn Shafer, 44, of Turners Falls and Seth Lemieux, 18, of Gill, were all charged with kidnapping and other crimes. Both Shafers were also charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Gina Artuc, 44, of Westfield, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and threat to commit murder.

One of the suspects, 28-year-old Johnny Lopez of Turners Falls, threatened to rape and kill the victim, police said

Montague Police DepartmentKyle Holden, 18, was charged with accessory before the fact, conspiracy and kidnapping.

MONTAGUE - A 18-year-old man, one of seven people suspected of abducting a 19-year-old homeless man and beating him with baseball bats, turned himself in to Montague Police Monday morning.

Police said Kyle Holden, at large since the Wednesday incident, walked into the police station shortly before 10 a.m. Police arrested Holden and charged him with accessory before the fact, conspiracy and kidnapping.

The group accused the victim, Branden Stebbins, of assaulting one of the accused assailants’ 14-year-old daughter. They allegedly abducted the man from Energy Park in Greenfield on Saturday and brought him to one of their homes on 144 Seventh St., Montague Police Sgt. Charles Dodge said in a written statement.

Once there, Stebbins was knocked to the ground and punched, kicked and beaten with baseball bats.

The attack was witnessed by a neighbor who called police. After the beating, and before police arrived, the suspects bound Stebbins’ hands with duct tape and forced him into a car again.

Johny Lopez, 28, of 114 Seventh St., considered by police to be the leader of the group, told Stebbins they were taking him to the Montague Plains. Lopez threatened to rape and kill Stebbins.

Stebbins managed to cut his hands free with a small knife that he had in his back pocket, Dodge said. Once they reached the Plains, Stebbins managed to open the back door of the vehicle and escape.

In the process, the car ran over the victim’s arm and Lopez threatened him with a gun, Dodge said.

The victim flagged down motorists and called for help. He was brought to Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield for treatment, police said.

Police charged Lopez with kidnapping, assault and battery, assault to murder, and two counts of threat to commit a crime (murder and rape).

Marcus E. Thompson, 27, 88 Frank Williams Road, Shelburne; Seth Joseph Girard Lemieux, 18, 119 River Road, Gill; and Dawn M. Shafer, 44, 144 Seventh St. Turners Falls, were charged with accessory before the fact, conspiracy and kidnapping.

Gina Artruc, 44, 40 Old Stage Road, Westfield, was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, threat to commit a crime (murder) and accessory after the fact.

Robin Shafer, 24, 144 Seventh St.,Turners Falls, was charged with kidnapping, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, conspiracy and threat to commit a crime (murder).

The suspects were arraigned Monday in Greenfield District Court. Dodge said they will be subject to a dangerousness hearing Monday afternoon.

Given the number of arrests Asher has made in the city and the sensational nature of the case, the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow seemed and unlikely – and potentially unsafe – spot for Asher to serve his time.

SPRINGFIELD – Former police officer Jeffrey M. Asher will serve an 18-month sentence for beating a motorist with a flashlight at the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction, according to the superintendent of the facility in Greenfield.

Asher, a 16-year veteran of the police force until his firing over the beating of Melvin Jones III caught on video in 2009, was led out of a courtroom in Chicopee District Court on Wednesday against a backdrop of grim police faces.

Judge Maureen Walsh opted to sentence Asher, 40, at the higher end of sentencing guidelines despite his defense lawyer’s pitch for probation and a term of home confinement.

Given the number of arrests Asher has made in the city and the sensational nature of the case, the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow seemed and unlikely – and potentially unsafe – spot for Asher to serve his time.

David A. Lanoie, superintendent of the medium-security campus in Franklin County, on Thursday said that Asher was undergoing the same orientation and evaluation as every other new inmate that enters the facility. He will receive a security classification in about a week, Lanoie said.

“There are twin concerns. You have to assess the inmate and you want to understand the inmate’s potential security risks. In this particular case we also have to be concerned about his safety, which we will,” Lanoie said.

The facility is comprised of a 125-year-old building and a new one built in 2008. It currently houses about 240 inmates.

Lanoie said he has very few inmates from the Greater Springfield area – unlike Ludlow and even the Hampshire County jail, where Sheriff Robert J. Garvey said he has about 80 with Springfield addresses.

In addition, Jones is being held in the Ludlow jail awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.

Lanoie said jail officials determine appropriate housing assignments based on a set of nationally accepted criteria that allows for some flexibility based on the inmate.

“There’s a standard approach but we have to be flexible,” he said, adding that administrative segregation away from the general population is an option for high-risk inmates.

Chicopee earns about $1 million by taking in children from other communities.

Republican file photo

CHICOPEE – The School Committee voted to invite 61 new children from other communities to attend city schools under the School Choice program.

All the new slots will be in grades six through 12 and would be for Edward J. Bellamy Middle, Fairview Veterans Memorial Middle, Chicopee High and Comprehensive High schools.

The School Choice law allows children to attend school in other communities with the sending school paying tuition to the receiving school tuition. Chicopee receives just over $5,000 for every child it accepts from another community.

This school year it accepted 192 students and earned slightly more than $1 million through the program. At the same time a total of 101 students from the city chose to attend schools in other communities, so the city paid $610,179 to the districts who accepted the children.

Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said the program is important in part because it helps offset the loss of money from Chicopee children who attend school in other districts.

Chicopee has one of the larger acceptance rates of children in the state, but there are a dozen which accept higher numbers this year. Greenfield accepted 529 children and earned $2.7 million; Northampton accepted 209 children earning $1.2 million; the Quabbin Regional District in Barre accepted 350 children and received $1.9 million; and the Lenox School District which accepted 218 children and received $1.14 million, according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education records.

School Committee member Chester J. Szetela said he is in favor of School Choice, but said he is concerned the city only receives $5,000 for a student when the average cost to educate a student in Chicopee is $12,317.

Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said the average amount factors in students who are disabled and cost a large amount to educate while a regular education student costs far less than $12,317. He also explained the city is not hiring extra teachers instead it is filling empty slots in existing classrooms.

“It does not cost the Chicopee Public Schools any more to have those empty desks filled,” Rege said.

State law allows the city to dictate what grade and school the school choice children will fill. The only caveat is once a student is accepted, they are a permanent student even if there is an influx of children in that grade or that school.

Of the new slots, 32 will replace the group of existing School Choice students who will graduate in June. The other 29 are new openings, Assistant Superintendent Alvin W. Morton said.

The School Committee approved the 61 new slots in a 9-1 vote.

Two of the riders, who attempted to elude police, were issued citations in excess of $400.

Republican file photo

HOLYOKE - State police clocked a pack of motorcyclists at speeds of up to 155 mph as they rode north on Interstate 91 Saturday afternoon.

State police in the Northampton barracks, with the help of recently-installed traffic cameras, were able to locate two of the speeders hiding behind Tom’s Hot Dog and Grill on Route 5 in Whately, Sgt. Michael Imelio, who is attached to the Northampton barracks, said.

The bikes were towed and the two riders face tickets for speeding and other charges in excess of $400.

Imelio said state police became aware of the speeding pack at about 2 p.m. and a Springfield trooper was able to get one of the plate numbers. Motorists began alerting state police as the riders screamed into the Holyoke section of the interstate.

At least one of the six riders was clocked by state police on radar at 155 mph, Imelio said.

State trooper John Vasquez pulled two of the speeders over and issued them warnings, Imelio said.

The others, however, increased their speeds and continued north.

Trooper Michael T. Tucker discovered two of the riders a short time later behind the Whately eatery. Along with speeding (both were written up for traveling at 155 mph in a 65 mph zone), the motorcyclists were cited for operating to endanger and failure to stop for police, Imelio said.

The remaining pair of speeders got away, Imelio said, adding that troopers stopped several motorcyclists in Greenfield and determined that they were not part of the group.

“It was a good coordinated effort,” Imelio said of the troopers’ response and their use of the traffic cameras which were installed about a year ago.

Imelio said it is unusual for state police to clock speeders traveling as fast as 155 mph. He said it is not so unusual, however, for troopers to encounter groups of motorcyclists riding at high rates of speed on the interstate.

Such speeding, Imelio said. “is not only extremely dangerous to themselves, but to the rest of the motoring public.”

The conference was sponsored by Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan.

Photo by Cori UrbanGlen A. Franklin, center with arms folded, leads a workshop Thursday at Greenfield Community College during the Youth Conference to Prevent Underage Drinking. Franklin is the leadership development and diversity coordinator for Community Action! Youth Programs in Greenfield.

GREENFIELD – As a member of a group called “Above the Influence” at Easthampton High School, senior Shawn P. Heckley, 17, wants to help other students learn about “living above the negative influences of life,” like bullying, smoking and underage drinking.

That’s why he was one of 150 high school students from a dozen schools who attended Thursday’s Youth Conference to Prevent Underage Drinking at Greenfield Community College.

“Getting behind the wheel when you’re drinking is one of the worst things you can do. It’s a horrible idea,” he said. “A lot of people don’t realize the severity of it, but it’s a major deal.”

Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan – whose office sponsored the event – said the conference was needed because of the seriousness of the issue of underage drinking. “It’s about students and adults working together to change the culture so people make good decisions about alcohol consumption so they don’t affect their lives or other lives,” he said.

The six-and-a-half-hour conference was intended to provide teams of students the skills and tools to launch an underage drinking prevention program in their schools or community. They learned to develop and structure skits, develop a mission/guiding statement of purpose and create a list of roles and responsibilities for the group.

“We hope every school with student leaders here will make an impact on the culture of underage drinking,” Sullivan said.

Brooke Labrie, 16, a junior at Granby Junior/Senior High School, said she hopes to help other students “make right decisions” when it comes to underage drinking, saying they need to avoid destructive behavior like drinking and driving, smoking and “anything that will harm your everyday life.”

By hearing stories of tragedies that result from such behavior, “you can envision it happening to you,” she said.

Robert Hackenson Jr.

The conference’s keynote speaker, Robert Hackenson Jr., spoke about “Sobering Thoughts” and focused on empowering students to see through negative perceptions and influences and understand how poor decision making with substances could prevent the accomplishment of goals.

The self-described “edutainer” uses magic and illusions to make his points. Using a shrinking and growing head, he got the attention of audience members, then told them that illusions affect decision making. “Step back and think through decisions, don’t just react,” he advised.

Glen A. Franklin, leadership development and diversity coordinator for Community Action! Youth Programs in Greenfield, acknowledged the importance of youth working with youth to provide information about underage drinking. “Youth impacting youth is where it’s at,” he said. “This is a training-the-trainer kind of thing.”

During four break-out sessions at the conference, students learned how to organize and promote the anti-underage drinking message.

The conference was funded with a $5,000 grant from the state Executive Office of Public Safety.