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Franklin County, MA

Pittsfield Woman Killed, Motorcyclist Husband Hurt In Crash With SUV In Charlemont Pittsfield Woman Killed, Motorcyclist Husband Hurt In Crash With SUV In Charlemont
Pittsfield Woman Killed, Motorcyclist Husband Hurt In Crash With SUV In Charlemont A 72-year-old woman was killed and her 69-year-old husband was seriously injured after they were involved in a crash with an SUV in Franklin County, authorities said.  Sheila Rombeiro, of Pittsfield, was on the back of her husband's motorcycle when it was involved in a crash on Route 2 in Charlemont on Sunday, Sept. 1, around 5 p.m., Northwestern District Attorney said. Paramedics rushed her to Baystate Franklin Medical Center, where she later died of her wounds.  Sheila leaves behind two adult children.  Her husband, Robert Rombeiro, of Pittsfield, was seriously injured in…
Man Who Admitted To Western Mass Crash That Sent 8 On Motorcycles To Hospital Gets Prison Man Who Admitted To Western Mass Crash That Sent 8 On Motorcycles To Hospital Gets Prison
Man Who Admitted To Western Mass Crash That Sent 8 On Motorcycles To Hospital Gets Prison A Rhode Island man who admitted to being under the influence when he crashed into a group of motorcyclists, sending eight people to the hospital with serious injuries, in Franklin County was sentenced to prison, authorities said.  Ryan O’Farrell, 34, was sentenced to nine to 12 years behind bars on Monday, Aug. 19, for the 2022 crash, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  O'Farrell was behind the wheel of an SUV pulling a trailer with a motorcycle when he drifted over the center line on Route 10 in Northfield near Main Street on a sunny May 29, 2022, day when he …
'This Was An Avoidable Crash': Driver Admits To Fatal Charlemont Motorcycle Wreck 'This Was An Avoidable Crash': Driver Admits To Fatal Charlemont Motorcycle Wreck
'This Was An Avoidable Crash': Driver Admits To Fatal Charlemont Motorcycle Wreck A 39-year-old Berkshire County woman admitted to causing a 2023 crash that killed a Franklin County motorcyclist, authorities said on Tuesday, July 30.  Melissa Repka, of North Adams, pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation on Tuesday, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. A judge sentenced her to two-and-a-half years in prison, though she will only spend nine months behind bars. The remainder was suspended, as she serves two years of probation, the prosecutor said.  Repka was driving her 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee east on Rout…
No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA
No Bail For Men Charged With Hate Crime Beating At Western Mass Liquor Store: DA Two men were ordered held without bail after they were arrested for the vicious beating of a Franklin County liquor store employee earlier this month, authorities said.  Warren Martinez, 30, of Northampton, and Thomas Patnode, 24, of Greenfield, face several felonies including mayhem and a hate crime following the July 16 attack, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  A judge ruled the men were too dangerous to be released before their trial.  The men are accused of attacking a Sunderland liquor store employee after they refused to sell the duo any alcohol, the prose…
Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years
Man Admits To Killing Athol Woman In Head-On Western Mass Crash, Will Lose License For 15 Years A 64-year-old Needham man has admitted to causing the head-on collision in Franklin County last year that killed a 57-year-old woman, authorities announced on Monday, June 24.  Benoit Marande, 64, pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation in the June 30, 2023, crash and was sentenced to nine months in prison along with a 15-year revocation of his license, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. A judge suspended all but 30 days of Marande's prison term.  Marande was accused of killing Tracy Matthews when his Mazda MX-5 Miata crossed o…
'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train 'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train
'An Incredible Artist': Family Remembers Western Mass Woman Killed By Train Jennifer Grace Jarvis's death made headlines, but her family said she will be remembered for her many talents as an artist and loving caregiver.  Jarvis, 45, of Greenfield, died around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, when she was struck by a train in Shelburne Falls in Franklin County.  Related: Greenfield Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike Her family released her obituary on Friday, painting a picture of a gifted woman who provided a great deal to her loved ones and community.  Jenny brought a hands-on approach to her many interests and endeavors. She loved gardening, …
Wendell Man ID'd In Fatal Motorcycle Crash With SUV Wendell Man ID'd In Fatal Motorcycle Crash With SUV
Wendell Man ID'd In Fatal Motorcycle Crash With SUV A 34-year-old Franklin County man has been identified as the motorcyclist who was killed on Monday, June 10, when he was involved in a crash, authorities said.  Evan Stoos, of Wendell, was hit by an SUV driven by a 21-year-old Athol man just before 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Wendell Depot Road and Farley Road in Wendell, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Leverett police responded to the crash, and paramedics rushed Stoos to Athol Memorial Hospital, where he died of his wounds.  Police closed the road for several hours as they cleaned and cleared the s…
(UPDATE) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike (UPDATE) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike
(Update) Western Mass Woman ID'd As Victim Of Fatal Train Strike Update: Jennifer Jarvis' family wrote in her obituary that she was a talented artist who gave grace to those she loved. Click here to read what people have said about her.  Original: Authorities have identified the woman who was struck by a train in Franklin County early Monday morning, June 10.  Jennifer Jarvis, 45, of Greenfield, was killed when she was struck by the Berkshire & Eastern Railroad freight train around 5 a.m. in Shelburne Falls, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Related: Woman Hit, Killed By Train In Shelburne Falls The crash happened about half …
(UPDATE) Woman Hit, Killed By Train In Western Mass (UPDATE) Woman Hit, Killed By Train In Western Mass
(Update) Woman Hit, Killed By Train In Western Mass Update: Authorities have identified the woman killed as Jennifer Jarvis. Click here for more information on the victim.  Original: A woman was struck and killed by a train in Franklin County on Monday, June 10.  The crash happened about half a mile from the Bardwell's Ferry bridge in Shelburne Falls when a Berkshire & Eastern Railroad freight train slammed into the woman walking on or near the tracks around 5 a.m., the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Authorities pronounced her dead at the scene. Police are still working to identify the woman.  …
90 Percent Of Western Mass Motel Destroyed In Late-Night Fire 90 Percent Of Western Mass Motel Destroyed In Late-Night Fire
90 Percent Of Western Mass Motel Destroyed In Late-Night Fire Seventeen people were displaced when a two-alarm fire tore through a well-known, family-owned Franklin County motel over the weekend, authorities said.  The fire began at The Rainbow Motel at 64 State Road in Whately just after midnight on Saturday, May 18, the Whately Fire Department said in a Facebook post. The fire burned so hot and fast that 10 agencies from surrounding communities sent firefighters, equipment, and mutual aid to battle the blaze.  The department said 10 of the 16 motel rooms were heavily burned in the fire.  Luckily, no one was injured, but a Whatel…
Remains Of Woman Found In Western Mass Woods Identified After 35 Years Remains Of Woman Found In Western Mass Woods Identified After 35 Years
Remains Of Woman Found In Western Mass Woods Identified After 35 Years The remains of a 65-year-old woman whose body was found in a wooded area in Franklin County have been identified thanks to new advancements in DNA testing. How she ended up there remains a mystery, but prosecutors have a person of interest.  Constance Holminski Bassignani was found not far off the road on Route 76 in Warwick on June 24, 1989. She had been living in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, with her husband, William Bassignani.  Constance was last seen alive on Memorial Day in 1989. Soon after, her husband told friends she had moved back to her native Hawaii, but investigator…
Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds
Ex-Western Mass Police Chief Charged With Embezzling Town Funds The former police chief in Franklin County has been charged with stealing money and equipment set aside for his department, authorities said.  Daniel J. Galvis, the former police chief for the Leyden Police Department, was indicted on two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, 2 counts of larceny over $1,200, and 3 counts of violating the standards of conduct for public employees, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  He was released on his own recognizance after the hearing, authorities said.  A 2022 Office of the Inspector General investigation found that Galv…
$4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass $4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass
$4M Lottery Jackpot Sold In Western Mass The top prize in a Massachusetts State Lottery game was scratched off on Tuesday, March 26, in Franklin County.  The winner collected a $4 million prize by playing the "$4,000,000 Jumbo Cash" $10 scratch-off game in Greenfield. Only one $4 million jackpot remains.  The name of the winner was not released.  The ticket was sold at Sandri Stop Smart at 416 Federal St. in Greenfield. The store will receive a $40,000 bonus for the sale.  The winner was one of 502 people who collected prizes worth $600 or more on Tuesday. 
Yankee Candle Founder's 'Sprawling' Mass Estate For Sale: Look Inside Yankee Candle Founder's 'Sprawling' Mass Estate For Sale: Look Inside
Yankee Candle Founder's 'Sprawling' Mass Estate For Sale: Look Inside A massive compound, comprised of eight buildings that include an indoor water park, an arcade, and much, much, more, is on the market in New England with a whopping price tag. Located in Western Massachusetts in the Franklin County town of Leverett, the truly one-of-a-kind estate is listed for $20.9 million.  Owned by the late Michael James Kittredge II, who founded the Yankee Candle Company, the compound was renovated, enhanced, and expanded through 2010 and is made up of eight different structures – the main house, two car barns, two guest houses, a clubhouse, a pool cabana, and a …
‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass ‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass
‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass These longtime farmhands are sprouting into farm owners. After a combined 18 years of helping to keep things running at Franklin County’s popular Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, employees Max Traunstein and Lilly Israel are set to purchase the business. If all goes to plan, Traunstein and Israel, both 31, will take over operations from owners Caroline Pam and Tim Wilcox in the spring, the farm announced Monday, Feb. 26. “Both are graduates of agriculture programs at the University of Massachusetts and have worked alongside Tim and Caroline to make the farm into a successful business,” t…
Huge $4M Western Mass Log Cabin Perfect For Yogis, Yuppies Up For Sale Huge $4M Western Mass Log Cabin Perfect For Yogis, Yuppies Up For Sale
Huge $4M Western Mass Log Cabin Perfect For Yogis, Yuppies Up For Sale Don't let the looks fool you. A log cabin in Franklin County that is up for sale for $3.9 million may look old school, but it is teaming with one-of-a-kind features and modern amenities.  The four-bedroom, six-bathroom cabin in Leverett boasts more than 9,000 square feet of living space on two floors.  The grand living room features soaring ceilings and a two-story fireplace beneath vaulted ceilings. The wall of windows provides a panoramic view of the 10-acre property, with its fresh-water stream and waterfall.  The two-story fireplace is the centerpiece of the living r…
Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested
Police Break-Up Western Mass Drug Ring; Multiple People Arrested Police in Franklin County say they've upended a massive drug operation following a four-month-long investigation in Greenfield.  The men arrested were ferrying large amounts of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine from Springfield to Greenfield and the North Quabbin region for street-level sales, the Northwestern District Attorney said.  Those arrested and their charges include:  Josiah Cheeseboro, age 24, is charged with trafficking in a Class B substance (cocaine), trafficking in a Class A substance (fentanyl), and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Controlled Su…
Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops
Springfield Police Commissioner Resigns After Officers Raid Her Home, Arrest Fugitive Son: Cops The Springfield Police Commissioner Christy Torres stepped down on Tuesday, Jan. 16, soon after police raided her home and arrested a wanted fugitive — her son — on gun and drug charges, authorities said. Another son was arrested last year after firing an illegal pistol at an oncoming car in the parking lot of a dentist's office, police have said.  Josiah Cheeseboro, 24, was arrested on Tuesday on a drug felony warrant out of Franklin County, Springfield police said. Police found Cheeseboro hiding in the basement of their family home on Seymour Avenue, reports and police said. …
(UPDATES) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass (UPDATES) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass
(Updates) No Survivors: Plane Crash In Western Mass Latest Update: The plane took off from Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport with three adults on board, flight tracker records and reports said.  Related: Police ID Victims In Franklin County Plane Crash The plane, with the tail number N7345R, was licensed to Fly Lugu, LLC, out of Southwick. Fly tracker data show the plane made several revolutions with fluctuating altitudes before crashing in a heavily wooded area in Franklin County.  Update: The National Transportation Safety Board said a twin-engine Beechcraft Baron 55 went down in a wooded area in Frank…
$1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings $1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings
$1M Lottery Payday: Western Mass Woman Plans To 'Have Some Fun' With Her Winnings What's the point of winning the lottery if you can't have some fun with your windfall? That's what one Franklin County woman said she wants to do after claiming her $1 million prize from the Massachusetts State Lottery.  Vicki Sumner, of Bernardston, won the seven-figure sum playing the “Billion Dollar Extravaganza” $50 scratch-off ticket game.  Sumner chose the lump sum payment of $650,000 (before taxes) rather than the annuity.  She said she plans to pay off her car loans and "have some fun" with her winnings.  Sumner bought the ticket at the Greenfield Lodge of…
Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd
Woman, 65, Killed In Western Mass House Fire ID'd State fire officials have identified the woman who was killed in a Franklin County fire as a 65-year-old Orange woman, authorities said.  Debra Marini died several hours after she was seriously burned last week in a blaze at 99 West River Street in Orange, the State Fire Marshal's Office said on Tuesday. The homeowner, Vicki Kennedy, was also seriously hurt in the fire, but authorities said she is expected to recover.  Related: Woman Dies From Injuries In Orange Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward The fire began just after 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and tore thr…
Man Found In Woods Behind Woman's Western Mass Home Gets 5-7 Years In Prison: DA Man Found In Woods Behind Woman's Western Mass Home Gets 5-7 Years In Prison: DA
Man Found In Woods Behind Woman's Western Mass Home Gets 5-7 Years In Prison: DA A 53-year-old Franklin County man with a lengthy criminal history has agreed to serve a 5 to 7-year prison sentence after being found guilty of witness intimidation and violating a restraining order, authorities said.  Antonio Candello, of Bernardston, was arrested in September 2022, just days after getting out of prison, when he violated the conditions of a restraining order filed against him by a woman, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said.  The woman contacted Bernardston police on Sept 19, 2022, to say Candello was in the woods behind her home, reports said. C…
NEW UPDATE: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward NEW UPDATE: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward
NEW Update: Woman Dies From Injuries In Western Mass Fire, Second Woman Remains In Burn Ward New Update: State officials announced Thursday afternoon, Dec. 14, that one of the women injured in an overnight fire has died. The second woman, who was taken to a Boston hospital with severe burns, remains hospitalized. She is expected to survive, officials said.  Related: Authorities Identify Woman Killed In Orange House Fire Two other women who were at the 99 West River Street home at the time of the fire were able to escape without serious injury. Several of their dogs died in the blaze.  The house is considered a total loss.  A GoFundMe created to help the…
Head-On Collision Sends 2 To Hospital In Western Mass; Woman Airlifted To Trauma Center Head-On Collision Sends 2 To Hospital In Western Mass; Woman Airlifted To Trauma Center
Head-On Collision Sends 2 To Hospital In Western Mass; Woman Airlifted To Trauma Center Two people were rushed to the hospital Tuesday night, Dec. 12, in Franklin County following a head-on collision. One driver had to be cut from her vehicle before paramedics could get her to a doctor.  The crash happened just before 10:45 p.m. on Northfield Road in Bernardston near Purple Meadow Road, Berndardston firefighters said. A sedan and a small SUV had slammed into one another head-on, crumbling the front ends of both vehicles.  The driver of the sedan, a man, was able to get out of his vehicle and was rushed to Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield. The …
(UPDATE) Worcester County Man, 76, Killed In Orange Crash ID'd (UPDATE) Worcester County Man, 76, Killed In Orange Crash ID'd
(Update) Worcester County Man, 76, Killed In Orange Crash ID'd Update: Police have identified the man killed in the Thursday, Dec. 7, crash as Charles Beach, of Princeton.  Original: A 76-year-old Worcester County man died Thursday morning, Dec. 7, when his car crashed into a tree in Franklin County.  The Princeton man's car left the road around 10:30 a.m. in Orange near the intersection of Tully and Fryeville Roads, the Northwestern District Attorney said. No other vehicles were involved.  Paramedics rushed him to Athol Memorial Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Authorities did not release his name as they are noti…
Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police
Poachers Hunted Fox, Deer From Truck In Western Mass; May Be Behind Similar Kills: Police Two brothers were arrested in Franklin County over the weekend after police said they had illegally killed a fox and deer from their truck.  Ira B. Doull, 46, of Worthington, and Seth O Doull, 51, of Colrain, were arrested and charged with: Hunting from a vehicle; Carrying a loaded shotgun/rifle in a vehicle Hunting deer with a rifle Discharging a firearm near a highway Improper storage of a firearm Hunting at night Hunting out of season  Massachusetts State Police said they were called to a home on Shelburne Line Road in Colrain just after 6 p.m. to reports that a deer had …
New Report Ranks These High Schools As Franklin County’s Best New Report Ranks These High Schools As Franklin County’s Best
New Report Ranks These High Schools As Franklin County’s Best As the back-to-school season settles into full swing, the community and school ranking site Niche named these Massachusetts schools as the best in the area. The 2023 “Best Public High Schools in Franklin County” list, released by ranking site Niche, evaluated institutions in the area and based on categories such as academics, diversity, and more, declared the following as the best of the best: No. 1 - Frontier Regional School No. 2 - Four Rivers Charter Public School No. 3 - Turners Fall High School  No. 4 - Greenfield High School No. 5 - Mohawk Trail Regional High School …
Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops
Driver Who Dragged Trooper During Western Mass Traffic Stop ID'd: Cops A 45-year-old Franklin County man was tracked down by police dogs Friday evening, Sept. 22, after authorities say he dragged a trooper with his car in what began as a routine traffic stop.  Michael J. Williams, of Greenfield, was arrested following an hours-long manhunt and faces several felony charges, State police said.  Related: Trooper Dragged During Traffic Stop; Manhunt Underway The unnamed trooper tried to pull over Williams' car at a Holyoke rest area on I-91 around 3 p.m., but he crashed into the officer and kept driving, Massachusetts State Police said. The trooper was dragged…
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds
Western Mass Ex-Marine Stole $344K in Benefits, Lied To Get Purple Heart: Feds Federal authorities have accused a former US Marine from Franklin County of stolen valor after they say he illegally accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in veteran benefits and lied about suffering a traumatic brain injury in a roadside bomb to earn a Purple Heart.  Paul John "PJ" Herbert, 52, of Shelburne Falls, is charged with one count of theft of government money and one count of making false statements, the US Attorney for Massachusetts said. He faces potentially decades in prison if convicted on all charges.  Herbert is accused of stealing more than $344,000 …
Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA
Body Found By Kids In Western Mass ID'd As Man Missing For 3 Years: DA Police in Franklin County have identified the skeletal remains found on an island in the Connecticut River last month by a group of children on a nature hike.  The bones belonged to Brian Cornwell, age 57, who was reported missing in 2020, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. Investigators are trying to determine how he died.  About 24 students and chaperones with the Westhampton-based summer camp Biocitizen Inc. were exploring Rawson Island — in between Greenfield and Montague — on Aug. 23 when they stumbled on the body, authorities said.  They called…
Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA
Children Stumble Upon Human Remains On Western Mass Island: DA A group of children found a body on a Franklin County island in the Connecticut River while on a nature hike last week, authorities said.  Reports said around 24 students and chaperones from the Westhampton-based summer camp Biocitizen Inc. stumbled across the human remains on Wednesday, Aug. 23, while on Rawson Island in Greenfield, the Northwestern District Attorney's Office said. The camp teaches students the importance of exploring nature.  The adults on the trip contacted the police. Officers remained at the scene until all the remains could be retrieved the following day.&n…